Where is Big Sur, California, Places to visit, Travel Info

Written by | Updated On: March 13, 2026, 13:58 ET

Big Sur is a 100-mile stretch of ruggedly beautiful seacoast along the Pacific Ocean in west-central California. Big Sur is famous hiking, Camping and beaches and there is very large numbers of state and federal lands and parks, including McWay Falls at Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park.

Big Sur Location Map, California

Where is Big Sur Located?

Big Sur Valley is located along Scenic Highway approximately 150 miles south of San Francisco and 300 miles north of Los Angeles.

Big Sur Located in California between Carmel and San Simeon, Big Sur is a ruggedly mountainous section along the Pacific Ocean. It has dramatic scenery and is one of the world’s most beautiful coastlines. Big Sur stretches from southward in Carmel to Hearst Castle at San Simeon. It has a spectacular view of the Pacific ocean. It has many parks such as Point Sur State Historic Park, Andrew Molera, Garrapata and San Simeon. Travel enthusiasts must be wishing to know more about this place and here are some facts about Big Sur.

Information about Big Sur

Annual visitors at Big Sur - Every year approximately 4.5 to 7 million people visit this place and it is one of the top ten tourist places in the United States.

Activities at Big Sur - Apart from sightseeing, one can enjoy other outdoor activities including hiking.

Camping at Big Sur - The place has private as well as public campgrounds such as Plaskett Creek, Kirk Creek, Limekiln, etc.

Special events organised at Big Sur - Every year Big Sur International Marathon is organised that attracts around 4500 participants. Apart from this Stills, Crosby, Nash & Young or the Beach Boys are some other events that are being organised at this place.

State parks and reserves - Big Sur has many state parks and reserves namely Garrapata State Park, Andrew Molera State Park, Limekiln State Park, Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park, Point Sur State Historic Park, Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park, Big Creek State Marine Reserve and Marine Conservation Area and John Little State Natural Reserve.

Big Sur Facts & Information:

CountryUnited States
StateCalifornia
CountiesMonterey, San Luis Obispo
Coordinates36.2704° N, 121.8081° W
Big Sur Nearest airportMonterey Regional (MRY), San Jose (SJC)
Big Sur Nearest HighwayState Route 1
Zip code93920
Area CodeNPA 831

Best Things to Do in Big Sur

Bixby Creek Bridge, McWay Falls, Point Lobos State Natural Reserve, Pfeiffer Big Sur Campground, Pfeiffer Beach, Garrapata State Park, Andrew Molera State Park, Point Lobos, Point Sur Lighthouse, Henry Miller Memorial Library, Panorama Trail, Point Sur State Historic Park, Partington Cove, Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park, China Cove, Monastery Beach, Ewoldsen Trail, Rocky Creek Bridge, Pine Ridge Trail, Big Sur River Gorge, McWay Cove, Keyhole Arch at Pfeiffer Beach, McWay Beach, Calla Lily Valley, Whaler's Cove, Hurricane Point, Coast Road, Gibson's Beach, Hidden Beach, Pfeiffer Canyon Bridge, Garrapata Beach, Soberanes Point, Whaler's Museum, Little Sur River Beach, Garrapata State Beach Parking, Pfeiffer Beach Day Use Area, The California Sea Otter State Game, Point Lobos State Marine Reserve, Carmel Mission Basilica Museum, Pfeiffer Falls, Wreck Beach, Canyon Falls, 17 Mile Drive, Saddle Rock, Carmel River State Beach, Los Padres National Forest, Carmel Beach, Pebble Beach Golf Links, Mission Ranch Restaurant, Bernardus Winery, Lone Cypress, Ventana Double Cone, Spyglass Hill Golf Course, Cowgirl Winery, Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park, Palo Corona Regional Park, Monterey Bay National Marine, Jacks Peak Park, Cypress Point Club, Jacks Peak, Del Monte Golf Course, Cypress Point LookoutMonterey Peninsula Regional Park and Stillwater Cove.

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.

Places (A -J)Places (J - P)Places (P - Z)
Alcatraz IslandJoshua Tree VillagePebble Beach 17-Mile Drive
Angel Island State ParkKings Canyon National ParkPebble Beach
Anza-Borrego Desert State ParkLa Jolla CovePfeiffer Beach
Badwater BasinLaguna BeachPinnacles National Park
Balboa IslandLake Shasta CavernsPoint Lobos State Natural Reserve
Balboa ParkLake Tahoe Scenic DrivePoint Reyes National Seashore
Bixby BridgeLassen Volcanic National ParkRedwood National and State Parks
Big Sur CoastlineMalibu BeachSan Diego Zoo
Big SurMalibu Creek State ParkSan Francisco Cable Car System
Bodie State Historic ParkMalibu Lagoon State BeachSanta Barbara Mission
Burney FallsMammoth Lakes BasinSanta Monica Pier
Carlsbad BeachMission DoloresSanta Monica State Beach
Channel Islands National ParkMission San Antonio de PaduaSequoia National Park California
Coronado BeachMission San Carlos BorromeoSonoma County
Crissy FieldMission San Juan CapistranoSonoma Wine Country
Crystal Cove State ParkMission San Luis Obispo de TolosaTahoe National Forest
Death Valley National ParkMission Santa BarbaraThe Broad Museum
Disneyland ParkMono Lake Tufa State Natural ReserveThe Exploratorium
Donner Memorial State ParkMonterey Bay AquariumThe Getty Center
Emerald Bay State ParkMount Lassen Peak TrailHenry W. Coe State Park
Fort Point National Historic SiteMount ShastaJ. Paul Getty Villa
Golden Gate BridgeMount Tamalpais State ParkThe Presidio
Golden Gate ParkMount WhitneyUSS Midway Museum
Griffith ObservatoryMount Whitney TrailThe Wave Organ
Griffith ParkMuir Woods National MonumentTorrey Pines State Natural Reserve
Hollywood SignNapa Valley Wine CountryTransamerica Pyramid
Hollywood Walk of FameNewport BeachUniversal Studios Hollywood
Joshua Tree National ParkPalace of Fine ArtsYosemite National Park
Joshua Tree Scenic Drive

Explore the complete list of places to visit in the United States, including national parks, cities, landmarks, and famous attractions.