Explore the best natural attractions, nature areas, state parks, national park sites, and outdoor things to do along the Pacific Coast Highway including beaches, waterfalls, rock formations, whale watching, hiking trails, and more.
The iconic McWay Falls in Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park in Big Sur is one of the most photographed attractions along the Pacific Coast Highway 1 in California. This 80-foot tall waterfall flows year-round. When the tide is high, the falls plunge directly into the Pacific Ocean. Hence they are a type of coastal waterfall …
Point Lobos has been called the “crown jewel” of California’s state parks and it has been called the “greatest meeting of land and sea.” The reserve is known mainly for its unparalleled beauty. From wild Cyprus that can be found almost nowhere else on earth to three-story-tall kelp forests, Point Lobos offers what other parks …
Big Sur is the scenic coastal area in central California where the Santa Lucia Mountains meet the Pacific Ocean. The area has a look that is entirely different from the desert hills of southern California and the endless vineyards found in Carmel to the north. Big Sur has been called the “most beautiful coastline anywhere …