Escape to the tranquility and breathtaking natural beauty of Big Sur, California. Despite its popularity, this stretch of coastline offers a sense of peacefulness and solitude that can be hard to find. Exploring Big Sur in one day is an ambitious but rewarding adventure, packed with incredible views, scenic trails, and unique experiences. From towering cliffs plunging into the Pacific to hidden coves and iconic landmarks, discovering the best Things To See In Big Sur requires planning and a sense of adventure. This guide will help you make the most of your unforgettable day trip along the stunning Big Sur coast.
Pro Tip: Cell service and internet access are minimal throughout Big Sur. Be sure to download offline maps, essential information, and your planned stops before you start your journey.
Fueling Up Before Your Big Sur Adventure
Starting your day right is key, especially before embarking on the scenic drive through Big Sur. Many visitors begin their journey from nearby Monterey or Carmel. Grabbing breakfast in one of these coastal towns allows you to enjoy a meal with beautiful bay views and ensure you’re ready before heading south on Highway 1, where dining options become sparse and spread out.
Exploring the Iconic Coastal Wonders of Big Sur
The drive itself is a core part of experiencing Big Sur. Highway 1 hugs the coastline, revealing one stunning panorama after another. While it’s tempting to stop at every turnout, focusing on the most distinct viewpoints and natural areas allows you to maximize your limited time and truly appreciate the essential things to see in Big Sur.
Point Lobos State Natural Reserve
Exploring Point Lobos feels like stepping into another world. Located just south of Carmel, this reserve is packed with natural wonders, from rugged cliffs to serene beaches and abundant wildlife. Hiking the trails here offers a fantastic introduction to the dramatic coastal landscape you’ll encounter further south. The South Shore Trail provides incredible vistas, while the trails leading to Sea Lion Point offer opportunities to see marine life.
Coastal trail views at Point Lobos State Natural Reserve
Finding a parking spot can be challenging, especially on busy days, so arrive early. The trails are well-maintained and offer various lengths and difficulties, allowing you to tailor your visit. Don’t rush through Point Lobos; take time to soak in the diverse scenery, from cypress groves to hidden coves.
Rugged shoreline at Point Lobos State Natural Reserve
Garrapata State Beach
Just a bit further south on Highway 1, Garrapata State Beach offers intense, raw beauty. Access points are minimal and easy to miss, often just small turnouts numbered as “Gates.” Finding parking at one of these gates, like Gate 19, leads you down paths and staircases to the vast, uncrowded beach below.
Path and stairs leading down to Garrapata State Beach
While strong surf often makes swimming unsafe, the sheer expanse of the sand and the dramatic rocky formations are incredibly photogenic. Erosion has sculpted the rocks over thousands of years, giving them unique character. Listening to the powerful waves crash against the shore is a truly immersive experience. This stop is a must for appreciating the untamed coastal power, making it one of the memorable things to see in Big Sur.
Detailed rock formations on Garrapata State Beach
Iconic Bixby Creek Bridge
Perhaps the most famous landmark in Big Sur, the Bixby Creek Bridge is an architectural marvel spanning a dramatic canyon. Its elegant arch against the rugged coastal backdrop is an iconic image of California. While you’ll drive over the bridge, the best views are found from viewpoints just before or after it.
Iconic Bixby Creek Bridge spanning a canyon in Big Sur
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Popular viewpoints can get crowded, so be patient. If construction or crowds make stopping difficult on your southward journey, plan to stop on your return trip north. The sheer size and grandeur of the bridge are truly impressive up close, cementing its status as a top thing to see in Big Sur.
Hurricane Point View
Just south of the Bixby Bridge is Hurricane Point View, a pull-off that offers truly breathtaking perspectives. The panoramic views from this elevated spot showcase the vibrant turquoise and deep blue waters of the Pacific meeting the dramatic, rocky coastline. On a clear day, you might even catch a glimpse of the distant Point Sur Lighthouse.
Panoramic view from Hurricane Point viewpoint in Big Sur
This viewpoint provides a different angle than the main Bixby Bridge turnouts, offering a sweeping vista of the coast stretching out before you. It’s an essential stop for capturing the vastness and color of the Big Sur landscape.
Unexpected Encounters: The Big Sur Cows
Amidst the dramatic coastal cliffs, you might be surprised to encounter herds of cows grazing in rolling green fields. Seeing these seemingly content animals with expansive ocean views is an unexpected, charming sight along the route. Pulling over briefly to appreciate these “Happy California Cows” adds a quirky, memorable moment to your trip through Big Sur.
Cows grazing near the coast in Big Sur
A Break with a View: Dining in Big Sur
Finding the perfect spot for lunch is part of the Big Sur experience. Dining options are limited and often have incredible views. One iconic location stands out for its food and unparalleled panorama.
Lunch at Nepenthe
Nestled high on a cliffside amidst the trees, Nepenthe is a legendary Big Sur restaurant. It offers sweeping, unobstructed views of the Pacific Ocean that are simply stunning. The combination of delicious food and this incredible setting makes it a highly recommended stop.
Nepenthe restaurant building with expansive ocean views
Below the main restaurant, you’ll find Cafe Kevah, a more casual option with equally impressive views, and The Phoenix Shop, offering unique local crafts and souvenirs. Requesting a table on the outdoor balcony at Nepenthe (or enjoying the patio at Cafe Kevah) elevates the dining experience into one of the truly unforgettable things to see in Big Sur.
Dining balcony view at Nepenthe overlooking the Pacific
Southern Gems of Big Sur: Waterfalls and Vistas
Continuing south reveals more natural wonders, including one of Big Sur’s most famous features.
Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park Vista Point
Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park is home to the iconic McWay Falls, but the entire park area offers stunning views. The main vista point turnout provides expansive 180-degree views of the rugged coastline and the vast Pacific. There is ample parking available, making it an easy stop to stretch your legs and take in the scenery.
Vista point overlooking the Big Sur coast at Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park
This viewpoint serves as an excellent spot to appreciate the scale of the Big Sur cliffs and coastline before heading to the park’s main attraction.
The Famous McWay Falls
Without question, one of the most photographed things to see in Big Sur is McWay Falls. This stunning waterfall plunges directly onto a pristine beach (which is inaccessible to the public, preserving its beauty) nestled in a picturesque cove. Located within Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park, viewing the falls is typically done from an accessible overlook trail.
Distant view of McWay Falls plunging onto the beach
Parking at the park entrance can fill up quickly, so be prepared to park safely on the side of the road near the entrance if needed. The main viewing area is relatively short walk from the parking area. While the main viewpoint offers the classic postcard view, sometimes lower viewing areas are accessible for different perspectives. Even from the upper trail, the sight of the waterfall meeting the ocean is mesmerizing.
McWay Falls flowing into the cove at Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park
Hidden Beauty and Unexpected Trails
While the main highway showcases dramatic ocean views, venturing slightly off the beaten path can reveal hidden natural treasures.
Calla Lily Valley
Accessible via a less obvious trail near Garrapata State Beach, Calla Lily Valley is a unique spot, especially beautiful in spring and summer when the calla lilies are in bloom. The trail is relatively short but can be narrow and brushy in parts, requiring careful navigation.
Narrow trail leading to Calla Lily Valley
The trail follows Doud Creek, with small, often handmade bridges crossing the water. While the lilies might be sparse outside of peak season, the walk through the creek valley to the coast is a pleasant diversion. This hidden gem offers a different kind of natural beauty among the many things to see in Big Sur.
Calla lilies blooming near Doud Creek trail
Continuing the Scenic Journey
As you explore the southern reaches of Big Sur, remember that the return journey north offers different lighting and perspectives on the landscapes you saw earlier. Taking the time to stop at overlooks you might have missed or revisiting favorites allows for a fuller appreciation of the coastline’s ever-changing beauty.
Beyond Big Sur: Nearby Attractions
Depending on your starting point and available time after exploring Big Sur, you might have the opportunity to visit attractions nearby. These areas offer charming towns and iconic scenic drives that complement the Big Sur experience.
The Scenic 17-Mile Drive
Located near Monterey and Carmel, the 17-Mile Drive is a privately owned scenic route through Pebble Beach and Pacific Grove. It features dramatic coastal landscapes, famous golf courses, stunning mansions, and iconic landmarks like the Lone Cypress. It requires a fee to enter but offers a different, more manicured coastal experience compared to the wildness of Big Sur.
The famous Lone Cypress tree on the 17-Mile Drive
Charming Carmel-by-the-Sea
Just north of Big Sur, Carmel-by-the-Sea is a delightful village known for its fairytale-like cottages, art galleries, boutiques, and beautiful sandy beach. It’s a perfect place to stroll, shop, enjoy a final meal, or simply relax after a day of driving and exploring.
Charming fairytale-style shops in Carmel-by-the-Sea
Finishing your day in one of these nearby towns allows for a smooth transition back to civilization, offering great dining options and a chance to reflect on the incredible things to see in Big Sur you’ve just experienced.
Essential Tips for Visiting Big Sur
Planning is crucial for a successful and enjoyable trip to Big Sur, especially if you’re trying to see the highlights in one day. Keep these tips in mind:
- Big Sur’s Extent: Big Sur is roughly a 90-mile stretch of coastline starting just south of Carmel and extending north of San Simeon. The core, most dramatic section is roughly between Point Lobos and Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park.
- Connectivity Issues: Be prepared for little to no cell service or Wi-Fi. Download offline maps, save locations (“heart” them), and make notes on your phone or a physical map.
- Plan Your Stops: With limited time, identify your must-see spots in advance. It’s easy to miss pull-offs if you’re not looking for them.
- Driving Safety: Highway 1 through Big Sur is winding, narrow in places, and sits on steep cliffs. Drive carefully, pay attention to the road, and use turnouts when stopping to admire views.
- Leave No Trace: Practice responsible tourism. Pack out everything you pack in, including trash. Help preserve the natural beauty for others.
- Weather: Coastal weather can change rapidly. Fog is common, especially in the mornings. Check forecasts, but be prepared for variable conditions.
Frequently Asked Questions About Visiting Big Sur
Q: How much time do you need to see the main things to see in Big Sur?
A: While you can see many highlights in one full day, a more relaxed pace (2-3 days) allows you to explore trails, spend more time at viewpoints, and enjoy the atmosphere without rushing. A one-day trip focuses on the key viewpoints and short stops.
Q: Is it better to drive north or south through Big Sur?
A: Most people prefer driving south from Monterey or Carmel. This keeps you on the ocean side of the road, offering easier access to viewpoints and uninterrupted coastal views.
Q: Is there cell service in Big Sur?
A: No, cell service is extremely limited or non-existent throughout most of Big Sur. Download maps and information beforehand.
Q: What is the best time of year to visit Big Sur?
A: Spring (April-May) offers wildflowers and green hillsides, while Fall (September-October) often provides clear skies and pleasant temperatures. Summer is popular but can be foggy. Winter can bring rain and potential road closures, but also dramatic storm views.
Q: Can you access the beach at McWay Falls?
A: No, the beach at the base of McWay Falls is permanently closed to the public to protect the fragile environment. You can only view the falls from the overlook trail.
Planning Your Perfect Big Sur Day
Experiencing the essential things to see in Big Sur in a single day is a whirlwind tour of incredible natural beauty. From the trails of Point Lobos to the iconic Bixby Bridge, the stunning McWay Falls, and the charming stops along the way, Big Sur offers a concentrated dose of coastal magic. Plan your route, download your maps, drive safely, and immerse yourself in the dramatic landscapes that make this stretch of the California coast truly unforgettable. It’s an adventure that connects you deeply with the raw power and serene beauty of the Pacific coast.