Location: Big Sur
Top Things to do in Big Sur
What to do and see in Big Sur, California (CA): The Best Things to do
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. Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 67 reviews
Reviewed By Steve5863 - Avon, United States
The Big Sur is famous for being a remote, rugged and spectacularly beautiful coastline and while one can easily spend several days exploring this stretch of coastline between Carmel and San Simeon, connected by the Pacific Coast Highway (CA-1), it is also very possible to see and experience a lot in a single day as we did. Getting an early start, we took a long day to drive this 90 mile (145k) stretch of the PCH which takes one by the spectacular rocky coast, with waves crashing, and dotted by sandy beaches. We stopped at many pullouts to get a good look as well as a number of state beaches and parks including Garrapata, Pfeiffer Beach, Julia Pfeiffer Burns and Limekiln. Along the way we saw historic bridges, lighthouses, redwoods, wildflowers, waterfalls, sea lions, harbor seals, sea otters, and even purple sand (Pfeiffer Beach) with the final stop being the elephant seal rookery at Piedras Blancas, just north of San Simeon, where we saw hundreds. Following the spectacular day, we were left with no doubt as to the well-deserved fame and reputation of this stretch of coast and hope to return some day to see more.
2. 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
3. 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.
4. Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 711 reviews
Reviewed By ArlettgKeating - Rancho Cucamonga, United States
This park is the best of them along Big Sur. Once you get it it feels like you are in the middle of a redwood forest. We went with my 9 year old so we weren't interested in big or long hikes. The walk along the redwoods and river was pefect for us. And theynhave a nice lodge/restaurant too.
5. Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,438 reviews
A breathtaking 80-foot waterfall dropping from the cliffs to the ocean is the focal point of this park.
Reviewed By westie2 - Kensington, United States
We stopped in this park on our way through Big Sur. On the entering the park, we were greeted by a flock of stellar jays residing in a tree adjacent to the parking lot that were begging for food. We took the Overlook trail that led us under Highway 1 to a point high on a bluff with a magical view of the McWay Falls that tumble down some 80 feet onto a pristine beach off a picture perfect cove. This proved to be one of the highlights of recent vacation.
6. Pfeiffer Beach
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,346 reviews
Reviewed By mercedcampgirl - Orange, United States
Getting to Pfeiffer Beach off Highway One in Big Sur takes a little time and a day use fee. The turnoff is not easy to see. It is just south of Big Sur Station on the unsigned Sycamore Canyon Road, a one-lane paved road for 2.5 miles (4 km) winding down to Pfeiffer Beach. Drive slowly and anticipate traffic coming back up. CA traffic laws dictate that downhill traffic on one-lane roads must yield the right of way to uphill traffic. At the ranger kiosk, we found that our senior Golden Pass does not work for admission even though Pfeiffer Beach is in the Los Padres National Forest. We paid our $12 and afterwards felt like the fee is only worth it for a full afternoon or at least a few hours. Pfeiffer Beach and its iconic Keyhole Rock are beautiful, but the long, winding road and the fee really, in our opinion, are not worth it if one is only there for a few minutes and a few photos as part of a Big Sur road trip. Bring a picnic lunch and spend some time at Pfeiffer Beach! We did get some pretty photos: please see attached.
7. McWay Falls
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,161 reviews
Reviewed By vjulio2 - Bakersfield, United States
We have driven through this panoramic route many times before and seen many of the of the beautiful vistas along the way but unless you plan to stop here you might miss it as I have in the past. It’s a beautiful view with easy access from either side of the road as there is a tunnel you can walk through under the road . It’s well worth the short hike down as you will be rewarded with a stunning view of the waterfall pouring on to the beach.
8. Limekiln State Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 256 reviews
Reviewed By Waterloonie - Santa Barbara, United States
Limekiln is such an interesting and beautiful park to take an easy hike in. Absolutely delightful to walk along the stream among the sequoias. The 140 year old lime kilns were interesting and slightly spooky to find at the end of the short hike. Of all the hikes one can take in Big Sur, this is a lovely, peaceful and not strenuous one recommended for all.
9. Partington Cove
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 90 reviews
Reviewed By JBRetired - Apple Valley, United States
Ok first coming backup its steep but only 10-15 minutes if you can do that its a must. Go down watch for the little foot bridge cross it and go through the tunnel. You come out the other side into a different world. Think of the boats that docked here in the 1800’s
10. 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!
