Big Sur, California
Big Sur, California is one of California's top spots for outdoor adventurers and explorers. It offers top activities and attractions that are must-visits for anyone looking for an outdoor adventure. From the iconic Bixby Bridge to the stunning McWay Falls, this area offers plenty of awe-inspiring sights. There are also plenty of trails to explore within the area, such as the Ventana Double Cone Trail, the Limekiln Trail, and the Andrew Molera Trail. For those looking for a more leisurely experience, there are also plenty of picturesque beaches to relax at, such as Sand Dollar Beach and Pfeiffer Beach. Big Sur is a great destination for anyone looking for an outdoor adventure, attractions, and stunning views.
Top Spots in and near Big Sur
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Soledad, California
Explore Dreamy Wrath Wines Vineyards
Just a short drive from some of the best trails and rock climbing at Pinnacles National Park, Wrath Wines' Soledad winery is a great way to wine'd down after a day of adventure. What makes this grape growing region unique is the constant marine layer fog and wind stress out the grapes (that’s a ...Read more -
Salinas, California
Mountain Bike at Fort Ord National Monument
5.0Fort Ord National Monument is a fantastic place to cruise around on your mountain bike, whether you are a beginner or an experienced rider looking for flowy trails to cruise on. Access is easy from the highway and there is ample room in the parking lot even on busy days. Dozens of trails wind th...Read more -
Pacific Grove, California
Visit the Monarch Grove Butterfly Sanctuary
1 miThousands of monarchs can be found here October through February. It's a small park with a path through the center. Park near the Monarch Grove hotel at the sign that says "Caution: Butterflies present", and cross the street to walk down the short path (pink houses will be on your right) and to t...Read more -
Big Sur, California
Clifftop Camping & Hot Springs in Big Sur
4.7Campsite:There is nothing quite like driving or biking along US-1, the Pacific Coast Highway. Make sure you get a chance to do the drive during the day so that you can see all that Big Sur has to offer. Be careful when pulling off especially onto the shoulder and never stop on a curve in the road...Read more -
Big Sur, California
Hike from Kirk Creek Campground to Vicente Flat Trail
10.9 mi / 3454 ft gainThe Vicente Flat Trail is well kept and wide, with many campsites at the end. This trail is very close to Cone Peak, and is used for mountain biking, trail running, birding, and nature trips.Read more -
Big Sur, California
Cone Peak in Big Sur (Sea to Sky Backpacking Route)
4.519.72 mi / 7484 ft gainWhile you can make a day-hike out of it by driving up the gorgeous Sur-Nacimiento Road from Highway 1 to the Coast Ridge Road and take a 2 mile trail to the summit with 1300' of elevation gain (4 miles roundtrip), the more adventurous types do a Sea to Sky, starting at Kirk Creek Campground and u...Read more -
Marina, California
Explore Fort Ord Dunes State Park
5.0One of the best parts of Monterey is the beaches – but their popularity is also their weakness, so if you want seclusion head to the lesser-known Fort Ord Dunes for solitude and beautiful views of Monterey Bay and the Pacific Coast. Historically, this location was chosen as the location for Fort ...Read more -
Big Sur, California
Surf Willow Creek
4.0Willow Creek is a couple of miles south of Sand Dollar Beach. Sand Dollar is generally a mushier wave that is more welcoming. Willow Creek on the other hand, has more power and offers punchier waves for the more experienced. However, it is more fickle than Sand Dollar Beach. There are loads of ke...Read more -
Big Sur, California
Camp on Prewitt Ridge
4.2After much time in Big Sur, it became quickly apparent that Prewitt Ridge is the crown jewel of camping in the area. It has even been described as "the most beautiful car camping spot on god's green earth" and that doesn't do it justice.While Prewitt Ridge is an officially designated campground i...Read more -
Marina, California
Surf, Run, or Catch a Sunset at Marina State Beach
From the moment you turn into the parking lot, you know Marina State Beach is special. Grab a parking spot in the large lot and then run down the dunes and onto the shoreline! The beach feels spacious on this section of the shore and gives plenty of room to run around or to put down a blanket to ...Read more -
Big Sur, California
Sand Dollar Beach
4.80.35 mi / 82 ft gainHead into Big Sur and get a campsite at Plaskett Creek. You can either make a reservation through recreation.gov or show up and hope to luck out on one of the first-come, first-serve campsites. The campground is much more crowded during the prime summer months, so if you want to get better surf ...Read more -
Big Sur, California
Hike down to Jade Cove
2.00.3 mi / 65 ft gainThe entrance to jade cove is off the side of the road on Hwy 1. There is lots of side parking available. You go down a short unmarked trail and keep left. You'll find yourself at the top of a cliff/mountain side that uses 2 ropes to get down. The first rope is short and not super difficult. ...Read more -
Big Sur, California
Explore San Carpoforo Creek
4.0Just south of Ragged Point, San Carpoforo Creek is an open beach that is fun to explore. There is a quick hike from the highway to the beach. During heavy rain years, the creek will be flowing deeper, so you might need to do some swimming. There are waves occasionally here with a couple of surfe...Read more -
Big Sur, CaliforniaLuxurious Camping at Treebones Resort
5.0If you’ve always wanted to experience Big Sur, but sleeping on the ground isn’t really your thing, Treebones might be exactly what you’re looking for. Nestled along Big Sur’s beautiful coastline, Treebones Resort offers expansive views and easy access to everything the area has to offer. With a t...Read more -
Monterey County, California
Camp at San Martin Top
San Martin Top is a magical spot overlooking the coast in Big Sur. Accessible via a rutted, windy dirt road, it’s remote enough to guarantee some privacy though you’ll see fellow adventurous souls on surrounding ridges. Take care on the drive up, then set up camp overlooking the ocean or rolling ...Read more -
Paicines, California
Hike the Juniper Canyon, High Peaks, Tunnel Trail Loop in Pinnacles NP
5.04.3 mi / 1200 ft gainPinnacles National Park is located just over two hours outside of San Francisco (depending on the traffic). It was designated the 59th national park in 2013 and while it is small it offers beautiful views and unique wildlife viewing. Keep an eye out for California condors on this hike! This trail...Read more
