Guide to Big Sur

Things to Do in Big Sur

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Just south of Carmel along the Coast Highway, Big Sure is home to some of the most thrilling open road views of beaches, rugged cliffs and sheer, green mountains that drop down to creamy, sandy beaches.

The drive runs from winding cliffside turns to long, open roads along green meadows with cows and horses, ending at the heart of the redwoods in Big Sur. It will take just less than an hour on the Coast Highway (24.4 miles) without traffic with only limited access to gas and services.  

Big Sur has camping and great hiking, horseback riding and river fun along the main highway with great stopping points for drinks and local cuisine. The Henry Miller Library offers entertainment and a real library of Henry's favorites, along with other great literature visitors can purchase.

Pfeiffer State Park in Big Sur sits on the wild Pacific Ocean with rocky outcrops visitors can walk along. Look for signage near Ventana Inn and Post Ranch, both resorts nearby.

[Photo courtesy of Shutterstock / elgad]

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Popular Things to Do in Big Sur

Bars

Nepenthe

48510 48510 CA-1, Big Sur, CA 93920

Based on the vision of founders Lolly and Bill Fassett, the family at Nepenthe Restaurant has maintained a commitment to exceptional caring service in a relaxed atmosphere.

Camping

Riverside Campground & Cabins

47020 47020 CA-1, Big Sur, CA 93920

Riverside Campground & Cabins offer 40 sites for tents RV's and 12 Cabins along the Big Sur River on 16 Acres surrounded by majestic Redwoods.

Bars

Big Sur Roadhouse

47080 47080 CA-1, Big Sur, CA 93920

Foods

Big Sur River Inn

46840 46840 CA-1, Big Sur, CA 93920

The Big Sur River Inn is an unforgettable one-stop vacation destination where traditions are born and thrive, year after year.

Bars

The Restaurant at Ventana

48123 48123 CA-1, Big Sur, CA 93920

Bars

Big Sur Deli

47520 47520 CA-1, Big Sur, CA 93920

Beaches

Pfeiffer Beach

Sycamore Canyon Rd, Big Sur, CA 93920

Parks & Open Spaces

Point Sur State Historic Park

Highway 1 At Mile Post 54.1, Big Sur, CA 93920

The Point Sur Lightstation sits 361 feet above the surf on a large volcanic rock. Point Sur is the only complete turn-of-the century Lightstation open to the public in California, and is on the National Register of Historic Places.

Scenes from Big Sur
The PortalA Great MemoryAndrew Molera State Park BarnBig Sur RiverMorning ViewIMG_2344IMG_2342IMG_2341 Old Ford PickupRed-tailed HawkSteller's jayAcorn WoodpeckerPfeifer Falls TrailBig Sur! 🌳Banana slug, Big Sur, CA, USAHighway 1 (4)

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