Big Sur Parks
Big Sur offers some if the most spectacular hiking anywhere. Three amazing state parks are all within a short drive along Highway One, and together boast miles of hiking trails with gorgeous views of the coast, the mountains and the Big Sur valley.
Fishing
Each winter, the Steelhead Trout make their way up the Big Sur River to spawn. Fishing is limited to the west side of Highway One, is catch and release only, and is open on Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays. The season can vary from year to year, but generally runs from about December 1st through March 1st.
Wildlife
No, there are no bears in Big Sur, but you will probably see raccoons, squirrels, deer, Stellar Jays and perhaps the occasional fox, bobcat, coyote, or wild turkey.
- Andrew Molera State Park is located 2½ miles north, has several options for hikes of varying lengths. Meadows displaying wildflowers, mountain ridge tops with views of the ocean, and the beach are all available at Molera. You can take a leisurely one mile hike along the Big Sur River to a sand and rock beach. The trail winds through a meadow dotted with wildflowers, and through shady Sycamore trees on its way to the ocean. Once at the beach, you may catch a glimpse of whale spouts, or watch surfers challenging the rolling surf. No dogs allowed.
- Pfeiffer State Park is only a short 1½ mile drive south of our campground. Relax by taking a leisurely stroll through an ancient redwood forest on your way to Pfeiffer Falls, or climb to the top of the Oak Grove trail to take in breathtaking views of the Big Sur valley. The Mount Manuel trail offers an even bigger challenge, climbing to the top of Manuel Peak, and rewarding you with views you'll never forget.
- Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park is twelve miles south. Hike the Ewoldsen Trail or take in the beauty of a 60 foot waterfall cascading onto the beach.
Fishing
Each winter, the Steelhead Trout make their way up the Big Sur River to spawn. Fishing is limited to the west side of Highway One, is catch and release only, and is open on Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays. The season can vary from year to year, but generally runs from about December 1st through March 1st.
Wildlife
No, there are no bears in Big Sur, but you will probably see raccoons, squirrels, deer, Stellar Jays and perhaps the occasional fox, bobcat, coyote, or wild turkey.
Big Sur Beach Access
Big Sur Campground & Cabins is surrounded by private property, but there are wonderful beaches just a short drive away along Highway One.
- Andrew Molera State Park is located 2½ miles north, where you can take a leisurely one mile hike along the Big Sur River to a sand and rock beach. The trail winds through a meadow dotted with wildflowers, and through shady Sycamore trees on its way to the ocean. Once at the beach, you may catch a glimpse of whale spouts, or watch surfers challenging the rolling surf. No dogs allowed.
- Pfeiffer Beach is three miles south along Highway One, then two miles down Sycamore Canyon Road. Sycamore Canyon Road is unmarked, so watch the odometer on your car and look for a sharp, downhill turn off the highway at the three mile mark. It's a single lane road not suitable for RV's or trailers. Follow the windy canyon road two miles, where it ends at the beach. Pfeiffer Beach is sandy, with several rugged rocks just off the beach. At low tide, you can find numerous tide-pools to explore. Dogs on leashes are OK.
Big Sur Day Trips
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Big Sur Campground & Cabins makes an excellent base camp for day trips along the central coast.
To the South
To the North
For more information on the Big Sur area, visit the Big Sur Chamber of Commerce website. |
Big Sur Merchants
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Restaurants
River Inn, Ripplewood, The Lodge Restaurant, Fernwood, Sierra Mar, The Restaurant at Ventana, Nepenthe, Deetjen's, The Maiden Pub, Big Sur Roadhouse, Big Sur Taphouse General Stores River Inn, Ripplewood, The Lodge Store, Fernwood, Big Sur Center Deli, Coast Ridge Outfitters Groceries Be aware there are no supermarkets in Big Sur. The closest one is in Carmel, 25 miles north. There is, however, a handful of small general type stores close by. They tend to offer a reasonable selection of basic grocery items, as well as some basic camping supplies. |
Gas
River Inn, Ripplewood, Big Sur Bakery (Shell Station) *There is no diesel available in Big Sur. The closest diesel stations are either 25 miles north in Carmel, or 75 miles south in Cambria. Propane River Inn, Ripplewood, Big Sur Bakery (Shell Station) Gift Shops River Inn, The Heartbeat, Ripplewood, The Lodge Store, Fernwood, The Phoenix at Nepenthe Galleries The Heartbeat Gallery, Local Color, Hawthorne Gallery, Henry Miller Library |
