The Perfect Big Sur Weekend Itinerary

The Ultimate Big Sur Weekend Trip: 2-Day Itinerary 

This Big Sur itinerary covers more of the northern section of the region on the first day, and then some of the main attractions further south on the second day. I’ve made this itinerary with current road closures in mind, but make sure to refer to CalTrans for the most current information.

Day 1 Itinerary

On the first day of your weekend in Big Sur, you’ll start by hiking through Point Lobos, and then stopping at other iconic sites before ending your day at the famous Pfeiffer Beach.

For this day, I recommend bringing lunch with you and enjoying it at Garrapata State Park, as there aren’t any places to eat near the first stops of the day. Alternatively, you can drive to Big Sur River Inn or The Village to grab lunch after Garrapata – it will just require some backtracking to pick up on the next stops on the itinerary!

Explore Point Lobos Reserve

While not technically part of Big Sur, Point Lobos State Natural Reserve is a must-visit when exploring the region. Located on the south end of Carmel-by-the-Sea (and just north of Garrapata State Park, which is the northernmost park in Big Sur), this natural reserve is known as the crown jewel of the California State Park system.

You can easily spend a whole day in Point Lobos, but with limited time, I recommend doing the Bird Island Trail (which is just under a mile long). This easy hike takes you to an overlook of China Cove, which is one of the most famous spots in the reserve. It leads you around the cove, and offers stunning views of the coastline. 

While you are in the reserve, I also suggest driving over to do the Cypress Grove Trail, which is also just under a mile. It takes you through a gorgeous forest of cypress trees, and offers a beautiful look at the rocky coast.  

You’ll pay a day use entrance fee when you enter Point Lobos. This day use pass will be applicable to all other spots you visit on this day, with the exception of Pfeiffer Beach. Be sure to leave it taped up on your window when you park!

Hike in Garrapata State Park

After Point Lobos, drive about 10 minutes down the Pacific Coast Highway (AKA Highway 1) to Garrapata State Park, where you’ll enjoy another easy coastal hike. 

The Soberanes Point Trail (which is a 1.6 mile loop) takes you along the seaside cliffs, offering sweeping views of the rocky beaches and beautiful coastline. It’s also a great spot to see wildflowers in the spring and summer. This trail will lead you up to Whale Peak, where you get even better vistas of the landscape. 

For this trail, you will park on the PCH – either near Gate 8 or Gate 9. The trail is accessible from both spots. 

Take in the View of Bixby Bridge

Once you’re done at Garrapata, drive another 10 minutes down the Pacific Coast Highway and stop at the Castle Rock Viewpoint (AKA the Bixby Bridge Vista Point). This is where you’ll get that picture-perfect view of Bixby Bridge, a famous, towering concrete bridge that dates back to the 1930s. 

In addition to viewing the bridge from this viewpoint on the west side of the road, you can cross the road and see it from Coast Road. This is where you can see the opposite side of the bridge.

Stop at Great Sur Vista Point

Great Sur Vista Point is hands-down one of my favorite Big Sur viewpoints – and a must-add to your itinerary! This viewpoint (which is just about a 5-minute drive south of Bixby Bridge) is situated high above the water, and you’re able to see for miles down the gorgeous coastline. 

If you want to make another stop as you’re driving down the PCH, I also recommend stopping at the turnout just south of Little Sur River Beach. This turnout is less than 5 minutes from the Great Sur Vista Point, and is much closer to sea level. It offers particularly beautiful views of the beach and the Santa Lucia Mountains when looking north.  

Spend the Rest of the Day at Pfeiffer Beach

After taking in the view from these vista points, you’ll drive for about 25 minutes and make your way to Pfeiffer Beach. 

This is one of the most iconic beaches in Big Sur, and is known for its giant rock formations. It’s also the perfect place to catch the sunset! Hang out on the sand, dip your toes in the water, and enjoy the scenery as the sun goes down. 

This beach is operated by Los Padres National Forest, and isn’t part of one of the California State Parks. You’ll have to pay a separate day use fee at the staffed kiosk to visit. 

Note: to get to Pfeiffer Beach, you’ll drive for about two miles down Sycamore Canyon Road. It gets narrow at some points, so be wary of cars going in the opposite direction as you drive down.

Enjoy Dinner in Big Sur

If you’ll be staying in the area for dinner, here are a couple restaurant recommendations near Pfeiffer Beach: 

• The Restaurant at Big Sur River Inn – a rustic restaurant on the Big Sur River 
• Big Sur Taphouse – a casual spot with excellent food and a great beer selection
• Sierra Mar at Post Ranch Inn – a fine dining restaurant with breathtaking coastal views (reservations required)

Day 2 Itinerary

On the second day of your two days in Big Sur, you’ll hike underneath beautiful redwood trees, enjoy another coastal trail, and make your way to McWay Falls – one of the most iconic sites in the region!

Hike at Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park

There’s so much beauty in coastal Big Sur, but the scenery is equally as stunning when you go a bit inland! In Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park, you can stroll along the Big Sur River and hike underneath the towering redwood trees. While you’re in the park, I recommend checking out one of these trails, depending on your hiking preferences: 

• Buzzards Roost to Liewald (1.7 Miles, Easy): For an easier stroll, try this out-and-back trial. It goes along the Big Sur River, underneath a gorgeous forested area. 
• Pfeiffer Falls Trail (1.6 Miles, Moderate): This out-and-back trail takes hikers through a forested area, ending at Pfeiffer Falls. Before going, I recommend checking recent AllTrails reviews to confirm the water levels at the falls. 
• Buzzards Roost Trail (2.8 Miles, Moderate): This loop trail leads hikers underneath a dense forest of redwood trees. You’ll make your way up to a viewpoint, where you’ll get a vista of the ocean and the Santa Lucia Mountains. I personally like the first mile of this trail (where you’re hiking amongst the redwoods) the best. If you want to hike through redwoods but aren’t quite up for the full hike, I suggest hiking until you get above the treeline, and then turning around. 

The trailheads for these hiking trails are all located near each other. You can park at one of the day use parking lots in the park, and then walk over to the trailhead. You’ll also be able to purchase your day use pass (which you can use for the other parks in this day’s itinerary) when you drive through the staffed park entrance kiosk. 

Stop by the Redwood Deck 

Before leaving Pfeiffer Big Sur, be sure to do a quick stop at the Redwood Deck (located right next to Big Sur Lodge). At this spot, you’ll be able to get a closer look at some of the largest redwood trees in Big Sur. 

Explore Hawthorne Gallery or Henry Miller Memorial Library 

Take a moment away from the outdoor adventures to stop by one of these popular Big Sur spots (both of which are less than a 10 minute drive south of the Pfeiffer Big Sur trails).

The Henry Miller Memorial Library is a non-profit bookstore and event venue that honors Henry Miller’s work. This quaint library is nestled between redwood trees, and is the perfect spot to pick up a new book to read. 

Alternatively, head to Hawthorne Gallery and take a moment to admire some art. The gallery is home to a variety of pieces across different mediums, and features works by local artists (including members of the Hawthorne family). 

Enjoy Lunch with a View at Nepenthe

When you’re in Big Sur, I highly recommend prioritizing a visit to Nepenthe for lunch. One of the most loved restaurants in Big Sur, this eatery is situated high above the water, offering remarkable views of the coast. There’s an expansive outdoor patio (as well as an indoor dining space with plenty of large windows), so you can enjoy your meal as you take in the view! I suggest getting some post-hike fries to share. 

Nepenthe is popular, so there’s a good chance you’ll need to wait for a table (and they don’t take reservations). During my last summer weekday visit, the wait for two people was about 20 minutes. If the wait is too long, you can also eat at Cafe Kevah, another restaurant on the property. It’s right below Nepenthe, and also offers beautiful views.  

Hike Down to Partington Cove

After lunch, drive about 10 minutes down the Pacific Coast Highway and stop at the Partington Cove Trail for your second hike of the day. This moderately rated trail (which is just over a mile long) splits into two parts. The first off-shoot takes you along a creek and down to a rocky beach. After visiting the beach, you’ll make your way back up the trail and go through a tunnel out to Partington Cove. 

Note that there isn’t a parking lot at the trailhead, so you’ll street park on the PCH.  

Check Out the Iconic McWay Falls

End your Big Sur trip on a high note by stopping at one of the most famous spots in Big Sur: McWay Falls (located in Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park). 

To get to the falls, park your car in the lot on the east side of Highway 1. The very short (less than half a mile) McWay Falls Trail starts at this parking lot. It takes visitors underneath the highway through a tunnel, and then out to the vista where you can see the falls.

If you are planning an extended vacation and want to explore beyond Big Sur, I recommend spending a day in Carmel-by-the-Sea, doing the 17-Mile Drive in Pebble Beach, and checking out Monterey. 

Where to Stay in Big Sur

If you decide to stay in Big Sur for your visit (rather than making nearby Carmel or Monterey your home base), there are some great hotels in the area, including the following: 

• Big Sur River Inn – a well-loved and decently priced (for the area!) 3-star hotel
• Big Sur Lodge – a popular 3-star hotel that is conveniently located right in Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park
• Alila Ventana Big Sur – an all inclusive luxury 4-star resort
• Post Ranch Inn – a bucket list-worthy 5-star luxury resort

Alternatively, you can choose to stay in Carmel or Monterey, and then drive into Big Sur each day. Carmel is about a 15-minute drive from the northernmost part of Big Sur, while Monterey is a 20-minute drive. 

As you are planning your trip to Big Sur, be sure to read through these travel guides:

• The Complete Big Sur Travel Guide: What You Need To Know For Your Visit
• The Best Things to do in Big Sur, CA
• The 5 Best Big Sur Viewpoints To Add To Your Itinerary
• The Ultimate Big Sur Day Trip Itinerary: Perfect For First-Time Visitors
• Point Lobos State Natural Reserve: Where To Hike & What To Know Before Visiting
• Where To Stay In Carmel: Best Areas + Hotel Recommendations
• The Best Things To Do In Carmel-By-The-Sea, CA
• The Ultimate Carmel-By-The-Sea Weekend Getaway Guide
• The Best 17 Mile Drive Stops To Add To Your Itinerary