California, Central Coast, Destinations, USA

The 5 Best Big Sur Viewpoints to Add to Your Itinerary

So much of Big Sur’s beauty can be seen by simply driving down the Pacific Coast Highway and stopping at a few of the many viewpoints. Here’s my quick guide on the best Big Sur viewpoints, where you can get some of the most jaw-dropping views of the rocky coast, the Pacific Ocean, and the Santa Lucia Mountains. 

The Best Big Sur Viewpoints 

These are the scenic vistas that you won’t want to miss while driving through Big Sur. To make it easier to plan your trip, this list starts on the north end of the region, and moves south as you drive down the PCH. I’ve also included a map at the end of this guide!

Note that some turnouts don’t have names (and aren’t specifically marked on Google Maps), so I’ve created names based on nearby points of reference. Each heading leads to a link to the exact coordinates so that you can easily find each point!

1. Castle Rock Viewpoint (AKA Bixby Bridge Vista Point)

Of course, a visit to Big Sur isn’t complete without seeing the towering Bixby Bridge, which was built in the 1930s. From Castle Rock Viewpoint, you get that iconic view of the concrete bridge, as well as amazing vistas of the coast in either direction.  

If you want a slightly different vantage point, you can also go right across the street to Coast Road. From here, you can view the bridge from the opposite side, looking out towards the ocean. 

The front side of Bixby Bridge, with fog rolling in right above it
The back side of Bixby Bridge, with the ocean visible in front of it

2. Great Sur Vista Point

Whether you’re planning a day trip to Big Sur or a longer getaway, this viewpoint deserves a spot in your itinerary. It’s one of my personal favorites – I think it truly is one of the ultimate Big Sur scenic spots! 

The Great Sur Vista Point offers what I consider to be the most quintessential view of the region. It’s situated high above a beach, and you can see for miles down the gorgeous coastline (when it’s not foggy, of course). 

Looking out at the Big Sur coast from the Great Sur Vista Point. There is fog above the water and beach, but clear blue skies above it
Small waves crashing against rocks in the water

3. Little Sur River Beach Turnout

This turnout is located just south of Little Sur River Beach, and is much closer to sea level compared to Great Sur Vista Point. As you look north, you get stunning views of Little Sur River running through the sand and into the ocean. The mountains and coastal cliffs are also especially beautiful from this lower vantage point. 

Fog rolling out the the sea above a large rock on a beach in Big Sur
The Pacific Coast Highway in the foreground, with mountains in the background. There is some thin fog over the mountains, and you can see blue sky behind it.

4. Point Sur Lighthouse Turnout

One of the more unique things to do in Big Sur is going on a tour of the Point Sur Lighthouse, which dates back to 1889. Whether you choose to tour or not, it’s definitely worth stopping at this turnout to take in the scenery. You get the perfect view of the lighthouse, which sits right at the top of a huge coastal cliff. There’s also beautiful open space on either side of this cliff, and you get unobstructed views of the water. 

View of the Point Sur Lighthouse on top of a cliff. There is a beach in front of the cliff.

5. California Sea Otter State Game Refuge Turnout

Much like Great Sur Vista Point, you get classic Big Sur views from this scenic spot. It’s situated far above sea level, and you get incredible views of the coast as you look to the north. This turnout is a great spot to stop by as you make your way down to McWay Falls – it’s just a couple miles away!

A look at the rocky shorline from a viewpoint in Big Sur
View of the rocky Big Sur coast from a turnout on a sunny day

Planning the ultimate Big Sur trip? Be sure to take a look at my other Big Sur guides before you go:

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Posted In: California, Central Coast, Destinations, USA

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Kyra is the founder of Sea to Sequoia, a site she launched in 2020. As a type A traveler who loves to extensively research destinations to create the perfect vacation itinerary, she’s here to help readers so that their travel planning process is as easy as possible. In addition to running this site, she is a professional content writer in the wellness and skincare spaces, and also works as an actress.

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