Natural History Wanderings

Big Sur is known for dramatic coastal landscapes and beaches, condors, whales, otters, and wildflowers.

When you look on a map it is not always clear where or what Big Sur is?  Some would say its a state of mind.  Practically, Big Sur is not a specific place but rather the stretch of California coast from south of Carmel to about San Simeon along highway one and stretching inland 13 to 20 miles.  Here are the some of the highlights with links and useful websites.  If you drive highway one, plan lots of time as it is a slow and twisty road with many scenic views and pullouts.

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Highlights of Big Sur (traveling from North to South along Highway One)

• Point Lobos for detailed write-up check the Natural History Wanderings posting:  Pt. Lobos-a “must do”, but avoid the crowds
• Garrapata State Park Coastal Park with beaches, redwoods, views, sea lions, harbor seals, sea otters, and diverse coastal vegetation.  Whales pass close during annual migrations.
• Bixby Bridge a dramatic and scenic  714 foot long arched bridge that is historically important as it made Big Sur Accessible by car.  You probably have seen it in automobile commercials.scienceview.berkeley.edu
• Hurricane Point a high viewpoint with several turnouts
• Point Sur Historic Lighthouse is a State Historic Park.  The lighthouse sits on a large volcanic rock just off-shore and has guided tours for visitors.
• Andrew Molera State Park trails through meadows with wildflowers, beaches and hills.  Walk-in Campground with 24 sites on a first-come, first-served basis.  Seasonal bridges are installed to cross river from about April to October. (831) 667-2315
• Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park Hiking, Redwoods Forests, Wildlife. Big Sur Lodge with 61 rooms. 204 Campsites (no hook-ups) (800) 444-7275
• Pfeiffer Beach a spectacular and famous beach. $5 day use fee. open 9AM to 8PM  1/4 mile south of Big Sur Ranger Station. Turn west on Sycamore Canyon Road and follow to the end.  The road is not signed for the beach, is easy to miss and narrow.
• Partington Cove a one mile round trip on a steep tree-lined trail to a scenic Rocky Beach
• Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park panoramic views of the ocean, 80 foot waterfall, redwood forest and two hike-in environmental campsites. (800) 444-7275
• Limekiln State Park Redwoods and Coastal Views. 33 campsites (831) 667-2403
• Kirk Creek National Forest Campground – on bluff with views of coastline with 37 sites.
• Mill Creek – day use area and scenic forest hike
• Sand Dollar Beach scenic beach and day use area
• Plaskett Creek National Forest Campground – 1 mile south of Sand Dollar Beach. 41 sites
  Jade Cove – Rock-hounding, diving for Jade and hang-glider site. day use.
• Salmon Creek Falls – 100 foot waterfall.  two falls, interesting shape, reliable good flow
  Piedras Blancas Light Station Outstanding Natural Area historic light house and part of National Landscape Conservation System.
• Elephant Seal Rookery
• Hearst Castle State Historical Monument

To see a list of useful websites for visiting Big Sur and Natural History resources websites and books for the area go to  Big Sur Part 2: Visiting, Natural History and Photography