Rugged mountain landscape surrounded by crystal blue coast is the first picture that comes to mind when I think of Big Sur. But what exactly is it?
Big Sur refers to the 90 mile stretch of Santa Lucia Mountain Range and Pacific Ocean on the North-Central Coast of California. Highway 1 was built in 1934 and provides the opportunity to drive through it all, year-round (weather-contingent). You may be familiar with the viral images of its collapse after heavy rains in January of 2021. Even so, it is known to be one of the best kept highways in the United States.
The northern end of Big Sur begins in Monterey and the Southern portion ends at Ragged Point. Two of the most visited towns in the Big Sur area are Carmel and Monterey.
Taking a Big Sur Drive is by far one of the most scenic things you can do on your visit to California. This region holds a special place in my heart, and I hope you find the opportunity to experience it too!
Big Sur Details
Location: Big Sur is roughly 90 miles long. The north end of Big Sur begins around Monterey, about 1 hour 40 minutes from San Francisco airport. The south end of Big Sur is Ragged Point, approximately 3 hours 40 minutes from San Francisco airport.
When to visit: All seasons are considered mild at Big Sur. Summer is considered the most mild of them all.
However, weather is known to change drastically though throughout the day. No matter what season you are visiting Big Sur, it is important to pack for any sort of weather from shorts to sweaters.
How many days: Plan to spend at least one full day on your Big Sur drive. 3 days to 1 week is most ideal if you have the time. Driving from one end of Big Sur to the other takes about 2 hours. Prioritizing your stops depending on the amount of time you have will be very important.
Parking: Big Sur Drive along Highway 1 is HUGE! While the state parks have parking lots, you are allowed to park outside of them for no fee. If they are located on a winding part of Big Sur, I personally would feel safer parking inside of the park.
Big Sur Drive Planning
Big Sur Cell Service
Download an offline map in advance as the service is very spotty along Highway 1 and at many of the park stops.
Big Sur Park Names
Note that many parts of Highway 1 share similar names that are indeed different places. You’ll find “Pfeiffer” or “Big Sur” in many names of completely different places.
Big Sur is also the name of a town located in the region of Big Sur, but there are MANY other towns in this region such as Monterrey and Pacific Grove.
Big Sur Car Rental
I like using AutoSlash to help me find the best price for a car rental. You just reserve your car type with your dates on a website in advance (selecting option to pay at counter), enter your info into AutoSlash, and they do the rest.
Be on the lookout for e-mails they send you as prices for your car type and dates drop. Super resourceful. If you are booking your car last minute, it’s probably cheaper to choose just paying in advance and not using the service.
10 Stops on your Big Sur Drive
Check out these top 10 things to do on your Big Sur drive, from north to south! You can complete your Big Sur road trip in reverse- up to you!
1. Lovers Point Park
Entrance Fee: Free
Lovers Point Park is located in Pacific Grove, California. It is an ideal stop before or after completing 17 mile drive. Street parking is located along the coast.
In addition to beach views and walking paths, visitors can enjoy bike and kayak rentals, a beach volleyball court, or a snack bar. Accessible restrooms are available. Water sport lovers enjoy swimming, surfing, and scuba diving.
2. 17 Mile Drive
Entrance Fee: $11.25/vehicle
17 Mile Drive can be completed as a side stop on your Big Sur Drive. Located in Pacific Grove, the infamous location has been drawing visitors for years.
3. Butterfly House
Entrance Fee: Free
Less than 10 minutes from 17 mile drive is the beautiful Butterfly House in Pacific Grove, California. Spend some time diving into the story of its creation. This is a private residence, so be sure to respect it as such. (For more butterfly loving, check out the Monarch Reserve in Monterey)
4. Point Lobos
$10 Daily State Park Pass: Yes
Uhm. Talk about just can’t get enough! Point Lobos is located _____Turquoise waters along cliffside, I’ll take that ANY day. A huge draw is the accessible views.
5. Limekiln State Park
Individual Entrance Fee: $10
A 100ft waterfall, four hiking trails, and a campground are some of the things that make up Limekiln State Park’s 700 acres of land. Campsites and lodging at the park can be booked up to 6 months in advance. The park is open daily from sunrise to sunset.
6. Garapata State Park
$10 Daily State Park Pass: Yes
Garrapata is almost like, attached to Point Lobos. You make a right turn out of the park and are barely up Highway 1 before you see the Garrapata sign.
That being said, the landscape is very similar to Point Lobos. I didn’t have time to venture out of my car here, but a brief stop was worthwhile. $10 entrance fee for parking inside of park (good to get into state park for the rest of the day)
7. Bixby Bridge
Entrance Fee: Free
At 260ft high and 700ft long (WOAH, HUGE) Bixby Bridge is the world’s highest single span concrete arch bridge. People love snapping photos. No hike needed; just a drive-up to the lookout. It’s neat, but very crowded. I was on a packed weekend itinerary so I decided to skip a formal stop.
8. Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park
$10 Daily State Park Pass: Yes
Free Option: Park on street
The big draw at Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park is McWay Falls.
Outhouses are conveniently located past the entrance. Tickets are self purchase through a machine with no attendant.
Visitors access McWay Falls down a set of steep stairs and through a tunnel. It’s just a lookout point, and is NARROW… yup, crowds on crowds. It is not possible to access the beach to stop directly at McWay Falls itself.
9. Sand Dollar Beach
Individual Entrance Fee: $10
Sand Dollar Beach is an incredible beach filled with beautiful rocks and scenic views. There were families relaxing, friends surfing, and some volleyball games going when I was here. Just an all around fun afternoon for all. Pay at a parking lot machine upon arrival.
Big Sur Drive Accommodation
You have got to spend at least one night near Big Sur, unless you are local taking a quick trip. For even more options, find an expansive list on the Big Sur website.
