Big Sur Coast
Big Sur is a rugged stretch of coastal California known for dramatic cliffs, redwood forests, and the iconic Pacific Coast Highway — CA-1.
Learn More
Geography
| Continent | North America |
|---|---|
| Region | California |
| Subregion | Central California Coast |
| Country | United States |
| State | California |
| County | Monterey County |
| District | Big Sur |
| Timezone | AmericaLos Angeles |
| Latitude | 36.25 |
| Longitude | -122.5 |
| Maps |
11:54 AM LOCAL TIMEBig Sur is a legendary section of California’s coast where dramatic cliffs plunge into the Pacific Ocean and towering redwood groves sentinel along winding highways. The region offers world-class drives, notably along California State Route 1 (CA-1), and a mix of over-sand beaches, sheltered coves, and forested inland valleys. Popular stops include Bixby Creek Bridge, McWay Falls, and Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park, but the landscape is defined by dramatic contrasts — sea and mountain, open sky and leaf-canopied trail — rewarding both roadside vistas and backcountry hikes. Activities span scenic drives, multi-day backpacking across established trails, and short walks to waterfalls or beach accesses. Big Sur remains a resource for solitude and scenic grandeur, best experienced with flexible timing to account for weather and limited services.
All content was written by our AI and may contain a few mistakes. We may earn commissions on some links. Last updated: Sun Dec 14, 2025, 2:46 AM