I am all for uphill trails if you get an amazing view at the top but this one wasn’t really that amazing . Big Sur area expands for about 45 miles inside the country and runs along the coast on Highway 1 for about 93 miles. The purple sand, double rock formation along the beach are some of the unique feature that makes this place so special. After that we headed to the Big Sur River by the Pfeiffer Big Sur Campground. Are we missing something unusual in Big Sur? The realistic answer is you want to be sure to visit Pfeiffer Beach, Point Lobos Natural Reserve and walk the Bird Island Trail, and check out the waterfall overlook trail. Limekiln State Park. Share this list. We had a campsite reserved at the Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park. When we were there I actually felt like we were in a different country the landscape is so drastic and beautiful. Known as a fiction writer, Miller also wrote some very good travel … the food was more expensive, the lodging is expensive. You can learn more about how to get there on our Pfeiffer Beach post. McWay Falls and Waterfall House Ruins This Big Sur waterfall drops 80 feet directly into the Pacific Ocean, and inspired the hillside house up top. Garrapata State Park – located north of Big Sur. Things to Do in Big Sur with Kids Pfeiffer Beach. Multi-day Tours. We have reviews of the best places to see in Big Sur. And if you’re one the lucky ducks who’s able to stick around a while, then be sure to check out my 2 Day Big Sur Itinerary, too! Pfeiffer Beach 1,343 reviews See 2 Experiences Sights & Landmarks 2. . We are located in Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park and have a variety of hiking trails at your doorstep. Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park is ranked #1 out of 7 things to do in Big Sur. The trail up was cool through the trees but again not really worth having the kids do a 4 mile hike for what it was. We have been on a lot more dangerous road in the US. Monterey Bay Aquarium – we have heard this is a lot of peoples favorite aquarium. Places to Visit in Big Sur. You also want to set aside time to hang out and play in the Big Sur river! Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park. 5 Amazing Things to Do in Big Sur . I couldn’t wait to see the Mcway Falls that come down onto the beach at Julia Pfeiffer Big Sur state park. For more hiking at Pfeiffer Big Sur check out this post. A scone was like $8 . There really wasn’t much to it besides seeing it and getting a couple pictures but it was pretty epic! Or you can drive into the park pay the $10 entrance fee and park back by the trails. Things to Do in Big Sur, California: See Tripadvisor's 8 413 traveller reviews and photos of 40 Big Sur attractions. We did a little bit of both. It is just an expensive area of the country. . It was a short hike from the parking lot, through a tunnel and to the overlook of the beach. You can either spend the day doing the drive all the way down the 1 and stoping to take pictures and get out to take in the scenery at the lookouts. That is a lot to live up to but it really did deliver! 1. I just wanted to stand there and stare for hours at the cove. View a carefully curated list of activities and attractions brought to you by Travel + Leisure. Our next stop was Andrew Molera State Park where we had read about a couple of trails we could do. . Note that for Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park your trailer has to be under 27 feet. Things to do in Big Sur. You pay $15 to take the drive (it goes through a residential area so they have figured out how to charge you for it). Big Sur has been on my list of places to visit for a long time and it did NOT disappoint! Carmel By The Sea – is a small beach town known for its museums and fairytale cottages. This site uses cookies. For the last 6+ years they have explored all over North America and share their top tips on things to do in locations with kids, along with road trip ideas and tips on RVing. The landscape was so beautiful and felt like we were in the highlands in Scotland. The Los Padres National Forest, the coast line, the rock formations it is all amazing and reminds me of being in Scotland. The realistic answer is you want to be sure to visit Pfeiffer Beach, Point Lobos Natural Reserve and walk the Bird Island Trail, and check out the waterfall overlook trail. Ragged Point. We were a little nervous to drive the trailer on the 1 into Big Sur but it ended up not being that bad. Craig got a beer from a local brewery and the kids got kiddie cocktails and we headed out to take in the golf course and the beauty of the surrounding area. With camping, a beach, a waterfall and old historic kilns, this is one of the best State Parks in Big Sur. But not sure how family friendly they would be . Heck yeah! Lined with redwood trees on both sides; this route provides a great view of the famous Bixby Bridge. Want more California fun?! Since we were pulling the trailer we didn’t stop at the pull out for any pictures. We did all the above from a campground that was further inland (San Benito Thousand Trails). Countless writers, painters, and musicians share a common muse: the 90-mile stretch of California coastline known as Big Sur. Great ideas for fun things for kids to do and best places to go near Big Sur | California - on FamilyDaysOut.com - plus activities and cheap entertainment for the family Oh how I wished I could go down there to stand under the waterfall! Make sure you have a hammock and a board or tub to play on. Don’t have your own rig? It was amazing and beautiful and I wish we could have stayed longer. We also have a post with tips on how to rent an RV and tips on planning an RV trip. If you have a larger rig check out: Big Sur Camp. Visit top-rated & must-see attractions. Our final stop was Pebble Beach. Which was a rock in the ocean with 100’s of birds on it. So we ended up stopping at the convenient store so they could grab something else too. Traveling through MT, WY, CO, TX. So off we went to explore the beauty of Big Sur. Discover 1217 hidden attractions, cool sights, and unusual things to do in California from The Wave Organ to The El Segundo Butterfly Preserve . The simple answer is everything! We headed down it and came to a creek we had to cross where you either had to take your shoes off or they were going to get wet. Things to do. Bordered by the Santa Lucia Mountains and the Pacific Ocean, Big Sur offers unmatched scenic beauty and an eclectic vibe you can't find anywhere else. Top Things to Do in Big Sur, California: See Tripadvisor's 26,616 traveller reviews and photos of 52 things to do when in Big Sur. Big Sur is a majestic stretch of land located off the famous Pacific Coast Highway. The Big Sur River. This cabin from the 1850s is one of the first structures built by Chinese immigrants in California. This is a total tourist thing but if you are coming through the Pacific Grove area and want to see what it is all about then just do it. See. With the turquoise waves crashing against it, the contrast is absolutely magical. On the whole, Old Coast Road is perfect if you want to unwind yourself at the end of a hectic week at work. . There were are some amazing (but expensive) hotels in the area. 4WD Tours. They also offer a shuttle bus from the visitor center but it was pretty expensive per person. Can the Mighty Bankhar Dogs of Mongolia Save the Steppe? It was a small site and we just barely fit with our 21 foot trailer. View map Map. The rare purple sand beach has a gorgeous purple shade that’s derived from the manganese garnet deposits that are found in the surrounding rocks. We have reviews of the best places to see in Big Sur. Old Coast Road is a beautiful route located in Big Sur. . Shopping. Things to Do in Big Sur, California: See Tripadvisor's 26,608 traveller reviews and photos of Big Sur attractions. Plus the color of the Pacific ocean water is unbelievable. More Things to Do in Big Sur CA Sand Dollar Beach – the largest beach in Big Sur Whale Watching and Condor Spotting (weekends in January) Esalen Hot Springs Cone Peak Summit Trail – 3.5 mile hike, out and back. Check out these posts: 15 Fun and Exciting Things To Do In San Diego With Kids, 21 Magical Things To Do In Redwood National Park, 12 Epic Things To Do In Northern California [Map Included], The 23+ Most Epic Things To Do In Los Angeles With Kids, 11 Awe Inspiring Things To Do In Southern California, 12 Tips To Enjoy An Amazing 1 day Disneyland Park Hopper Trip, 14 Awesome Things To Do In Death Valley National Park [And Where To Stay], 17 Unforgettable Things To Do In San Francisco With Kids, 19+ Unforgettable Things To Do In Sequoia National Park, 21 Epic Things To Do In Yosemite National Park With Kids, 32 Spectacular Things To Do In Lake Tahoe [Maps Included]. It is great since you can pick from all different kinds of RV’s. Explore Things-to-do in Big-sur-and-monterey-bay for more options. No question about it. Big Sur, California and the Monterey County area is a magical and beautiful place. Like Atlas Obscura and get our latest and greatest stories in your Facebook feed. This little valley along Highway 1 is engulfed by thousands of lilies during the spring season. This Big Sur waterfall drops 80 feet directly into the Pacific Ocean, and inspired the hillside house up top. We stopped to take in the beauty of the coast at a couple stops and then again to see the Lone Cyprus Tree. This is one of the most popular places to visit in Big Sur. It was a great place to hang out and the water was cold but when you were in the sun it was so refreshing. McWay Falls : Travelling along the Highway 1, you will get to see McWay falls. We gave theBuzzard Roost Trail in Pfeiffer Big Pfeiffer State Park a go and to be honest we wouldn’t recommend it unless you are looking to get a good workout in on an uphill trail. Be sure to check out to see if they are open when you go. This is also where we spotted Bird Poop island. The state park is located less then a 1/2 mile south of the Big Sur visitor center/ Big Sur station.We stayed at the campground here and it was a beautiful park with its redwood forests and redwood groves. from ₹ 1,116.27 per adult. We thought we would grab a nice quick breakfast at the bakery the next day . Plus it was a great spot for watching the sunset. We were glad we did and thought it was worth the price we paid. There looked like there were some other really neat trails but they were all closed due to erosion. It is not huge but it is full of sights you do not want to miss and activities you would definitely enjoy. Things to Do When You Stay at Big Sur Lodge. Find what to do today, this weekend, or in January. As a Lodge guest, you receive a complimentary day pass to all 3 state parks in Big Sur: Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park, Andrew Molera State Park and Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park. The simple answer is everything! From what we can tell everything was more expensive. The surrounding high cliffs, winding road, and cool breeze make this place great for long drives and small picnics. A big rock in the ocean that was white from all the bird poop! Looking for the things to do in Big Sur + Monterey Bay? Pfeiffer Beach 1,343 reviews See 2 Experiences Sights & Landmarks 2. . Regardless of how long you have, this Big Sur travel guide will show you the best hiking areas, beaches, restaurants, and accommodations in Big Sur. Our post is going to start up in Monterey and then make its way down into the main Big Sur area sharing our top 14 things to do in Big Sur. Another cool option would be to stay in an Airbnb like this awesome Farm Stay or maybe a small Cabin Stay. Private Sightseeing Tours. Follow us on social media to add even more wonder to your day. Top Attractions in Big Sur 1. Check out this post about all the great things to do with dogs in the area. By continuing to use this website, you agree to their use. Ideally you will have more than one day to explore Big Sur. If you only have a day to drive over to visit you have a few options. Hiking Trails. ... Live like a local, find unique places to stay — 2 adults. To learn more or withdraw consent, please visit our cookie policy. If you have a larger rig you may want to look into some of the other Big Sur campgrounds in the area. I like the location of this one and the price is decent for the area: Big Sur Lodge. Then the next day we took the trailer and headed into the Big Sur area to camp in Big Sur. This beautifully sited lighthouse just north of Big Sur has an interesting history. Other places to check out in Big Sur or the surrounding area: Henry Miller Library – it has a bookstore and art center. But man these are the types I wish I had a drone following us so we could get some epic shots of us driving the trailer! Unfortunately our dog was too old at the time to come out exploring with us. . They give you a map with the stops and then you can decide if you just want to drive through or stop at each stop. The trails were good (we did the Buzzard Roost one – explained below) but the river was the best! It was a cute setup and if the prices don’t scare you away then it was a good place to grab breakfast. Recently planned trips to Big Sur. Make sure you have a hammock and a board or tub to play on. Lots of great wineries there and usually warmer then the coast. Rocky Creek Bridge. Or you can pick a couple hikes to do and then end with watching the sunset at Pfeiffer Beach. We had a blast playing on the beach and climbing on the rocks. . If you want to camp outside of the Monterey County area check out the Salinas Valley. Big Sur hosts one of the most unique beaches on the planet: Pfeiffer State Beach. Book these experiences for a close-up look at Big Sur. Located in a redwood grove on the mountain side of Highway 1 about a quarter mile from the famous Nepenthe restaurant in Big Sur, the Henry Miller Memorial Library is not a normal kind of library: It is an unofficial Big Sur art hub as well as a book store with a focus on promoting the artistic and literary works of Henry Miller. . Read about Limekiln here. Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park. Discover the ocean vistas, luxury inns, and eclectic vibe of this special California destination on the Central Coast . You can walk right into the hotel by the golf course, buy a drink, and head out onto the lawn where you can watch people playing what we think is the 18th hole. It has so much to offer and definitely deserves more than one day! However, RVs and trailers are prohibited. The 10 Best Things to Do in Big Sur, California. . The solution – stay at one of the state park campgrounds (they are reasonable per night) and bring your own food. Here is a close up of the road – we missed it a lot so wanted to help show what was before/after the turn so you don’t miss it: We were coming in right around sunset so the place had really cleared out so we were good to go. Sitting on the grassy lawn by the Big Sur River, enjoying a leisurely afternoon picnic under the trees, or by sitting in one their Adirondack chairs in the water with your feet in the refreshing river. I would have loved to have more time to just hang out at this beach and enjoy the views and the sound of the waves crashing. On this an insider’s journey into the City of Angeles, we'll discover the murals and art of the famous Arts district with a resident artist, clink glasses at an underground speakeasy, and hike through hidden ruins with a suspicious past, all in pursuit of the less angelic side of the City of Angels. Find homes. I thought it would be cool to do the drive all the way down to where the road stops (it was closed due to mud slides and road damage from the rain last year – but I believe it is open now and you can go to San Luis Obispo county and beyond to San Diego or Baja :)). And we loved the ocean views as we were driving! You know you are getting into Big Sur when you drive over the iconic Bixby bridge. It's not your typical library, memorial, or book store. No purchase necessary. Offer subject to change without notice. City of Secrets: Underground in Los Angeles. But we had the boogie boards so they made it work! Big Sur Station. But if your dog is ready to go there are a good amount of things to do with dogs in Big Sur! Life in this isolated, hilltop lighthouse was lonely, but it sure was lovely. The Big Sur coast is amazing. The most enjoyable way to do it? Just wandering through the lush forest is enough to take away any stresses you fell. See pictures and our review of Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park. Find what to do today, this weekend, or in January. Luxury Car Tours. it was good but SUPER expensive. Subscribe today for just $1 an issue! Top Things to Do in Big Sur, CA. RV’s available to rent in the Big Sur area, hiking at Pfeiffer Big Sur check out this post, 7 Things to Know About the travel Berkey Water Filter System, 31 Road Trip Essentials You Don’t Want To Leave Home Without, Airbnb Yellowstone: 21 Unique Places You Will Want To Stay. The best way to experience it is to simply kick back and … California is so busy and there is so much hustle and bustle. Highway 1 Self-Driving Audio Tour (Pacific Coast Highway) 0 reviews. Big Sur is one of the most amazing places in California and one of the most spectacular coastlines in the United States. Book your tickets online for the top things to do in Big Sur, California on Tripadvisor: See 26,593 traveller reviews and photos of Big Sur tourist attractions. Click here to check out the RV’s available to rent in the Big Sur area. When you get there you have 2 options you can park outside of the park on the street and walk in. The guy at the visitor center basically said it isn’t really worth it . Private Trip: A Culinary Exploration of Lisbon, Private Trip: A Mexico City Culinary Adventure, Private Trip: Chernobyl by Day, Kyiv by Night, Private Trip: A Galician Culinary & Seaside Adventure, Radical Spirits: How the Occult Shaped Progressive Politics, Nina Nightingale's Charm School: Visible Mending, The Forged & The Filched: Shady Sales and Devious Deals. Subscribe Now . Offer available only in the U.S. (including Puerto Rico). Every weekday we compile our most wondrous stories and deliver them straight to you. Talk to the folks at the visitor center to get details on how busy the beach is that day. The color of the water is unbelievable and the rugged coast line has such a unique look to it. It was almost up to my shorts as we hiked across it! Offering commanding views of the California coastline, this restaurant was a hub for the artists and bohemians of Big Sur. Be aware there are usually a lot of people here and the viewing area is pretty small so be patient. See all. . So had we had more time it would have been a great place to hang out and play for the day! How much does it cost to drive the 17 mile drive? Food & restaurants. Before we went I was definitely worried that it may be. We also drove it while towing our travel trailer and it was totally fine. Once you get there you have to pay a $10 fee to park and go onto the beach. We had to drive back and forth a few times before we really figured out where the entrance was to the beach. When we explored we were in our RV and it was great since then you can stay right in the State Parks and it is a lot cheaper then the hotels in the area. Andrew Molera State Park. Well that is what the kids called it :). Need advice! This is one spot you really shouldn’t miss. But for now on to our next stop on our Pacific Coast Road trip: San Francisco. Ragged Point Inn & Resort is also recommended. I am all about making the first stop at the Visitor Center to ask what the experts for the area recommend you do. Next you round a corner and see a beach that you can walk down to. It is ten dollars to enter, but you can spend a day or a weekend here and still find new things to explore. Want a book to read about Big Sur? Before we did that we continue the loop out to see Bird Island. Rent one from Outdoorsy! There are trails you can go on in the State Park by either walking up to the entrance or parking in the trailhead parking lots and then heading out to explore. Below is our list of what to do in Big Sur. A great company where you can rent RV’s from people – like airbnb for RV’s. It's a great drive in both directions, crossing through some of California's most scenic... Visit the Point Sur Lighthouse. 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