Of all the awesome things to do in California, travelers love venturing to Big Sur. This 90-mile stretch features jaw-dropping sights of the Pacific Ocean and California's gorgeous landscape. Big Sur is a bucket-list destination for many coastal road-trippers, complete with top-rated attractions worth seeing!
10 Ragged Point
A stop along Highway 1, Ragged Point, sits on Big Sur's south end near San Luis Obispo County. Nicknamed the "a million dollar view," many road trippers stop at Ragged Point before venturing through Big Sur. For rest, visitors can stay at the Ragged Point Inn. For beautiful views, they can embark on a half-mile trail to Ragged Point Beach from the cliff base. Travelers may want to stop here, as Ragged Point is the "Gateway to Big Sur."
9 Point Lobos State Natural Reserve
Roadtrippers can find the Point Lobos State Natural Reserve in Monterey County, which is accessible on Highway 1 (three miles away from Carmel). This natural reserve is home to California's unique habitat on land and water. It was also a sacred site for the Indigenous communities. This wildlife sanctuary is so beautiful it inspired countless artists and is a spectacular sight for picturesque hiking and wildlife watching.
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NOTE: At the Point Lobos State Natural Reserve, Visitors are NOT permitted to bring dogs, bikes, skateboards, alcohol, and drones for conservation purposes. Camping, smoking, and collecting items at the park are also prohibited. |
8 Henry Miller Memorial Library
The Henry Miller Memorial Library sits just off Highway 1. This Big Sur attraction was named after Henry Miller, a resident who built the house where the library currently resides. The Henry Miller Library is a non-profit organization dedicated to the works of Mr. Miller, who was an artist and writer. Besides appreciating the stunning sights in Big Sur, visitors should also take some time to learn about the local culture. Besides an art library, it also functions as a memorial and book store.
7 Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park
The Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park sits 37 miles south of Carmel and 12 miles from Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park. Named after the legendary pioneer woman in Big Sur, visitors who love nature will appreciate this popular state park. Here, visitors can enjoy hiking, whale-watching, and even overnight camping. This state park also houses one of West's most photographed waterfalls at McWay Falls, an 80-foot waterfall that flows directly into the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary.
6 Pfeiffer Beach
Pfeiffer Beach is not easily seen along Highway 1. Instead, travelers must drive through the winding roads of Sycamore Canyon Road, which sits just near the Pfeiffer Canyon Bridge. It's not every day that travelers come across purple sand, which is occasionally present on the shores of the beach's north end. Keyhole Arch is also quite a site, especially as the sun sets!
5 Hearst Castle
Hearst Castle overlooks San Simeon village and is halfway between Los Angeles and San Francisco. This massive mansion belonged to Wiliam Randolph Hearst, a newspaper tycoon. Today, Hearst Castle is a National Historic Landmark managed by the California State Parks.
Hearst Castle is a hub of luxury in Big Sur, boasting 165 rooms, 123 acres of garden spaces, and two spacious swimming pools. Besides its opulent architecture, this historical attraction features 25,000 artifacts from around the world.
4 Point Sur State Historic Park
To find Point Sur State Historic Park (also known as the Point Sur Lightstation), road trippers must continue some ways away from the Andrew Molera State Park on Highway 1. Classified on the National Register of Historic Places, visitors can find a 19th-century lighthouse at the park.
This historic park sits 361 feet above the ocean, offering sweeping views of the Pacific coast. Visitors can also embark on a guided tour of the light station, including the functioning lighthouse that was first lit in 1889.
3 Limekiln State Park
Limekiln State Park is worth a stop while venturing through the Big Sur and sits two miles south of Lucia. In the late 19th century, this area was the site of limekiln operations (a practice that harvested limestone processed through kilns) for constructing buildings. Today, it is a beautiful state park that spans over 700 acres.
This state park is the epitome of tranquility. Soak in views of the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary, learn about the historic kilns, and hike through a forest of redwood trees. Camping is also a popular activity at Limekiln.
2 Andrew Molera State Park
The Andrew Molera State Park sits close to the Point Sur State Historic Park and overlooks the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary. Compared to other parks in the area, this state park is undeveloped. Still, the park's rugged nature is perfect for recreational activities like fishing, hiking, and biking. Beachcombing is also a popular activity for visitors as they peruse the beach.
1 Bixby Bridge
A trip to Big Sur won't be complete without a photo of the Bixby Bridge. Constructed in 1932 for only $200,000, many people think of Bixby Bridge when they think of Big Sur! Arguably one of the most Insta-worthy places in Big Sur, Bixby Bridge is popular among professional photographers and selfie-taking tourists. So stop safely in one of the surrounding viewpoints to take photos of Big Sur's jaw-dropping coastline.