The Big Sur coastline is one of the most beautiful spots in the entire United States, with some of the country’s most scenic coastal views.
Today, you’ll learn about the 16 best stops when driving the famous Pacific Coast Highway through Big Sur from North to South. I recommend you do this too, so you are driving on the ocean side of the street and can experience the most exceptional views.
Also make sure to check current road conditions. You don’t want to be in the middle of your trip and then find out that the road is closed due to fires or landslides.
There are some other important tips for driving Big Sur later in this post, so make sure to pay attention! But for now let’s hit the road!
1. Carmel Mission Basilica Museum
Our first stop on the 90 mile long segment of Highway 1 between Carmel-by-the-sea and San Simeon is the Carmel Mission Basilica Museum.
Built in 1770, the Carmel Mission was the second of the 21 Spanish missions in California.
Being a National Historic Landmark, the basilica church with its five museums tells a fascinating story of California’s past.
Be sure to take a stroll through the charming mission courtyard!
Now that we’ve learned about California’s history and enjoyed some culture, let’s head out into nature!
Our next stop, after about 3 miles of driving:
2. Point Lobos State Natural Reserve
Known as the “crown jewel” of California’s State Parks, Point Lobos is one of the richest marine habitats in the Golden State.
Its preserved by two marine protected areas and home to some awesome trails where you can discover breathtaking cliffs and seals on secluded beach coves.
Point Lobos is for sure one of the very best stops when driving Big Sur.
After another 7 minutes in the car, you’ll arrive at the next stop:
3. Garrapata State Park
If you want to visit this park, you should plan your trip for spring. You won’t regret this decision when hiking the full blooming Calla Lily Valley in the park!
Garrapata State Park also has four miles of oceanfront with a network of trails offering stunning views and wildflowers in season.
Also the sandy and dog-friendly Garrapata State Beach is worth visiting and strolling.
The next stop, about 6.5 miles south, is one of the most visited attractions in Big Sur.
4. Bixby Creek Bridge
Bixby Creek Bridge stands as one of the best stops when driving Big Sur and is among the most photographed bridges in California.
When it was completed in 1932, Bixby Creek Bridge was the highest single-span arch bridge on Earth.
With its impressive architecture, the bridge is already beautiful on its own. In combination with the breathtaking cliffs and the ocean though, it is one of the most scenic spots on the Central Coast.
5. Point Sur Lighthouse
You’ll reach this spot after driving south for another 15 minutes.
Built in 1889, this lighthouse still helps to guide ships along the California coast. It’s also a State Historic Park and the only complete turn-of-the-century light station open to the public in California.
After another 4 miles of driving, you’ll reach the next stop:
6. Andrew Molera State Park
This still relatively undeveloped park features many trails. When hiking one of them, you’ll experience scenic views of the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary.
You’ll walk through bluffs, hills, and meadows, and you can also enjoy your time at the beach.
Because the park is not as visited as others in the Big Sur area, you can also enjoy some solitude.
During the 25 minute-long drive to our next stop, Pfeiffer Beach, you’ll pass some options for spending the night.
I wouldn’t recommend to do the whole trip in a single day, so you don’t have to rush through this beautiful area. Staying at least one night in the Big Sur Lodge, Glen Oaks Big Sur, Post Ranch Inn, or the Pfeiffer Big Sur Campground, would probably be a good idea.
But back to our next stop:
7. Pfeiffer Beach
Pfeiffer Beach is famous for its picturesque sea arch and its purple sand.
In winter, there are a few weeks where sunlight shines through the sea arch. At this time, you’ll share the beach with lots of photographers that are hoping for the perfect photo.
Parking at Pfeiffer Beach costs 10$ and is limited, so try to arrive early in the morning so you won’t get turned away due to a full parking lot.
Also the nearby Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park is worth exploring. There are many scenic trails where you can walk along the Big Sur River and under redwood trees, oaks, and other trees.
Undoubtedly a top stop when driving Big Sur.
Are you hungry after all the hiking? Then look forward to our next stop, which is less than 10 minutes away.
8. Nepenthe Restaurant
Nepenthe is famous for its stunning ocean views.
Although it’s very touristy, it is an iconic part of Big Sur and worth a stop. You don’t even have to be hungry, the main reason Nepenthe is part of this video is the location.
Just grab a coffee and enjoy the views.
The next stop is just a two minute drive away:
9. Henry Miller Memorial Library
The Henry Miller Memorial Library serves as a center for the arts, a bookstore, and a location for performances.
CNN Travel called the library the beating cultural heart of Big Sur. It’s dedicated as a memorial for the late writer and artist Henry Miller and as a gallery for local artists.
10. Seal Beach Overlook
Our next stop, Seal Beach Overlook, is just a very short drive, about 2.5 miles, from Henry Miller Memorial Library.
Here you’ll get, once again, stunning views of the coastline, and as the name suggests, you might even see elephant seals on a secluded beach below.
After another 6 minutes of driving, you’ll arrive at:
11. Partington Cove
To access this beautiful place, you’ll have to hike the short and steep Partington Cove Trail that drops 300 feet from Highway 1.
The hike will take you through a small redwood grove and through an old redwood lumber-lined tunnel before you can experience crystal clear waters, kelp beds, and a healthy ecosystem.
If you arrive at low tide, you’ll find some interesting tide pools too!
Another 2 miles down the road, you’ll find the probably most famous spot in Big Sur:
12. McWay Falls
The iconic McWay falls in Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park, which is one of California’s most popular state parks.
The McWay Falls are just a one-of-a-kind experience: The beautiful cove with its turquoise water, the view of the Pacific Ocean, and the directly on the beach falling 80-foot waterfall combined will be the highlight of your trip!
This is also one of the best stops when driving the entire PCH. If you wanna learn more about this drive, be sure to check out the best stops on the Pacific Coast Highway!
The falls are the main feature of Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park, but not the only reason to visit the park. Hike one of the numerous trails under huge redwood trees, you might spot California Condors and other wildlife, also the scenic ocean views are breathtaking!
After about 25 minutes in the car, you’ll arrive at stop number 13 of our trip:
13. Limekiln State Park
Limekiln State Park is undoubtedly one of the best stops when driving Big Sur.
At the end of one of the trails in Big Sur’s southernmost State Park, you’ll find an impressive 100-foot waterfall dropping down a limestone canyon wall, the Limekiln Falls.
Limekiln State Park offers stunning views of the rugged Big Sur coastline and impressive redwood forests. You’ll also see remnants of four limekilns that played a role in the construction of San Francisco and Monterey.
After another 35 minutes of driving., you’ll reach:
14. Ragged Point
Ragged Point features an awesome view of the ocean and the Big Sur coastline.
The restaurant’s outdoor seating makes it perfect for a break. After your meal, you could take a short walk on Ragged Point Beach before continuing your drive.
Traveling a further 10 miles, you’ll arrive at our next stop:
15. Elephant Seal Vista Point
Just north of San Simeon, you’ll experience hundreds of elephant seals having a good time.
There are even thousands of these sea mammals every year at this place, to mate and rest. Most of the seals are there in late January, early May, or late October.
At first I planned to only write about the 15 best stops when driving Big Sur, but then I thought, “There is a place just 5 miles away, so why wouldn’t you add a 16th?”.
So, the last stop in this list:
16. Hearst Castle
This is not just our final stop, it’s also the most commercialized and touristy one.
If you want to visit it, you have to be part of one of the organized group tours. I strongly recommend to reserve tickets online in advance.
Here, as promised, some other important tips:
- The weather is best from April to October, but during this time Big Sur is also the most crowded. In Spring, you’ll see the blooming wildflowers and in winter, you might see gray whales and orcas in the ocean.
- There is limited cellphone service in Big Sur. Be sure to download your maps before starting your drive.
- Gas prices in the area are higher than average and sparsely available, so make sure your car’s tank is full before you start your trip.
- Not just paying for gas is pricey, also food and hotels are more expensive. If you’re tight on money, buy some snacks and take it with you.
- If you plan on staying in a hotel, book as soon as possible. Everything books up very early.
- Driving from Carmel to Hearst Castle nonstop takes about two hours and fifteen minutes. But you don’t want to do that. Take as much time as possible to enjoy Big Sur. I would recommend to spend at least two or three nights.
These are my personal top picks for the best stops when driving Big Sur. Everyone’s preferences vary, so if you have other recommendations, please share them in the comments!
If you wanna learn more about the Golden State, check out all of our California-posts!
