Big Sur Travel Guide

Browse 11 travel reviews, 14 travel blogs and 715 travel photos from real travelers to Big Sur.
Big Sur photo

Big Sur Overview

Big Sur refers to the mountainous region of California's central coast between Carmel and San Simeon. Dramatic cliffs overlooking the Pacific Ocean, verdant coastal forests, and a multitude of waterfalls make Big Sur a prime destination for hikers, artists, and those seeking a little bit of solitude amidst breathtaking natural wonders.

The Big Sur area encompasses several state and national reserves, including Julia Pfeiffer State Park, Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park, Los Paders National forest and the Ventana Wilderness. Attractions include McWeigh Falls, Bixby Bridge, whale watchread moreing opportunities, and Cone Peak, the highest coastal mountain in the lower 48 states. On many days, the endangered California Condor can be seen flying over the Santa Lucia Mountains.

The winding cliff-side stretch of Highway One through Big Sur has been designated an American National Scenic Byway and is an attraction in itself.

Big Sur can be easily summed up by the same titled song by The Thrills! Bring your surf board!

If you also want to see a purple sand beach, there is one particular shore (Pfeiffer Beach) located in a very secluded area along Hwy 1 in this city.

People Traveling to Big Sur

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Big Sur Locals

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Esalen
2 reviews

I'm going to ignore the hotel aspect of Esalen because that's not why you should go there. The classes and seminars...I'll leave that up to…

Pfeiffer Beach
1 review

PFEIFFER BEACH ~ is also known as ‘the Purple Beach’. It is located in a very secluded area along CA Hwy 1 in the city of Big Sur. It…

Very nice place to relax and enjoy the beautiful Big Sur area, there are lots of trails on property to walk, and our suite was very spacious…

One of the most amazing natural sights I have seen in the world... As impressive as the view from Gardini Augustus on the Isle of Capri, It…

This is one of the most beautiful drives in the US. The road hugs the coast as it goes south from Carmel to this small town of Big Sur. Ther…

This is one of my favourite restaurants in the planet! :) What an amazing spot in Highway 1. It is located between Pismo Beach and Monterey.…

The best thing about the restaurant at the Big Sur River Inn (you can get a room there, too) is the atmosphere of the location. Out in back,…

Fernwood Resort is made up cabins, motel rooms, and campgrounds. The motel rooms are good sized for two people with a clean bathroom. The be…

+ location, location, location + the super nice food in the Fernwood restaurant + friendly and helpful staff + locals in Fernwood Tavern …

San Francisco to Big Sur, Hike-In Camping at Spruce Camp
Feb 01, 2006 – Jun 01, 2008
The first time I saw Salmon Creek Falls in Los Padres National Forest, on Highway in the southern end of the Big Sur area, I kn…
8,714 words 286 44 103
Big Sur Roadtrip: Waterfalls, Seaside Cliffs and Elephant Seals
Feb 01, 2006 – Jun 01, 2008
I love rocks and water -- the way waterfalls cut through mountains, the way the sea pounds against rocky coasts. So heading dow…
8,714 words 286 44 103
Salmon Creek Falls and the Trip Back
Feb 01, 2006 – Jun 01, 2008
We hiked back down the mountain the next morning and went to the waterfall. We rock scrambled over into the nearly enclosed a…
8,714 words 286 44 103

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