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 or tidefall. The waterfall is extremely beautiful and has inspired artists, poets, and writers for generations.

McWay Creek begins in the Santa Lucia mountains of Big Sur and tumbles down the hills to form McWay Falls as it cascades down to the Pacific Coast. At the base of the falls is a small sandy cove known as McWay Cove which can completely disappear at high tide.

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The waterfall has existed for over 100 years when the pioneer families of McWays, Pfeiffer, and Partington first settled the area. Initially, the waterfall fell directly into the ocean. However, after years of erosion and debris from the construction of Pacific Coast Highway 1, a sandy beach formed beneath the falls.

Though the beach at the base of the falls looks like the perfect place to lounge by the water, it is extremely dangerous and inaccessible to visitors. The only way to see McWay Falls is from the Waterfall Observation Overlook inside the park.

The lack of people in the cove actually works in the falls favor, creating a perfect canvas for landscape photography. The falls have an untouched, mystical quality and it is easy to see why there are one of the Best things to do in Big Sur.

The McWay Falls Trail and Overlook get quite crowded and is regularly filled with photographers from the moment the park opens to closing time. Despite the crowds, the falls make for a spectacular view and are an essential stop on a Pacific Coast Highway Road trip.

Where are the McWay Falls located?

McWay Falls is located in the Julia Pfieffer Burns State Park along Highway 1. The park is just about an hour south of Monterey and 12 miles south of Big Sur Ranger Station. The park is located at Mile Marker 35.8 on California Highway 1.

Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park

Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park is one of the most visited state parks in Big Sur. It is named after Julia Pfeiffer Burns, an early pioneer woman that played an instrumental role in Big Sur region.

The park is relatively small compared to the large area of Big Sur but has many popular attractions. It only offers a handful of trails yet is one of the most well-recognized parks in the area, thanks largely to the McWay Falls.

Other attractions include historical structures belonging to the McWay and Pfieffer Burns families, 300-foot tall redwood forests, and the Partington Cove. You can also spot excellent wildlife in the park including sea otters, California condors, bald eagles, and a blue butterfly colony. The park has a couple of campsites, however, they fill up very soon.

Divers tend to favor this park because of its notoriously challenging waters. The tides can change quickly and powerfully making it difficult to manage for newer divers, but those who make it to the bottom are rewarded with multi-story tall kelp forests and an underwater cave. Permits can be obtained at Big Sur Ranger Station.

Best time to visit McWay Falls

The park and the waterfall are beautiful year-round, though the crowds tend to be thinner in the winter – though they are not gone by any means. Picking the right time of the day to come has more to do with how you want to see the falls.

The mornings offer a foggy, ethereal picture whereas sunsets can be vibrant and full of golden light. The fog look beautiful even at noon when the sun shines high, though the trail can get crowded at this time.

It is also important to take into account the tides. Low tide means that the falls are landing on the sand where higher tides can create the effect of a tidal fall.

How to Visit McWay Falls

Timing & Fees

The day-use fee for Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park is only $10 per car. While it is possible to spend an entire day in the park and a few campsites are available, we recommend a short PCH pitstop just to see McWay Falls.

Plan for the hike to and from the Waterfall Observation Overlook to take about an hour. That should give the average hiker about 20 minutes to look at the falls and to explore the foundations of the old cottage that sat on the cliffside.

Current status of the falls

The falls and the park are currently closed to visitors due to the wildfires.

Apart from the fires, the falls might be closed at any time of the year due to erosion. The swiftly moving water has caused soil erosion at the top of the falls, making the ground unstable and very dangerous. The erosion is actually part of what created the sandy beach below the falls. When the McWays first settled in the area, the falls plunged directly into the ocean.

The second reason the falls trail is often closed has to do with mudslides. Heavy rains cause mudslides in Big Sur and can completely destroy trails and cliffs.

Weather

Big Sur is known for its Mediterranean climate, which means there isn’t much difference between winter and summer. The temperature difference is only about 10-15 degrees with summers ranging from 60 to 85 degrees and winters coming in between 45 and 70.

While the seasons don’t offer much variability, the day temperatures vary quite a bit. Mornings can be very chilly and are often thick with fog. Once the sun gets high, the day can get quite hot and only moderately humid before cooling back off again and getting breezy in the evenings.

When traveling in this area either to Big Sur or to McWay Falls, layers are the best bet.

Where to park

There are multiple parking options within the park and along Highway 1, though the easiest to find is on the east side of the highway. This is the main parking area and where most of the trails begin.

The other parking options are close to the campsite to the south and at a wide pull off to the north which connects to the Partington Cove Trail and doesn’t require the $10 day-use fee.

Camping & Lodging

There is a campsite within the Julia Pfeiffer Burns Park. The site is on the south side of the park and is almost always at capacity. To assure a spot, make a reservation at least six to eight months in advance, even during the offseason.

The $30 fee covers the camping site – which can only have four people – and two parking spots as well as the use of the park during the duration of the stay. There are campgrounds available to the north and south of the park along Highway 1.

There are almost 15 hotels within a 20-mile radius. The closest is the Deetjen’s Big Sur Inn, just five miles down the road which offers rustic-style rooms and a restaurant within a wisteria-draped historic farmhouse.

Nearby amenities

There are no facilities available on the hike to and from the McWay Falls overlook, but bathrooms are available at the parking lot and at the campsites. Each of the campsites comes with a fire pit, picnic table, and running water.

McWay Falls Hike

The hike to the overlook is an easy, leisurely stroll through nature. It is good for all skill levels and popular with families.

The path is about a half-mile long and only gains 500 feet of elevation, though that’s all the height that is needed to get a birds-eye view of the falls.

The path begins at the parking area on the west side of Highway 1 before taking visitors through a short tunnel to the main park area.

This is where the path splinters off into different directions so be sure to look for the sign pointing to the overlook.

Continuing on the path, visitors travel beneath 300-foot redwoods before making it to a series of vantage points leading up to the main viewing area.

All of these vantage points usually have a photographer or two trying to get the perfect shot so we recommend waiting for your turn at the observation platform.

Remember, no one is allowed near the top of the falls or on the sandy beach below and any rule breaks are subject to arrest.

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The post McWay Falls in Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park, Big Sur appeared first on PCH1 Road Trip.

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 in the area simply can’t. 

That is thanks in large part to the research and protection activities carried out in the reserve. 

The water habitat surrounding Point Lobos is one of the richest in the country. The reserve prohibits fishing and harvesting marine life. 

It also carries out scientific monitoring of marine species and ocean health. 

Tips for visiting Point Lobos

Point Lobos is one of the most popular attractions along the Pacific Coast Highway. However, erosion due to visitor activities is one of the biggest threats to Point Lobos. 

As a part of the most recent measure to protect the land and water, online reservations are being considered but are still to become effective. 

By attempting to control the amount of traffic visiting the park each day, the reserve hopes to reduce the amount of stress that visitors put on the natural ecosystems of the reserve. 

Here are a few other things you need to know about the reserve in order to plan a visit:

Hours, Fees & Directions

Point Lobos State Natural Reserve is easy to find. It is just three miles south of Carmel on Highway 1. 

Immediately on entry, visitors can pay the $10 day-use fee at an entry booth. You can also get a map for $2 or print out your own off of the reserve’s website for free, before visiting. 

The park is open from 8 am to 7 pm. However, considering the extreme popularity of the reserve, we recommend arriving early in the morning or late in the afternoon to find parking spots.

Parking & Other Amenities

The reserve has 150 parking spots spread across six lots but they all can often be full on weekends, holidays, everyday between memorial and labor day. 

It is not unusual for visitors to end up parking along the California Highway 1 and walking up to the reserve on these days.

However, this can cause traffic jams and accidents on the highway and hence, not recommended. 

Apart from parking lots, Point Lobos also has many other amenities for visitors. The China Cove, Whalers Cove, and Pine Ridge parking areas all have picnic tables available. 

These spots also offer bathrooms. Additional bathrooms can be found at park headquarters and near mound meadow. 

What to bring

The key to a good trip to Point Lobos is preparedness. 

While the days are often sunny and warm, chilly winds and thick fogs coming off the water can cool things down throughout the summer. And that’s why we always recommend dressing in layers on a trip to central California. 

Wear good hiking shoes and if visiting in summer, then pack a pair of sunglasses, a hat, and sunscreen. 

Binoculars are also suggested to get a closer look at the reserve’s wildlife. Pairs are available for rent at the information station. 

Along with a camera, visitors looking to spend the day in the park should pack reusable water bottles – there are water fountains available for refills – and snacks. 

Food is not available close to Point Lobos and you should always carry your own while outdoors. 

Best Time to Visit

Point Lobos is beautiful all year round and the Mediterranean climate of the area means there is never really a bad time to visit. 

Summer does offer more sun and marginally warmer weather that is ideal for hiking the area. 

To beat the crowds either get in before 9:30 in the morning or after 3 pm when many families are leaving for the day.

If visiting in winter, be prepared for showers or cold winds near the coast. In spring, you will be treated to beautiful views of wildflowers along the trails. 

Point Lobos Climate

The area is known for its temperate Mediterranean climate with only a 20- to 30-degree difference between winter and summer months. 

While the seasons don’t change much, the days are ever changing. 

Often mornings start out cool and foggy before the sun breaks through. Afternoons are sunny and warm before cooling back off in the evenings. Layers are a must.

Things to do at Point Lobos

From hiking and kayaking to tide-pooling and photography, the hardest part of spending a day at the “crown jewel” of California’s parks is choosing what to do. 

Here are our favorite things to do in Point Lobos State Natural Reserve:

Hiking at Point Lobos

Point Lobos is a natural reserve which means that the park has very well-maintained trails and hiking is a popular activity. 

The trails either follow the bluffs and beaches or go inwards over the hills, through meadows, and under shady pine groves to the interior of the peninsula. 

Here, we recommend three of our favorite trails.

Cyprus Grove Trail

This trail is less than a mile long and takes hikers through one of the last naturally occurring groves of Monterey Cyprus. 

These threes used to cover much of the area but the changing climate 15,000 years ago killed most of them off. 

They can only be found in two locations that have the specific microclimate they need to survive. 

The trail also ranges toward the westernmost tip of the point and offers beautiful views of the Pacific.

Sea Lion Point

As the name suggests, this trail leads to the sea lion’s favorite place in the reserve.

The trail begins at the Sea Lion Point parking lot and winds through Cyprus before emerging at the coast. 

The rest of the trail follows the bluffs until it reaches the viewing point. There are two areas to watch the sea lions. 

The upper viewing area is often staffed with binoculars and a docent who will point out both the sea lions and other wildlife in the area. 

The lower viewing point is down a set of stairs and offers an unobstructed view of the animals.

North Shore Trail

The longest trail on this list at just under a mile and a half, it is also the most strenuous. The trail is mostly made up of rocky terrain and steep stairs. 

The trail hugs the bluffs of the north-facing coves offering views across Carmel Bay and chances to glimpse osprey, whales, and sea lions. 

While the trail’s rugged beauty is a draw, the stiff winds that often batter this side of the reserve can be too much for some. Be sure to pack a sweater or jacket.

To know more about all the trails in this beautiful reserve, read our guide to Hiking at Point Lobos State Natural Reserve.

Whaler’s Cabin Museum

The ramshackle shingled cabin was built in 1862 and is the only remaining structure of one of California’s first Chinese communities. 

The area was inhabited by shipwrecked fishermen from China. They built a home and one of the country’s first commercial fisheries in the area. 

Japanese and Portuguese immigrants also began moving to the area and it was considered a racially diverse and tolerant area until anti-Chinese sentiment rose up in the 1880s. Many of the original families were forced to leave. 

The museum is one of the few in the state that acknowledges that America’s fishing industry was pioneered by Chinese immigrants. 

The shack features photographs of the crews, fishing gear, and pieces of pottery. Around the area are recreation cottages and real whale bones or abalone. 

Whaler’s Cove

The northernmost beach in Point Lobos is known for its Scuba Diving. It is one of two areas where registered divers can get into the water. 

The beach itself is narrow and can disappear entirely when the tide is high. The cove is easily accessed from the Whalers Cabin parking lot.

Sand Hill Cove

This rugged strip of beach is just a few feet wide and surrounded by uneven walls of sedimentary rock. 

The Carmelo Formation – or tilted layers – of the rocks create beautiful lines of color on the cliffside and are responsible for the multicolored pebbles that are often found along the beach. 

The rocks in the center of the cove are also excellent places to spot otters, seals, and sea lions.

China Cove

The beach at China Cove is sandy but narrow. The rock walls surrounding the beach gives it a private and isolated feel, even when full of photographers. 

People come all year round during low tide to snap pictures of the small cave and the natural stone arch built into the southern wall.

Gibson Beach

Also known as “Sandy Beach,” this is the most traditionally beach-like area in the park and it can be a challenge to find a spot in the summer. 

The best way to guarantee a spot for laying out in the sun is to get in early, like as soon as the park opens early.

Weston Beach

Weston Beach is less of a sunbathing area and more of a tidepooling area. The pebbly cove is mostly protected by rocks at its mouth, keeping out the worst of the waves. 

It is still possible to get swamped, so it is suggested that shoes and socks be left above the tideline while visitors search for starfish and sand dollars in the area’s many tide pools.

Docent-guided walks

These walks are available upon request, though the schedule shifts regularly based on docent availability. Visitors however need to reserve a docent-led walk before their visit. For more information, visit here.  

Guides take visitors through the park, pointing out both the lovely scenery and the details that many visitors might overlook. 

The tour talks all about the plant and animal life of the reserve and about seasonal events like the migration of different species of whales and the mating dance of the monarch butterfly. 

For those who want to explore the park in their own time, a free tour is also available through the Point Lobos app or by calling 831-998-9458.

Marine Animals & Wildlife 

Point Lobo’s rocky coastline and deep waters are exceptionally rich in marine life. 

The reserve works hard to conserve and protect the species and as a result, the marine life sightings at Point Lobos are abundant. 

Along with the otters, seals, and sea lions that this area is known for, the reserve offers chances to see other marine wildlife as well. 

Grey whales are often visible from the bluffs during the winter and humpbacks and blue whales have been spotted for the past few summers. 

Dolphins, purposes, and orcas or killer whales are visible all year round. Other unique ways to explore marine life include while tide pooling and scuba diving through kelp forests. 

To know what marine life you can spot during different seasons, check this wonderful website. 

Point Lobos also has diverse wildlife. Visitors can spot squirrels, brush rabbit, black-tailed mule deer, bobcats, gray foxes, lizards, and coyotes while hiking. 

Birding

Point Lobos is a delight for birders. Visitors can spot seabirds, shorebirds, residents, as well as migratory birds in the reserve. 

The peregrine falcons can often be seen making their death-defying dives – they get up to 200 mph – around China Cove. The Great Blue Heron Nests at Coal Chute Point are always a crowd favorite though aren’t always easy to find. 

Ospreys, that live among the pines of the reserve, can be spotted in all of the coves. Brown pelicans are often seen circling above the water before diving down to scoop a fish right out of the water.

Other shorebirds to spot include black oystercatchers, cormorants, and western gulls. Common land birds include woodpeckers, California scrub-jay, quails, and turkey vultures.  

Wildflowers at Point Lobos

The central California coastline bursts and comes alive with vibrant wildflowers every spring. Point Lobos is no exception. 

If you happen to visit the reserved, during the months of March to May, you may find the landscape painted in vivid colors.  

Common wildflowers spotted at Point Lobos include buckwheat, morning glory, buttercups, mock heather, lupines, and the famous California poppy.

Diving at Point Lobos

Along with its land attractions, Point Lobos is also known for its 40-foot high kelp forest and the valleys created between giant underwater rock formations. 

Divers often find schools of fish, otters, and sea lions while in the reserve. 

Diving is only allowed in Whalers and Bluefish Coves and only 15 diving groups – of up to four people each – are allowed out per day so advance reservations are highly recommended. 

The dive reservations can be full up to three months ahead of time, so we recommend booking them early on in your West Coast trip planning. 

Credentials and equipment are checked upon checking in for your reservation to make sure that divers are prepared for the challenges the water in this area offer. Read here to know everything about diving in Point Lobos. 

Tidepooling at Point Lobos

There are two tidepooling areas in Point Lobos. Weston Beach has a wide array of algae, sea snails, and sea urchins. They thrive in the calmer waters of this protected cove. 

The other popular area, Moss Cove has more wave action. The tide pools here tend to have more crabs, starfish, and other animals that prefer the tides in this unprotected northern cove.

Tidepooling along the coast is popular with families. While looking for animals, be sure to respect their distance and remember that collecting at the reserve – whether it be rocks, shells, or animals – is strictly forbidden.

Boating, kayaking & paddle boarding at Point Lobos

Kayaking and paddleboarding are allowed within the park for a $10 fee per vessel. The boat launch fee is $25 per boat. Having their own watercraft allows visitors to explore the dramatic coastline and sea caves at Point Lobos. 

There is nowhere within the park to rent watercraft, but visitors can bring their own. Also, there are plenty of places within a few miles that offer both day-long rentals and guided tours of the area. 

However, visitors should be prepared. Ocean kayaking is much more difficult than paddling on the calm waters of a lake. 

The waters in this area are notoriously strong so we recommend guided tours only for first-timers.

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The post Things to do in Point Lobos State Natural Reserve, California appeared first on PCH1 Road Trip.

Exploring the natural beauty of the area is the main draw for most visitors who come to camp, hike, and scuba dive. Big Sur has been known for generations as a place of individualism and creativity and it is that spirit that draws visitors in.

Its history in art and culture comes from its connections to creatives like Edward Weston and Henry Miller and that history continues today with countless museums and live performances found up and down the coast.

Things to do in Big Sur

From diving and surfing to concerts and historical landmarks, Big Sur offers the perfect blend of culture and natural beauty to create the perfect California destination. The only way for visitors to access Big Sur is via driving the Pacific Coast Highway 1. Here are the top things to do in Big Sur. 

Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park

Located just 12 miles south of Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park, this 3762-acre park offers multiple attractions, historic landmarks, and hiking trails for hikers of all skill types. This is undoubtedly one of the best state parks to visit in Big Sur, due to the presence of two major highlights: the hidden Partington Cove and spectacular McWay Falls. 

To see the iconic falls hike the half-mile easy Waterfall Overlook Trail or take the moderate Partington Canyon Trail towards a secret cove. More difficult trails head into the densely forested woods and mountains in the state park. 

The Tin House trail is steep and strenuous and recommended for more advanced hikers. The now-abandoned tin house was built from the metal scavenged from two local gas stations. The house was meant to be a safer, inland alternative to the coastal house the Pfeiffer Burns, after whom the park is named, lived in during the Second World War.

Another great option is the five-mile Ewoldsen Trail. This strenuous trail winds through groves of ancient redwoods and follows the curves of McWay Creek as it runs towards the falls.

Bixby Creek Bridge

Since it was first built in 1932, this bridge has become one of the most photographed bridges in California, if not the world. It’s no wonder considering its serpentine path to the single graceful arch that spans a 360-foot wide gorge. 

Thanks to its rising popularity on social media – Travel Pulse named it the “#1 Instagram worthy destination” in 2019. The bridge was also featured regularly on HBO’s hit series Big Little Lies. The style and construction of this iconic bridge make it one of the best stops along the Pacific Coast Highway. 

The general narrowness of the bridge and traffic from visitors pulling off to the side of the road can often have Highway 1 backed up for miles. The best way to beat the crowds is to get in early. It’s more than worth the effort to see the early morning sun melt away the fog, revealing the bridge. Another perfect time to see this beautiful bridge is at sunset. 

McWay Falls

McWay Falls is the gem of Big Sur. This 80-foot tall stunning tidal fall is located in Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park and is on the bucket list of all travelers driving the Pacific Coast Highway. However, the state park and the falls trail is currently closed due to rainfall damage and there is no opening date. 

Here’s something few tourists know: McWay Falls once emptied straight into the Pacific, but decades of erosion, mudslides, and nearby highway construction have caused a buildup of silt and sand resulting in the formation of a beach between the base of the falls and the Pacific Coast. However, this little beach makes the falls more picture-perfect than ever!

There is no direct access to the waterfall or the beach because of the area’s history of landslides, but there are multiple vantage points from across the cove. To find it, simply look for the McWay Falls Overlook Trailhead at the main parking lot. This trail is the shortest in the park, coming in at just over a half-mile. The main overlook sits beside the remnants of the SaddleRock Ranch, the grand home of the park’s namesake.

Pfeiffer Beach

Pfeiffer Beach is renowned for its purple sand and unique rock formations. The beach, while pretty famous, can be hard to find. The unmarked entrance to the famed beach is tucked between the Big Sur ranger station and the post office exactly 1.1 miles south of the Pfeiffer Big Sur Park entrance on Highway 1. 

The beach is located in the Los Padres National Forest. The $12 entrance fee covers parking and day use of the beach and facilities. From the parking lot, there is a short walk to the beach. Be warned, the beach is very busy year-round and parking spots can be hard to find. Once you reach the beach, you are treated to beautiful views of the ocean and the purplish hued sand at the northern end. The color comes from the eroded garnets present in the cliffs. 

A unique highlight of the beach is the large Keyhole Rock formation located just off the shore. This rock has a natural square-shaped arch that resembles a keyhole. The rock looks brilliant at sunset year-round but is more spectacular during December and January when the setting sun lines up perfectly with the keyhole and the last golden rays of the day are reflected in the churning surf below.

Partington Cove

Partington Cove is located in Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park. Accessible via an unmarked turnoff from Highway 1, the cove can be reached via hiking the half-mile long Partington Canyon trail. It offers a scenic walk through the woods and along a cascade before opening up to the cliff-lined pebble beach. 

The trail also goes over a bridge and through a tunnel, making it an exciting adventure. In an area known for its dramatic and dangerous tides, the cove brings it to a whole new level. At the end of the trail, you will find a small bench from where you can admire the views.

The water at Partington Cove is crystal clear but swimming and surfing are forbidden due to dangerous riptides. You can easily spot the ocean floor and seaweeds including kelp. The hike is truly rewarding and a fantastic way to experience the hidden treasures of Big Sur. The best part? Partington Cove has its own pullout and doesn’t require the $10 day-use fee.

Here’s something you probably didn’t know: Scuba diving in Partington Cove is excellent! Experienced divers love the area for its clear waters and rich underwater habitat as well as the remains of Partington Landing, a relic from the area’s logging history. Divers need to acquire special permits and it is highly recommended to take a guide. 

Point Sur Lighthouse

This sandstone lighthouse stands 270 feet above sea level and is the only turn-of-the-century lighthouse still in operation in California. The lighthouse sits on the head of Point Sur, a massive volcanic rock that appears to jut out of an otherwise flat stretch of coastline. 

The lighthouse and area around it are protected as part of Point Sur Historic Park. Hiking trails criss-cross the historic park and offer uninterrupted views of the Pacific Ocean, the coast, and the handful of historic buildings like the old blacksmith/carpenter shop. 

Daily tours take guests through the grounds and the lighthouse for only $15. As Point Sur tends to get windy and can be chillier than the surrounding area, it is best to visit in the summer for standard tours. Bring along a warm jacket to enjoy your visit. 

The off-season offers different kinds of tours like the whale viewing tours from December to March when the gray whales are going by or the Halloween themed ghost tours which talk about the history of the 14 shipwrecks that have happened within a few miles of the lighthouse.

Point Lobos State Natural Reserve

Though the park is 9,907 acres, only 550 of them are on land which makes the reserve seem smaller than many others of the area, but it more than makes up for it in beauty. 

The park is like Big Sur in miniature. It offers archeological sites from the native Esselen tribes as well as a small museum of California’s whaling history. Free guided walks bring visitors along any of the 15 hiking trails that connect the beaches, bluffs, meadows, and forested glens. 

Most other activities within the reserve do cost money. Diving through the 40-foot tall kelp forest of one of California’s richest underwater habitats requires a $20-30 permit. Kayaking and paddleboarding also require a $10 pass per vessel. 

While these prices can seem steep on top of the $10 day-use fee to get into the park, it is worth it as most of the money goes right back into the land, protecting the reserve both on land and in the water.

Read our post on Best Things to do in Point Lobos State Natural Reserve to plan a trip.

Henry Miller Memorial Library

The library’s tagline “where nothing happens” couldn’t be further from the truth. Built-in the 1960s, the site manages to capture the bohemian, free-love of that era while also keeping its finger on the cultural pulse of the Big Sur of today. Located in a redwood grove south of Nepenthe Restaurant, the memorial is a treat for literary lovers. 

Founded by Miller’s close friend, Email White, the library is nothing like you have visited before. Part library, part art gallery, & part bookstore, it is dedicated to promoting works of Henry Miller. The library is also available for private events like gorgeous outdoor weddings – so if you are looking to elope, this is a perfect place – but is better-known for its robust events calendar in the summer months. 

Between May and October, the library hosts lectures, book signings, and film screenings as well as a popular outdoor concert series. These shows offer a lot more than local singer-songwriters. Well known bands like The Flaming Lips, The Red Hot Chili Peppers, and Arcade Fire have all played at this intimate and whimsical venue.

Sand Dollar Beach

Sand Dollar Beach has the largest unbroken stretch of sand in Big Sur. Located halfway between Big Sur Station and Cambria, this beach is a favorite with tourists and locals alike. The beach is located inside the Los Padres National Forest and is perfect for swimmers and sunbathers. The surf here is also one of the best in Big Sur and you can often spot wave riders at the beach. 

While you won’t actually find sand dollars at the beach, visitors often find natural jade, sea glass, and other sea stones that’ve been tumbled smooth by the ocean. The Sand Dollar Day Use Picnic Area is located adjacent to the beach and has BBQ pits for groups that want to spend the whole day. 

From the parking lot, take the wooden staircase down to the beach. At the south end, you will find large rocks but keep walking north and you will come to the sandy stretch. The $10 entry fee is more than worth it for dog parents, as this is one of the only Fido-friendly beaches on this list. 

Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park

Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park, located around the Big Sur River, is a beautiful place. The 1,006-acre park is popularly referred to as ‘Mini Yosemite’ thanks to its picturesque redwood groves, the towering Santa Lucia Mountains, and the multi-stranded Pfeiffer Falls. 

The park is one of the southernmost habitats of the coastal redwoods and the best place to take a stroll underneath the majestic redwood trees in Big Sur. Hikers can expect to come across native wildlife from peregrines and condors to bobcats and white-tailed deer.

The park is also a great place to stop in Big Sur. Camp at the Big Sur campground or stay at the on-site hotel, Big Sur Lodge. The park has no ocean access but visitors can go swimming and fishing in the Big Sur River.

Andrew Molera State Park

Andrew Molera State Park is located on a gentle curve in the wild coastline and is easily accessible compared to most beaches in Big Sur. It is home to the oldest structure in Big Sur – a cabin built between 1861 and 1862 – as well as a discovery center with exhibits on local flora and fauna. Within the park, you will also find the Big Sur Ornithology Lab, a bird banding lab that focuses on the endangered California condor. 

The park has over 20 miles of hiking trails spread out across its 4,766 acres. The most popular trail is the mile-long Beach Trail which runs parallel to the Big River and takes visitors to the beach. You might also spot deer, coyotes, and birds along the trail. The mile-long Headlands Trail is another popular trail.

The state park is also known for its reliable surf. Big Sur has dangerous and dramatic tides that can make the water treacherous but make for good surfing. While the swells can’t compete with some of the better-known locations further south, the area has consistent two- to four-foot swells that draw in surfers from all around. 

Lime Kiln State Park

Lime Kiln State Park is located in the Ventana Wilderness Area and is one of the underrated attractions along Highway 1. Despite being only 700 acres, Limekiln packs quite a punch. Due to its location in the hills close to the coast, the park has many diverse microclimates and ecosystems. 

You can take a hike through the giant redwoods basking in the early morning fog or stroll through the bare, drought-resistant yucca and chaparral trees just a mile or two away. Walk along a tranquil stream and spot wildlife including a deer or two. Multiple hiking trails lead to either the Pacific Ocean or uphill into the woods. 

The most popular trail is the Limekiln trail which gives the park its name. The trail is only a half-mile long and takes visitors to the four massive 140-year-old lime kilns. The kilns purified thousands of barrels of lime in the three years that they were operational.

You can also hike to the Limekiln Creek Falls. The 1.4 mile round trip trail is beautiful and adventurous. It has multiple stream crossings over wooden logs, passes under the redwoods, and the reward is the waterfall at the end. The beach at the state park while small is charming and also worth a visit. 

Ragged Point

Tucked right along Highway 1 it would be easy to miss Ragged Point as it sits 400 feet below the road. Driving to Ragged Point is fun: the road gets really curvy here and views along the Pacific are just gorgeous. Once you reach your destination, you can stay the night at the beautiful Ragged Point Inn. The historical property has many outlooks over the coast.

While those visiting by cars would see panoramic coastal views, hikers are in for a different kind of treat. You can hike down the Ragged Point Cliffside Trail to a black sandy beach. The strenuous hike is 0.8 miles long and winds its way down the cliff to the coast. 

The trail tends to be slick from ocean spray and fog and is recommended only for experienced hikers with good hiking shoes. But the rewards are plenty as you can visit the secluded beach as well as spot the seasonal 300-foot high Black Swift Falls which empties onto the beach from November to April.

Garrapata State Park

Just under seven miles south of Carmel, this 2,939-acre park is surprisingly easy to miss as it has only one sign on the west side of California’s Highway 1. The area is so beautiful that it features in most of Edward Weston’s – a friend and contemporary of Ansel Adams – most famous landscape photographs. 

The park has two miles of beachfront with trails leading up cliff faces and following the edges of the bluffs before moving inland to wind through groves of giant redwoods. All of the trails on the west side of the highway are open, but only one on the east side is available after the devastating Soberanes fires of 2016. 

Los Padres National Forest

Los Padres National Forest in central California extends almost from Monterey to Ventura. It is divided up into two noncontiguous areas. The southernmost area is the larger and better-known of the two, but the northern area has the benefit of residing along the Big Sur coast. 

The northern section of the park offers over 323 miles of hiking trails. Trails extend from the ocean to the cliffs at the base of the Santa Lucia mountains. In the spring, hikers tend to flock to Figueroa Mountain Recreation Area for its dense and vibrant display of wildflowers.

Other useful posts to plan your Pacific Coast Highway Road Trip

Pacific Coast Highway Road Trip Planner
Pacific Coast Highway 4 day Itinerary
Pacific Coast Highway 5 day itinerary
Pacific Coast Highway 7 day itinerary
Pacific Coast Highway 10 Day itinerary
All PCH Itineraries
Best Places to Stay along the Pacific Coast Highway
Best Pacific Coast Highway Stops

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