Running from Carmel-by-the-Sea to San Simeon, Big Sur is a region of California’s central coast that has come to be known worldwide for it’s gorgeous natural landscapes. The area constitutes around 90 miles of coastline and offers some of the most beautiful sights that the state has to offer. From visiting one of the region’s many state parks to learning about the life and work of Big Sur resident and author Henry Miller at the Henry Miller Library, join ViewCation as we explore the best things to do in Bug Sur, California.
Visit One of Big Sur’s Many State Parks
The region of Big Sur is home to numerous notable state parks that each offer natural sights unique to the area. Two of the most popular state parks in the region of Big Sur are Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park and Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park. Both parks are named after one of Big Sur’s most influential pioneers. Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park is located right on the coast, though the majority of the area is largely elevated above the water. Those exploring the park will be treated to expansive forests of coastal redwoods. One of the best hiking paths to take within Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park is Ewoldsen Trail. Perhaps the most striking sight within the entirety of the park comes courtesy of McWay
Falls. McWay Falls is an 80-foot waterfall plummeting directly into the ocean, and it’s just around half an hour away from the parking lot of the park by way of a short hike.
As compared to Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park, Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park is located a little bit further inland. As a result, the park offers denser redwood forests than it’s aforementioned sibling. As with Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park, Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park features numerous awesome hiking trails to take that offer plenty of unique sights for those curious about the region. However, those looking to camp will certainly find Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park to be the more accommodating of the two parks thanks to it’s over 150 different campsites located along the Big Sur River. Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park has come to be known as the preeminent campground destination in the region of Big Sur, with campsites that can accommodate both tents and RVs.
Pay a Visit to Pfeiffer Beach
If you’re looking to experience one of the purest beach settings that the region of Big Sur has to offer, than look no further than Pfeiffer Beach! The two-mile road to the peaceful beach is located a mere mile south of Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park’s entrance. The road itself is a bit bumpy and narrow, so you won’t be able to fit an RV on it! However, the bumpy little drive is worth it to get to the incredible beach.
If you’re looking for the best view of the ocean that the region of Big Sur has to offer it’s visitors, than you’ll want to head to Pfeiffer Beach. One of the most notable features of the beach is Keyhole Rock, which is a large natural rock formation that forms an arch. Sunsets at Keyhole Rock are among the most legendary around, and everyone should experience at least one while visiting the region of Big Sur.
Take a Peek at the Staggering Bixby Bridge
While Keyhole Rock is one of the most awesome natural formations in the region of Big Sur, Bixby Bridge represents an equally awesome formation that was made by man. Bixby Bridge is hard to ignore when viewing the coastline. The bridge was completed in 1932 and has stood proudly tall ever since, standing at a staggering height of 260 feet.
It’s common for tourists to get out and take a picture next to the amazing bridge, and there are plentiful places for visitors to do so. There are numerous areas lining the bridge to pull off on the side of the road and take pictures, and there are also several notable viewpoints located around the area that can give you the opportunity to either take a picture with or simply view the incredible manmade structure from afar.
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Go Scuba Diving at Point Lobos State Natural Reserve
Given that Big Sur is a region located along the coast of California, it stands to reason that the area would have some pretty nifty scuba-diving opportunities. Visitors to the Big Sur region that are looking to go scuba diving will want to look no further than Point Lobos State Natural Reserve, which stands as the most popular location within the area to do so.
Point Lobos State Natural Reserve has come to be popular with scuba divers thanks to it’s diverse sea life. However, the area has more to offer visitors to the Big Sur region than just scuba-diving opportunities. Visitors to Pont Lobos State Natural Reserve will also be treated to hiking trails galore, as well as various scenic viewpoints offering tourists the chance to get an unprecedented view of the ocean. The area’s diverse wildlife isn’t just limited to the sea, as a section by the name of Bird Island is home to plenty of seabirds.
Take a Trip to Ragged Point
Visiting Ragged Point is oftentimes one of the very first things that visitors to the Big Sur region do, as it has become one of the region’s most widely recognized symbols. Visitors to Ragged Point will be immediately confronted with the Ragged Point Inn and Resort, which sits right a top the intimidating 300-foot cliff. The Ragged Point Inn and Resort offers many amenities, including a gourmet restaurant. Of course, you can also stay the night, which will allow you the opportunity to wake up bright and early the next morning and hike down the cliff to the beautiful black-sanded beach that rests below it. Though the trail is steep, walking this black-sanded beach is an incredible experience.
Explore Partington Cove
Partington Cove is a large tunnel that is located just a few miles north of the aforementioned Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park. The tunnel can be accessed via a parking lot just off of Highway 1, though visitors should expect a little hike. After making your way through a fairly dense forest area that makes up about a mile, you’ll be at Partington Cove. The tunnel is 60-feet wide, and making your way through it will bring you to a particularly calm beach area.
Experience Point Sur State Historic Park
While the majority of tourist destinations in the Big Sur region draw visitors in with their natural landscapes, Point Sur State Historic Park is a location that is notable for being the home of the Point Sur Lighthouse. Like the Bixby Bridge, the Point Sur Lighthouse is another awesome manmade sight that the Big Sur region offer it’s tourists, though the lighthouse is a little bit more difficult to experience firsthand than the bridge thanks to it’s more limited availability. Tourists who wish to experience the turn-of-the-century lighthouse up close will need to stick around during the weekend to get a guided tour. The lighthouse has been kept in operation since 1889. Along with the aforementioned Bixby Bridge and Ragged Point, the Big Sur Lighthouse stands as an important symbol of the region that tourists won’t want to miss out on.
Take a Drive Down the Beautiful Old Coast Road
If you’re a fan of scenic drives who has found themselves in the Big Sur region, you’d be dong yourself a disservice not to check out Old Coast Road. The road can be travelled by mountain bike, motorbike, or four-wheel drive vehicle. Not only is the drive fun, but you’ll also be treated to a plethora of unique sights. The road was the way that Big Sur residents got around before the Bixby Bridge was built. However, the road hasn’t been nearly as finely maintained as the bridge!
Those who are looking to access Old Coast Road will find the entrance just north of the Bixby Bridge and on the left-hand side. The road goes on for about 15 miles, and features plentiful redwood forests and beautiful meadows. Once you’ve begun the drive, it’s easiest to just keep going until the road ends, as their isn’t a whole lot of room on the narrow road for average-sized vehicle to turn around.
Learn About One of the Big Sur Region’s Most Celebrated Residents at the Henry Miller Memorial Library
We’ll end this video by taking a look at another notable location that offers some contrast to the predominantly natural wonders of the Big Sur region. One of the most popular of the many residents to have ever graced the Big Sur region is the celebrated author Henry Miller. As a result of the late author’s residency, the region is home to the Henry Miller Memorial Library. The library isn’t your typical library and serves predominantly as a shrine for the late author. The library is said to be home of the second-biggest collection of the celebrated author’s manuscripts, with the biggest collection being in nearby UCLA. Besides holding many of Henry Miller’s manuscripts, the library also serves as a sort of cultural hub, with it housing numerous events.
The region of Big Sur offers some of the most staggering natural sights that can be found in the entire state of California. Now it’s time to hear from you: did you know that Big Sur was the home of celebrated author Henry Miller, and that the region features some of the best scuba diving in the entire state of California? As always, like this video to show your support, and subscribe and hit the notification bell if you’d like to be among the first to know when more informative ViewCation videos are on their way!