We absolutely love going here. It's amazing and we always have a good time. We hike around record…read moreswimming holes we just make a great day of it and adventure day. If you will I will say the bugs are quite bad, but we are expecting that and we know that going in.

Military base right smack in the middle so slow down or you might run down a soldier in training…read more Redwoods can be found. Long winding roads perfect for bikes and sports cars. Not for motion sick people though. LOL! Winding roads suddenly open up to the ocean. Gasp inspiring.

From Bixby Bridge (a few miles north) to this point and then further down to Big Sur is, in my…read moreopinion, the most beautiful stretch of Hwy 1 on the California coast! The scenery is pristine. On a clear day the blue will take your breath away! We didn't spot any sea otters, however. It was a chilly day. Driving can be a bit challenging as the road curves and turns. Look out for the many vista areas along the way- each one is magnificent in its own way. From here on down to San Simeon is an unforgettable journey! Do make sure you have enough fuel in your car as gas stations are few and far in between on the coast. We had to stop somewhere and gas was $10 a gallon !

Reviews are reminders to myself Nice maintained trail…read moreTook this trail because Pfeiffer falls trail was closed. Pfeiffer falls was a bit disappointing because it's more of a man made outlet for some water and not really a natural falls

Located in the Pfeiffer Big Sur Campground, this is a 2 mile total hike to the Valley View…read moreoverlook. It's a very picturesque experience as you start off walking through tall redwoods and end up walking past large areas of Oak trees. We came during sunset and it didn't disappoint. Notes: - Day Use Fee for non-campers. - I would consider this to be family-friendly, but there is a lot of uphill walking required. -Trailhead is across from the restaurant. - Not as aggressive as the Buzzard's Roost Trail.

Stayed at the Alila Ventana Big Sur and this hike was one of the activities. We started off from…read morethe property onto a dirt road like path up the hills passing a few homes along the way. The first part of the hike is nice and shady with redwoods surrounding you. Eventually, you go beyond the redwoods where it's a little hotter but you get a beautiful view of the coast. This hike is relatively easy with a slight incline. Definitely recommend. Will need to go back next time to do the full hike.

I'm a happily sedentary person, but Big Sur is so uniquely, astonishingly beautiful, I think it…read morewould've offended even my conscience to spend three days there without at least one good hike. We asked someone at our hotel to recommend an easy hike and he suggested Coast Ridge Road. It was a great recommendation, one I'll pass onto anyone else in pitiable physical condition who would nonetheless like to get outside, walk uphill, and drink in some views. I did make the mistake of underestimating either the hike's difficulty or my own decrepitude. It would've been fine if I'd just taken a bottle of water, but I didn't want to carry it and quickly regretted my decision. We walked from the Post Ranch Inn to the Ventana, where the hike begins, and I was already kind of tired by the time we reached the bottom of the trail. Going up a noticeable incline for several more minutes was just kind of a challenge, and I complained heartily and made a few stops before I got accustomed to the elevated activity level. Once I did, though, I really enjoyed the hike. The trail was, objectively, not hard, and it was lush and pretty the whole way through. We walked past tons of trees, which also afforded us cover from the son, and even a lovely waterfall. I don't know how far the trail went, but people were going up there with overnight camping gear. We stopped walking shortly after we lost tree cover and that felt like a good end point. We got to stand on the mountain and admire the endless sky and Big Sur laid out below us, the drama of all that coast and sparkling water. This was a lot of exercise for a lazy person, but it was definitely worthwhile. It was a great way to soak up the beauty of Big Sur.

If you find yourself in Point Lobos State Park, don't skip Bird Island. This hike is short (less…read morethan 1 mile) and gentle, with views of all the best of Point Lobos flora, fauna, and geology. The trailhead area offers about 12 regulae spaces and 3 for handicapped licensed vehicles. There are several picnic tables, 2 unisex restrooms, and trash/recycling bins. The trail map and any park updates are posted on the board outside the restrooms. On the trail to reach views of Bird Island, you can expect to see a variety of blooming plants, tall coastal trees, and some thoroughly gorgeous views of the powerful Pacific bashing rocky cliffs with the occasional slit inlet. There's even a natural bridge and cave to be seen. Of course, the main attraction for some is the massive population of pelicans and gulls nesting across from the trail. The island itself is white with, well, bird droppings. Centuries of them. If you like birding, bring your binoculars and enjoy! If you're more adventurous, you can take the side quest to Gibson Beach, with white sands and few spots great for kids to explore. Just know that you need to be fit enough to climb down and back up about 100 steps, including a ladder.

River Failure Due to…read moreits "prime location" along the Pacific Flyway, this area (±367-acres) was founded in 1973 to preserve the wetlands for migrating flocks. The Good: *±1.25-mile loop trail that's fairly flat and easy to walk on. *Lots of protected species in the area so a good place for bird watchers. *Beach access *Bike rack at the foot of the beach access trail (which is very soft sand) *And speaking of the parking lot, it's not large but probably plenty big enough for this park. Oh, and it's free! My favorite price. :) The Meh: *Hunting in certain parts of the park, so be aware where you are located. *Not the most exciting beach. I mean yes, it's still a beach, but there are much more scenic ones around. But if you live close-by then it's probably just fine. *No restrooms The Ugly: *Have to drive in on a dirt road that I'd imagine gets pretty muddy during the winter. So if you don't have an AWD, and it's rained lately, then maybe best to skip out on visiting. Conclusion: Cool place for bird watchers, but not much else.

Wow, we came here to see the beach near Monterey. This amazed us since the beach trail is a direct…read morepath through the marsh lands. You get a great view of all the shore birds where fresh water meets salt water. There are fields of brush and rabbits run through freely. Unfortunately, there are no bathrooms and entrance is blocked so you must walk from parking lot to beach. Still, it's worth to see part of the lettuce fields as you come in and then the sand dunes at the end. Get there early and you can see the fishermen try their luck with shore fishing. A must for bird watchers and nature enthusiasts.

This is our third visit to the Big Sur area this year. This is the first park three miles past…read moreCarmel. Since we were staying nearby, I wanted to hike here. There is limited parking inside, but there's plenty of parking off Hwy. 1 on a first come, first serve basis. We decided to take the Lace Lichen trail and then take the North Shore trail where we passed the Whaler's Museum (closed) before heading back to our car. Both hikes are fairly easy, lots of picturesque views of the oceans and Big Sur coastline. Out of the parks I have visited in the area, this is probably my favorite. However, all the parks in Big Sur have been my favorite that I'm willing to skip a visit to Carmel By The Sea to go play in a park! We went on a Monday, so there were fewer crowds and everyone has their own personal space. I will definitely go back!

Best place to go for a walk and spend some time with the family. Would go back anytimeread more

Main ranger and info station for the Big Sur and surrounding State Parks area. Staff is super…read morepatient and supportive, even with a long line of travelers looking for advice varying from kid-friendly activities to confirming which locations have parking/availability on each day. Staff is knowledgable and friendly. Parking is limited in the front lot but relatively high turnover since lots of folks will drive off after they get info/maps from the station. Rangers are there providing support, info, and safety/direction as needed.

We love to backpack into Big Sur and whenever we do, we time our arrival so that we can pop into…read moreBig Sur Station before heading out to discuss trail conditions, weather considerations, groups they're aware of, and river status. They've saved us a bunch of pain and suffering and provided great advice each trip. If you're planning a back country adventure in Big Sur, I recommend that you check in at the station, let them know what you're up to and get their thoughts and advice. Oh, and then after your adventure, you can buzz back in and get your commemorative patch or t-shirt, too!