Big Sur

The basics

Hiking is an ideal way to experience the natural beauty of Big Sur—and the area's size easily allows you to find total solitude. Numerous hiking trails run through Big Sur, from a gentle coastal walk past redwoods and the 80-foot (24-meter) McWay Falls in Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park, to the mountainous terrain of Los Padres National Forest. Other attractions along the way include the Bixby Bridge, Big Sur River Inn, and the famous Nepenthe Restaurant.

This area is world famous and inspired such artists and writers as Ansel Adams and Jack Kerouac, and is still home to a large artistic community. The Henry Miller Memorial Library hosts a varied schedule of special events, including readings, workshops, concerts, and film screenings.

Big Sur tours depart from Monterey Bay and San Francisco and drive all or part of the stretch of coastline. Some group and private tours also stop at nearby popular attractions like Morro Bay, Hearst Castle, and San Luis Obispo, which lay south of Big Sur, and Carmel and the Monterey Peninsula, to the north.

Things to know before you go

• With few connecting roads, Highway 1 is prone to lengthy traffic backups, especially during the summer high season. Slow down and enjoy the views.

• Perched on the coast, the road is vulnerable to rockslides, mudslides, and construction closures. Always check road conditions before departing for Big Sur.

• There is no mobile phone service along much of the highway, due to its remoteness.

• Those who suffer from car sickness may want to consider taking precautionary measures before a trip to Big Sur.

How to get there

Big Sur is 140 miles (225 kilometers) south of San Francisco and 310 miles (500 kilometers) north of Los Angeles. Most campsites are located within the state and federal parks and are usually on a first-come, first-served basis. If you want to stay at one of the few hotels, make reservations in advance or risk disappointment.

When to get there

Fall and spring are the best times to visit Big Sur, with lower concentration of crowds and better weather. Long weekends like Labor Day and summer see a huge rise in population, and Highway 1 can get socked in with fog, impeding the vistas. Winter rains can bring mudslides, rock slides, and road closures.

Big Sur flora and fauna

Coast redwood and the rare Santa Lucia fir are both found in this area, as is a type of orchid found only in the Monterey Peninsula and surrounds. Resident fauna includes tule elk, the California condor, coyote, and fox. The offshore area is part of the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary and is home to harbor seals and sea otters, and provides passage for migrating humpback whales.

Ways to explore

Hiking is an ideal way to experience the natural beauty of Big Sur—and the area's size easily allows you to find total solitude. Numerous hiking trails run through the region, from gentle coastal walks past redwoods to the mountainous terrain of Los Padres National Forest. Other nearby attractions include the Bixby Bridge and Big Sur River Inn.

Big Sur tours depart from Monterey Bay and San Francisco and drive all or part of the stretch of coastline. Some group and private tours also stop at nearby popular attractions, like Morro Bay, Hearst Castle, San Luis Obispo, and Carmel.

Accessibility

Some Highway 1 pullouts are relatively accessible, but true ADA-compliant facilities are limited. For things to do, look at Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park’s accessible trails.

Age limits

None

What to pack

Sunscreen, water bottle, snacks, camera, binoculars, a detailed map or downloaded directions (cell service can be spotty)

What to wear

Layered clothing (even in summer), comfortable walking/hiking shoes, sun hat/sunglasses

Not allowed

Drones are prohibited in state parks, and camping is forbidden outside designated areas.

Amenities

Limited—fill up on gas, food, and restroom breaks before coming to explore.

Address

Big Sur stretches along California's Central Coast on Highway 1, between Carmel Highlands to the north and San Simeon to the south. It’s easiest to get there by car or on a private tour.

Driving

Highway 1 is the only route through Big Sur. It’s about three hours from San Francisco and about six hours from Los Angeles. Drive slowly to enjoy the views, and always watch for cyclists.

Public transportation

No reliable year-round public transit serves the area. Your best bet is a tour from Monterey Bay or San Francisco.

Best times to visit

There’s no bad time to visit, but fog can be more common in the mornings. For better views, come in the afternoon.

Best days to visit

Weekends and holidays bring heavy traffic and crowded parking at popular spots like the Bixby Bridge. Come on a weekday, if you can.

Best months to visit

September and October are great—think warm temperatures, minimal fog, and thinning crowds. May and June offer lush landscapes and whale migration, though fog can obscure coastal views until the afternoon.

Special events

Big Sur Food & Wine Festival takes place in early November and celebrates local cuisine and vintages at various venues. The Big Sur International Marathon, in April, is a big deal, too.