BIG SUR CALIFORNIA
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Located 25 miles south of Carmel is the town of Big Sur. When most people refer to Big Sur, they are actually referencing the 90-mile stretch of coastline between Carmel and San Simeon. The town of Big Sur is just one of many can't miss stops on this 2.5 hour drive along Highway 1. Those making this iconic drive along California Highway 1 can expect to find a diverse assortment of activities including famous landmarks, historic attractions, numerous state parks, ample public access points, and of course, fabulous views. Located where the Santa Lucia Mountains meet the Pacific Ocean, Big Sur provides a unique environment consisting of sandy beaches, daunting cliffsides, and crashing waves, as well as towering redwood forests, valleys filled with infinite flowers, and picturesque waterfalls. The drive itself is considered by many to be the highlight of the trip. Highway 1 is nestled tightly between the Pacific Ocean and California's rugged central coast, offering views that can't be found anywhere else and an experience that simply cannot be duplicated. It would be wise to plan at least one full day to fully enjoy the Big Sur coast properly.
Point Lobos State Natural Reserve
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Traveling south from Carmel, make Point Lobos State Natural Reserve your first stop, just a few miles into your journey. Point Lobos is suitable for everyone, from the adventurer to the dreamer. Multiple hiking trails offer pathways through vibrant meadows to rewarding coastline views that will take your breath away, but plenty of visitors don't stop there. The views are just as dramatic underwater, making this an exceptional SCUBA spot as well. The Point Lobos Loop Trail is the longest, most inclusive of the Reserve's trails at just under seven miles, but it is mostly flat and easy to navigate. An inner trail network offers extended exploration. For a shorter stop, opt for the Bird Island Trail. Pick up the trailhead at the Reserve's southernmost parking lot for an easy, 0.8-mile walk through stands of Monterey pines bordered by the sea. From this trail, you can access a staircase to Gibson Beach or overlook the jade waters of China Cove. Expect picture-perfect views of white sandy beaches, sparkling coastlines, and marine life like basking sea lions, migrating whales, and flocks of seabirds.
Garrapata State Park
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Approximately five miles south of Point Lobos, Garrapata State Park can be accessed from multiple pullouts on Highway 1. Though not entirely unknown, this is one of the lesser-populated parks with every bit the appeal of its more crowded counterparts along the route - especially if your timing is right. During the winter months, migrating whales pass near enough to the shore to be seen from Soberanes Point, and in the early spring, a stunning valley of calla lilies gracefully comes to bloom for just a short time. Even if you miss this brief event, you can trek the 0.6-mile Garrapata Bluff Trail for a relaxing hike through wildflower meadows in season. For a more challenging journey, plan to spend some time on the Doud Peak routes, more than six miles long. A series of trails wind throughout the Soberanes Canyon on the north end of the park, while the south end is home to Garrapata Beach. Regardless of whether you find yourself wandering trails or meandering the beachfront, you're sure to appreciate the sights of the Big Sur coast against the epic Santa Lucia Mountains.
Bixby Bridge
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It's impossible to miss your next stop, as it is surely the most recognizable landmark on your path. The historic Bixby Bridge is an iconic architectural marvel, completed in 1932. The impressive structure towers 260 feet above Bixby Creek and a deep canyon below. No coastal California road trip is complete without capturing this mandatory photo. There are plenty of pulloffs to choose from for the perfect photo op, and we definitely suggest that you angle for more than one! If you're making a round-trip run, it's worth stopping on the return for a new perspective. The south end of the bridge is optimal for a memorable sunset!
Point Sur State Historic Park
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Nestled on a volcanic rock that juts into the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary, your next stop is a genuine beacon of light on the Big Sur coast. The Point Sur Lightstation is the awe-inspiring focal point of Point Sur State Historic Park, looming 361 feet above the Pacific Ocean. The light station has been guiding passing ships safely through the Central California coast since 1889. Originally operated and maintained by a rotating crew of four lighthouse keepers, the station still operates today, under the management of the U.S. Coast Guard. Three-hour guided tours are offered on weekends year-round, and this is the only way to view this structural masterpiece up close. On certain days throughout the year, moonlight tours are offered, providing a unique experience and hauntingly beautiful views. The Point Sur Lightstation is the only complete turn-of-the-century light station still open to the public in the state of California.
Andrew Molera State Park
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A few miles down Highway 1, a curious paradise awaits in the form of the largest state park on the Big Sur coast - Andrew Molera State Park. Explore a vast network of hiking trails through coastal redwood forests, sandy shorelines, and the Big Sur River to discover thriving fishing holes and hidden natural treasures on secluded sands. More than a dozen trails offer diverse rewards, but if hiking isn't your forte, you can also take to the trails on wheels! Some of the trails in Andrew Molera State Park are designated for mountain biking use, to up the adventure a bit. Thrill-seekers, take note - this is also a top surfing site in Big Sur! If you don't hang ten yourself, you can still take a pause and enjoy the show. Andrew Molera State Park offers some of the longest and most challenging trails in the Big Sur area, but the raw beauty and scenic nature of the surroundings make every moment worth it. The Creamery Meadows Trail will be your best bet for a shorter stay - just a two-mile round-trip walk to the beachfront with a seasonal footbridge crossing the Big Sur River. You can extend your journey to include the Bluffs Trail above if you have time. For a short but steep hike, keep going on the Panorama Trail.
Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park
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Each of the California State Parks has its own unique appeal, and Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park is no exception. Home to two sensational natural features, Pfeiffer Big Sur is a destination like no other. The famous Keyhole Arch is a colossal, natural rock formation carved out by years of crashing waves. This is another sunset hotspot, and during the mid-winter season, you can even catch glistening rays of sunlight spilling through the keyhole for a brilliant display. Just south of the park's entrance, an unmarked road quietly leads to the park's second hidden gem - Pfeiffer Beach - one of the few locations in the world to feature purple sand! This beautiful phenomenon is a result of eroding cliffs depositing manganese garnet rocks and other minerals in the sand. Wildlife is also abundant here, with common sightings including deer, turkeys, diverse birds, and even bobcats. If you plan to stay a while and explore, there are plenty of trails worth venturing down, like the easy Pfeiffer Falls Trail or the more challenging Valley View Overlook. Both wind through shaded canyons and wildflower meadows to vistas overlooking the Big Sur River Valley and the Pacific Ocean, but the Pfeiffer Falls Trail also features a dramatic 60-foot waterfall. Kids will love the Big Sur Nature Trail
Henry Miller Library
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Just a few more miles into your journey, you can switch gears from outdoor recreation to California culture with a stop at the Henry Miller Library. Though a library may not sound like a prime attraction, this is no ordinary book-borrowing hub! The "library" is actually a bookstore, arts center, and performance hall that serves as the creative cultural hive of the Big Sur community. Conceived around the works of the late Henry Miller, the library showcases artwork and literary creations from local and regional artists and authors. Henry Miller Library regularly hosts live music and community events.
Nepenthe
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Before or after your library visit, take a lunch break at Nepenthe. This legendary eatery offers spectacular ocean views nestled amongst a forest of redwoods on the Big Sur cliffside. Enjoy casual California fare while hobnobbing within the same walls that once welcomed the likes of the rich and famous for fun, food, friends, and dancing!
Partington Cove
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Just a couple of miles before your next major stop, take a quick break to take in the scenic beauty of Partington Cove. This remote cove is accessed from a parking lot on a curve of Highway 1 just before the entrance to Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park. From there, hike the winding one-mile dirt road down to the cove. Fork to the right to visit the rocky beach at Partington Creek, or to the left to cross a footbridge and a 60-foot tunnel to the calm waters of the cove. This is an expert SCUBA diving site or a great place to just relax and let your lunch settle before your next adventurous stop!
McWay Falls
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There are several waterfalls in the Big Sur region, but McWay Falls is arguably the most enchanting. Located in Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park, this is one of only three waterfalls in the USA to flow directly into the ocean. The 80-foot falls cascade onto the powder-white sand below and into the mighty Pacific Ocean. Though beach access is prohibited, you can revel in the inspiring views from above with a short, easy hike on the Overlook Trail loop. Find the trailhead directly from Highway 1, or from an alternate, longer path within the park. Aim for a sunset visit for the very best photos!
Limekiln State Park
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Most of your Big Sur road trip has occurred at 5-7 mile intervals, but the next stop on your epic adventure is about 15 miles south. Limekiln State Park is the southernmost state park in Big Sur and a must for history buffs! This area was used for harvesting limestone in the late 19th century, and remnants of these lime kiln operations still remain for exploration today, tucked within the woodlands of the Santa Lucia Mountains where the Ventana Wilderness meets the Los Padres National Forest. Hundreds of acres of hiking trails reveal waterfalls, babbling brooks, limestone canyons, redwood groves, and endless coastal views. Limekiln State Park hosts an ecosystem unparalleled in its diversity, providing habitat to wildlife like mountain lions, bobcats, squirrels, deer, foxes, and raccoons. This is a great spot for extensive exploration, with short trails leading into three scenic canyons. The three trails combine at Limekiln Falls, a 100-foot waterfall. Limekiln State Park is also a popular destination for horseback riding, kayaking, and mountain biking if you plan to linger a while!
Sand Dollar Beach
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One of the most beautiful places on the southern end of Big Sur, crescent-shaped Sand Dollar Beach, is a long, shady beach that lends itself perfectly to relaxation and reflection. It's also a popular spot for surfing, fishing, birdwatching, and beachcombing. Ironically, sand dollars are a rare find here, but the tide pools and shorelines are awash with jade rocks and shimmering mineral deposits from the surrounding cliffsides. Access the beach via a dirt trail to a steep wooden staircase descending 40 feet to the shore.
Ragged Point
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About 15 miles south of Sand Dollar Beach, Ragged Point is the gateway to Big Sur from the San Simeon side. Make a brief pit stop to take in the views, or spend some time digging into fresh coastal cuisine and maritime culture. Ragged Point offers hiking trails, ranging from easy to challenging. If you only have time for one, consider the Black Swift Falls Trail, a short but strenuous out-and-back trail that leads to a 300-foot waterfall that tumbles onto a black sand beach.
Hearst Castle
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Signifying your official arrival in San Simeon, Hearst Castle is a brilliant way to cap off your journey in style. This National Historic Landmark rests high on a hillside overlooking San Simeon and the Central California Coast. The former estate of famed publisher William Randolph Hearst was given to the State of California by the Hearst family upon his death, and it now stands as a dramatic testament to architectural genius as much as to the literary accomplishments of Hearst himself, with more than 25,000 artifacts on display. Hearst Castle offers guided tours including the home itself, as well as the pools, wine cellar, airstrip, and lush gardens.
Are you ready to embark on the classic California road trip? To truly maximize your Big Sur experience, Carmel-by-the-Sea makes the ideal home base, with a timeless charm as appealing as the drive.