Big Sur is one of the most impressive stretches of the Pacific Coast Highway, California 's iconic coastal road . This scenic drive , considered one of the most beautiful in the United States , connects Morro Bay in the south with Carmel-by-the-Sea in the north. Do you want to know everything there is to see in Big Sur ? After driving around it today, we'll tell you all about it!
What to see on the Big Sur route
This route encapsulates the best of the Californian coast : dramatic cliffs, golden sandy beaches, wild nature, iconic bridges and the occasional charming little town. So we can say that Big Sur is the essence of the California we all have in our minds.
Many travellers decide to cover it in one go between Los Angeles and San Francisco . Our advice is to give yourself a little more time, in total it is less than 300 km but be careful, although the distance does not seem very long, the sharp curves and constant viewpoints make the driving time slower than usual.
There are also road conditions to consider, with frequent closures due to landslides or maintenance, so plan ahead and check Big Sur (Highway 1) conditions before setting off on your trip.
Now, we are going to tell you everything to see in Big Sur:
1. Morro Bay
The first stop on the Big Sur route, if you start from the south, will be Morro Bay . It is a quiet and peaceful town, known for its enormous and imposing Morro Rock, a gigantic volcanic monolith that rises above the ocean and is visible from almost every corner of the town.
2. Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park and McWay Falls
Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park is one of the most iconic places to see in Big Sur . This park is famous for the impressive McWay Falls , an 80-foot waterfall that drops directly onto a small beach with turquoise waters. Although the beach is not accessible, the lookout point offers spectacular views.
3. Pfeiffer Beach
Did you know that in Big Sur you can see a beach with purple sand ? We are talking about Pfeiffer Beach , one of the most magical spots on the entire Californian coast. This beach, which is located just a few minutes from the main road on Sycamore Canyon Road , is famous for its purple sand, a natural phenomenon caused by the composition of minerals in the nearby rocks.
And once there, don't miss Keyhole Arch , an impressive rock formation through which, when the sun sets, a golden light filters, creating a beautiful photographic scene.
4. Garrapata State Park
Another really nice place to see on your Big Sur route is Garrapata State Park . Well, the name is not very appealing, but give it a chance: this park offers impressive landscapes, especially if you travel in spring. Why? It is when the Calla Lily Valley is filled with white lilies : a curious and unique sight to say the least.
Remember to get the Revolut card (with a €10 promo from this link ) so that you are not charged commissions when paying and withdrawing money abroad.
5. Bixby Bridge Vista Point
We have reached one of the emblematic points of the route through Big Sur , we are referring, as it could not be otherwise, to the Bixby Bridge Vista Point . It is one of the best viewpoints of the entire route, and from there you will have an unbeatable view of the iconic bridge that, since 1932 , has risen over the Bixby Creek canyon .
6. Point Lobos Nature Reserve
At this point, it's worth stopping along the way, putting on some comfortable shoes, and walking along some of the trails . The most interesting is probably the Sea Lion Point Trail , an easy route that takes you to a viewing point where you can see sea lions resting on the rocks. They're adorable and stinky!
7. Carmel-by-the-Sea
The last stop on this Big Sur route if you come from Los Angeles, or the first if you start in San Francisco, will be Carmel-by-the-Sea , a charming coastal town with a curiosity: Clint Eastwood was its mayor !
We recommend taking a stroll down Ocean Avenue , a street lined with shops and cafes. You should also visit Carmel Beach and the Carmel Mission , one of the most beautiful and best preserved in California, which reflects the historical legacy of the region.
Extra: Monterrey
Although not technically part of Big Sur , this charming coastal town with an industrial past is located next to Carmel-by-the-Sea and is definitely worth a visit. We spent the night there before continuing on to San Francisco.
→ In this post we tell you the best things to see and do in Monterrey
Whatever your destination, don't take any chances and get the IATI travel insurance that best suits your plan with a 5% discount here
Tips for touring Big Sur
Take note of the following recommendations when planning your trip to Big Sur:
- The most important thing is to find out if there are any closed sections . Where? The status of the roads is updated on this website and checking it carefully is essential before starting the route through Big Sur.
- Big Sur is a remote area and lodging and dining options are limited . Be sure to book your hotel or campground in advance , especially if you are traveling during peak season (spring and summer).
- Gas stations and convenience stores are few and far between throughout Big Sur, so be sure to fill up your gas tank whenever you can.
- Even if you travel in summer, bring some warm clothing in case you encounter fog or cold wind near the coast.
Where to stay in Big Sur
The truth is that there aren't many options, especially if you want to stay halfway through the trip. We stayed at the HI Monterrey and it seemed like a good decision. You can search for accommodation in Monterrey here . Good options, although somewhat expensive, are Spindrift Inn or Monterrey Bay Inn .
We've come to the end of our guide to California's Big Sur , and we hope it helps you plan your route in the best way possible. Have we left out any must- see places on the Big Sur Scenic Drive ? If you've driven this stretch of the Pacific Coast Highway and have any more recommendations, we're all ears!
