Big Sur offers many temptations along the coast and even more for those who wish to explore the huge national forest and wilderness areas inland. Big Sur camping is popular during summer months so reservations are important. There are several state parks with campgrounds, Forest Service campgrounds and other Big Sur camping options.

 

Highlights include:

Point Lobos State Reserve. Just south of Carmel, this is a coastal wonderland of coves, tide pools, whale sighting, cypress trees, and dramatic cliffs and rocks. Robert Louis Stevenson called it "the greatest meeting of land and sea." The reserve features camping, picnicking, hiking trails, scuba diving and unforgettable scenery. Do not turn your back on the surf here.
(831) 624-4909.

Big Sur. With mountains rising directly out of the Pacific, this fantastic section of coast extends roughly from Point Lobos to San Simeon. The drive along Hwy 1 is spectacular.

Point Sur Lighthouse. Historic buildings at a spectacular location. Reservations required. Tours available Mon. and Wed. in summer, and on weekends otherwise. (831) 625-4419.

 

Bixby Bridge – A 1932 engineering marvel also called "The Rainbow Bridge."

 

Andrew Molera State Park, 21 miles south of Carmel on Hwy 1. Along the Big Sur River with scenic trails and a sandy beach. Park offers day-use activities and walk-in campsites.
(831) 667-2315 Big Sur Station.

Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park, 2 miles south of Big Sur Village on Hwy 1. Features redwoods, fern-lined canyon, 218 camp sites. The park offers picnicking, hiking, fishing and organized nature walks.

(831) 667-2315.

Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park, 13 miles south of Big Sur on Hwy 1. Rugged setting offers trails among cliffs, redwoods, beaches. This small, but impressive day-use park located north of Lucia. The waterfall at McWay Cove is much-photographed.  
(831) 667-2315 Big Sur Station.

 

Point Sur State Historic Park – stop to admire the 1899 lighthouse.

 

Ventana Wilderness. Over 160,000 acres east of Big Sur. Trails provide dramatic coastal vistas.
(831) 385-5434 Monterey Ranger District.

Los Padres National Forest. Over 1,750,000 acres in the Coast Ranges of Central California. Includes the Wilderness Areas of Ventana, Santa Lucia, Garcia, Machesna, San Rafael, Dick Smith and Chumash. 

 

Henry Miller Memorial Library celebrates the life of the writer and artist who lived in Big Sur – open seasonally.