Big Sur is a rugged and mountainous section located on the Pacific Coast Highway between Carmel Highlands and San Simeon. It is known for its dramatic scenery that includes cliffs, rocks, redwoods and beaches. In terms of accommodations, plan ahead because there are not many options in Big Sur and they fill up quickly! They can range from the epic Post Ranch Inn, to the charming Big Sur River Inn, to one of the many campsites in the area. Once you reach Big Sur, there’s little to no reception. The roads are narrow and snake around the cliffs so don’t stop unless there’s a pullout. It’s also VERY expensive. That all being said, Big Sur is one of my favorite road trips, and if you can throw in an extra day in Santa Cruz, you’ll be golden.
Total Days: 4 Days | Accommodations: Recommend the Big Sur River Inn | Transportation: Rented a car | Traveled With: 1 Girlfriend | Type of Trip: Unwinding surrounded by nature | Highlights: Pfeiffer Beach exploring, Sur House views and Shadowbrook vibes
DAY 1
At a glimpse: Big Sur must-do waterfront destinations
Travel Agenda: Drive to Big Sur (which is half the fun!) Make sure to stop at the pullout around Bixby Bridge and the Point Sur Lighthouse to get some photos. Check in to your accommodations and head to Pfeiffer Beach. Parking tends to fill up early but by mid-afternoon you should be able to get a spot. Walk the beach, explore Keyhole Rock and get a close up look at the magical purple sand. After getting cleaned up, plan to be at Nepenthe just before sunset. Get there early to get an outdoor or window table to get the full experience!
Tip: Unless you’ve researched it, the Pfeiffer Beach entrance is hidden just south of the entrance to Pfeiffer Big Sur State park with a sharp turn and a yellow sign that reads “Narrow Road.” Parking is $10 in cash.
DAY 2
At a glimpse: Hiking and Sightseeing
Travel Agenda: Stop by Big Sur Bakery for breakfast (some of the best pastries I’ve ever had!) and get some provisions for a post hike, well-deserved picnic lunch. Drive 4 minutes north to the Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park entrance and hike the Buzzard’s Roost Trail, which is a 4.8-mile loop through the redwoods with coastal views. In the afternoon, drive to McWay Waterfall Trail (check to may sure it’s open!) or Partington Cove Trail.
Later on, plan on dinner and drinks at the Sur House. For an extra special evening, make the 30-minute drive to the cliff side Esalen Hot Springs. Said to have unique healing properties, the springs are only open to the public from 1AM-3AM. (Reservations must be made at exactly 9am PST the day of! 9:05AM won’t cut it.)
Tip: Big Sur attractions are mostly located along one road. If all else fails, just drive until you find something that catches your attention!
DAY 3
At a glimpse: Beach morning and afternoon drive to Santa Cruz
Travel Agenda: Breakfast at Big Sur Bakery (yes, it’s that good). In the morning, stop at the Andrew Molera State Park. Be prepared for a mile-long walk that leads to a long sandy and driftwood-covered beach along the base of the Big Sur headlands.
Take the CA-1 and drive an hour and a half to Santa Cruz. After checking in to your accommodation, walk and shop in the town of Capitola. Plan on dinner at Shadowbrook along Soquel Creek in Capitola.
DAY 4
At a glimpse: Santa Cruise Boardwalk
Travel Agenda: Wake up, grab coffee from Chill Out Café, then walk 15 minutes to the water and watch the surfers at Pleasure Point. Uber to the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk. Play a couple arcade games and then join the 66 million people who have experienced the Giant Dipper roller coaster that has run since 1924. Grab a taco or a corndog (when in Santa Cruz!) and head back to SF.
