Top 8 things to do in Big Sur

Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park features the striking McWay Falls, an 80-foot waterfall cascading directly onto a secluded beach. This park along Big Sur's dramatic coastline also shelters ancient redwoods and vibrant marine life just offshore.

Worth knowing. Visit early in the morning or late afternoon for the best light on the waterfall without busy crowds.

Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park, established in 1933, spans over 1,000 acres of redwood forest, oak woodlands, and vibrant riverbanks. The multi-loop Valley View Trail offers elevated vistas of the park and the majestic Santa Lucia Mountains. This place is ideal for families and nature lovers interested in exploring diverse flora and fauna.

Worth knowing. Visit after a rain to see the waterfalls at their most impressive.

Garrapata State Park is famous for its 4.7-mile Soberanes Canyon Trail, which traverses diverse landscapes from serene beaches to lush coastal scrub. The park's Soberanes Point offers a dramatic coastal view of crashing waves and rugged cliffs, ideal for photographers and hikers. Spring brings colorful wildflower blooms, making it a seasonal favorite.

Worth knowing. The wildflowers are most impressive in the months of April and May.

Monday: Open 24 hours | Tuesday: Open 24 hours | Wednesday: Open 24 hours | Thursday: Open 24 hours | Friday: Open 24 hours | Saturday: Open 24 hours | Sunday: Open 24 hours

Limekiln State Park features four historic lime kilns from the 1880s nestled amidst towering redwoods. The park's Limekiln Trail leads visitors past these relics to Limekiln Falls, a 100-foot cascade that provides a peaceful wilderness escape. It is an immersive experience for history buffs and nature lovers alike.

Worth knowing. Visit early morning when the fog rolls through the redwoods for an ethereal experience.

Monday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM | Tuesday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM | Wednesday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM | Thursday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM | Friday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM | Saturday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM | Sunday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Pfeiffer Beach is famous for its purple sand, colored by manganese garnet deposits from the nearby hills. Accessed via a narrow road from Highway 1, it features the dramatic Keyhole Arch, where waves crash through a natural tunnel.

Worth knowing. Look for the first right turn after the bridge on Sycamore Canyon Road—many miss it.

Monday: 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM | Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM | Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM | Thursday: 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM | Friday: 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM | Saturday: 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM | Sunday: 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM

Andrew Molera State Park is characterized by its untouched natural beauty, offering 20 miles of trails that wind through meadows and along the Big Sur River. The park's beach is a haven for surfers and bird-watchers alike. This spot appeals to those seeking solitude as it is less developed compared to other Big Sur parks.

Worth knowing. Bring binoculars for a chance to spot condors near the beach.

Partington Cove is a rugged, hidden inlet on the Big Sur coast, once used for shipping tanbark around the 19th century. Visitors descend a steep trail and walk through a historic tunnel, emerging onto the rocky shore where remnants of a wooden wagon road can still be seen. It's an adventurer's spot, best suited for those seeking solitude and a sense of historic discovery.

Worth knowing. Start your hike early to enjoy the cove in peace before others arrive.

Monday: Open 24 hours | Tuesday: Open 24 hours | Wednesday: Open 24 hours | Thursday: Open 24 hours | Friday: Open 24 hours | Saturday: Open 24 hours | Sunday: Open 24 hours

McWay Falls is an 80-foot waterfall cascading directly onto the beach within Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park. Created by a natural spring in the McWay Creek, it's one of the most iconic sights in Big Sur. Accessible via a short trail, visitors can gaze upon the falls from the overlook, framed by cliffs and lush greenery.

Worth knowing. Visit early in the morning to avoid crowds and catch the sunrise over the falls.