Where is Big Sur (Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park),Big Sur, California?

Written by | Updated On: December 03, 2025, 14:30 ET

Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park is located in California, USA. It lies between Monterey and San Simeon and is situated along the central coast in the Big Sur region. The park is famous for its redwood forests, hiking trails, rivers, and beautiful natural scenery.

Big Sur (Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park) Location Map,Big Sur, California

Top Attractions Inside Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park

  • Redwood Grove – Towering redwoods with easy walking trails offering serene forest scenery.
  • Pfeiffer Falls – 60-foot waterfall accessible via a moderate hike through lush forest.
  • Valley View Overlook – Scenic viewpoint overlooking the Big Sur River Valley and surrounding mountains.
  • Big Sur River – Shaded river area ideal for wading, picnicking, and relaxing.
  • Hiking Trails – Extensive network of trails through redwood forests, river valleys, and mountain terrain.
  • Camping Areas – Campgrounds nestled among redwoods with access to hiking and river activities.
  • Birdwatching & Wildlife Viewing – Opportunities to see deer, bobcats, and diverse bird species within the park.

Big Sur (Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park) Facts

Official NamePfeiffer Big Sur State Park
LocationBig Sur, Monterey County, California, USA
Latitude & Longitude36.2481° N, 121.7810° W
Total Area~1,006 acres (407 hectares)
Established1933
Managed ByCalifornia Department of Parks and Recreation
RegionCentral California Coast / Big Sur Region
Address47225 Highway 1, Big Sur, CA 93920, USA
Zip Code93920
Area Code831
CurrencyUnited States Dollar (USD, $)
Time ZonePacific Time (PT) – UTC−8 Standard / UTC−7 Daylight Saving
Theme / ConceptRedwood Forests, Coastal Mountains, Scenic Hiking, Nature Retreat
Main FeaturesRedwood Groves – Big Sur River – Pfeiffer Falls – Valley View Overlook – Wildlife Viewing
Famous AttractionsPfeiffer Falls Trail – Valley View Trail – Big Sur River – Nearby Pfeiffer Beach (not inside park)
Annual VisitorsApprox. 500,000+ per year
Entry Fee TypePaid Admission – Day-Use Fee
Entry Fee~$10 per vehicle (varies for oversized vehicles)
ActivitiesHiking – Camping – Photography – Wildlife Viewing – Picnicking – River Access
Best Time to VisitApril–October (best weather); Winter for dramatic coastal scenery
Nearby AirportMonterey Regional Airport (MRY) – ~32 miles (51 km)
TransportationCar via Highway 1 – Limited Local Bus Service – No Park Shuttle
Official Websitehttps://www.parks.ca.gov

Distances from Big Sur (Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park) to Nearby Landmarks

  • Big Sur River Gorge – 1 km (0.6 mi)
  • Pfeiffer Beach – 6 km (3.7 mi)
  • McWay Falls – 12 km (7.5 mi)
  • Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park – 12 km (7.5 mi)
  • Big Sur Village – 2 km (1.2 mi)
  • Bixby Creek Bridge – 10 km (6.2 mi)
  • Andrew Molera State Park – 14 km (8.7 mi)
  • Ventana Wilderness – 5 km (3.1 mi)
  • Garrapata State Park – 35 km (22 mi)
  • Sand Dollar Beach – 15 km (9.3 mi)
  • Point Sur Lighthouse – 20 km (12.4 mi)
  • Point Lobos State Natural Reserve – 45 km (28 mi)
  • Carmel-by-the-Sea – 30 km (18.6 mi)
  • Monterey, CA – 40 km (25 mi)
  • Pacific Coast Highway (Highway 1) – 0 km (0 mi)
  • Plaskett Creek Campground – 15 km (9.3 mi)
  • Ragged Point – 35 km (22 mi)
  • Los Padres National Forest – 5 km (3.1 mi)
  • Hwy 17-Mile Drive Entrance – 50 km (31 mi)
  • Pfeiffer Big Sur Campground – 0 km (0 mi)