The Perfect Big Sur Weekend Itinerary: Two Days in this Iconic Coastal Destination

The Ultimate Big Sur Weekend Trip: 2-Day Itinerary 

Day 1 Itinerary: Point Lobos, Garrapata, Bixby Bridge, Pfeiffer Beach & More

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 or one of the viewpoints, as there aren’t any places to eat near the first stops of the day. Alternatively, after Garrapata, you can drive to The Restaurant at Big Sur River Inn, the Burrito Bar (also at Big Sur River Inn), or The Village to grab lunch. From there, you can either back track to the viewpoints after lunch, OR go right to Pfeiffer Beach, and then see the viewpoints on your way back north (this option works well if you’re staying in Carmel or Monterey!) 

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!

Stop at the Great Sur and Little Sur River Beach Vista Points

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. 

I also love the view from 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.

Great Sur Vista | Little Sur River Beach

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.

Day 2 Itinerary: Pfeiffer Big Sur, Nepenthe, Partington Cove, McWay Falls, & More

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 (1.7 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 (2.9 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. 

Optional Stop If Time Permits: Sand Dollar Beach

If you have the time before you head back home, I highly recommend continuing to drive south down Highway 1 to visit Sand Dollar Beach. The drive from McWay Falls is about 35 minutes. 

As you might expect, the drive itself is beautiful, and there are many great viewpoints along the way, including Big Creek Cove Vista Point and Gamboa Point. 

Sand Dollar Beach is an expansive beach with really cool tide pools. It’s also a great place to watch the sunset!

There is a parking lot on the cliffs above the sand. The beach is operated by Los Padres National Forest, so there’s a $10 fee per car for a day use pass. A day use pass for the other state parks isn’t applicable here.

Additional Things To Do In Big Sur

Of course, there is so much more to do in Big Sur and the surrounding area. Within the region, some additional things to do include:

• Enjoy a Longer Hike: I included shorter hikes in this itinerary to ensure you get to see as much of the region as possible, but there are plenty of longer trails if that’s more your speed! Some options include Creamery Meadows, Bluffs, Panorama, and Ridge Trail Loop (8 miles), Tanbark Trail and Tin House Loop (6.7 miles), and Soberanes Canyon and Whale Peak Loop (4.1 miles). 
• Explore Andrew Molera State Park: This state park is another great place to check out if you want to do more coastal hikes and spend extra time by the water. The Creamery Meadows Trail (2.3 miles) is a great hike to check out – it takes you right down to the beach!
• Explore Limekiln State Park: This state park is located on the southern end of Big Sur. A really cool trail worth hiking is the Hare Creek and Limekiln Trail, a 2.1-mile trail that leads through a forested area, over to ruins of 1800s lime kilns. 
• Tour the Point Sur Lighthouse: If you are looking for more unique activities in Big Sur, consider doing a tour of the Point Sur Lighthouse (located in Point Sur State Historic Park).