24 Amazing Things to Do in Big Sur, California in 2024
LOOKING FOR THINGS TO DO IN BIG SUR?
You’ve come to the right place! We’ve been traveling together since 2010 and love spending time in the beautiful Golden State, especially in Big Sur. There are so many fun things to do in Big Sur. It is a place for camping in Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park, hiking in Point Lobos, shopping, and exploring.
If you are looking for a place to explore defined by natural beauty, it doesn’t get better than Big Sur in California. The ocean is the highlight of the drive down Highway 1, with crashing waves and sweeping vistas.
With so much to see and do right around you, navigating Big Sur can be overwhelming. We’ve made things as simple as possible, with a guide detailing what to do in Big Sur.
The Best Things to Do In Big Sur
To make the most of your drive through Big Sur, we suggest using a self-driving auto tour. It is a very informative tour and highlights the best stops in Big Sur.
1. Big Sur Station/Visitor Center
If you need help getting familiar with the best things to do in Big Sur, the Tourist Information Center is a great stop. Rangers are on-site to help with questions from 9 AM – 4 PM. They have information about hiking, where to camp in the area, and things to do.
This is also one of the few areas in the area that has cell coverage, and maps are available here. The maps we got at the ranger station were especially helpful. Be sure to download the maps of the area ahead of time because cell service is very, very limited.
2. Enjoy the Highway 101 Drive
One of the best things to do in Big Sur for couples or families alike, is to enjoy a beautiful drive down the Pacific Coast Highway. Highway 101 has dramatic coastlines, curvy roads, and some of the best views in Big Sur. There are lots of places to pull over and enjoy the views. Take your time to enjoy the beauty around you.
3. Bixby Bridge
If you are coming into Big Sur from the north, one of your first stops should be at the Bixby Creek Bridge. It is one of the most photographed bridges along the California coast.
You can view the bridge from both the east and west sides of the road. On our way into Big Sur, the west side was closed due to construction, so we took the turnoff on the east side.
On our way back to Monterey, the west side was open. We preferred the views from the west side, but it was definitely busier. If you’re looking for some extra time to take pictures with the bridge without many people, head to the east overflow lot.
4. Ragged Point
The highlight of Ragged Point is the beautiful coastal views. The Ragged Point Overlook is about 15 miles past Hearst Castle, at the southernmost end of the Big Sur coast.
This is a good place to get gas and some snacks for your time in Big Sur. There are not many other options past this spot. Gas in Big Sur is expensive!
5. Point Sur State Historic Park
The Point Sur State Historic Park is home to the Point Sur Lighthouse. The lighthouse is the only complete light station open to the public in California.
Tours are available year-round on the weekends and seasonally on Wednesdays. The tours are three-hour walking tours. You can also go on a 90-minute tour of the Point Sur Naval Facility on Saturdays and Sundays.
6. Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park
Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park is home to the famous McWay Falls, a beautiful waterfall that flows into the Pacific Ocean. There is a short ½-mile overlook trail to see the waterfall. The waterfall is about 80 feet tall and is surrounded by granite cliffs and a sandy cove. The beach is closed to the public.
PRO TIP: If the only thing you want to see in the park is McWay Falls, there is an overlook on the side of Highway 101 before going into the park. The view from this pullout is about as good as taking the hike and will save you the entrance fee.
7. Partington Cove
If you want to do a little more hiking in Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park, you can hike the Partington Cove Trail. It is a one-mile hike. Partington Cove is a remote cove below Partington Point in Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park.
From the main road, the trail splits into two trails. The first goes down to the rocky beach inside the cove. The second trail takes you to the viewpoint of another cove. The second trail does take you through a cool 60-foot-long tunnel.
PRO TIP: There isn’t much sand at the cove, so if you’re looking for a day at the beach, this probably isn’t the spot for you.
8. Pfeiffer Falls
- Length: 1.5 miles
- Elevation Gain: 419 feet
- Route Type: Out & Back
- Difficulty: Easy
This is a beautiful trail that will take you through the Big Sur Redwood forests. It is one of the most popular hikes in Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park and starts near the lodge. It is good for all skill levels and a great trail for picnicking.
9. Garrapata State Park
Garrapata State Park has about two miles of beach along with a 50-foot climb to some of the best views in Big Sur of the coastline. There are also a bunch of different coastal hiking trails that meander through the park. Soberanes Point is another beautiful view.
The Garrapata State Park Bluff Trail is an easy walk out to the ocean viewpoints. The Soberanes Canyon Trail is about 1.25 miles long. Because parts of it are closed, it is now an out-and-back trail. The trail takes hikers to the edge of the coastline.
10. Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park
One of the best places to camp is at the Pfeiffer Big Sur Campground. Along with camping, the park is a great place for hiking and swimming in the Big Sur River. Big Sur is one of the best places for RV camping in Northern California.
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30-Day Free TrialJohn Pfeiffer settled the area known as Big Sur State Park in 1884. His cabin has been reconstructed along the park’s Gorge Trail. In the 1930s, Pfeiffer had offers from developers to buy his land, but instead, he sold it to California, which is why it is called Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park.
Throughout the park, you will find stunning views of the Santa Lucia Mountains and the Big Sur River Gorge. Wildlife through Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park are black-tailed deer, skunks, birds, turkeys, and raccoons.
One of the best things to do in Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park is hiking. There are great hiking trails going through the 1,000-acre area. The Pfeiffer Falls Trail is the most popular. Enjoy the best views in Big Sur of the Pacific Ocean and the Big Sur River.
11. Pfeiffer Beach
One of the highlights of Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park is Pfeiffer Beach. It is kind of tricky to find if you don’t know what you’re looking for. If you are using Google maps you should just be able to put it in your GPS. There is a sign (shown below) on the west side of the road showing you where to turn.
Highlights at the beach are the purple sand made from manganese garnet particles and Keyhole Rock. This is one of the fun things to do in Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park. There were only a few other people at the beach while we were there.
The waves were too rough for swimming, but Rowen and Raven enjoyed playing in some smaller wade pools.
Pfeiffer Beach is a magical place to watch the sunset and is one of the best things to do in Big Sur State Park.
12. Henry Miller Memorial Library
The Henry Miller Library is an arts center that honors author and artist Henry Miller. The library is the second biggest compilation of his manuscripts and letters in the world. It is a beautiful building that is fun to explore.
Another interesting and unique stop in the park is the Molera Ranch House Museum. The Ranch House is open for tours on Saturdays from 11:00 am to 3:00 pm. The Ranch House Museum gives visitors a look into life in the Big Sur area 100 years ago.
The Henry Miller Memorial Library is a gathering place for community performances and a bookstore. It is a great place to see local artists’ work as well.
Henry Miller lived in Big Sur for 18 years. He moved from Big Sur in 1963, moving to Pacific Palisades where he lived until he died in 1980. Today, Henry Miller’s land and cabin are now this beautiful library. It is a nonprofit bookshop, performance venue, and place for the arts.
The Henry Miller Library is surrounded by beautiful redwoods and a nice creek you can explore. Throughout the grounds, you will find beautiful sculptures and pieces of art.
13. Point Lobos State Natural Reserve
If you are looking for beautiful views of the coast, a Point Lobos hike should be on your itinerary. Along with hiking, you can explore tide pools, spend time at the beach, take beautiful pictures, and look for wildlife.
Some of the highlights in Point Lobos are Cypress Grove Trail, the Old Veteran Cypress, and spotting sea lions and sea otters at Sea Lion Point. China Cove is a popular place for photography and is really pretty. Visiting Point Lobos is one of the best things to do in Big Sur near Los Padres National Forest with family.
Parking is very limited inside Point Lobos. There are only about 75 parking spots. You will either need to get there early in the day or visit later in the afternoon, around 3:00 pm. We stopped by at around 10:00 am, and parking was full, but we came back around 3:00 pm and had no problem parking.
If parking is full when you visit, you can walk in. Parking spots are available on the side of Highway 1 (Pacific Coast Highway). It isn’t a short walk into the park, but it is doable.
Here are some of the best Point Lobos trails –
- Point Lobos Loop Trail: 5-mile moderate trail
- Bird Island Trail and China Cove: 0.8-mile easy trail
- Sand Hill Trail and Sea Lion Point: 0.4-mile easy trail with wildlife viewpoints
- Cypress Grove Trail: 0.8-mile easy trail
We loved spending time in Point Lobos. It is so fun to see the wildlife in the reserve and enjoy the beautiful views from the hiking trails.
For more information about visiting Point Lobos, check out 9 of the Best Point Lobos Hikes with the Best Coastal Views.
14. Ewoldsen Trail
The Ewoldsen Trail will take you through 5 miles of beautiful redwood groves and beautiful ocean views. A quick quarter-mile stroll will take you by a large waterfall as well. This is not an easy trail to hike through. There are some steep gradients, but the trail is well-maintained.
It’s important to note that there are some clusters of poison oak on the side of this trail, so avoid them if possible. Also, be prepared to pay a $10 parking fee unless you park on Highway 1 outside the park.
15. Visit Carmel-by-the-Sea
Carmel-by-the-Sea is a European-styled city and is consistently ranked as one of the top 10 destinations in the United States. The charming downtown area and beautiful white, sandy beach make a day trip from Big Sur near Los Padres National Forest a lot of fun. You can easily combine it with a trip down 17-mile Drive.
Be sure to spend some time walking the downtown area to visit the quaint shops and try some of the sweets at Cottage of Sweets. They specialize in British chocolate.
16. Sand Dollar Beach
Searching for sand dollars and watching the surfers are commonplace at Sand Dollar Beach. The sand dollars can be difficult to find on the beach, but don’t give up! This crescent-shaped beach is the largest stretch of sand in Big Sur.
Keep your eyes on the water for the migrating whales. You can climb a short trail to the Sand Dollar Beach lookout point for a better view.
This was a great beach to visit with our family. The beach was beautiful and my kids had a great time playing in the sand.
Sand Dollar Beach is open from 10 AM to 6 PM, and parking is $10.
17. Drive 17-Mile Drive
Just north is the famous 17-mile Drive along Pebble Beach, a famous golfing community. The entrance fee is $10.50, and you will get a map with the recommended stops.
Along the drive, you’ll catch coastal views, marvel over mansions, and see amazing golf courses. Bird Rock and Lone Cypress are some of the most enjoyed highlights along the 17-Mile Drive.
18. Hiking in Big Sur
The best way to enjoy the scenery of the Big Sur coastline is by hiking. It’s one of our top things to do in Big Sur with family. Hikes range in difficulty and length.
It is best to double-check that a trail is open before heading out. Hiking trails in Big Sur consistently close and reopen due to fires and floods.
19. Jade Cove Trail
- Length: 1.6 miles
- Elevation Gain: 120 feet
- Route Type: Loop
- Difficulty: Easy
Jade Cove Trail is a wide-open trail with breathtaking views of rocky coves. The short hike is pretty flat except for a short but steep trail to the water, where you can look for jade. The trail wraps around the coast so plan on some beautiful coastal views.
20. Mill Creek Trail
- Length: 3.3 miles
- Elevation Gain: 610 feet
- Route Type: Out & Back
- Difficulty: Easy
This is a hidden gem of a hike, so if you’re looking to escape the crowds, this one is for you. The trail starts in the dense lush forest and will take you through redwood trees as well as maple and sycamores.
This trailhead can be tricky to find. It is just on the side of a dirt turnout about 0.8 miles up Nacimiento-Fergusson Road. Keep an eye out so you don’t miss it!
21. Andrew Molera State Park
The Andrew Molera State Park has a number of great trails for hiking. Bicycling is also allowed on certain trails. Trails will take you along the beautiful bluffs with beautiful views of the Pacific Ocean. Some trails will take you up the Big Sur River area.
Here are some of the best trails in Andrew Molera State Park –
- Beach Hiking: 2 miles one way
- Bluffs Trail: 1.7 miles one-way
- Creamery Meadow Trail: 2 miles roundtrip
- Headlands Trail: 2 miles roundtrip
22. Drive Old Coast Road
If you are visiting with a mountain bike or 4-wheel drive vehicle, take some time to explore the Old Coast Road. It is an unpaved road, but the views are beautiful, and traveling this road is one of the unique things to do in Big Sur.
The Old Coast Road was used to drive through Big Sur before the Bixby Bridge was built. Just after the bridge, there is a small parking lot, which is where you will find the road.
23. Limekiln State Park
If you are looking for outdoor activities, Limekiln State Park is a great place to go. Home to a bunch of beautiful redwood trees, there are three canyons in Limekiln, where you can hike through these stunning trees. This is the most quiet and serene state park in Big Sur.
One of the coolest things to see in Limekiln State Park is the remnants of four large limekiln furnaces used in the 1800s to purify lime for cement. This cement was used to build the beginnings of San Francisco.
24. Limekiln Falls
- Length: 1.4 miles
- Elevation Gain: 331 feet
- Route Type: Out & Back
- Difficulty: Moderate
Along with hiking in Limekiln State Park, Limekiln Falls is a must-see! It is a 100-foot waterfall found up Limekiln Creek. There are some areas where you have to cross the stream on stones.
The trailhead is at the end of the camping area. If you are not camping, there is a $10 parking fee.
Essential Big Sur Coast Tips
- If you want to camp in Big Sur or nearby Carmel-by-the-Sea, you will need to make your reservations well in advance. We stayed in Monterey, which is about 40 minutes away. We didn’t mind the extra drive because of the beautiful views.
- There is little to no cell coverage in Big Sur in California. Plan ahead by downloading the maps on your phone if you plan to use them for navigation. Also, have a good idea of the Big Sur attractions you want to check out, as well as the restaurants where you want to eat, because you will not have a reliable connection to Google or Yelp.
- If you need a map, visit the Big Sur Station. They have maps that make it easy to find all of the fun things to do in Big Sur and have other recommendations on how to enjoy the area.
- Bring cash with you. Some parks in the area charge for parking and only accept cash payments.
- Fuel is very expensive along the Big Sur coast, so fill up before heading into the area.
Map of The Best Things to Do in Big Sur
Where to Stay in Big Sur
Finding accommodations in Big Sur can be hard to find, especially if you aren’t planning your trip six months in advance. It isn’t uncommon for campgrounds to fill up six months in advance.
However, there are lots of nearby towns. If you can’t find accommodations in Big Sur, you can look in nearby Carmel, Monterey, San Simeon (where you can see the elephant seals), or Cambria.
Big Sur Coast Camping
There are a variety of private campgrounds as well as campgrounds in the state parks. Here are a few of the campgrounds available in the area.
- Big Sur Campground and Cabins: Year-round RV and tent sites available, as well as inner tube rentals, laundry, and playground
- Fernwood Campground: Tent, RV, and cabins available, as well as WiFi, hiking trails, store, and restaurant
- Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park: Two hike-in campsites
- Kirk Creek Campground: beautiful ocean views with sites for tents and RVs. Bring your own water.
- Limekiln State Park: 33 developed sites available
If the campgrounds are full, you can look into camping on the side of the road on the nearby public BLM land in the Los Padres National Forest.
Best Hotels in Big Sur
- Ventana Big Sur: An adult-only resort overlooking the Pacific Coast with an onsite spa and Japanese hot bath.
- Big Sur Lodge: Found in the heart of Big Sur with a restaurant, swimming pool, and a la carte breakfast.
- Hidden Valley Inn: Hotel accommodations in Big Sur are expensive, so it’s helpful to look in the nearby cities if you’re looking to save some money. Hidden Valley Inn is outside Big Sur but is one of the best budget-friendly hotels nearby.
FAQ: Things to Do in Big Sur
Yes! The Big Sur coast is a fun place to stay, full of great things to do for travelers who love to be outdoors and experience nature. The dramatic coastlines, beautiful water, and fun hiking trails make it a great destination.
If you’re passing through on a West Coast road trip, we recommend staying at least one night in the area to see the highlights. If you have the time, spend two or three days hiking and hanging out on the beaches for a full Big Sur experience.
One of the best parts about visiting Big Sur is not being rushed and taking the time to enjoy the area at a relaxing pace.
The Pacific Coast Highway is one of the state’s most dangerous highways. The road is narrow and has sharp turns, but the drive is well worth the beauty!
Stay focused on the road and other cars, especially around sharp corners. There is so much to see in this area, but it’s much safer to pull off to enjoy the scenery.
Things to Do in Big Sur: Conclusion
We hope you have found this guide helpful in planning your visit to this beautiful part of the California coast. We always love driving down Highway 1, and Big Sur is one of our favorite spots because of all the beautiful Big Sur attractions. The western coast of the United States has so much to offer.
Feel free to reach out on Instagram or comment below if you have any questions about visiting Big Sur!
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