An area of California that is less known, people often ask me if it was worth it to visit Big Sur. So, let me tell you the truth.
Big Sur is absolutely worth visiting for its unique rugged coastline, redwoods, misty air, and colorful waters. There is no other place like Big Sur due to its topography. An example of its unique topography, McWay Falls is an 80-foot waterfall in Big Sur that dives falls from a cliff into the ocean.
If you still aren’t convinced, let’s go over some more reasons why Big Sur is worth the trip.
The dramatic rugged coastline is one of the primary reasons why Big Sur is an incomparable travel destination.
Big Sur is a 90-mile stretch of Californian coastline, where the Santa Lucia Range meets the Pacific Ocean.
The region offers visitors a striking panorama of drop-dead gorgeous cliffs, towering sea stacks in the water, and hidden coves.
Not your typical beach destination, Big Sur’s coastline is characterized by its rocky grandeur. The jagged, gray-black cliffs rise up to 5,000 feet above sea level, providing spectacular viewpoints.
In Big Sur, the tall, rugged cliff-sides meet the breathtaking view of the ocean with morning fog taking the space in the air between the two.
2. There’s a Waterfall On The Beach
My photo from visiting McWay Falls
McWay Falls Trail is a popular outlook located in Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park in Big Sur.
Let me paint the picture for you. You’re walking along a trail, the sound of the Pacific waves crashing nearby, when suddenly you’re greeted by the sight of this 80-foot waterfall that seems to drop straight out of a fairytale, cascading effortlessly onto the untouched beach below before joining with the water of the Pacific Ocean.
The Waterfall Overlook Trail, an accessible 0.64-mile round-trip path, is the designated route for visitors wanting to observe the falls.
A common question people have when visiting the famous falls is whether or not you can reach the beach where the waterfall drops. Check out my recent article Can You Go Down to McWay Falls in Big Sur? (I Checked). (Sadly you technically are not allowed as there is no access point).
To get there, we searched “McWay Waterfall Trail, Big Sur, CA 93920” on Google Maps. The trailhead is on the east side of Highway 1.
Now, if you’ve never stood beneath a redwood, let me tell you, it’s a humbling experience. These colossal trees, some of them over 200 feet tall and 800 years old, truly make you appreciate nature.
Big Sur is the perfect place to get your redwood tree fix.
There are countless hikes in Big Sur (I’ll list them later on), where you climb a mountain full of redwoods and can see the ocean from the top.
Keep in mind, much of Big Sur gets a heavy marine layer and cold weather at times, so it’s best to always bring layers while hiking here. Check out my article on fog in Big Sur for more information about the weather and the best times to visit.
4. Unforgettable Hikes
1. Tanbark Trail & Tin House
I hiked this trail a year ago and can safely say it’s my favorite hike EVER.
If you are looking to see redwoods while visiting, I 100% recommend going here. The trail begins with the beautiful creek about half a mile in, huge redwood trees, and ends with views of the ocean.
The whole trail is a 6-mile loop, so be sure to bring lots of water.
We also stumbled upon a creek to the left of the trail about half of a mile in.
Literally, also my favorite spot I’ve ever swam. It’s more of a dunk yourself in the water kind of experience because of how cold it is, but I have never felt so relaxed.
Tip: Park along Highway 1, basically at the Partington Cove trailhead. Instead of going towards the ocean, you go inland to the other trailhead named Tanbark Trail.
2. Pfeiffer Falls Trail at Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park
One of the best ways to experience the towering redwoods at Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park is by hiking the Pfeiffer Falls Trail. The trail is a moderate 1.4-mile loop that takes hikers through a lush forest of redwoods and alongside a babbling creek.
As hikers make their way along the trail, they’ll be surrounded by some of the largest and oldest redwood trees in the area, some of which are over 1,000 years old.
The highlight of the trail is Pfeiffer Falls, a 60-foot waterfall that drops into a small pool. Visitors can stop and take in the beauty of the falls before continuing on the trail, which winds its way back to the park’s main entrance.
Overall, the Pfeiffer Falls Trail is a must-do for anyone looking to experience the stunning redwoods of Big Sur. You can find the trail here on AllTrails.
5. Beautiful Beaches
1. Pfieffer Beach
Pfeiffer Beach is a popular spot for swimming in Big Sur. It is a secluded beach with turquoise waters and purple sand, which makes it a unique destination.
Although the beach is not very large, it offers plenty of space for swimming, sunbathing, and exploring the tide pools. The waves can be strong at times, so it’s important to be cautious and aware of the conditions before entering the water.
One of the highlights of Pfeiffer Beach is the Keyhole Arch, a natural rock formation that frames the sunset perfectly. Visitors can take a short hike to the arch and watch the sun go down behind the ocean
2. Sand Dollar Beach
Sand Dollar Beach is known for its pristine white sand and crystal-clear water. It is located about 15 miles south of the town of Big Sur and is easily accessible from Highway 1.
The beach is a favorite spot for surfers, as the waves can get quite large and powerful. However, it is also a great place for swimming, especially during low tide when the water is calm and shallow.
There are no facilities at Sand Dollar Beach, so visitors should come prepared with food, water, and sunscreen. There is also no lifeguard on duty, so swimmers should be cautious and aware of their surroundings.
3. Andrew Molera State Park
Andrew Molera State Park is a popular destination in Big Sur. Visitors can enjoy a variety of outdoor activities, including swimming, hiking, and camping. The park is located along the Big Sur River, which is a popular spot for swimming and picnicking.
The beach part of the park is wide and sandy, and there are plenty of places to spread out and relax. Visitors can swim in the ocean, play in the surf, or simply soak up the sun.
In addition to the beach, visitors can also swim in the Big Sur River. The river is relatively shallow and slow-moving, making it a safe spot for swimming. There are also several small waterfalls and pools along the river that visitors can explore.
For those who want to explore the park further, there are several hiking trails that lead to other swimming spots. The Creamery Meadow Trail leads to a secluded swimming hole, while the Ridge Trail offers stunning views of the ocean and the surrounding landscape.
Big Sur is not only known for breathtaking forests and oceans but also for sea and land animals. From seals the length of a car to colorful birds, wildlife viewing is big in the area.
The coastal areas provide numerous opportunities to spot sea otters, seals, and an array of seabirds, while the occasional gray or humpback whale might grace your view from the shoreline during their migration periods.
As mentioned earlier, you can check out elephant seals, located 90 miles south of Monterey and 5 miles north of Hearst Castle State Historical Monument in San Simeon.
In the lush forests, you’ll find black-tailed deer, bobcats, and the elusive mountain lion. Big Sur is one of the few places in the world where you can witness the breathtaking sight of California condors soaring above.
While I recommend going to Big Sur more than anywhere else in the States, there are some downsides to visiting Big Sur.
The biggest downside in my opinion of visiting Big Sur would be the foggy, cloudy weather.
Big Sur is foggy about 70% of the time, with the mornings and evenings having the highest chance of fog. Generally, the fog burns off around 12-4 pm, but some days can still be foggy or cloudy.
Fog is more common as you go north of Big Sur and less common the south of it, such as in Santa Barbara and Los Angeles.
The fog can also impact the viewing of the landscape and driving.
This doesn’t have to be seen as a negative thing though with the right mindset, I admit the fog does come with a beautiful look and feeling.
2. Mudslides
As some of you may already know, the main scenic road (Highway 1) along the coast to Big Sur has been closed indefinitely for the past few months due to an abnormal amount of rain which caused mudslides.
Although this amount of rain is not usual for California, Big Sur is still prone to getting a few mudslides per year. These mudslides can sometimes lead to not only dangerous roads to drive on but can even rarely rearrange roads.
3. Dangerous Roads
Aside from the uncommon mudslides, Highway 1 in Big Sur is known for its very sharp turns. The entire highway in the area is curvy and only contains one lane each way. Not to mention, some areas of the road are feet away from the cliff if you are wary of heights.
One thing I noticed after visiting Big Sur was the lack of gas stations.
When I went, I first filled up on gas in San Luis Obispo. Good thing I did, because there was no other gas station until I got to Ragged Point at Mini Mart and Gas, right next to Ragged Point Inn. The next gas station after Ragged Point is not until Salinas.
When it comes to eating out, there aren’t many options either. Here’s a list of some of the most popular restaurants in Big Sur:
Nepenthe
Sierra Mar
Deetjen’s Big Sur Inn Resteraunt
Big Sur Bakery
The Sur House
Big Sur Roadhouse
First Awakenings
The Best Time to Visit Big Sur
We stopped to take a photo while the sun was out in southern Big Sur.
The ideal time to visit Big Sur is in the fall or spring. This is also some of the best times to avoid the fog.
You also don’t run the risk of huge crowds and higher prices. It’s also a good time to avoid road closures and uncomfortable weather in the winter.
Visiting Big Sur in the spring, you can enjoy the blooming of wildflowers, whale watching, and overall great weather.
If you’re not a fan of the fog, consider visiting Ventura or LA for the sun and warmth. The Santa Monica mountains have less fog, great hikes, and amazing views of the ocean!
What to Wear When Visiting Big Sur
Year-round, Big Sur normally stays between 40ºF to 80ºF.
When I went in August, I found myself wearing shorts and a T-shirt, with a sweater over it the whole time.
The nights in Big Sur do get much colder, and I would recommend wearing pants and a heavier jacket (especially if you are traveling there in the winter season). Maybe even a scarf and beanie.
3 Day Big Sur Iterinary: My Recommendations
I made this itinerary for those who are traveling from south to north on Highway 1 through Big Sur.
Day 1
1. Elephant Seals Vista Point and Hurst Castle
Big Sur is home to the massive elephant seals and the viewing point right next to Hurst Castle is the best place to see them. Not to mention, Hurst Castle is a landmark itself. To tour the castle, make reservations here.
2. Ragged Point Inn
Not only is this a place to stay, but they have one of the most beautiful outlooks of the ocean in my opinion. They are also one of the only places in Big Sur that has a gas station and a small restaurant.
3. Salmon Creek Falls
Salmon Falls cascades down a steep canyon wall that happens to be a part of the Santa Lucia Mountain range. The waterfall pours down, creating a swimming hole that visitors are known to swim in.
Visitors take the Salmon Creek Trail, a 0.3-mile in-and-out hike. This trail is open at all times of the year.
My family and I went here a few years ago and we loved it. I even went in the water. Definitely cold, but beautiful.
4. Sand Dollar Beach
Sand Dollar Beach is known for its pristine white sand and crystal-clear water. It is located about 15 miles south of the town of Big Sur and is easily accessible from Highway 1.
The beach is a favorite spot for surfers, as the waves can get quite large and powerful. It is also a great place for swimming, especially during low tide when the water is calm and shallow.
Be sure to check water conditions before entering the water.
Day 2
1. Limekiln State Park
“The park features breathtaking views of Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary and the rugged Big Sur coastline, in addition to redwood forests and the cultural history of limekilns.” (Source)
Not to mention, the park has a waterfall that cascades about 100 feet down a steep, fern-draped rock face, emptying into a shallow pool within a lush, mossy glen. The trail to get to the falls is approximately 1.5 miles round trip and is rated as moderate through verdant groves of redwood trees and across several bridges over Limekiln Creek.
2. McWay Falls
Ranked first on my list, McWay Falls is a beautiful and iconic waterfall located in Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park, along the scenic Pacific Coast Highway in Big Sur, California.
This 80-foot waterfall is uniquely one of the few waterfalls in the world that flows directly into the ocean.
McWay Falls spills year-round from McWay Creek in the Santa Lucia Mountains into an inaccessible cove along the Pacific Ocean.
The area around McWay Falls has a variety of natural beauties, from its cliffside perch with panoramic ocean views to the native Monterey pines and coastal live oaks.
There’s an easy, well-maintained trail, the Overlook Trail, that leads to a viewing platform from where you can see the falls. This 0.64-mile round-trip hike is more like a scenic walk, making it accessible to visitors of all ages and abilities.
3. Tanbark Trail & Tin House
I hiked this trail a year ago and can safely say it’s my favorite hike EVER.
If you are looking to see redwoods while visiting, I 100% recommend going here. The trail begins with the beautiful creek about half a mile in, huge redwood trees, and ends with views of the ocean. The whole thing made me feel like I was in a fairy tale.
The whole trail is a 6 mile loop, so be sure to bring lots of water.
Tip: Park along Highway 1, basically at the Partington Cove trailhead. Instead of going towards the ocean, you go inland to the other trailhead named Tanbark Trail.
Partington Cove is also a great trail to see redwoods.
Nepenthe is a restaurant with an array of different food options. This restaurant is right off Highway One, among the Santa Lucia Mountains, and is known for its phenomenal views of the Pacific Ocean and rugged coast.
When we visited Big Sur, we really wanted to make it a priority to stop there but there were road closures around it.
P.S. The prices are a bit expensive!
Day 3
1. Pfieffer Falls
Pfieffer Falls is a 60-foot tall waterfall located inside the forested section of Pfieffer Big Sur State Park.
The trail to reach the falls is called Pfieffer Falls Trail and is a 1.5-mile loop through a gorge filled with old-growth redwoods.
The hike is moderately challenging, making it suitable for a wide range of fitness levels from families with children to full-on hikers.
In rainy seasons, the falls become more dramatic, offering a captivating experience.
The Pfieffer Falls Trail is temporarily closed at the moment due to recent storms. However, you can still reach the waterfall from the Valley View Side Trail. For more information, please visit California State Parks website.
2. Andrew Molera State Park
Andrew Molera State Park is a popular destination in Big Sur. Visitors can enjoy a variety of outdoor activities, including swimming, hiking, and camping. The park is located along the Big Sur River, which is a popular spot for swimming and picnicking.
The beach part of the park is wide and sandy, and there are plenty of places to spread out and relax. Visitors can swim in the ocean, play in the surf, or simply soak up the sun.
In addition to the beach, visitors can also swim in the Big Sur River. The river is relatively shallow and slow-moving, making it a safe spot for swimming. There are also several small waterfalls and pools along the river that visitors can explore.
For those who want to explore the park further, there are several hiking trails that lead to other swimming spots. The Creamery Meadow Trail leads to a secluded swimming hole, while the Ridge Trail offers stunning views of the ocean and the surrounding landscape.
3. Carmel-By-The-Sea
Carmel-by-the-Sea is a coastal town known for its fairytale-like architecture and small-town vibe. The town is the most northern city of the Big Sur region and has a big array of options for things to do. Here’s what we did when we visited:
Sunset on the Beach
Restaurants
Museums
Carmel’s beach is not too far from the downtown area, along Scenic Road.
When we went, we parked right on the street next to the beach and walked down before the sunset. There were only a few people on the entire beach and tons of cute pups, as the beach is dog friendly. The beach and sunset were magnificent.
Keep in mind that dense fog usually rolls in during the evening, so it can obscure your view of the sunset. I had luck with the Carmel sunset in the photo above in October if that helps.
The architecture and feel of Carmel’s downtown area is my favorite part. You feel like you’re walking into a fairy tale village and there are tons of things to do including shopping, coffee shops, and restaurants.
Carmel is definitely a slower place than Monterey and the other larger cities surrounding it.
For example, here’s a photo we took of downtown. It definitely has a fairytale cottage feel.
Carmel-by-the-Sea downtown
Carmel has a ton of luxurious options to dine at. When we went, we ended up going to an Italian restaurant, Porta Bella. It was a little pricy but definitely worth it. We got the Jumbo Lobster Ravioli, which was amazing. It had a great atmosphere.
