Big Sur is considered to be a national treasure with one of the most beautiful coastlines in the world. With some of the most majestic views in California it is a must see for everyone. I created this guide as an aide to those looking to optimize their visit with the top places to see in Big Sur Lilly Valley, Bixby Bridge and McWay falls.
If you’ve ever seen Big Little Lies and were ever mezmorized by the beautiful coastal scenes from the show then you know how gorgeous this place is. Maybe you’ve never heard of the show and have no idea what you’re getting yourself into and that’s ok. The beauty about Big Sur is that it has something for everyone; Whether you’re an outdoor enthusiast who loves to hike, like to dine with a view or you’re looking for a weekend getaway to disconnect from the big city.
Table of Contents
What is Big Sur?
Don’t mistake Big Sur to be a town, it is rather a mountainous section part of California’s Central Coast region. This gorgeous 90-mile coastline is found between Carmel-By-The-Sea to the north and San Simeon to the south.
As one of the most beautiful sections of the California coast this place had been on my to do list for a long time. Just keep in mind the road can get pretty high and curvy so if you’re prone to motion sickness easily make sure to prepare accordingly. I had to pull over at one point and switch with my fiancé because the dizziness knocked me out.
You can reach Big Sur by two ways, I’ve done both. If you’re from out of state your best bet is to fly into San Francisco, which is only about 2-and-a half hours from Big Sur.
Now if you live in the state you can make a road trip out of it! Big Sur is only about 5-6 hours from LA, and 7-and-half hours from San Diego. It took us about one full tank to get here, and if you’re a Costco member you can find cheap gas along the way!
Know Before You Go:
- Download the Big Sur map on google maps before you start your adventures, since this area doesn’t tend to get signal
- Download your road trip playlist
- Make sure to have your phone charger in your car
- There aren’t many gas stations in this area so make sure to fuel up before you go
- Also, can’t forget some water and snacks. I don’t know about you, but I am not a happy camper when I’m hangry (my fiancé can attest to this)
- Avoid the crowds and traffic by visiting during the “off-season,” not summer. It can get pretty crammed when everyone is stopping along the road during the summer. It doesn’t help there is only one road, something to keep in mind.
- Free parking is available and limited alongside the highway for each of these sights. I recommend you start the day early so you can snag a spot and have less people in the background of your pictures.
Top Places To See in Big Sur
My mind works in an organized fashion and as much as my fiancé would love for me to go with the flow and see things as we go I cannot. So, if you’re anything like me you’ll appreciate this itinerary as I list the things to see in chronological order going from north to south.
Point Lobos
Listed as the number one place to see in Big Sur across many sites and considered the crown jewel of California’s State Park Systems this place holds up to the title. It offers amazing views everywhere you look with beautiful, accessible trails, some of which are along the coast. It’s a great place to walk, bird watch and even scuba dive.
Entry is $10/vehicle for those who park in the lot. Make sure you get here early, spots are limited leaving the majority to park off of Highway 1. Keep this in mind especially if you plant to visit during the weekend when there’s more people. For more information on entrance or dive fees make sure to check out their website. (map)
Garrapata State Park
The State park offers unique coastal hikes with a beautiful view of the Pacific. If you enjoy hiking you’re in luck because this place has some of the more popular trails to see in Big Sur (map):
- Soberanes Point and Whale Peak Trail (trail head), ranked as easy, a 1.8 mile loop trail great for the family.
- Soberanes Canyon Loop Trail (map), ranked difficult, a 5.4 mile loop trail with steep inclines and scenic views of the Pacific (trail head)
Garrapata Beach & Calla Lilly Valley
If you love Lilly’s or hidden gems make sure to check this place out! I was totally blown away by this unexpected surprise on our way to Garrapata Beach (map). We started out by the Garrapata State Park sign, and followed the path between the guide wires. If you take this path make sure to take a right at the fork, and keep heading north where you will pass the beach overlook and then come across the stairs down to the creek, here you will find the valley of Lilys!
This place is something from a fairy tale or it might be me since I thought it was quite magical. Regardless, it’s one of my favorite places to see in Big Sur. The valley has a stream going through the Lilys so watch out for your shoes. Also, I came across a lot of bees so if you’re allergic keep this in mind. Overall, it was a nice place to capture the moment. From here Garrapata beach is only steps away. I recommend bringing some lunch and having a picnic at the beach. Just make sure to take everything you brought with you.
Check out my Yosemite travel guide for more California travel!
Rocky Creek Bridge
Don’t mistake this with the iconic Bixby Creek Bridge. Rocky Creek Bridge is about a minute north from the iconic Bixby Creek Bridge (map). Rocky Bridge Creek offers its own unique sights so make sure to check it out.
Bixby Bridge
If you’ve ever heard of Big Sur you immediately think of the coastline scenic views and the Bixby Bridge (map). The bridge offers iconic driving scenes you might have seen in HBO’s hit series Big Little Lies (FYI if you haven’t watched it definitely check it out, so good!).
This bridge sits above a canyon about 30 minutes south of Monterey. If you don’t do anything else make sure to check this place out. In my eyes, it’s the definition of Big Sur and one of my favorite places to see in Big Sur; you won’t be disappointed.
Nepenthe
Nepenthe is a great place to see in Big Sur, because it offers delicious food with gorgeous views. They only offer outside dining so rest assured anywhere you sit you’ll have a beautiful view to admire. Fore more information on their menu make sure to check out their site. (map)
Pfeiffer Beach
If you are a hopeless romantic who enjoys beautiful sunsets and long walks on the beach make sure you check out Pfeiffer Beach (map). The beach isn’t ideal for swimming or any other water activities, but it is a great place to walk along the sea. Note, the beach is only open for day use and has an entrance fee of $10.
Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park
Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park is a California state park is about 39 miles south of Monterey (map). The main feature here is McWay falls, which drops over a cliff into the ocean.
McWay Falls
If you’re looking for an easy hike with a beautiful view at the end of the trail the McWay Falls is for you. The trail is a less than a mile (round trip) to the McWay Falls viewpoint. Hiking to the falls should take no more than 30 minutes (map).
Setting the Day
One last unofficial thing to check out are the sunsets! Everyday we were there we ended the day by admiring them, which are 10 times more beautiful in Big Sur! We would pull over to the side of the road crank open the back of the jeep and take it all in. I even saw others bring out their coolers, chairs and blankets!
The beauty about Big Sur is you don’t have to hike to enjoy the scenery. These recommendations of the top places to see in Big Sur is perfect for those who are looking for trails to explore or for those who wish to drive by and stop at the scenic views along the coast. Either way makes for a great adventure.
Map of Attractions!
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