Big Sur

Big Sur describes a rugged and sparsely developed section of California’s central Pacific coast centered on the Santa Lucia Mountains and the scenic corridor of State Route 1. The coastline is noted for steep cliffs, coastal redwood groves and panoramic ocean views.

The area remained sparsely settled into the 20th century due to difficult access; the completion and later improvements of Highway 1 opened Big Sur to visitors, artists and conservation efforts. Park designations and private land trusts have limited large-scale development and preserved key forest and coastal parcels.

Big Sur is located on California’s central coast, stretching along Highway 1 between the Carmel region to the north and San Simeon to the south, with inland terrain rising quickly into the Santa Lucia Mountains.

• Extent: Big Sur is commonly described as a roughly 90-mile (145 km) coastal stretch along California’s central coast between Carmel and San Simeon, noted for steep coastal cliffs and sparse development.
• Access cautions: Highway 1 is the principal access route but can be disrupted by seasonal storms and landslides, so closures are possible during heavy rain and winter months.

What to See#

• Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park: Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park contains redwood groves, campgrounds and river canyons with trail access to Big Sur’s interior forests.
• Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park: Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park features the coastal cascade known as McWay Falls, which drops directly onto a marine terrace within park boundaries.
• Bixby Creek Bridge: Bixby Creek Bridge is an iconic reinforced concrete arch bridge on Highway 1 and a frequently photographed landmark along the Big Sur coastline.

• Before you go, check California State Route 1 (Big Sur coast) conditions - landslides and closures are common and can add long detours; allow extra time for driving along the coast.
• Visit iconic viewpoints such as Bixby Creek Bridge and Pfeiffer Beach at sunrise on a weekday to avoid the biggest crowds and get better light for photos; popular pullouts fill quickly later in the day.
• If you want quieter hiking and viewpoints, explore the lesser‑visited stretches (for example north of Big Sur proper and smaller state park trails) or plan midweek visits rather than weekends when parking and facilities are busiest.