Big Sur is a rugged and mountainous section of the Central Coast of California, between Carmel and San Simeon. It is frequently praised for its dramatic scenery, including towering cliffs, crashing waves, cascading waterfalls, and lush redwood forests.
The name “Big Sur” is said to come from the Spanish phrase "El Sur 
Grande," which means "the big south." The region was originally inhabited by the Ohlone people, who were forced out by Spanish settlers in the 18th century.
Big Sur became a popular tourist destination in the early 20th century thanks to its stunning scenery and its proximity to Monterey and Carmel. The region has several state parks, including Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park, Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park, Garrapata State Park, and Point Lobos State Natural Reserve.
Big Sur is also home to a few small towns, including Big Sur Village, Nepenthe, and Lucia. The region is known for its laid-back atmosphere and abundant outdoor activities, such as hiking, camping, swimming, rafting, and fishing.
Big Sur Village and Dining
The village is a collection of lodges, grocery and gift shops, and restaurants. It is a mid-point along the windy Pacific Coast Highway and a great place to stop for a breather, admire the redwoods, and bite.
I stopped for lunch at Big Sur Roadhouse during my recent visit, where I enjoyed a hearty cheeseburger with onion rings.
The food was just right, but the outdoor seating overlooking the river was spectacular.
If you are looking for a more upscale dining experience at Big Sur, visit Nepenthe,
perched on a Big Sur cliffside, offering California faire on a terrace with breathtaking views.
Book a Big Sur adventure here.
Hiking
There are several great hiking trails in Big Sur, including the Pfeiffer Falls Trail, the McWay Falls Trail, and the Lobos Trail.
Below, I describe two of my favorite hikes at Big Sur, but for a more comprehensive list, go to CA State Parks Website.
McWay Falls Trail
The McWay Falls Trail is a short, easy 0.4-mile out-and-back hike in Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park in Big Sur, California.
The trail leads to a viewpoint overlooking McWay Falls, a 60-foot waterfall that cascades down a cliff and onto a sandy beach. The beach is a pocket beach created by a landslide in 1983.
Important Note: There is no beach access at McWay Falls. Any attempt to get to the beach is a citable offense. This area is extremely hazardous. Please stay on the trail.
The trail is well-maintained and easy to follow, with a wide path that is mostly flat. The first part of the trail passes under Highway 1, and then it continues along the cliffside, with views of the ocean and the waterfall. The viewpoint is located at the end of the trail, offering stunning views of the Falls and the beach below.
Expect a crowd at this popular hike, and parking can be problematic. When I visited in June 2023, the overflow parking lot was closed, creating more congestion.
Pfeiffer Falls
Pfeiffer Falls is a 60-foot waterfall located in Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park in Big Sur, California.
You can reach the falls via two trails. The shorter one is a 0.75-mile out-and-back trail, which is closed due to a landslide. So, you will need to take the longer Valley View Trail, which is a 3-mile loop. This trail includes some rough spots and steeper inclines.
Regardless of your trail, the waterfall at the end is breathtaking. You can sit on benches to relax and enjoy the view.
If you are adventurous, you can jump over a wooden fence to get right under the waterfall.
Camping
There are several campgrounds in Big Sur, both private and part of the State Park system. Some of the popular ones are Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park, Kirk Creek Campground, Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park Campground, Riverside Campground & Cabins, Fernwood Campground and Resort, and Big Sur Campground & Cabins.
Most of the campgrounds have RV hookups, but only Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park and Big Sur Campground have a dump station.
Book a Big Sur adventure here.
During one of my visits, I rented an RV and stayed at Riverside Campground for a week. Pulling in and hooking up was easy, and our site was close to the river.
The kids loved swimming and tubing in the river, and we had enough trails for their small bikes.
Although the RV was comfortable, it needed a lot of work, especially going to the dump station.
So, we admired the cabins on the hill from afar and made a pact to come back and stay in a cabin.
Staying in a cabin was a much more relaxed experience. The cabin was clean, modern, well-appointed, and comfortable.
Nearby exploration
Partington Cove
Partington Cove is a small cove located in Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park in Big Sur, California. The cove is accessible via a 1.1-mile out-and-back trail that begins at a large pullout on Highway 1.
The trail descends steeply through a redwood forest, a creek, and a tunnel before emerging at the cove.
The creek has several cascades before it flows into the cove, which is surrounded by towering cliffs.
The Main trail bends to the right before you reach a wood bridge and the tunnel. If you keep going on the narrow trail straight ahead, you will come upon a magnificent view of the creek and cascades and end up at another smaller cove.
After this detour, retrace your steps, cross the wooden bridge, and go through the tunnel to reach the bigger Partington Cove.
Garrapata State Park
Garrapata State Park is located on PCH 6.7 miles (ca. 11 km) south of Carmel and eighteen miles (ca. 29 km) north of Big Sur.
The 2,939-acre park was established in 1979 and offers diverse coastal vegetation with trails running from ocean beaches into dense coast redwood groves.
You can find Sea lions, harbor seals, and sea otters in coastal waters, and in the distance, you can spot California gray whales passing during their yearly migration.