Exploring Big Sur

Big Sur, a picturesque stretch of California's central coast, is an ideal destination for road trips. Known for its stunning landscapes, rugged coastline, and pristine natural beauty, this region offers a unique and unforgettable experience for travellers. Here's what you should know when planning a road trip to Big Sur:

  1. Route: The most popular route for a Big Sur road trip is along the scenic Highway 1, also known as the Pacific Coast Highway. This iconic highway runs from San Francisco to Los Angeles, with Big Sur in the middle. You can start your journey from either city or plan a trip focusing solely on Big Sur.

  2. Duration: Allocate at least a couple of days to fully appreciate the beauty of Big Sur. However, if you're traveling along the entire Pacific Coast Highway, plan for 5-7 days to comfortably explore the coastline and its attractions.

  3. Best time to visit: Big Sur enjoys mild weather throughout the year. The ideal time to visit is during spring (March-May) and fall (September-November), when temperatures are moderate, and the area is less crowded. Summer (June-August) can be busy due to vacationers, while winter (December-February) may have road closures due to landslides and heavy rainfall.

  4. Accommodation: There are several lodging options in Big Sur, from campgrounds and motels to luxury resorts. Booking in advance is recommended, especially during peak seasons.

  5. Gas and supplies: Gas stations and grocery stores can be sparse in Big Sur, so it's a good idea to fill up your tank and stock up on supplies before entering the region.

  6. Safety and preparation: Cell phone reception can be limited, so carry a physical map or download an offline GPS app. Check for road closures and weather conditions before your trip, and drive cautiously on the winding roads.

Top attractions

Name Description Interesting Fact
1. McWay Falls An 80-foot waterfall that cascades onto a scenic beach in Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park One of the few waterfalls in California that empties directly into the ocean
2. Bixby Creek Bridge A historic concrete arch bridge that spans the rugged coastline offering picturesque views One of the most photographed bridges in California due to its stunning architecture and setting
3. Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park A beautiful park filled with redwood groves, hiking trails, and the serene Big Sur River The park is named after John Pfeiffer, a homesteader who lived in the area in the late 1800s
4. Point Sur Lighthouse A historic lighthouse perched on a volcanic rock, offering guided tours and views of the coastline The lighthouse has been featured in multiple movies and TV shows, and is rumored to be haunted
5. Limekiln State Park A coastal park featuring redwood forests, historic lime kilns, and the picturesque Limekiln Creek waterfall The park is home to four historic lime kilns that were used to produce cement in the late 1800s
6. Partington Cove A secluded cove accessible via a short hike, offering a rocky beach and an old tunnel used for logging operations The tunnel was hand-carved in the late 1800s to transport lumber from the nearby forest to the ocean
7. Andrew Molera State Park A diverse park offering hiking trails, beach access, and beautiful coastal meadows The park is named after Andrew Molera, who introduced the artichoke to California
8. Garrapata State Park A coastal park with trails leading to sandy beaches, rocky shores, and dense redwood forests The park's Soberanes Canyon Trail features a rare "rainforest-like" environment due to its unique microclimate
9. Henry Miller Memorial Library A cultural landmark honoring the American writer Henry Miller, featuring a bookstore, art gallery, and occasional events Henry Miller, who lived in Big Sur, wrote the novel "Big Sur and the Oranges of Hieronymus Bosch"
10. Pfeiffer Beach A picturesque beach known for its purple sand, unique rock formations, and dramatic waves The purple sand is a result of manganese garnet particles washing down from the surrounding hills and cliffs

Three days itinerary

Day 1: Big Sur and Scenic Drive

  1. Start your day at Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park. Explore the park's redwood groves, hiking trails, and enjoy the breathtaking views of the Big Sur River Gorge.

  2. Next, head to Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park. Take a short hike to McWay Falls, an 80-foot waterfall that cascades onto a scenic beach.

  3. Continue your drive south on Highway 1, making a stop at Partington Cove. Hike down to the cove and explore the historic Partington Landing.

  4. End your day at Nepenthe Restaurant for dinner, where you can enjoy a meal with panoramic views of the coastline.

Day 2: Carmel-by-the-Sea and Monterey

  1. Drive north to Carmel-by-the-Sea, a picturesque town known for its art galleries, shops, and beautiful architecture.

  2. Visit the Carmel Mission, a historic Spanish mission founded in 1770.

  3. Continue to Monterey, where you can explore Cannery Row, once the center of the sardine-packing industry and now a bustling tourist destination.

  4. Visit the Monterey Bay Aquarium, one of the top marine life conservation centers in the world.

  5. Drive along the scenic 17-Mile Drive, taking in the views of the stunning coastline, Pebble Beach, and the iconic Lone Cypress.

Day 3: Point Lobos State Reserve and Pacific Grove

  1. Begin your day at Point Lobos State Natural Reserve, which offers a variety of hiking trails, wildlife viewing opportunities, and stunning coastal views.

  2. Head to the nearby town of Pacific Grove, known for its charming Victorian homes and beautiful coastline.

  3. Visit the Pacific Grove Museum of Natural History to learn more about the local flora and fauna.

  4. Take a walk along the Pacific Grove Coastal Trail, which offers stunning views of the ocean and the chance to spot sea otters, seals, and other marine life.

  5. End your day with a visit to Asilomar State Beach, a popular spot for tide pooling, beachcombing, and enjoying the sunset.

Some birds that can be spotted in Big Sur

Name Description Interesting Fact
1. California Condor A critically endangered large vulture with a wingspan of up to 9.5 feet The largest flying land bird in North America
2. Bald Eagle A large bird of prey with a white head and tail, and a wingspan of up to 8 feet The national bird and symbol of the United States
3. Peregrine Falcon A powerful, fast-flying bird of prey known for its incredible speed and agility The fastest bird in the world, reaching speeds of over 200 mph during a dive
4. American Kestrel A small, colorful falcon with a distinctive facial pattern and two vertical black stripes The smallest falcon in North America
5. Western Gull A large seabird with a white head, gray wings, and a distinctive red spot on the bill Known to steal food from other birds, even from other gulls
6. Anna's Hummingbird A small, iridescent bird known for its bright red throat (males) and agile flying abilities The only hummingbird species to spend the winter in Big Sur
7. Spotted Owl A medium-sized, nocturnal owl with dark eyes and a mottled brown and white plumage A threatened species due to habitat loss from logging
8. Steller's Jay A large, crested bird with a black head and a bright blue body The only crested jay found in the western United States
9. Acorn Woodpecker A medium-sized woodpecker with a distinctive black, white, and red head pattern Stores thousands of acorns in individually drilled holes in trees, known as granaries
10. Northern Pygmy Owl A small owl with yellow eyes, a brown body, and white spots Despite its small size, it's known to hunt birds and mammals larger than itself
11. California Quail A plump, round bird with a forward-facing topknot and distinctive call The state bird of California
12. Red-tailed Hawk A large bird of prey with a distinctive reddish-brown tail One of the most widespread and adaptable raptors in North America
13. Great Blue Heron A large wading bird with long legs, a sinuous neck, and a dagger-like bill Can stand perfectly still for long periods while waiting for prey
14. American White Pelican A large waterbird with a bright white body, black-tipped wings, and an enormous bill with a pouch One of the heaviest flying birds in North America
15. Black Oystercatcher A coastal bird with a black body, bright red bill, and distinctive yellow eyes Uses its chisel-like bill to pry open mollusks and crustaceans