7 must see sights along the Big Sur coast you should not miss

Big Sur is one of the most beautiful places on Earth. This stretch of coastline between Carmel and San Simeon is best known for its dramatic scenery and terrain. It is here where the turquoise waters of the Pacific Ocean crash into rugged cliffs and mountains that rise from the sea.

It doesn’t make sense how something so beautiful can remain mostly untouched for so long. Whether you visit for one day or one year, there will always be something new to discover. You can find it all here, including waterfalls, parks, hiking trails, beaches, scenic vistas, and iconic bridges dating back to the early 20th century.

If you are traveling between San Francisco and Los Angeles, the detour through Big Sur is well worth the effort and extra time along the meandering road. Taking a road trip down Highway 1 as it makes its way along the Big Sur coast should be on everyone’s bucket list.

If you are looking for more information about Big Sur, I highly recommend you pick up a guidebook such as Moon Monterey & Carmel.

Here is a list of 7 must-see sights along the Big Sur coast you should not miss:

1 – McWay Falls

A short walk off Highway 1 in Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park brings you to McWay Falls, one of the most iconic spots found along the Big Sur coastline.

McWay Falls is unique because the 80-foot waterfall empties into the Pacific Ocean. The water flows off a rocky tree-lined cliff to the golden beach below, surrounded by swirling blue and turquoise pools of water and crashing white surf. I can’t think of anything more picturesque.

If you love photography, then this is your spot. You will leave with that perfect postcard photo, even if you use your cell phone camera. Just remember to bring a fully charged camera for all the photos you will take.

Access to the beach below is illegal since the cliffs are unstable and dangerous. However, the trail above offers several great photo opportunities, so there’s no reason to risk your life trying to descend the cliffs.

Parking is available for $10 at Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park or for free along the shoulder of Highway 1.

Address: 52801 California State Route 1, Big Sur, CA 93920 (GPS: 36.157768, -121.672090)

2 – Hiking through the redwood forest and ocean views along Ewoldsen Trail

Many visitors to Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park are so enchanted by McWay Falls that they fail to realize the incredible and rugged backcountry surrounding them.

The highlight of this backcountry is Ewoldsen Trail. This trail is a moderate 4.5-mile hike through quiet redwood groves along McWay Creek before that leads to a viewpoint with stunning views of the Pacific Ocean. If you enjoy photography, you can spend all day here with endless photographic opportunities.

You will arrive at a junction if you continue for about a mile from the parking lot. From here, the trail loops for about two miles through redwood forests and rolling grassy ridges through McWay Canyon.

If you are limited on time yet want to reach the viewpoint, head clockwise at the loop junction. The trail is steep, but it only takes around 15 minutes to reach the top. It’s well worth the effort. You can head back down the same way or continue around the loop to get the full experience. The whole loop takes about 60 to 90 minutes without stopping.

Parking is available for $10 at Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park or for free along the shoulder of Highway 1.

Address: 52801 California State Route 1, Big Sur, CA 93920 (GPS: 36.160290, -121.668522)

3 – Bixby Creek Bridge

Just 30 minutes south of Monterey and Carmel is Bixby Creek Bridge, one of the Big Sur coast’s most photogenic, iconic, and dramatic views.

Even if you have never been to Bixby Creek Bridge, you know Bixby Creek Bridge. The bridge is one of the most photographed spots in California. You might have also seen it featured in movies, television shows, and commercials.

The bridge, which opened on November 27, 1932, is one of the highest single-span bridges in the world. The massive concrete arch bridge spanning Rainbow Canyon, surrounded by rolling hills and turquoise waters, is one of the most beautiful sights I have ever seen.

For the perfect photo op, pull over at the viewpoint on the bridge’s northern end. A small parking lot with free parking is available.

Address: CA-1, Monterey, CA 93940 (GPS: 36.371623, -121.901812)

4 – Driving along the Old Coast Road

Have you ever noticed a dirt road that leads up into the hills from the northern side of Bixby Creek Bridge? You probably haven’t.

Most tourists traversing Highway 1 never notice this rewarding detour. They snap a few photos at the viewpoint of Bixby Creek Bridge and move on. Little do they know they are passing by one of the most scenic roads along Big Sur.

This little-known road is Old Coast Road.

Before constructing the Bixby Creek Bridge, travelers had to traverse an 11-mile inland dirt road that could take days to complete. From Bixby Creek Bridge, Old Coast Road surprises travelers with redwood forests, rolling hills, and views of the Pacific Ocean. The road continues until it reconnects with Highway 1 near Andrew Molera State Park.

I recommend a four-wheel drive or high-clearance vehicle since Old Coast Road is a narrow dirt road. I drove my stock Ford F-150 truck and had no issues. If you drive slowly in a smaller car, you should be able to drive along the road, but I wouldn’t recommend this. In any case, if it’s raining or has recently rained, be sure to stick to the asphalt of Highway 1.

You will pass through private land for the better part of the 11-mile detour. With limited areas to pull over for photos, I stopped in the middle of the road to snap a few pictures. Since only a few cars use this road, you should have no problems, but watch for other vehicles.

Just avoid walking in any private areas. The multiple signs will frequently remind you to stay out.

Address: Old Coast Rd, CA (GPS: 36.372563, -121.902483 (north entrance) or 36.288549, -121.844415 (south entrance))

5 – Pfeiffer Beach

Even though Pfeiffer Beach, not to be confused with Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park, is located down a poorly marked, narrow, unpaved road, the scenery is worth the trek. It’s one of the most beautiful beaches located in Big Sur.

You don’t come to Pfeiffer Beach to swim. It’s too cold, and the rip tides are too dangerous. You come here for the scenery and to relax on the beach.

Photographers will enjoy taking pictures of the perfectly positioned rock formations in the water. The best time for photographs is when the sun sets and the beach, ocean, and rocks light up with golden yellow and fiery red shades of color.

If photography is not your thing, the beach is still a prime location for walking, exploring the tide pools, climbing on the rocks, and relaxing before continuing along Highway 1. It’s the place you are okay with getting lost for a few hours. Kids will love Pfeiffer Beach.

Parking at Pfeiffer Beach is available for $15. If the small lot is full, which often occurs, you will have to park up by the highway and walk in.

Address: Sycamore Canyon Rd, Big Sur, CA 93920 (GPS: 36.238225, -121.815425)

6 – Point Lobos State Natural Reserve

Point Lobos State Natural Reserve, located at the northern end of Big Sur near Monterey and Carmel, is an excellent option for ending or starting your road trip along Big Sur.

Point Lobos State Natural Reserve is like Big Sur but in a smaller package. If you don’t have time to travel along the entire Big Sur coast, you can still get a great idea of what the rest of the coast looks like without driving for hours.

The reserve features rocky shores, coves, and rolling meadows surrounded by stunning ocean views. Nature and animal lovers can see everything from birds to seals, sea lions, and even migrating gray whales in the winter.

My favorite part about Point Lobos State Natural Reserve is the hiking trails that meander around the park and along shorelines leading past endless hidden coves and cypress trees.

Parking at Point Lobos State Natural Reserve is $10.

Address: 62 California 1, Carmel-By-The-Sea, CA 93923 (GPS: 36.516021, -121.942278)

7 – The views from Nepenthe Restaurant and Cafe Kevah

Just south of Pfeiffer Beach is Nepenthe Restaurant and Cafe Kevah, a popular stop along Big Sur for food, drinks, and stunning views.

Nepenthe Restaurant serves upscale and overpriced classic California cuisine. Located downstairs, Cafe Kevah is reasonably priced but still expensive. The cafe serves brunch, baked goods, salads, and paninis. You pay for the view.

Nepenthe Restaurant and Cafe Kevah are easy to spot. Just look for the high concentrations of vehicles pulled over on the side of the road. It’s always busy here, even on a Monday afternoon.

While I can’t recommend the food since I’ve never tried it, I recommend stopping for the spectacular views of the rocky Big Sur coastline and the Pacific Ocean below. Order a cold beer or glass of wine, sit back, and enjoy the incredible views.

Address: 48510 CA-1, Big Sur, CA 93920 (GPS: 36.221798, -121.759286)

Last Updated on April 12, 2024