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Big Sur

Trip Planner :  USA  /  California  /  Big Sur
(6,500+ reviews from top 20 attractions)
Nature Sightseeing Beaches

Big Country of the South

A sparsely populated area with stunning views, Big Sur attracts artists and tourists traveling California’s scenic Highway 1. The isolated "ranchos" and eccentric vacation homes in the area draw creative types and writers seeking refuge. Henry Miller, Jack Kerouac, and Hunter S. Thompson all lived in the area for a time and helped infuse it with a mysterious and creative vibe. Add Big Sur and other destinations in United States to your travel itinerary using our United States trip builder.
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Top tours for Big Sur
Santa Barbara, Solvang and Hearst Castle Day Trip from Los Angeles BOOK WITH VIATOR FROM US$ 169
Roaring Camp Steam Train Through Santa Cruz Redwoods BOOK WITH VIATOR FROM US$ 29
Monterey & Carmel Explorer Tour BOOK WITH VIATOR FROM US$ 99
1-Hour Monterey and Cannery Row Sea Car Tour BOOK WITH VIATOR FROM US$ 65
Monterey Bay and Carmel-by-the-Sea Day Tour from San Francisco BOOK WITH VIATOR FROM US$ 99
Introduction to Wilderness Survival Clinic in Santa Cruz BOOK WITH VIATOR FROM US$ 125
Monterey Bay Big Sur Helicopter Tour BOOK WITH VIATOR FROM US$ 475
Monterey with Carmel and 17 Mile Drive - Private SUV Tour BOOK WITH VIATOR FROM US$ 695
Taste of Italy On Santa Clara Wine Trail BOOK WITH VIATOR FROM US$ 128
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Best things to do in Big Sur

Popular
Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park
Big Sur
Visit for: 3​h
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Pfeiffer State Beach
Big Sur
Visit for: 1​h
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Bixby Bridge
Big Sur
Visit for: 1​h 30​min
Side Trips
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Asilomar State Beach
Pacific Grove
Visit for: 3​h
Elephant Seal Rookery
San Simeon
Visit for: 2​h 30​min
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Pebble Beach Golf Links
Pebble Beach
Visit for: 4​h
Hidden Gems
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Andrew Molera State Park
Big Sur
Visit for: 3​h
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Limekiln State Park
Big Sur
Visit for: 3​h
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Ragged Point
Big Sur
Visit for: 1​h 30​min
Nature
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McWay Falls
Big Sur
Visit for: 30​min
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Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park
Big Sur
Visit for: 3​h
Historic Sites
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Point Sur State Historic Park
Big Sur
Visit for: 2​h
New Camaldoli Hermitage
Big Sur
Visit for: 1​h 30​min
Tours
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Nature & Wildlife Tours
Big Sur
Visit for: 8​h
Don't Miss a Thing. See & Do More.
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Where to stay in Big Sur

Secluded resorts, inns, and lodges are located off Highway 1. Some offer weary drivers a safe resting place, while others are exclusive resorts for long-term getaways. The latter require advance reservations. Camping is another popular alternative, with many campgrounds accessible from the highway.
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Extend your holiday

Visit top cities near Big Sur:
Zoos & aquariums, scenic drive, historic sites
Visit for: 4 daysStart a plan »
Beaches, scenic drive, historic sites
Visit for: 3 daysStart a plan »
Historic sites, wildlife areas, beaches
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Sightseeing, theme parks, nature
Visit for: 3 daysStart a plan »
Historic sites, nature, beaches
Visit for: 1 dayStart a plan »
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Recently planned trips to Big Sur

29 days in California BY A USER FROM GERMANY July, teens, culture, outdoors, relaxing, beaches, historic sites, shopping, fast-paced, hidden gems PREFERENCES: July, teens, culture, outdoors, relaxing, beaches, historic sites, shopping ATTRACTION STYLE: Hidden gems PACE: Fast-paced 18 days in California BY A USER FROM UNITED KINGDOM July, teens, culture, outdoors, beaches, hidden gems PREFERENCES: July, teens, culture, outdoors, beaches ATTRACTION STYLE: Hidden gems PACE: Medium 7 days in United States BY A USER FROM UNITED STATES June, kids, popular & hidden gems PREFERENCES: June, kids ATTRACTION STYLE: Popular & hidden gems PACE: Medium 7 days in United States BY A USER FROM UNITED STATES June, kids, popular & hidden gems PREFERENCES: June, kids ATTRACTION STYLE: Popular & hidden gems PACE: Medium 9 days in California BY A USER FROM UNITED STATES July, teens, culture, outdoors, relaxing, historic sites, hidden gems PREFERENCES: July, teens, culture, outdoors, relaxing, historic sites ATTRACTION STYLE: Hidden gems PACE: Medium 7 days in California BY A USER FROM CANADA July, teens, relaxing, beaches, popular & hidden gems PREFERENCES: July, teens, relaxing, beaches ATTRACTION STYLE: Popular & hidden gems PACE: Medium 19 days in California & Las Vegas BY A USER FROM AUSTRALIA September, teens, popular PREFERENCES: September, teens ATTRACTION STYLE: Popular PACE: Medium 15 days in United States BY A USER FROM UNITED STATES August, popular PREFERENCES: August ATTRACTION STYLE: Popular PACE: Medium 14 days in United States BY A USER FROM UNITED STATES August, popular PREFERENCES: August ATTRACTION STYLE: Popular PACE: Medium 22 days in California BY A USER FROM CANADA July, culture, outdoors, romantic, beaches, historic sites, museums, popular & hidden gems PREFERENCES: July, culture, outdoors, romantic, beaches, historic sites, museums ATTRACTION STYLE: Popular & hidden gems PACE: Medium 7 days in California BY A USER FROM UNITED STATES October, fast-paced, hidden gems PREFERENCES: October ATTRACTION STYLE: Hidden gems PACE: Fast-paced 8 days in California BY A USER FROM UNITED STATES July, beaches, popular & hidden gems PREFERENCES: July, beaches ATTRACTION STYLE: Popular & hidden gems PACE: Medium
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