Recently visited during a rainy day, the waves were significantly higher than usual, but the sea otters didn’t seem to mind. Beautiful hike, fairly steep and wet so be sure to wear good shoes and wear a rain jacket as rain is inevitable and so is the moisture from the waves.

This is a beautiful park unfortunately we came during some major renovations. They were building new bathrooms and the trail down to the waterfall was closed. We were however able to see the waterfall from the top of the trail

There is work going on, so only Porta-Potty's there and definitely need emptying. The walk over to the waterfall is a smooth flat walk. The waterfall is iffy on visibility whether the weather cooperates. Second time to stop it was clear.

Totally worth the drive. Breathtaking view. This stop doesn’t take much of a time to see the fall. Must see spot on the Big Sur drive. Would definitely like to explore more such places.

Beautiful views! We loved our visit, but were disappointed that the trail was closed partially. The area is well maintained aside from this though. Definitely worth a trip.

For the longest time I’ve wanted to drive down highway 1 on the California coast. This year we finally did drive down from Big Sur to Santa Barbara mostly one highway one stopping whenever and wherever we felt inspired. This park was one of our stops with information on the area and many hiking trails available

It was really beautiful scenery to drive down to Big Sur and Los Angeles but unfortunately due to road closures we did have to turn back but still enjoyed the view.

Very short walk from the parking lot (entrance closes after sunset). Stunning views along the coast.

State of California is filled with many beautiful state parks located on Hwy 1 coast. Julia Pfeiffer Burns would sit on the top of the list. First and foremost, the drive along the coast is filled with coastal beauty and breathtaking views! Visitors wanting to stop every few yards to immerse in the nature and explore picture perfect spots. Parking is available with self pay and they renovated restrooms, picnic area beautifully. Only disappointment is trails are not opened after recent years of natural disasters. Short trail takes one through a tunnell under highway, opens up to watch the stunning views of the cove and McWay falls. Amazing shades of blue pleasing the eyes. There is a hidden campsite on the cliff above the falls accomodating only two tents. Very private! Cliff area is blocked so there is no beach access. Visited so many times, never get tired, it's pure delight. It's located pretty close to Lucia after Big Sur on Hwy1 south.

We were here to check out the Mc way falls trail. It was a short walk to the point. There were breathtaking sunset views and a waterfall if you look down. Suitable for Senior citizens. There is a short staircase at the start of the trail , so might not be wheelchair friendly . Theres a tunnel on the way that opens up to beautiful views. Definitely a place to checkout !! Clean restrooms at the start of the park. There was limited parking.

Located on California 1 highway this is one of the Must Go destinations is west coast. The view on the way to this park is something you will always remember. August is usually foggy here but if you are lucky you will have a sunny day when you can get the best view of McWay falls. Park entrance fee for vehicle is $10 and the same pass should work for any of the state parks in Cali.

Such a beautiful place. After a short walk from your parking spot, generally on the road outside the park. You can watch this marvelous miracle from God and nature. The waterfall comes pretty much from the stone and blends smoothly into the white sandy beach and the ocean. Relaxing and beautiful.

McWay Falls is beautiful. The trail is a short walk from the Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park day use parking lot. The falls are in the shade in the morning & the marine layer often in the evening. Popular location so the falls overlook can be crowded mid-day.

It is perfect place to spend your day. The beach is really beautiful and when we went it was not so crowded. The entrance to this beach is off the main road, the road to the entrance of the beach is really narrow and hence we have to drive very careful and only 1 car can pass so often we have to give way. But I would like to really appreciate this state park staff who are always ready to help and are good with vehicles traffic on this narrow road. More photos please check my insta: fsk_photoz

Beautiful beach with lavender color sand. It has some breathtaking huge trees that branch out like an umbrella, it has a cave that is surrounded by seawater. Lastly has some beautiful orange-colored cliffs highly recommend taking this trip for a relaxing therapeutic experience at Pfeiffer Beach.

It’s a quiet beach with intricate rock formations and lush greenery on the hills. Hiking up the hills is the must because the trail leads you to the vista point with breathtaking views of the coastline. NB! They have public restrooms there!

Oh what beauty. The beach was very less crowded when we went and very beautiful. We spent some peaceful time there. The drive to the beach was through a curvy and narrow 2 mile road, just be careful. Would definitely recommend to go for a picnic or dip in water if that’s your thing.

What an amazing beach! Purple sand and incredible views! Well worth the drive and $10.00 at the gate. Very windy, so definitely bring warm clothes. A really spectacular beach, I didn't want to leave this gem!!

It is very stunning. The rock formations are very awesome. One seems to be like a door opening into the ocean. The road to enter the parking is very narrow, needs to be driven slowly and careful to cede way to cars since it's like only one way road and it has curves. There is an entrance fee of $15 dollars but worth every cent. The sand is indeed purple yet not entirely. Sunset was so worth it.

Great little beach. Accessing the beach parking lot can get a little interesting. The road to the parking lot narrows and has plenty of twists and turns. A day pass was $12. Otherwise, there was plenty of parking and accessing the beach itself was very easy.

An amazingly beautiful beach that is really huge and has a characteristic purple sand that I have never seen anywhere else in the world! Beware that the road down to the beach (Sycamore Canyon Road) is very narrow, windy, and very rough! In many places it is only one lane and you will find yourself searching for pullouts to avoid oncoming traffic. If you have a large vehicle, or a car with low ground clearance, the drive will be much more difficult. There is a separate fee to enter of $12. They don’t accept ANY park passes for this beach. Parking is fairly plentiful, but they will close access to the beach when the parking is full, so try to arrive early on weekends or holidays. The beach is only a 5 minute walk from the parking area. The beach is expansive and has plenty of room and soft sand. You will notice in places that the sand appears a dark purple color just below the surface or in areas where the waves have washed away the surface sand. It’s the only place in the world that I have seen sand this color, and it brings a lot of visitors down here to explore. The water is very cold, and the waves can get rough, so be prepared if you plan to swim.

I love this beach❤️❤️ there’s a private road following up to the parking lot. There’s a little bit of walking getting to the beach which is super serene. A special sacred place 🤍

Unlike many of the other beaches I've seen in my life. Interesting purple sand in some areas and unique rock formations which make for beautiful wave crashes. Limited parking available which makes the beach seem relatively empty compared to how big it actually is.

Pfeiffer Beach is an absolutely beautiful beach. It is arguably the most the best beach in California if not the planet. Get there early because parking fills up. It is a great beach for swimming, sun bathing, photography, picnicking, rock climbing, or just for living life. Make aa sharp right turn off Highway 1 just south of Pfeiffer State park and follow the narrow road down to tge beach and pay a small fee tovpark.

I grew up going to this beach and now I take my kids and family. Please respect the space, pack it in and pack it out. Observe local rules and clean up after yourself. Be safe and have fun!

Update: the entry fee has now been raised to $15. If you are planning to come down to visit Big Sur, this place should be in on your list, it’s a must place to visit and one of best beaches I have ever been to in US. The beach is clean, quiet and a great place to see sunset. Rocks surrounding the beach adds up to the beauty. It’s just amazing to see the waves colliding with the rocks! I would come again. There is a 12$ entry fee to get to the beach and parking is available. Last, restrooms are available by the parking area as well.

It’s a nice beach but not worth the drive. The drive was dangerous in my opinion and I wouldn’t want to drive here. There are so many nice beach with beautiful view along the California coast.

The best scenic view I’ve ever seen in California. Most beaches look the same but trust me this one looks different and has a unique vibe. The path to this place is wild through forest and a narrow road. Not preferable for RV’s or big vehicles. $15 per vehicle and you get to spend a whole day here. I would suggest you to visit afternoon so that you can see vibrant sun colors and sun test if possible(as it’s foggy most of the times). Overall worth the time and adventure. It’s close to Big Sur and plan your trip ahead as this place has no network. I would highly suggest you to download maps for better navigation.

Wedding photographer who absolutely loves this location! It has everything- waterfall views, ocean view, cool paths!

It was such a beautiful day, and I am happy about that. No fog, and the fall was easily visible from the viewing area. Unfortunately, the last part of the trail is still closed, but as you can see from the photos, the fall is visible. The trail is super easy. It turned out to be a hotter day than I expected, so I didn't stay there long. There is a bench if you want to relax a bit before heading back. ***Parking is self registered. Pick up the cash envelope on your way in OR park to the side to complete. Remember to leave the top portion on dash. Park staff were present, checking and walking the trail as well. If you pay for parking at any state park, keep your receipt because it will cover all state parks in the area for the entire day. Restrooms available.

Its a one of the gem in the Big Sur area on C A route 1 running parallel to the Pacific ocean. It is inside the Pfeiffer Burns State Park And you see Falls falling into ocean 1. You have to enter and pay the parking fee $10. 2. Once you enter then park your car and then walk towards falls 3. There is tube kind of tunnel walk through it. 4. Best time to visit is during sunset so that you can get very good photos 5. Will be crowded during evening but you can see best views 6. You can not go down to beach but can see from top

Short walk to a view point that’s far from the falls. Limited parking. A stop if you are driving the HWY 1 and have a park pass for the day already. Or find street parking down the way and walk In

The sunset in winter from this spot is spectacular! Although the day we went, the tide was low and waterfall looked funny as it was just to the “sand”, but still outstanding view!

Without doubt the main attraction at Big Sur's Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park is McWay Creek falls, where the eponymous creek crashes 80 feet down the coastal cliffs and straight onto the picturesque beach. You'll probably recognize the McWay Creek Falls from the brochure of almost every California tourist publication you can find. Located right next to Route 1 this is a convenient must-see side trip, and clocking in at a total hike length of just over half a mile makes this short journey accessible to everyone. For those who prefer to stretch their legs on a longer hike, the 2,000 acre coastside Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park offers several great trails trails. We would recommend the 4½ mile Canyon Trail and Ewoldsen Trail loop, which is a great way to experience the diversity of this picturesque park - complete with wildflowers, steep canyons, and some of the biggest redwoods in the State.

This is an amazing waterfall. The waterfall could be seen from the main road and the entrance to the vista point to have a better view of the fall is through the state park. It is usually crowded but it is a MUST if you are the nearby . It is totally worth the visit

A very nice and easy to get to spot for an amazing view! Coming from San Francisco, ,the drive to here makes for a fantastic day trip (with so many spots to stop along the way). It's a shame you can't get closer to the waterfall itself.

Gorgeous short stroll to see the waterfall. Early morning afforded me the place to myself. No way to walk to the beach or falls but worth a stop to see from the trail.

it seems that the path to get a closer view of the waterfall is still closed. despite this, this waterfall is a must-stop on a pacific coast highway drive! it takes around only 10 minutes to hike to the view point, and the trail usually isn't too busy. this is a classic PCH destination, although i do wish there was a trail open that led to a closer view of the waterfall.

As far as I know this the only waterfall in the world which is found at the beach. I had seen many people posting photos and videos captured from the tunnel under the waterfall but looks like the path has been closed for the trekking. In a way its good, this view is more beautiful without humans 😊 There are limited parking spaces near the visitor center, parking inside charges around $10, the inside parking was full and we were asked by staff to park at parking areas away from the entrance. The center has public restrooms, entree is free. As the Route 1 was closed we had to come to this place from north which adds up 3 hrs drive one side. But if you are driving from LA then it adds to the advantage as when you drive from the North you get better views of the Pacific coast You can trek to the view point which is easy and may take hardly 10 minutes. You might try to get the photos from the farthest view point. The view you get is astonishingly beautiful and you would love to stay there for longer time just to get more glance of the natural beauty. You can observe The waves swallowing all the water falling from the waterfall. A point where a sweet water loses its identity and meets into Ocean and becomes like it. Dont miss it.

Pictures taken June 18th. An incredible place to visit. The walkway / trail down to the beach was closed that day so if you plan to go to the bottom, try to find out about that before heading out. Otherwise nice views of the falls from top and the 10 minute walk from the lot to the end of the walkway overlooking the falls. Beautiful!

It's one of the most beautiful sites you will ever witness. Breathtaking. This is paradise! We have traveled extensively, and this was at the top of our list with places like Lake Louise in Banff. WOW!

I loved this place and its view. It was not crowded and transportation was easy. You can reach this beauty after a short walk.

Yes, the falls are pretty cool but the state of disrepair of the trails meant that you can't see them very well. The small trail that is open is super crowded as is the parking lot. It was an expensive visit ($10) foe a 5 minute walk to a neat but underwhelming overlook.

Stunning redwood forest on one side and amazing Big Sur California coast line on the other. The views are spectacular. My family and I hiked up to Buzzard's Roost, not too challenging of a climb, but it definitely gets a little hot in the direct sunlight at the top. I wouldn't recommend the climb with small children. The visitor center was pretty neat. There were clean restrooms available, a gift shop with a variety of items for sale, and a mini ice cream parlor. We spent a full day here and could easily have spent another. The majesty of these trees are amazing. A Park Ranger shared with us that when the fires come through, the redwood trees fair better than most. She explained that because the redwoods are so hard, the fire doesn't destroy them as easily. However, she did say that because the heat of the fire outside the water held inside the trees will boil, causing the tops of the trees to explode. Can you believe that? Crazy!

Parking lots available for a fee or street parking is free as long as you stay within allowed areas. If you pay at 1 state park, it will cover the fee at another as long as it's the same day. Restrooms are available near parking areas, but not along the trail. The trail to falls itself is short but slightly inclined. Several areas have stairs and something to be mindful of. If it's steep going up, it will be steep going down. Once you get to the falls, there are 2 long benches. Sit, relax, and enjoy the sounds. Hopefully, it's all water you hear and not loud guests lol I laid on one of the benches and closed my eyes. I could have fallen asleep there. So peaceful! It's a beautiful area. I hope that once the other trail is opened after bridge damage repair, it will be worth exploring again. There are other shorter and easy trails throughout the park to enjoy.

We made a brief stop in November 2006 at Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park. Here large strong trees are impressive to look at. A hiking guide explained a lot to us about the park: The landscape with its large forests and beautiful stretches of coast is beautiful

We didn't go though the whole park, but you could easily spend the whole day exploring. There are lots of things to see, from redwoods to waterfalls and more. Definitely an enjoyable park to wander through on a nice day. Plus the drive to get there (along Highway 1) is also quite beautiful.

Gorgeous! I’ve been many times and love stopping. McWay falls is one of my Big Sur faves!!! Epic hike. Lots to enjoy. Must do!!!

The nature is stunning. So many trees and plants. Very quiet on the trails I don’t hear the traffic from State Route (SR) 1. Very beautiful scenery and the water fall looks fantastic.

Pfeiffer is a stunning park located in Big Sur, California. This park offers breathtaking views of towering redwoods, beautiful hiking trails, and a tranquil river. The campground is well-maintained and provides a great camping experience. The park has natural beauty and a peaceful atmosphere, definitely check out the park if you're in the area!

Visited on Dec 3rd, stayed on site 90, loved it. Extremely clean, neighbors were quiet. Really got to experience nature without obnoxious people around. The river was so beautiful and peaceful. The bathrooms are super clean and hardly any insects side of them. It was really easy to find our site and the staff was friendly. Really felt safe walking around and going to the bathroom at night.

I love shooting weddings at Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park. I had a wedding couple that braved the rain to get some photos with the gorgeous big redwood trees. The staff was very helpful with parking and suggestions for nice spots to go.

Big Sur is always lovely. Gorgeous, calm. Keep going back to the fourth parking lot and there's less traffic. There's a creek that runs through that's perfect for skipping stones.

It’s such a remotely separated beach spot that everyone who visits Big Sur has to visit! The parking fee is $15 (CARD only) and the lot itself is super small and fills up pretty fast. From the highway, you need to drive inside for about 1 mile on a single lane broken path. Many people arrive here for sunsets to see the sun setting light hitting thru the huge rock sediments along the shore. It’s a view to just experience! HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.

Beautiful and well located state park. Big Sure river is beautiful and you are close to beautiful beaches. The hikes around are awesome. The campground is nice and well maintained. It's nice to be able to shower after a day of hiking.

The pch is open. Some facilities are temporarily closed or no access, lots of road construction, and hill repairs. It's still a beautiful drive!!!! The pch does close no detours.... 35 miles from elephant seal beach, and just a few miles past Goda

Pulled into our campground and realized that it wasn't no water in the bathrooms, there was NO WATER. Suggestion was made to send us to Limekiln to see if we could get water there and then come setup camp. The Ranger at the entrance did us a solid with helping us to find water and explaining where we could do a dump run at the end of our trip. Thanks so much for making our camping stay in Big Sur much more enjoyable! Will be back to camp here!!

Limekiln State Park is amazing. Situated between the redwoods of the central coast and the ocean, it is an amazingly beautiful camp site. There are two main types of camp, ocean and woods. We stayed in the ocean sites at space 10 under the shade of some beautiful old California live oak trees (which were great for hanging hammocks). It's one of the most unique places I've ever camped because there's both a steam running behind the space and the ocean waves only a small distance away. I've been lulled to sleep by both before, but never at the same time. While camping here the in the summer is likely challenging as finding any available space without book 6 months in advance is nearly impossible, winter camping is much easier and there were open empty sites around us each night. If you have a big camper this may not be the best place for you. We stayed in our tent trailer which is about 16' when towing. Anything later than 20' and your camping space options will be pretty limited. If you are tent camping it's wide open. And if you have to have a boat that can get you there I think they have space for people who sail to the campground. There are sites to see to the North, South and directly out of the camp itself, though it was closed for trail repairs when we were there. I would highly recommend spending a few nights. We were there for five days and I'm ready to go back. I'm including some pictures from the camp site. Things to note, very few sites have electric or water hook ups, so be prepared with your own power, make sure to secure your food at night, there are plenty of raccoons and other small animals all too happy to raid things while you are sleeping. They do have really hot showers! Happy camping!

The main trail is nice but its too over crowded... once you get past the main trail and go off into the other ones its nice calm and a bit relaxing its a bit annoying tho that there's an area where a sign says enter quietly and people never did we literally sat close by and never saw a group walking up to it quietly... like can YA'LL not follow directions lol but over all its a nice place

No doubt the best campsite ever. I love this place! Can't say more because it's already hard enough to book reservations here, lol. Don't want too many people to find out about my secret spot 😝

Visited Limekiln for access to the beach and it was worth the $10 for day use. The beach is clean and private. The water was VERY cold but well worth the stop as it is hard to find beach access in Big Sur. It also has a small river that leads into the beach. Overall great time! If you visit, remember to keep it it clean or better than you found it. ✌️

We spent the day here while camping down the road at Kirk Creek. Staff was super friendly, and gave us info on what to do/ expect. We hiked up the the kilns, the waterfall, then back down to the beach. Not a taxing hike. Well worth the small creeks and logs to hurdle! Can't even describe the feeling of peace and tranquility these woods give you. You're in Big Sur, hiking, then there are redwoods! (Learned a lot from the signs!)

This place was wonderful for a camping vacation. Park staff was extremely friendly and the accommodations were top notch. Bathrooms were always clean and easily accessible. The 2 minute walk to the beach was one of the trip highlights, because the clear view of the sunrise and sunset was incredibly beautiful. I definitely recommend hiking up the waterfall trail. If you are feeling adventurous and don't mind a little brush in your path, try taking the left path up to the ridge. The views are breathtaking!

My favorite hike from my trip to Big Sur. At the trail head you can go left(to falls) or right (along the river) both of very easy hike. Some trees have fallen on the river hike so you do need to crawl over them. You have to cross thin bridges over the river on the falls hike. It was all around maybe about 4 miles there and back for both hikes. We took our time and were there for about 3 hours. The campsite is great. We did not stay there but did picnic on the beach after the hike. Bring picnic stuff and leave it in the car. You can do the hikes and go back to the car before the beach since they are on opposite sides of the park. Beautiful redwood forest hike!!!! We had the river hike all to ourselves and saw a few groups on the falls hike. It's a must do!!!! We did not do the hike to see the kilns.

Had a great time. Such a nice place, very quiet. Trail is closed so not many people walking around. The weather was fantastic. Just know if you come in late, the gate is not really locked, it is pined closed..

Beautiful location. Super friendly and helpful staff. Day parking is $10 but worth it if you want to hike the trails. I had an amazing time. Bathrooms where clean and had clean running water. But you have to bring your own soap to wash your hands. Campsites range from Big to small my family managed to fit for tents on our site. Camp fire pits available at each site. We are definitely going back soon. Be sure to make reservations long before you plan on going because sites fill up quick.

There are hiking trails near the steam and east up the mountain. The beach is about a mile from the parking lot. People surf that beach. Most of the year you have to wade across the stream to get to the beach.

Wonderful trails! Wonderful beaches! Wonderful hiking! From the bluffs to the peaks to the sands in n out and all over beauty. This is a not-to-be missed state park. Classic Big Sur

East Molera is a gorgeous hike. Challenging but doable, even with a late-morning start. More than worth the $10 fee to park.

Great trails. Beautiful beach. Always worth a stop.

I just went to the beach - but this place is beautiful! Very windy but plenty of wooden blockers.

The campground was clean, the bathrooms and trash were well maintained, and most of the trails were open. We stayed at the trail camp, it wasn’t too long, (1/4mi) or difficult, but does have about 10 stairs so plan accordingly. The distance didn’t really feel like a hike as we just walked in with a wagon of stuff and weren’t too deterred by the stairs, so it kinda felt like car camping anyway. The campground is in a large meadow and sound carries so you can listen to most people whether you want to or not. There wasn’t a camp host any of the days we stayed and it was painful watching campers use a hatchet to cut up fallen wood near their camp. It was also odd that the bathrooms are marked as ADA compliant but the trail going into the camp has stairs and the step into the bathroom is 4-6 inches in height. I appreciated that after waiting 30 minutes at the pay booth for a bundle of the wood, the park technician brought us one. He also knew a lot of factoids about the park (that was cool). Day use isn’t capped at this park, so parking just gets full, and it seemed like people were bused in on a busy weekend (adding to crowds on the trails) that said, it was really empty and very quiet the following day. Most of the signage and trail markers are old and overgrown, and I thought the trails needed maintenance. Not sure if I’d go back to the campground but I’d definitely go for the trails, views, and beach .

Only a short hike to a beautiful beach. Or you can choose a longer loop hike for more beauty and exercise. Beach best enjoyed when tide is out. We love day trips here mostly all year round. Well worth the $10 park fee.

My family and I spent the day here. Great little hike to the beach (about 1 mile), building rock towers, checking out sand crabs and exploring the lagoon. I believe there is a longer hike that is about 8 miles.

This is a great place with lots of greenery some streams and some hikes that are easy down to the ocean. I would say it's great for hikers of any age.

The 8 mile loop Ridge trail was so beautiful. Amazing views, nice incline, wide trail, and different landscapes to enjoy.

Stunning! Easy, fun and simple 1.2mile walk to the beach. WARNING: walking bridge over river is temporarily unavailable during fall/winter months. Bring sandals or a towel, water is chilly. Trail branches off to 3 other moderate to difficult hikes around the area. Beach is beautiful and waves are fairly calm. The river drops out into the ocean which leaves a little bayou, just off the end the trail. Beautiful park, great for all ages. Bike accessible. Paid parking available on west side of highway. Free parking just off east side of CA-1 at the park entrance.

Did one of the longer hikes through the bluff trail and ridge trail. The weather was perfect in early September. I went during the week and there was still a good amount of people at the park but barely any on the trail. There's a secluded beach along the trail that was super peaceful and private. Couple Redwoods on the higher points in the park. Lovely place.

There’s fresh air, then there are the miles of uninterrupted outdoor adventure, where the ocean and mountain feel like one. You can find that feeling of euphoria at Andrew Molera State Park. I visited this park on July/25/2021. Everything here is back open. I didn’t even have to pay for parking since I used convenient street parking. The park ranger at the entrance booth was both friendly and helpful. My hike started on the Creamery Meadow Trail, it is a loop of 8 miles and has 1,448 ft of elevation gain. I started by crossing the Big Sur River, and right away I was going up…up to the Ridge Trail to the Redwood Forest and the Clouds! It's definitely steep but unbelievable pretty. Next, I came across Panorama Peak. It is a perfect place for lunch while enjoying the views. I finished my loop by adding the Bluffs Trail. Wow, it was 4 miles downhill along the Big Sur Coastline. It was gorgeous, with amazing views of the ocean. I included a short diversion down the Spring Trail. This was the "bonus" of my trip as I walked on abundant driftwood and PURPLE SAND… Wear long pants to help avoid the poison oak, bring plenty of water, sunscreen, something to eat, and enjoy the beautiful surroundings of nature. Don't miss out on this trail full of adventure!

There is plenty of parking, but it's difficult to get in and out of the park because of the narrow entrance and the speed of the car is going by. The park ranger didn't offer a map when checking in. There is one trail that leads to the beach but it is not well marked and it's actually outside of the entrance gate. There are more easily accessible trails with clearer signs at other nearby parks. I would pass on this one.

Make sure you go to the right place for the lighthouse tour. The old military base is pretty boring note that the lighthouse tour is 3 hours long- plan your time accordingly

Beautiful place to visit. Be aware of limited cell service.

CRAZY VIEW! Amazing, stunning, outstanding! I’m speechless of that beauty!

Actually I only passed by on my way to and back from the Big Sur, and didn't have a chance to go in. On my way back, I happened to see the fog covering the Big Sur coastline, so I stopped and took a picture from the other side of the road.

Stopped alongside the road to take in the magnificent state park and naval station/lighthouse with a beautiful sunset acting as the backdrop. Large shoulder making it easy to park and take pictures.

2 stars because i didnt kno i cud have experienced it a lot closer, the pics prove 5 stars, but i need to see it in person...single guy here, who's ready 2 go? Hope when i go there's fog or a cold front, something about fog and a lighthouse😍 Still saw some beautiful views on my trip!

A must stop to for some of the most beautiful spots on the CA shores. Just hope that on your way up someone's not going down!

Going back for Halloween if you guys are open. The buildings are awesome and the restoration efforts are much appreciated.

I enjoyed the view from Highway 1 and didn't see much information until I was at Big sur and saw a poster on tour information. Definitely need to plan to see this.

Epic show with top notch video & sound. Features both performance and fashion designers. Tends to be on the wild side, and most shows have themes. Hardworking crew and appreciative audience combined to make this show sell out every single year.

This is quite an interesting library/bookstore. Everyone should go check it out. They also have some very interesting book collections as well. I waited for them to open before heading there. They are closed on Tuesday.

Come here every visit to big sur. A lovely place to sit and read and experience the property. Love the art and bookstore.

A unique book store that is in the middle of the woods. There is a hammock swing that is so calming to sit on. There is an adorable library cat walking around rubbing on your legs. Definitely a cool stop to visit in HWY 1

This is such a true gem. The outside of the library is a bit of a quirky art show with changing pieces. This time there was a piano outside with all the dead pine leaves in and on it and a gorgeous jade sculpture above the rotting keys. The library (which was Henry's secretary's Emil White) is beautiful and filled with marvelous books. Magnus and Jake are so helpful and knowledgeable. But for an extra whimsical treat, be sure to use the bathroom.......Emil's bathroom, and check out the incredible, not for children, tiles, he made, on the walls.

Had a nice time here for the annual food and wine festival, however they allowed way too many people in and the space was so cramped for the crowd and all the vendors. It was almost like everyone was on top of each other, making it hard to maneuver. Also there wasn’t enough spots for people to sit down to eat and drink. They need to either limit the amount of people they let in or move the event to a bigger venue next time. Lastly it was a wine and swine event, however we were told their would be other non pork options, including vegetarian items. There was only a few options, therefore one of us wasn’t able to eat much. If we are paying about $145 a ticket for an event, would’ve expected more and the event should have been better coordinated.

Weird spot with books hanging in bags much like goldfish at a state fair. While a beautiful natural location, there seems to be all sorts of garbage strewn about under the guise of “art”. Piles of trash litter the front garden. With a little more respect for the natural environment and maintenance of the place, as well as a bit more respect for the books in the bags, this place could be a neat spot. For now it’s nearly a tourist trap disguised as “Beat”

Years ago I dwelt in a cardboard box in a charming little village outside of Paris, a devout practitioner of ‘hyper-rhizomatic absurdist haiku,’ which originated with the blistering literary mind of Jean-Paul de Knutzsacht in the 1960s. My most anthologized piece being, cigarette flap jack raining within gardenias lugubrious hole. I decided my haiku required a tinge of Beat Americana to round them properly, so I ended up, after a forty week hitch-hiking expedition, in Big Sur. Oh, the jagged stone! Oh, the ocean’s relentless tides! While hallucinogenically bounding about the area I discovered the Henry Miller Library, a peaceful slice of the passion pie. Situated among the towering trees and cool breezes this bookshop will astound in its selection of titles of profundity available for purchase, including most, if not all, of Henry Miller’s works. I highly recommend this beautiful bookshop.

We park on the 1 and walk in through an open gate in the 8ft fence. Last night’s festivities are being loaded up on the open lawn. In front of us is a low slung cabin, wide and relaxed, inviting. Books hang from the eves, a whimsical remnant of the pandemic when no one went inside. They hang from trees too, wrapped in plastic and available for purchase. The library itself is a bookstore with quotes and old movie posters and photos and letters framed. Miscellanies in the best sense. I wander the small room in three circles, pausing with a different book each time. Tempted to purchase. Instead, I chat with the owner and the show presenter putting on a sold out concert tonight. They agree to sell me a door ticket four hours before doors and I leave delighted, excited to be back in a few hours for live music. I return in the late afternoon to the open lawn transfigured by rugs and camp mats and camp chairs, tables adorned with flower. The stage is flower lined and a whole band is set up. Alone, I mingle and meet people, easily and quickly feeling a part of this gathered community of big surites and Bay Area fans. A space of beauty. I Loved reading the Henry Miller letters, articles and quotes pasted around. I stood outside the bathroom at the back reading Pico Iyer’s 1991 profile of the man who the space memorializes. For book lovers and curios. For wanderers needing a tree rimmed break from the highway and the gathered hordes in the state park parking lots. I’m wondering what Big Sur was like before we all started “doing it for the gram” and stopped coming to it the peace and silence and solitude of the cliffs and the ocean. At The Henry Miller Library I caught a glimpse.

A very special place and always worth a visit :) the bookstore is full of both standard bookshelves and single books hanging around in plastic bags. There are a few interesting pieces of art. And, often, there are visiting artists playing music. The most peaceful vibes imaginable! Visit to reset your brain.

My 8-year-old daughter and I agree: this is what we want our heaven to be. This place ignites curiosity and creativity and fits naturally into the magic of the area.

Took my mom for a ride to Big Sur. I've been here before for a "Pink Floyd" cover band. Awesome night. There gentleman that works there is very interesting and is very informative. Really enjoyed talking to him. Definitely worth the stop by.

This place is quite magnificent, and yet humble. A must stop on the drive through Big Sur. Magnus who runs the place is knowledgeable and welcoming. There are fabulous literary finds and art here, as well as a tea/coffee station. Warmer months mean ping pong outside and apparently you can even get married here! Something here draws you to it, in the most magical way.

Views are very scenic. But be extra careful with kids and while taking photos as there no guardrails and the mountain is very steep.

Must stop point when driving in Big Sur. Drive by slowly because the view of the bridge is beautiful only before crossing it, abd parking can be challenging during weekends and holidays. Be mindful while driving here cause people are everywhere walking, and posing for pictures. Must stop and don’t miss it 😎.

If you are on highway 1 this is a must stop location. We got there about 9am so it was quiet but when we passed by on our return there were more people there. Stunning views. Loved it.

Want a picture for your Mac wallpaper, this is the perfect spot. It felt like paradise. A must visit spot on the pacific 1 highway ✅.

Beautiful architecture structure. Great place for couples who are getting married ,for friends and family who enjoy the beach.The view is amazing of the bridge combined with rocks and the ocean.

Better views than Bixby and less crowded too, but the same gorgeous bridge.

This is my favorite of the two big bridges. It doesn’t get as much love as bixby creek bridge.

Beside the historic bridge, the area is so beautiful! I was here in late July and wildflowers are blooming on the cliff. It was also very windy, I walked down the cliff a bit but was afraid the wind could push me off 😀

One of the many scenic bridges along the highway 1. Strong crosswinds and make sure to secure your hats when you take photos. There are signs on the cliff that say private property / no trespassing, so you can’t hike down to the beach.

🌉✨ Rocky Creek Bridge: A Captivating Picture-Perfect Gem! 📸🌅 Nestled along the stunning coastline, Rocky Creek Bridge is a haven for shutterbugs and nature enthusiasts alike. With its breathtaking views and mesmerizing natural beauty, it's the perfect spot for making memories that will last a lifetime. 🌊📸 A quick stop is all it takes to be enchanted by the surrounding vistas. The rhythmic crashing of the waves against the rugged cliffs creates a symphony of serenity that soothes the soul. 🌊🎶 Whether you're an aspiring photographer or simply a lover of beauty, this bridge offers endless opportunities for unforgettable snapshots. The combination of sea, sky, and nature's allure is simply unparalleled. ✨🌅 So, if you're seeking a place to pause, admire, and create cherished memories, Rocky Creek Bridge beckons you with its awe-inspiring allure. 🌉💫 #RockyCreekBridge #PicturePerfectViews

We mistakenly believed this to be the infamous Bixby Canyon bridge from afar. Once you get closer, it is a lot smaller and the difference is obvious. The view is still quite nice. And if you’re simply seeking a lookout, there’s much less traffic, and a much easier parking sitch.

Beautiful views. 180’ view. Less crowded. Limited parking spots. No pathways so careful with your footwear. Spend 10-15mins here on you way and you won’t regret.

One of many iconic bridges along Carrillo beach highway . This roadside attraction offers great views of the surrounding cliffs and bluffs. The golden coast does not disappoint. Couldn’t get enough of the great views of the stunning coast line. Definitely a must see but do use caution as the cliffs do give way. Stay at least 4 feet distance from the edge . Parking is limited so get here early.

This is one of the best spot to take pictures around Pacific Ocean. The main highlight is bridge and best time to take picture is evening than morning

Beautiful views in both directions but the bridge is not as grand as the Bixby Bridge. Still lovely.

This place was amazing. We had the salad and the lunch bowl and both dishes blew us away with the amazing flavor and the quality of the produce. We ate our lunch from the rooftop terrace with a view of the sea (we even saw some dolphins). The place has a great modern yet cozy atmosphere.

Parking is difficult here. There are spaces in front of the cafe and on the street, but not much to work with. Be careful because cars come fast around the corner, so be safe. Honestly, yes, it's a beautiful area, view, and gallery, but food menu options for the price point, in my opinion, are not worth it and are very limited in options. I would say stop here for a coffee/beverage and a light snack/meal if you aren't hungry. But, if you are hungry, grab a filling meal elsewhere. If you are unable to find parking, it's not worth the stress to wait around. If it's busy, the line to order can also be long. If you do stick around, walk around to see art all over the grounds. Grab a coffee. Seating outside had a beautiful view. Seating is open seating and first come, first served. There is seating inside, outside, and in their courtyard area.

This place is phenomenal. The terrace views are spectacular and you really don't want to leave. The coffee and beer were great and the bread was exceptional!!! I liked it here so much. The music was also right up my alley. 60s and 70s feel good music. Such a good spot, I can't recommend it enough!

This may be the best coffee-with-a-view experience I’ve had. Their menu is somewhat limited, and they don’t offer substitutions or changes to orders, but the coffee is really good. It has a sculpture gallery downstairs that is beautiful, and the layout is asymmetrical yet comfortable. The top terrace has an incredible view of a bend in Highway 1 and the ocean beyond. If you’re looking to get some caffeine while you explore the trails and sights in Big Sur, then you need to stop here.

The Best Dessert ever!!! Rich chocolate ganache on a date-chocolate cookie topped with cocoa nibs! Incredibly delicious!! So much more than a cookie! The cafe is so classy, fresh flowers everywhere, location overlooking the ocean! Great experience!!

During our day trip to Big Sur, we decided to visit this place we had seen on Instagram. Although we don't typically rely on social media recommendations, we thought it was worth a shot. The decorations and views were stunning, creating a lovely atmosphere. We had Sourdough Pizza and drinks. Admittedly, the food was a bit on the expensive side, but the overall experience made it worthwhile. I'd love to come back, and I can already picture bringing more friends along to enjoy the good vibes and great mood of the place. Loved it!

Great for a quick lunch in Big Sur. Hot coffee and ice cream are better than meals. There is an expansive pacific sea view, and the small valley visible through the round window inside is pretty.

A delightful establishment with delicious food and drinks. It is in such a tranquil location, in spite of Big Sur's popularity. It is self-service, so you would order at the counter then take your meal to your seat. Plenty of seating available when I went on a Saturday early afternoon, and with an assortment of seating options available. Only one minor complaint (which, in retrospect is actually helpful to overcrowding) is that parking is quite limited.

One of the lesser known cafés along the PCH (CA-1) offering delicious food and drinks. We went there for brunch and had The Iced Flash Brewed Coffee which was excellent and Iced Lavender Vanilla coffee which is more of an acquired taste. During my previous visit I'd had their Margherita and Sourdough Pizzas and they were great but even with their comparatively smaller menu they have plenty of options to accommodate any sort of dietary restrictions/preferences. Staff is extremely friendly and the whole Cafe is just uniquely and beautifully designed with their own art gallery and souvenir shop right inside the Cafe. Oh and did I not tell you about their terrace view opening our minds to the stunningly blue Pacific ocean? Now I have!! There are limited parking spots (20 ish) so I'd suggest planning your visit and I've seen people park alongside the shoulder of the road and then walk to the Cafe when there's no parking but I'd not recommend it. Place has ample amenities and a super clean common restroom so it's a perfect rest spot after a peaceful ride on the CA-1 highway.

We stumbled upon this place after driving down the coast. We were so hungry and grateful to find this place. They have a beautiful exterior and small but beautiful gallery. The restaurant has a small menu with delicious options. They also have a cooler on the wall with small food items and drinks.

We saw COAST as we were driving along Big Sur and immediately knew we had to make a stop there. We got some ice-cream and enjoyed the views from their rooftop patio. I got the chai flavored ice-cream, which was very rich and yummy! It came with some ginger gummy pieces which enhanced the flavor of the ice-cream. It was honestly so good! It was a bit pricey, but we had expected this in Big Sur. 100% recommend to stop by for a coffee/ ice cream/ drink or even a meal. Ambience was 10/10 as well. Can't wait to go back again!

Beautiful cafe with ample seating indoors and outside. Lots of choices for drinks including alcoholic beverages but food menu is rather limited. If you like seeds and grains and vegan stuff then this might appeal to you. We tried also their chocolate vanilla ice cream but it was just vanilla with chocolate crumbles. No public wifi, not sure about Verizon but no AT&T or T-mobile reception here. Staff are great. Parking space for a few cars. Please read the sign and don’t try to enter what it says “exit only”.

THE place to stop by on one’s trip to Big Sur. A lovely building perched on the other side of highway 1 hugged by the surrounding nature. The first floor is an artful gallery/gift shop space and the terrace above overlooks the ocean - is there a better place to sit down and enjoy a beautiful lunch? We were all the more impressed by the food itself. A very fun adventure to try and taste all the items in the ensemble of mezze lunch bowl - lettuce so fresh as if just picked from the ground, radish hummus so good that we purchased a box afterwards to go. Loved the brokaw avocado sandwich as well - perfect seeded bread paired with unique and delicious spread consisting of ricotta and sweet potato. Look forward to coming back again!

Such a wonderful spot in the middle of Big Sur. The employees were so kind, and the food is fresh and delicious. I got the iced lavender vanilla coffee, fresh sourdough, and butternut squash butter. The upstairs patio looking out onto the ocean is wonderful and has plenty of seating. Cute interior seating and shop too! Will definitely come again next time I’m in Big Sur!

It's the last reachable place on the US1 going south at the moment. Stunning view, we couldn't get enough. The menu is quite restrictive but the options are all great, especially the snacks which are worth buying some extra slices of bread :)

This is a very cool and cozy place, and the staff is extremely nice. We came here when it was raining so didn’t get a chance to enjoy the view, but the inside decor was very pretty and they had a nice fire in the corner. The service and the atmosphere make it worth a visit. Even on a sunny day everyone may not find a spot to enjoy the view since there are limited patio seats and this place is popular. My chocolate sundae was disappointing especially for $15, since the chocolate ratio was very low.

The place is beautiful and has a perfect view of Big Sur. The prices are acceptable but don't expect good service. The attendants are rude and don't give you the necessary attention. It could have been a perfect experience if it weren't for the terrible service.

The ranger here was extremely helpful in helping us plan our hiking trip in Big Sur. I highly recommend stopping in here for insight on the best trails and look outs

This is a great place to start your Big Sur adventure! The Rangers are super helpful and they always have a smile on their face! This is the place to start planning all of your stops and find out what is open and what is not open. This is also a great place to use the bathroom it’s very clean. You can also get all of your parking passes or camping permits. You should also make a stop on the way out so you can pick up your souvenirs.

Easy to find. Need to fill out parking slip $10/calendar day at the entrance to large parking(drive past the ranger station). At the trailhead you’ll find the self registration wilderness permit(other end of parking lot opposite pay station). Super straightforward and accessible to all who wish to experience the park and what it has to offer.

Super beautiful place! Love it.

Tim is the best! Super knowledgeable of the area.. what's open etc. Greatly appreciate all the info for the best visit possible.

The best advice on what to see in Big Sur. They know what trails are clear and can suggest how to plan your hiking trip. They know where all the sights are and where to park. Plus the toilets are open 24 hours a day.

An amazing place. We didn't know you could camp there - there are designated camping spots. At the entrance there are plaques that tell you the dangers (poison ivy, rattlesnakes etc...) with diagrams. The trails are marked - though the trail for the waterfalls is a little confusing. For the waterfall, you have to walk over what looks like fallen logs to cross over to continue the trail - we did not do that. But, we did follow the trail all the way to the limekiln and that was beautiful. There is a wonderful stream throughout the woods that you can follow as well. There are benches to sit on at various viewing spots.

Absolutely breathtaking landscape! I’ve been here several times and it never gets old. Many places to park and access seaside trails.

Such beautiful views, even got to see a California Condor.

Nice stop but needs to open during weekdays plus vending machines are always out of order.

Very good state park to spend the day or camp overnight. There's a swimming area for those who know how to swim. Becarfull of deep water.

What a pleasant surprise. Pfeiffer beach was full for the sunset. Ranger suggested us this place and was definitely worth it. Walk down and go through the tunnel to sit on the rocks and watch the sunset. Some people watched it on the other side of the tunnel was as well. Pick your spot.

First time visited stunning Partington Cove! Don't know how I missed visiting this beautiful place before being regular visitor in and around areas. Now there is a visible activity with road underway that takes closer to the ocean front. Walk down until one reaches a wooden bridge where it forks. One leads to a tunnell and opens out into this amazingly glimmering turquois blue water cove. It's so serene and beautiful, one can sit on the rocks and enjoy the serene ocean. The other fork leads to rocky beach. Nothing outstanding after one visits the cove. Good incline to walk back up to the road.

This was hands down one of the most scenic places to visit along the way. It's a great place to see the waves roll in and to see some sea creatures in the tide pools!

An absolute must-visit location. Absolutely gorgeous sunset views along an easy hike from the shoulder of US-1 down to the water. Plenty of parking on the Monday after Christmas with 3/4 of the space empty for a sunset visit. Only saw 5-6 other parties in the cove area after making our way down. Extremely under-rated gem that is probably the highlight of the attractions in Big Sur. Beautiful rocky cliffs with a broad view of the water with a sunset on the horizon. Even caught a flock of birds seemingly migrating for the winter in a V formation.

Really cool little hike, I almost don't want to post this so fewer people find it! Freshwater stream headed through redwoods down to the cove, a wooden bridge and tunnel, and some nice tidepools filled with life. I went just after the crazy winter storms and the trail after the tunnel was washed out, will have to come back and finish the hike.

What an AWESOME low key spot. It’s roughly +/- 300’ elevation drop down to the cove. There’s 3 trails, the main one leading to a rocky beach with a fresh water small river running into the ocean. The sunlight plays with the cove so it’s great for photos. Another trail leads through a TUNNEL out into another awesome cove! You can see otters from time to time, awesome awesome spot

Majestic view of the ocean! Free access to all. However, Parking is a bit scarce as there are only parking along the freeway. Walk down a mile or so you will get to several jagged rocky shores with strong lapping waves. The Hike up might be difficult for people with health restriction or conditions.

Parking is on the street, along the highway only. There are a couple trails and a river below, but the main trail leads to the ocean! It is a fairly busy trail, with plenty of visitors. But the water is bright turquoise and beautiful!

Easy hike. However don’t forget that going down to the cove is the east part. Coming back up can be difficult. Nice views throughout. The payoff is at the cove. Tunnel to get there is pretty cool. Parking is like all the other sites in Big Sur. At times crowded other times there is space available. Enjoy

Views are very scenic. But be extra careful with kids and while taking photos as there no guardrails and the mountain is very steep.

Must stop point when driving in Big Sur. Drive by slowly because the view of the bridge is beautiful only before crossing it, abd parking can be challenging during weekends and holidays. Be mindful while driving here cause people are everywhere walking, and posing for pictures. Must stop and don’t miss it 😎.

If you are on highway 1 this is a must stop location. We got there about 9am so it was quiet but when we passed by on our return there were more people there. Stunning views. Loved it.

Want a picture for your Mac wallpaper, this is the perfect spot. It felt like paradise. A must visit spot on the pacific 1 highway ✅.

Beautiful architecture structure. Great place for couples who are getting married ,for friends and family who enjoy the beach.The view is amazing of the bridge combined with rocks and the ocean.

Better views than Bixby and less crowded too, but the same gorgeous bridge.

This is my favorite of the two big bridges. It doesn’t get as much love as bixby creek bridge.

Beside the historic bridge, the area is so beautiful! I was here in late July and wildflowers are blooming on the cliff. It was also very windy, I walked down the cliff a bit but was afraid the wind could push me off 😀

One of the many scenic bridges along the highway 1. Strong crosswinds and make sure to secure your hats when you take photos. There are signs on the cliff that say private property / no trespassing, so you can’t hike down to the beach.

🌉✨ Rocky Creek Bridge: A Captivating Picture-Perfect Gem! 📸🌅 Nestled along the stunning coastline, Rocky Creek Bridge is a haven for shutterbugs and nature enthusiasts alike. With its breathtaking views and mesmerizing natural beauty, it's the perfect spot for making memories that will last a lifetime. 🌊📸 A quick stop is all it takes to be enchanted by the surrounding vistas. The rhythmic crashing of the waves against the rugged cliffs creates a symphony of serenity that soothes the soul. 🌊🎶 Whether you're an aspiring photographer or simply a lover of beauty, this bridge offers endless opportunities for unforgettable snapshots. The combination of sea, sky, and nature's allure is simply unparalleled. ✨🌅 So, if you're seeking a place to pause, admire, and create cherished memories, Rocky Creek Bridge beckons you with its awe-inspiring allure. 🌉💫 #RockyCreekBridge #PicturePerfectViews

We mistakenly believed this to be the infamous Bixby Canyon bridge from afar. Once you get closer, it is a lot smaller and the difference is obvious. The view is still quite nice. And if you’re simply seeking a lookout, there’s much less traffic, and a much easier parking sitch.

Beautiful views. 180’ view. Less crowded. Limited parking spots. No pathways so careful with your footwear. Spend 10-15mins here on you way and you won’t regret.

One of many iconic bridges along Carrillo beach highway . This roadside attraction offers great views of the surrounding cliffs and bluffs. The golden coast does not disappoint. Couldn’t get enough of the great views of the stunning coast line. Definitely a must see but do use caution as the cliffs do give way. Stay at least 4 feet distance from the edge . Parking is limited so get here early.

This is one of the best spot to take pictures around Pacific Ocean. The main highlight is bridge and best time to take picture is evening than morning

Beautiful views in both directions but the bridge is not as grand as the Bixby Bridge. Still lovely.