Location: Big Sur
Top Things to do in Big Sur
Top 10 Sights & Landmarks in Big Sur, California (CA)
Jagged cliffs pummeled by surf line the Pacific Coast Highway along Big Sur, creating some of California's most memorable ocean vistas between Carmel and the northern tip of San Luis Obispo County. Jack Kerouac and Henry Miller found inspiration in its fog-banked canyons and meadows. Gray whales migrate past twice a year, and elephant seals bask on the sandy shores. Luxury hotels, restaurants and art galleries cluster in a six-mile strip, giving way to redwood-filled state parks on either side.
Restaurants in Big Sur
1. New Camaldoli Hermitage
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 47 reviews
Located in Big Sur, this monastic retreat provides visitors with a chance to spend time in silence and solitude, seeking the inner life.
Reviewed By RobbieKaye22 - Santa Ynez, United States
This sacred retreat was life altering for me. The silence combined with the beauty of Big Sur was healing and heart opening. I only stayed for 2 days, but in the time I was there, I was not only rejuvenated, I got to hear myself think and feel without the distractions of social media and outside demands.
2. The Esalen Institute
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 235 reviews
Reviewed By wanderlustforsure - Pacific Grove, United States
Esalen has always held a certain fascination & allure & its re-opening post CoVid as a reflective retreat experience seemed the perfect time to visit. With safety guidelines in place & offering 1-7 night retreats, guests have access to the beautiful campus grounds (organic garden, swimming pool, Adirondack chairs on the lawn overlooking the ocean), signature mineral baths & massage (by appointment), three fresh abundant organic healthy meals (vegan or omnivore packaged for outdoor or in-room dining) & comfortable accommodations in an unparalleled oceanfront cliffside experience. An engaging & well-trained staff are welcoming & available. As one of the first guests during reopening everything seemed to run seamlessly, a truly perfect experience at this classic CA icon. Thank you Liz & everyone else who made my visit special, eager to return!
3. Bixby Bridge
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,386 reviews
This historical bridge is a popular subject for photographers.
Reviewed By Gus6 - Los Angeles, United States
Is the perfect ending for your Big Sur trip The view of this bridge is amazing and you have pretty good parking space on the north side to park for a few minutes and enjoy the vies and take the iconic pictures for your book
4. Point Sur State Historic Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 172 reviews
This historic lighthouse located around Point Sur is now a state park.
Reviewed By georgecmeredith - Windsor, Canada
Driving down the Pacific Coast Highway about a half hour south of Carmel is Point Sur Historic State Park. Be sure to make the stop. This is different than Big Sur. There is a state park with Spectacular views of the cliffs and the ocean. You can walk up the hill to the historic area including the Lighthouse. Do not miss this stop if driving by on the Pacific Coast Highway. Absolutely beautiful.
5. Old Coast Road
6. Ragged Point
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 349 reviews
Reviewed By mercedcampgirl - Orange, United States
We always like to stop here on our way down Highway 1 on Big Sur road trips. We get a bite to eat, walk around the grounds and sometimes walk down to the beach. We had not been here since the walkup snack shop opened. It is great! It was understaffed, but the lone worker there was great at taking orders, cooking all the food and bringing the orders back to the window for pickup. I wish I had gotten her name. She was working her butt off but took the time to be super friendly and accommodating. I was happy to leave a tip in the Tip Jar for her. There is plenty of outdoor seating with views of the hills and the trees on the grounds. Our grilled chicken breast sandwiches were delicious, and the prices were very reasonable. (Please see photos including one with the posted menu.) The grounds of the inn here are pretty and worth walking around, especially the views out over the ocean and down to the beach. Highly recommended for a Big Sur pit stop!
7. Rocky Creek Bridge
8. Big Creek Bridge
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 17 reviews
Reviewed By 716sachink - Plainview, United States
Big Creek Bridge is a 589 foot long spectacular concrete deck arch bridge located on the southern portion of the Big Sur coast of California, along State Route 1 near Lucia. Certainly worth driving southbound over it and taking a photo stop on it’s southern side after crossing over it.
9. Paul's Slide
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 6 reviews
Reviewed By mini - Fremont, United States
We have driven highway 1 many times, but this was our first time we saw the new tunnel that they built. This is called Paul's Slide. It was put in place as the old road was damaged. We thought the architecture for Paul's Slide was impressive.
