Big Sur is located in California, USA. It lies between Monterey and San Simeon and is situated along the central coast of California. Big Sur is famous for its dramatic coastline, scenic cliffs, and beautiful views of the Pacific Ocean.
Big Sur Location Map,Big Sur, California
California Related Links
Big Sur,Big Sur, California
Big Sur is world-famous for its peaceful green spaces, lakes, walking paths, and iconic attractions including Bethesda Terrace, Bow Bridge, Belvedere Castle, Strawberry Fields, The Great Lawn, and the Big Sur Zoo
Top Attractions Inside Big Sur
- Bixby Creek Bridge – Iconic coastal bridge offering stunning views of the Pacific Ocean and cliffs.
- McWay Falls – Scenic 80-foot waterfall dropping directly onto the beach in Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park.
- Pfeiffer Beach – Unique purple sand beach with striking rock formations and sea arches.
- Point Sur Lighthouse – Historic lighthouse perched on a volcanic rock bluff with guided tours.
- Big Sur River Gorge – Popular spot for wading, picnicking, and enjoying natural swimming areas.
- Andrew Molera State Park – Coastal trails, meadows, and river views ideal for hiking and wildlife spotting.
- Ventana Wilderness Trails – Extensive hiking routes through rugged mountains and redwood forests.
- Bixby Creek Bridge – 6 km (3.7 mi)
- McWay Falls – 12 km (7.5 mi)
- Point Sur Lighthouse – 20 km (12.4 mi)
- Pfeiffer Beach – 8 km (5 mi)
- Big Sur River Gorge – 10 km (6.2 mi)
- Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park – 12 km (7.5 mi)
- Garrapata State Park – 35 km (22 mi)
- Carmel-by-the-Sea – 30 km (18.6 mi)
- Monterey, CA – 40 km (25 mi)
- Ventana Wilderness – 15 km (9.3 mi)
- Pacific Coast Highway (Highway 1) – 0 km (0 mi)
- Hwy 17-Mile Drive Entrance – 50 km (31 mi)
- Point Lobos State Natural Reserve – 45 km (28 mi)
- Andrew Molera State Park – 10 km (6.2 mi)
- Big Sur Village – 0 km (0 mi)
- Los Padres National Forest – 5 km (3.1 mi)
- Sand Dollar Beach – 15 km (9.3 mi)
- Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park – 10 km (6.2 mi)
- Ragged Point – 35 km (22 mi)
- Plaskett Creek Campground – 15 km (9.3 mi)
Top Attractions Inside Big Sur
Big Sur Facts
| Official / Common Name | Big Sur |
| Location | Big Sur, California, USA — along the central California coast between Carmel-by-the-Sea and San Simeon |
| Latitude & Longitude (approx.) | ≈ 36.27° N, 121.81° W (central Big Sur region) |
| Access / Route & Description | Primary access via California State Route 1 (Pacific Coast Highway); world-famous coastal roadway with cliffs, ocean vistas, redwoods, beaches, bridges, and mountainous terrain |
| Managed By / Governing Authority | No single governing body — region includes California State Parks (e.g., Pfeiffer Big Sur SP, Julia Pfeiffer Burns SP), U.S. Forest Service (Los Padres National Forest), and Monterey County |
| Landscape / Scenery & Environment | Dramatic coastal cliffs, Pacific Ocean views, steep mountains, redwood forests, rocky shorelines, beaches, waterfalls (e.g., McWay Falls), coastal scrub, chaparral, and fog-covered ridges |
| Main Attractions / What It Offers | Scenic driving, coastal overlooks, redwood hiking, beaches, camping, photography, wildlife viewing (sea otters, whales), iconic Bixby Bridge, Pfeiffer Beach, McWay Falls, state-park trails, dramatic sunset views |
| Access / Best Use / Safety Notes | Highway 1 subject to closures from landslides; limited cell service; narrow winding roads; reserve lodging/camping early; bring layers due to coastal fog and variable weather |
| Nearest Town / Services | Carmel-by-the-Sea (north), Monterey (north), and San Simeon (south) — Big Sur itself is rural with limited services |
| Significance / Notability | Considered one of the most beautiful coastal regions in the world; iconic American scenic drive; popular for nature tourism, photography, and dramatic Pacific coastline landscapes |
| Time Zone | Pacific Time (PT) – UTC−8 Standard / UTC−7 Daylight Saving |
Distances from Big Sur to Nearby Landmarks
Top Places to Visit in California
Explore the most popular tourist places in California. The list below includes famous beaches, national parks, historic sites, and scenic attractions across the state, along with map locations.
Explore the complete list of places to visit in the United States, including national parks, cities, landmarks, and famous attractions.