The Best Things To Do In Big Sur, CA: 17 Must-See Spots!

If there’s one place you need to visit in California, it has to be Big Sur. From the rugged coastline to the beautiful mountains, it is hands down one of the prettiest places in the Golden State – and personally one of my favorite spots to explore!

As a California native, I’ve been lucky enough to visit this Central Coast region multiple times. I’ve put together this guide to cover the absolute best things to do in Big Sur. I’m sharing the top trails, beaches, and viewpoints along the Pacific Coast Highway, as well as some other unique spots in this scenic destination.  

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The Best Things to do in Big Sur

In order to make it as easy as possible for you to plan your itinerary, I’ve organized this list geographically. We’ll start on the north end of Big Sur, and move south down Highway 1. 

1. Explore Point Lobos State Natural Reserve 

Technically, Point Lobos is just north of Big Sur (it’s about a 5-minute drive from Garrapata State Park, the northernmost park in Big Sur). That said, this stunning reserve is well-worth a visit as you’re exploring the region!

Pont Lobos is home to a diverse marine habitat. On land, you’ll see plenty of wildlife, as well as an abundance of plant species! 

There are tons of interconnected trails within the reserve, so you can choose your own adventure depending on how much time (and energy!) you have. Some of my favorite shorter trails include Cypress Grove Trail (0.9 miles) and Bird Island Trail (0.8 miles). As you hike through the area, you’ll get incredible views of the beautiful coves and coastline. 

Note that there is a $10 fee (per vehicle) to enter the reserve. Be sure to refer to the Point Lobos Reserve website for any current trail/road closures and other seasonal information. 

Read my Point Lobos State Natural Reserve guide for a more comprehensive look!

2. Do an Easy Coastal Hike at Garrapata State Park

If you want a low effort hike with great views of the rocky coast, this spot is great for you. Soberanes Point Trail (which is part of Garrapata State Park) is an easy 1.6-mile loop that offers beautiful views of the coast. In the spring and summer, there are typically plenty of gorgeous wildflowers! The trail will also take you up to Whale Peak, where you get 360-degree views of the surrounding area.

Admission to Garrapata State Park is free, so no need to worry about displaying a pass. There are two parking options, both of which are street parking. Either park off the road by Gate 8, or further south, closer to Whale Peak (near Gate 9). You can access the trail from either of these spots.  

3. Explore Calla Lily Valley

If you’ll be visiting in the late winter or early spring, one spot you won’t want to miss is Calla Lily Valley (which is also in Garrapata State Park). As the name implies, this valley overflows with beautiful calla lilies, which are in bloom from late January to mid-April.

To get to the valley, take the Garrapata Beach Calla Lily Valley Trail. This full loop is just under a mile long, and also takes you down to the beach. That said, if you just want to see the valley, you’ll get there in the first quarter mile of the hike. 

4. Check Out Bixby Creek Bridge

As you may already know, one of the most iconic Big Sur attractions is Bixby Bridge. The concrete bridge was built in the 1930s, and is noteworthy because of its towering height – it’s the tallest of its kind! 

Before you drive over the bridge, park your car and take in the view from Castle Rock Viewpoint (no hiking is required). It’s a great spot to see not only the bridge, but the gorgeous coastline. If you want a slightly more unique vantage point, you can also cross the street and walk down Coast Road (a dirt road) to see the bridge from the opposite side. 

There is a small parking area right by Castle Rock Viewpoint, as well as street parking on Highway 1. You can also park on Coast Road. 

5. Take in the View from One of the Many Pacific Coast Highway Viewpoints

What makes Big Sur such a popular place to visit is that you get incredible views wherever you go – no strenuous hikes required! One thing I love to do when visiting is just driving down the highway and stopping at whatever viewpoint looks interesting. Trust me when I say that you will definitely want to stop your car multiple times as you make your way down the PCH! 

A few of my favorite Big Sur viewpoints that you may want to bookmark for your visit are Hurricane Point (a mile south of Bixby Bridge), Great Sur Vista Point (about 2 miles south of Bixby Bridge), the turnout that overlooks Little Sur River Beach (another 2 miles south), and The California Sea Otter State Game Refuge turnout (just north of Partington Cove, which we’ll cover later in this guide). 

6. Do a Tour of Point Sur Lighthouse

Those looking for a more unique activity should check out Point Sur Lighthouse, an operational lighthouse in Point Sur State Historic Park that dates back to 1889. Volunteer-led tours are three hours long. Adult tickets cost $20, while children’s tickets (ages 6 to 17) are $10. Tours don’t happen every day, so be sure to refer to the tour schedule before visiting. 

7. Hike at Andrew Molera State Park 

Andrew Molera State Park – which is just south of Point Sur State Historic Park – has some beautiful coastal hikes. If you’re up for a longer trek, the 8-mile Creamery Meadows, Bluffs, Panorama, and Ridge Trail Loop is a great option that takes you through both forested areas and open meadows with views of the coast. A shorter option is the 2.3-mile Creamery Meadows Trail, an easy out-and-back trail that takes you right down to Molera Beach.

These trails share the same trailhead, which is located off a moderate-sized dirt parking lot. A day use pass is required for Andrew Molera State Park, so be sure to display your pass on your car. If needed, you can purchase a pass at the parking lot entrance kiosk.

Buzzard’s Roost Trail | Buzzard’s Roost View | Big Sur River

10. Hang Out at Pfeiffer Beach

This popular beach is well-known for its giant rock formations. It’s a really lovely place to catch the sunset, especially during a few weeks in the late fall and early winter when the sun shines through Keyhole Arch (one of the rock formations). 

Despite the name, Pfeiffer Beach isn’t part of Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park. It’s actually operated under Los Padres National Forest. This means that a day use pass that you might’ve purchased in other parts of Big Sur won’t be applicable here. You’ll need to pay a separate $15 day use fee for parking. There’s a kiosk at the entrance where you can pay. 

To get to the beach, you’ll have to drive two miles down Sycamore Canyon Road. The road does get narrow, so be cautious of cars driving in the opposite direction. 

11. Enjoy a Meal with a View at Nepenthe or Sierra Mar

Two of the most iconic places to eat in Big Sur are Sierra Mar (located at Post Ranch Inn) and Nepenthe. Both sit on top of the cliffs and boast amazing views of the coast.

The indoor dining room of Sierra Mar features floor-to-ceiling windows for unobstructed views. There’s also an outdoor patio if you prefer to eat outside. The fine dining restaurant serves lunch and dinner daily. Sierra Mar takes reservations and they do book up, so it’s a good idea to reserve your spot in advance. 

Nepenthe (pictured below) is far more casual, and is a particularly great place to grab lunch or dinner after a day of hiking and exploring the area. It has an expansive outdoor patio, as well as an indoor dining room that also has great views of the region. The restaurant is open daily for lunch and dinner. Nepenthe is popular and can get busy, and service is first-come, first-serve. 

There’s also another laid-back outdoor eatery on-site called Cafe Kevah, which serves breakfast, lunch, pastries, and coffee. It sits just below Nepenthe, and also offers beautiful coastal views. 

You can find even more restaurant recommendations (as well as tips for your visit) in my comprehensive Big Sur travel guide!

12. Visit the Henry Miller Memorial Library

In between hikes, beach visits, and coastal drives, consider making a stop at the Henry Miller Memorial Library. Nestled between redwood trees, this non-profit bookstore and event venue honors the work of Henry Miller. They even host regular events, including author readings, musical performances, and more.  

13. Hike Down to Partington Cove & Partington Point

The moderately-rated Partington Cove Trail (which is part of Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park) is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a varied hike that isn’t too long or strenuous. Just note that you’ll need to hike at an incline on your way back! 

This trail is just over a mile long, and splits into two parts. The north off-shoot takes you along a small creek that leads you down to a small, rocky beach. You’ll then backtrack and take the southern off-shoot. On this part of the trail, you’ll make your way through a tunnel and out to Partington Cove – one of the prettiest coves in the area!

There isn’t a parking lot at the trailhead, so you’ll need to street park on the highway. Look for the green gate right off Highway 1, which is where you’ll start the trail. 

14. Check Out McWay Falls

Whether you are in the region for a day or a week, something that you must do in Big Sur is stop by McWay Falls in Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park. This is one of the most iconic sights in the region, which also means it’s popular – but it’s worth dealing with the crowds to see!

The McWay Falls Trail takes you to an overlook that offers a perfect view of the falls. It’s less than half a mile long and is easy with no elevation gain. 

The parking lot for McWay Falls is located on the east side of Highway 1. This is also where the trailhead is located. The trail takes you underneath the highway through a short tunnel, and then you’ll be on your way to the falls. 

If you haven’t yet bought a day use pass, you’ll see self-registration boxes at the parking lot entrance where you can pay the fee – be sure to have cash on hand. Display your pass in your car window when you park.  

Tip: I recommend visiting McWay Falls in the afternoon or before sunset. This gives you the best light on the falls! Otherwise, the beach and falls will be in shadow, as the sun will be on the opposite side of the mountains. 

15. Hike at Limekiln State Park

Further south in Big Sur is Limekiln State Park, where you can hike the Hare Creek and Limekiln Trail. The moderately-rated out-and-back trail is 2.1-miles long, and is perfect for anyone who wants to hike through beautiful forested areas. The trail takes you to the ruins of 1800s lime kilns where limestone was turned into concrete used to build nearby cities. You can also follow a short off-shoot that takes you to the base of Limekiln Falls. 

The parking lot for this trail is located right off the highway – just look for the Limekiln State Park sign. 

16. Hike the Mill Creek Trail

A great trail for anyone looking for an easy hike in the southern section of Big Sur is the Mill Creek Trail, which is operated by Los Padres National Forest. The 2.3-mile out-and-back trail takes you along the creek through a gorgeous forested area.

While there isn’t a parking lot here, there is space right by the trailhead where you can park. If it’s full, there are spaces off Nacimiento-Fergusson Road where you can pull to the side and park. 

17. Walk Along the Shore at Sand Dollar Beach

Last but not least is Sand Dollar Beach, which is located on the southern end of the region. This is the perfect place to catch the sunset at the end of the day. It’s also one of the best places in the region to explore tide pools and look for some sea life. 

There is a spacious parking lot on the cliffs above the beach, and from there it’s just a short walk down to the sand. Sand Dollar Beach is operated by Los Padres National Forest, and 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 Near Big Sur

There is so much more to explore beyond Big Sur! Here are a few additional places to check out if you have extra time in your travel plans: 

• Spend a Day in Carmel-by-the-Sea: This charming coastal town is located just a 15-minute drive north of Garrapata State Park. There are plenty of fun things to do in Carmel, and it’s also a great place to stop for a coffee and a bite to eat before starting your day in Big Sur, or for grabbing dinner after. Many also stay in Carmel when visiting Big Sur, due to the proximity and abundance of hotel options. 
• Enjoy the 17-Mile Drive: Located in beautiful Pebble Beach (which is just north of Carmel), this scenic drive takes you through gorgeous forested areas filled with Monterey cypress trees and along the rocky coast. It’s a great place to explore when you want to enjoy more nature but are feeling a bit tired from hiking through Big Sur!
• Visit Hearst Castle in San Simeon: The iconic Hearst Castle is located south of Big Sur, about 45-minute drive from Sand Dollar Beach. The hilltop property (which overlooks San Simeon and Cambria) boasts intricately designed buildings, an expansive collection of art and historic artifacts, and insanely beautiful gardens. I highly recommend adding this historic site to your itinerary if you’re doing a longer Central Coast road trip! Advanced tour reservations are required.