Meet Big Sur
Meet Big Sur
WELCOME TO Big Sur, CA
Soulful. Breathtaking. Untamed.
Where the Santa Lucia Mountains tumble into the Pacific, Big Sur invites you to slow down and breathe deeply. Cruise the iconic Highway 1 past sheer cliffs and hidden coves, hike among ancient redwoods and discover tucked-away galleries or rustic retreats that feel a world apart. Here, nature’s grandeur and the community’s artistic soul combine to create an untamed path all your own.
Big Sur Travel Alerts & Road Conditions
Highway 1 through Monterey County is open, providing access to Big Sur. As a scenic mountain highway, conditions can change due to weather, maintenance, and emergency repairs. Before traveling, check current road conditions with Caltrans.
Parking Alert: Parking along Highway 1 is extremely limited. Effective August 6, 2026, parking is prohibited near Bixby Bridge, including Old Coast Road. Use designated parking areas at nearby parks, beaches, lodges, and businesses, and never park on road shoulders or block traffic.
Summer is the busiest season in Big Sur. Expect heavy traffic, limited parking, and delays, especially on weekends. Cell service is unreliable, so download maps before you go, allow extra travel time, and plan ahead for a smoother visit. For the latest road conditions, parking updates, and travel advisories, visit Travel Alerts & Know Before You Go.
Highway 1 Road Trip
Summer is the busiest time of year on Highway 1 – plan ahead before you go. Expect heavy traffic, limited parking at popular destinations, and significant delays, especially on weekends and holidays. Sections of the highway are currently down to one lane with signal-controlled traffic, adding delays of up to 30 minutes. Cell service throughout Big Sur is unreliable and cannot be counted on – download maps and directions in advance, and let someone know your travel plans.
Discover How 2 HWY 1EXPLORE Big Sur, CA
From Garrapata State Park in the north to Ragged Point in the south, Big Sur unfolds like a living map of California icons. Follow Highway 1 to discover trailheads, beaches and overlooks tucked between mountains and sea.
PLACES TO STAY IN Big Sur
From the cliff-side ocean view luxury of Post Ranch Inn to the storybook charm of Deetjen’s Big Sur Inn and riverside serenity at Big Sur Lodge, lodging here blends seamlessly with the landscape. Whether you're after an indulgent spa and wellness retreat at Alila Ventana Big Sur, a cozy redwoods yurt at Treebones Resort, Big Sur’s stays make the scenery part of your room.
Fernwood Resort & Campgrounds
Treebones Resort
Lucia Lodge
Esalen Institute
Upcoming Events in Big Sur
There's always something to do in nature's playground. Push your limits across breathtaking coastal trails at the Big Sur International Marathon, or treat your taste buds to culinary indulgence at the Big Sur Food & Wine Festival. Discover handcrafted treasures and live music at local art fairs, taste the wild at the Big Sur Foragers Festival, and come play the Big Sur way.
Things to do in Big Sur
In Big Sur, every turn along Highway 1 reveals a new wonder—whether it’s the graceful span of Bixby Creek Bridge, the cascading beauty of McWay Falls, or the violet sands of Pfeiffer Beach. Wander through redwood groves, explore intimate art galleries, savor locally sourced cuisine and unwind in cliffside spas where the Pacific stretches endlessly before you.
Let AI help plan your trip with the itineraries below ✨:
Best Hikes in Big Sur
Nestled between the rugged Santa Lucia Mountains and the stunning Pacific Ocean, Big Sur offers unmatched scenic beauty best experienced through its extensive trail system. Find the best Big Sur day hikes for many levels and abilities, from easy, accessible paths to challenging backpacking routes.
Big Sur Hikes
Camping in Big Sur
Big Sur campsites range from fully equipped RV sites under the shade of redwoods to rustic hike-in tent sites with spectacular ocean views.
Big Sur Camping
Bixby Bridge
For those planning a Big Sur getaway, Bixby Creek Bridge is more than just a photo op – it's a gateway to some of the region's most iconic experiences, including coastal hiking trails, state parks and hidden beaches.
The Right Path to Bixby Bridge
McWay Falls
This rare tidefall—a waterfall that flows directly into the Pacific Ocean—plunges 80 ft from granite cliffs onto a secluded cove, creating a postcard-perfect scene that draws travelers from around the world. Located right off Highway 1, McWay Falls is a must-see stop on any Big Sur road trip.
The Right Path to McWay FallsPLACES TO EAT
IN Big Sur
Big Sur’s restaurants have rich flavors and rich scenery. Locally sourced ingredients, catch-of-the-day specials, and seasonally rotating menus are served up against iconic backdrops. Savor ocean views at Nepenthe Restaurant and Wild Coast Restaurant and Sushi Bar, explore the award-winning wine list at Sierra Mar, or dine among towering redwoods at Fernwood Tavern for a visual (and literal) feast.
Wild Coast Restaurant
Fernwood Tavern
Nepenthe Restaurant
Whale Watcher Cafe
Pick Your Path
Let AI help plan your trip with the itineraries below ✨:
Big Sur: Frequently Asked Questions
Planning your trip to Big Sur? Here are answers to the most common questions travelers ask before exploring this wild stretch of California coastline.
The best time to visit Big Sur is in the spring (April to June) for wildflowers and pleasant weather, or in the fall (September to October) for the warmest, sunniest days with fewer crowds. Summer can be foggy, and winter often brings rain and possible road closures.
Permits are generally not required for day hiking in Big Sur's state parks, but you will need to pay a park entrance fee. A free campfire permit is required for stoves or fires in the backcountry, and overnight camping trips in the Ventana Wilderness do require a permit.
You can see magnificent coastal redwoods in Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park, which has several easy-to-access trails winding through groves of ancient trees. Limekiln State Park also offers beautiful redwood trails located a bit further south.
Swimming at Big Sur's beaches is generally not recommended and can be extremely dangerous due to the frigid water temperatures, powerful rip currents, and strong waves. It's best to enjoy the stunning coastal scenery from the safety of the sand.
Big Sur Directory
Browse Big Sur's full listings to find lodging, restaurants, activities, and attractions that match your style—whether you're here for a weekend escape or a long, wild stay.
Solstice
Big Sur Lodge
Spa at Post Ranch Inn
Spa Alila
Need some inspo?
Looking for travel inspiration? Our blog is packed with insider tips, destination guides and local stories to help you make the most of your Monterey adventure.
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Just One More Drive
After cruising Big Sur’s breathtaking stretch of Highway 1, take one more drive along Pebble Beach’s iconic 17-Mile Drive.