"Big Sur" Big Sur by M0B1US

Big Sur Travel Guide: 406 reviews and 790 photos

Highlights (i.e. best things to do)

Starting out of San Luis Obispo, south of Big Sur, my first major appointment was with the home of Newspaper magnate, William Randolph Hearst – Hearst Castle.

You must book in advance to see California’s most famous monument to wealth and power, as this 165-room homage to excess, is only viewable by extremely popular guided tours.

A few miles north is a piece of beach that offers close up views of a mainland breeding colony of the huge and loud Elephant Seals as they laze on the sand only a few feet below you.

Big Sur itself is simply stunning. There are no major towns along this 100-mile stretch of remote, thinly populated and spectacular coastline, so you can easily lose yourself in the sheer grandness of the region’s natural beauty.

There are plenty of state parks and reserves to feast your eyes on such as the Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park were the 50ft McWay Falls drop straight into the sea. Ventana Wilderness is another popular spot with mineral pools at Sykes Hot Springs.

Throughout the region are wonderfully secluded boutique inns and hotels such as Deetjen’s Big Sur Inn.

Quick tips/suggestions

Coastal Redwood Rainforest

Firstly, take your time! This scenic drive takes longer than it looks on the map, the journey from San Luis Obispo to Carmel is about five hours without stopping to look around – you want to spend a whole day at least to do it any justice at all. Preferably you would stay the night at some point along the way.

Make sure you have plenty of film for your camera, as you will be pulling over wherever possible to photograph as much of this awesome coastline as you can!

Above all, fill up at Carmel or San Luis Obispo before you start your journey, as petrol prices are exorbitant, we were going to stop until we saw the petrol priced at $2.39/gal and decided to risk limping into Carmel instead!

Try and bring your own food for picnicking, as this too is quite pricey here. The only cheaply priced café/restaurant we noticed was Café Kevah, underneath Nepenthe, but that had closed before we got there.

Other things to note is that most of the beaches are private, and swimming is discouraged as, apart from being cold, the water here has plenty of rips and undertows.

Best Way to Get Around

Bridge looking north

The only way to truly do this journey justice is to drive, drive, drive!
This is one of the foremost driving routes in the World, it is made for driving and driving is the only way that you will be able to really appreciate the stunning natural splendour of this wild and rugged region…

With a car (preferably a convertible!), you can stop at your leisure at the many cliff-side vantage points to gaze in wonder as the slate grey Pacific Ocean crashes against the rock strewn cliff sides.

If you enjoy driving, you will love this winding and curvy highway with its challenging banks and turns. Try and avoid the high season of summer however, as this is when this two-lane highway can become choked with holidaymakers – summer also brings fogs rolling in from the ocean, which can make driving this stretch of road a dangerous chore rather than the absolute joy that it's supposed to be…

Winter also brings the prospect of storms that can often close the highway to vehicles, so it is always best to check the weather before undertaking this long journey.

Greyhound runs a service through Big Sur.

Last visit to Big Sur: Mar 2002
Intro Updated Nov 28, 2002
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Reviews (10)

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Comments (21)

MikeBird Oct 21, 2008 at 3:03 PM Report Abuse

Really helpful advice here Mobius. Many thanks, Mike
sourbugger Sep 27, 2006 at 6:14 AM Report Abuse

what a stunning page. impressive
garridogal May 22, 2006 at 7:32 AM Report Abuse

What a gorgeous shot of Big Sur! That's one place I definately hope to re-visit some day.
chewy3326 Jan 6, 2006 at 6:50 PM Report Abuse

Great pics and great page! I really loved Big Sur, too, your page is very good at showing it's beauty.
ceswho Aug 9, 2005 at 7:37 AM Report Abuse

Excellent tips, just as I envisioned Big Sur, you really put this place together very well. One of the destinations I planned to reach.
RedEaredPanda Dec 8, 2004 at 10:28 AM Report Abuse

with the petrol prices way over $2.50 range in California, I am sure the petrol will cost us a lot more in Big Sur this time of the year.. which sucks!!! Thanks for your tip.. Taking the drive in a couple of weeks... Rafi
Sandi-2004 Dec 3, 2004 at 11:11 PM Report Abuse

Excellent photos & comments on our beloved Big Sur. I loved the exquisite photo of the butterfly in Pacific Grove also. Very thorough tips. Best wishes from San Francisco.
freya_heaven Sep 10, 2004 at 2:08 AM Report Abuse

This area looks so beautiful, a very enjoyable read. Wonderful Big Sur sunset photo, I love the Roman pool! Great page, Thanks! (~_~)
KastleKonfusion Aug 20, 2004 at 1:59 AM Report Abuse

Oh, I just love yr Monarch Butterfly pix. We'll be in Big Sur this weekend and your tips are so helpful. Thanks. Btw, Tom's brother lives in Cardiff. We will definitely visit *wink*
kazander May 14, 2004 at 2:28 PM Report Abuse

Great page!! Highway 1 is beautiful, I wish I could have done that entire drive when I was there. Beautiful photos as well!:)