With rugged coastline to the west and striking mountains to the east, it’s not exactly a secret that Big Sur is one of the most scenic drives in the world. If you have a travel bucket list, be sure to add a Big Sur, California road trip to the list.
The best way to experience Big Sur is in the car. The drive is short (just 90 miles), but you could easily spend an entire week dedicated to your Big Sur road trip. So if you can, take the time to soak up all the beautiful stops along the way. After all, a Big Sur road trip is all about the journey rather than a destination!
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If you’re feeling a bit overwhelmed planning your Big Sur itinerary, here’s a perfect route for you! Not only will this get you seeing the very best Big Sur has to offer, but you can also adjust the number of days you want to spend on each site depending on how much time you have to dedicate to the trip!
The Ultimate Big Sur Road Trip Itinerary
Carmel
Carmel is easily one of the quaintest towns in the entire world, making it the perfect starting point for your Big Sur road trip.
This quaint little town is famed for its narrow cobblestone lanes, tiny cottages coated in flowers and greenery, and charming boutiques shops selling all sorts of local goodies. Carmel boasts a magical atmosphere that will make you feel as though you’re walking inside a fairytale town.
The time needed: 1 to 2 days.
Bixby Bridge
Offering expansive views of the coastline, Bixby Bridge is one of the most instagrammable spots in California, thanks to its unique location that provides views of the canyon to one side and the Pacific to the other. Even though it’s not a destination per se, stopping here to snap a few pictures at this iconic spot is a non-negotiable!
The time needed: A few minutes.
Andrew Molera State Park
Compared to other parks along the Big Sur area, Andrew Molera State Park is undeveloped and offers a super authentic immersion into nature . Even though you could technically opt to spend a day at the beach here, the best way to explore the park is by tying your shoelaces and exploring a trail or two. Think meadows, hilltops, beaches, and bluffs to get an idea of what hiking at Andrew Molera is all about!
The Bluffs Trail is an excellent choice for a relatively easy trail that provides beach views and nature. If you’re keen on a challenge, you can continue onwards to Panorama Trail, which is a little steeper but rewards your efforts with the most incredible views of Big Sur.
The time needed: 1 to 2 days.
Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park
Even though a Big Sur road trip is all about killer views of the Pacific Ocean, there are a few spots with no ocean around that are worth a visit. A perfect example? Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park!
Set on the western slope of the Santa Lucia Mountains, a visit to this state park is all about hikes along the river amid redwood trees, conifers, maples, and more. Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park is probably the best place for wildlife enthusiasts to spot fauna like bobcats, black-tail deer, and a myriad of birds!
Pro tip: This is an incredible place to stay if a night in the forest sounds like your jam. There’s a campground on-site, or you can try the Big Sur Lodge, which offers a magically rustic stay in the middle of the woods.
The time needed: 1 to 2 days.
Pfeiffer Beach
Purple sand and a striking rock arch? Yes, please! Pfeiffer Beach is such a unique place to visit during your Big Sur road trip.
You’ll find Pfeiffer Beach about two miles south of Pfeiffer State Park. The drive is relatively short, however, it does require some skill as the road is twisty and narrow. Once you get there, you’ll see beautiful dunes, a stunning natural arch, and purple sand on the north end of the beach, making every curve worth the challenge!
Pro tip: Visit Pfeiffer Beach for the sunset. Watch for the last rays of sun to pass right through Keyhole Arch, creating the most magical view ever!
The time needed: Half-day
Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park
One of the world’s most charming stretches of coastline, Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park is a destination like no other. Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park is the perfect place to end your Big Sur road trip memorably.
This state park located in Big Sur offers hidden coves and lush forests for hiking. The famous 80-foot McWay Falls are also located in Julia Pfeiffer Burns State park and is a sight to see. The waterfall falls directly on the beach!
The time needed: 1 day.
I hope this itinerary helped you plan the perfect Big Sur road trip. The great thing about driving down this area of California is that every location is pretty close to the next. You can easily adjust the amount of time you want to spend in each place. Even if you’re short on time, you can see a lot on your Big Sur road trip.