Towering redwood forests, plunging ocean cliffs, and iconic historic landmarks make California’s central coastline a world-renowned road trip destination. From the charming streets of Carmel to the extravagant grounds of San Simeon, discovering the absolute best things to do in Big Sur guarantees an unforgettable adventure along the Pacific Coast Highway.
Whether you have a single day or an entire weekend to explore, discovering the best things to do in Big Sur requires a solid plan to navigate this famous 90-mile stretch of the Pacific Coast Highway. To help you maximize your drive from Carmel down to San Simeon, here is a complete, self-guided roadmap to the absolute best stops along the way.
Best Things to Do in Big Sur At a Glance
This classic road trip follows California’s stunning Highway 1 coastline through the Big Sur area. Unlike other coastal drives, people come here purely for the untouched natural beauty. The region is intentionally undeveloped—meaning you won’t find bustling cities, shopping malls, or commercial restaurants along the route. Your journey will begin in the north at Carmel-by-the-Sea and conclude at the southern end in San Simeon.
After months of work, the Pacific Coast Highway finally opened to traffic through Big Sur, but recently it has closed again due to wildfires. Always check Caltrans updates for Highway 1 before attempting this drive.
- Total Distance: Approximately 90 miles (145 kilometers).
- Driving Time (Without Stopping): Roughly 2 hours and 30 minutes.
- Suggested Pace: A full day (about 6 to 8 hours). While the drive itself is short, allocating a full day allows you to comfortably pull over for photos, enjoy a leisurely lunch, and explore a few key stops without feeling rushed.
Must-See Stops (North to South)
- Carmel-by-the-Sea: Charming fairytale cottages, boutique shopping, and pristine white-sand beaches.
- Point Lobos State Natural Reserve: Cypress-lined coastal trails and abundant marine wildlife.
- Point Sur Lighthouse: A historic 1889 lighthouse perched on a massive volcanic rock over the Pacific.
- Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park: Home to the highly photographed 80-foot McWay Falls dropping onto a secluded beach.
- Piedras Blancas: A bustling elephant seal rookery and a scenic historic coastal beacon.
- Hearst Castle (San Simeon): The famously extravagant hilltop estate marking the southern end of your coastal drive.
1. Carmel
Charming fairytale-style cottages set the perfect mood in Carmel-by-the-Sea before you begin your coastal drive.
Before you officially hit the rugged coastal highway, exploring this charming town is one of the best things to do in Big Sur’s northernmost edge. Carmel offers fairytale-style cottages, boutique shopping, and a pristine white-sand beach to perfectly kick off your road trip.
2. Point Lobos
Bird Island at Point Lobos offers a spectacular preview of Big Sur’s dramatic coastal beauty
See my photos from Point Lobos
Just a few miles south of Carmel, exploring this protected coastal reserve is one of the essential things to do in Big Sur for dramatic ocean views and abundant marine wildlife. Walking the cypress-lined trails here gives you a breathtaking introduction to the jagged cliffs and crashing waves that define the region.
3. Bixby Bridge
The iconic Bixby Creek Bridge is one of the most highly anticipated stops on any Big Sur driving itinerary
Photo by DAVID ILIFF
If you are driving south from Carmel, the absolute best place to capture the classic Big Sur photo is at the designated turnout just before you cross Bixby Bridge. Often referred to as Castle Rock Viewpoint, this pullout sits on the ocean side of Highway 1 and gives you an unobstructed, sweeping view of the entire span.
Parking is extremely limited, so arriving early in the morning or during the late afternoon “golden hour” gives you the best chance to secure a spot for the perfect shot.
Completed in 1932, this iconic open-spandrel concrete arch bridge is often considered the Golden Gate of the Central Coast. Rising 260 feet above a steep canyon, its elegant architecture perfectly frames the dramatic, crashing waves of the Pacific Ocean. Driving across this 714-foot architectural marvel is easily one of the most memorable things to do in Big Sur.
4. Scenic Highway 1 Vista Points
Gorgeous coastal view from one of the vista points along the Big Sur area.
As you continue checking off your list of things to do in Big Sur driving south along the Pacific Coast Highway, pulling over at the numerous cliffside turnouts is half the adventure. Make sure to stop at Hurricane Point, one of the highest vantage points on the route, offering sweeping panoramic views of the jagged coastline and the Pacific Ocean.
Further down the coast, the turnout for Big Creek Bridge provides a stunning photo opportunity of elegant concrete arches without the massive crowds found further north. Finally, as you near the southern boundary, the cliffside views from Ragged Point feature breathtaking 400-foot drop-offs to the crashing waves below.
5. Point Sur Lighthouse
The beach and coastline seen from Point Sur Lighthouse
See my photos from Big Sur
Perched on a massive volcanic rock off the Pacific Coast Highway, this historic 1889 lighthouse is a dramatic coastal landmark. Booking a guided walking tour of the facility is one of the most unique things to do in Big Sur, rewarding you with panoramic ocean views and a fascinating look into California’s maritime history.
6. Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park (McCoy Falls)
The short, flat trail to the McWay Falls overlook is an absolute must-do for any Highway 1 road trip.
See my photos from Big Sur
We made a short stop at Julia Pfeiffer Burns Park to see probably the most photographed piece of California coast. The park is right by Highway 1 and you can get to see this beautiful view of McCoy Falls after a short hike from the parking lot. It’s well worth your time.
No coastal drive is complete without a stop to see McWay Falls, an iconic 80-foot waterfall that drops directly onto an untouched, secluded beach. The short, flat walk from the highway parking area makes this one of the most accessible and highly photographed landscapes in the state.
7. Piedras Blancas Seal Rookery
Viewing the massive elephant seals at Piedras Blancas offers an incredible wildlife break before you reach the southern end of the coast.
See my photos from Cambria
Piedras Blancas is located about 10 minutes drive from San Simeon and is very easy to access. The best way to see the Elephant Seals is to park at the official view area parking lot. Then simply walk on the boardwalk to both sides of the parking lot. The best time to visit the Piedras Blancas Elephant Seals Rookery is from late November through February.
8. Boucher Trail
If you have more time, take the Boucher Trail that takes you by all the cliffs where you can see more Elephant Seals crowding small hidden beaches. Follow the trail past the charming Piedras Blancas Lighthouse up to Boucher Trail North end.
9. Explore Hearst Castle & San Simeon
Big Sur, California – Rugged and rocky California coastline.
See my photos from Big Sur
We started our Big Sur exploration at San Simeon where the famous Hearst Castle is. Yes, we did visit the castle the day before and that particular day of December we just wanted to take a drive up the coast (on Pacific Coast Highway) and see what we can see in one day and return to our motel in Cambria. We read about Big Sur but we weren’t sure what to expect. Little did we know that we will end up stopping every few miles or so, sometimes after each turn. My wife and I kept saying: “Wow, look at this…we have to pull over !”.
Plan Your Trip to Big Sur
- Search my list of hotels in the Central California area.
- Book a beautiful tour of Big Sur let by a local legend in touring this area.
Is Big Sur Worth Visiting?
Absolutely, but with one major caveat: you have to love nature in order to love Big Sur. If your ideal vacation includes bustling nightlife, luxury shopping, or big-city entertainment, you might want to look elsewhere. However, if you appreciate dramatic ocean cliffs, untouched coastal landscapes, and the simple thrill of the open road, it is an unforgettable destination. You will be hard-pressed to find anywhere else on earth where just driving around is this much fun.
I’m not familiar with what these people have done but the results are amazing. There is very little commercial development along the California Coast and it is a great delight to just be able to admire the beautiful landscapes.
Big Sur remains the finest example of untouched California coastline left. Thanks to a handful of forward thinking ranchers and state parks service.