What to do in Big Sur, CA

Activities, attractions and tours

McWay Falls which includes a sandy beach, a bay or harbour and rugged coastline
McWay Falls which includes a sandy beach, a bay or harbour and rugged coastline
Bixby Bridge showing a bridge, rugged coastline and general coastal views
Big Sur showing rugged coastline, a sandy beach and general coastal views
Bixby Bridge featuring a bridge

Big Sur Attractions

Let Expedia help you to experience the best that Big Sur has to offer! If you’re planning a trip to Big Sur, we can provide you with a list of the top sightseeing attractions, as well as helping you to find unmissable activities. Whether you’re travelling to Big Sur with your family, planning a romantic trip with your loved one, or visiting on business, we’ll make it easy to plan an unforgettable holiday that checks all the boxes.

Places of interest in Big Sur

Big Sur is crammed with must-see places to visit and things to do. We can help you decide where to stay in Big Sur, and make it a breeze to explore Big Sur and the surrounding areas with our guides on where to go, what to see and when to see it. No matter how long your stay, it’s easy to find places of interest in Big Sur to make sure that you enjoy your holiday to the fullest and don’t miss a thing. Leave the local knowledge to us and leave the hassle behind.

If you’re planning a visit to Big Sur, why not check out our handy guides to places of interest in the area? You can browse lists of things to do, learn about the most popular attractions, and get help with planning the details of your trip. Expedia makes it easy for you to check out all the top sights in Big Sur.

Big Sur attractions

Big Sur has something for everyone, so whether you’re planning to get active on a summer holiday, put a spring in your step with a romantic rendezvous, or pamper yourself with a leisurely winter trip, you’ll find plenty of attractions in Big Sur to keep you entertained. Expedia makes it easy to book your flight, hotel and rental car in advance, making for hassle-free travel and freeing you up to explore the sights of Big Sur.

Looking for things to do in Big Sur can be time-consuming, but we can take the hassle out of planning your holiday. Whether you’re looking to get active in the great outdoors, sample the cuisine of Big Sur or catch up with the vibrant local culture, our guides to Big Sur attractions ensure that you’ll have a successful trip, whatever the season. Happy trails!

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What to do in Big Sur

Popular places to visit

Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park showing mountains, landscape views and a beach

Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park

Hike, camp or picnic among the redwood trees, waterfalls and dramatic coastal cliffs that have inspired artists, poets and writers for the past century.

Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park
Pfeiffer Beach in Big Sur is an incredibly scenic beach.

Pfeiffer Beach

If a restful holiday is part of your travel plans, Pfeiffer Beach might be the perfect place to visit during your trip to Big Sur. Amble around this romantic area's seaside or seek out the hiking trails.

Pfeiffer Beach
Point Sur Lightstation State Historic Park

Big Sur Station

After visiting Big Sur Station, make a plan to see the other sights and activities in Big Sur. Amble around this romantic area's seaside or seek out the yoga studios.

Big Sur Station
McWay Falls featuring a sandy beach and a waterfall

McWay Falls

Walk to this pretty waterfall, stand at viewpoints with superb coastal views and spot varied wildlife in Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park.

McWay Falls
Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park

Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park

You can take time to visit Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park during your travels to Big Sur. Amble around the area's seaside or seek out its hiking trails.

Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park
USA Pacific coast, Sand Dollar Beach, Big Sur, California

Sand Dollar Beach

If a restful holiday is part of your travel plans, Sand Dollar Beach might be the perfect place to visit during your trip to Big Sur. Amble around this relaxing area's seaside or seek out the hiking trails.

Sand Dollar Beach
On our last day in Big Sur and in Cali, we wanted to *hit the beach*. This was one of the closer ones to our campsite and was well worth the little hike! It was covered in cool driftwood sculptures and this amazing view. #LifeAtExpedia

Andrew Molera State Park

You can take time to visit Andrew Molera State Park during your travels to Big Sur. Stroll along the seaside or seek out the hiking trails.

Andrew Molera State Park
You never know what history you’ll find camping in Big Sur. This is an old limekiln...used from 1887 to 1890 to extract lime from limestone at very high heat. They then shipped it off to Monterey and San Francisco to build the city. Lime was the key ingredient used in cement. After 3 years however, they’d exhausted all their resources and abandoned them. #adventure

Limekiln State Park

You can take time to visit Limekiln State Park during your travels to Big Sur. Stroll along the seaside in this relaxing area or seek out the hiking trails.

Limekiln State Park
McWay Beach in Big Sur is a picturesque beach in a small cove. A waterfall of the same name is the big attraction here, although it can't be seen in this picture. #LifeAtExpedia

McWay Cove

Commune with nature and explore the great outdoors at McWay Cove during your travels in Big Sur. Amble around this relaxing area's seaside or seek out the hiking trails.

McWay Cove

Explore areas of Big Sur

Awesome ride through the PCH above the clouds!

Lucia

You'll enjoy the mountain views and seaside views in Lucia. You might want to make time for a stop at New Camaldoli Hermitage or Limekiln State Park.

Lucia
View of the coast along part of Big Sur on a clear day

Posts

While visiting Posts, you might make a stop by sights like Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park and Los Padres National Forest.

Posts
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Big Sur Village

If you're spending some time in Big Sur Village, Andrew Molera State Park and Los Padres National Forest are top sights worth seeing.

Big Sur Village

 

Looking for fun things to do nearby? Check things to do near me to find and book the best things to do, fun activities, and top attractions wherever you happen to be.

 

 

Day trip destinations from Big Sur

Carmel showing a house and autumn leaves

Carmel

San Simeon which includes religious aspects, heritage architecture and a church or cathedral

San Simeon

Sunrise on one of the most beautiful coastlines #sunrise #theadventuresofmaia

Slates Hot Springs

Frequently asked questions

Is Big Sur worth visiting?
With a blend of camping and hiking, there's no shortage of things to do in Big Sur. While you're here, head to Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park, a must-see attraction in the area.
How do I spend a day in Big Sur?
When you've checked off top attractions like Pfeiffer Beach and Partington Cove, spend the rest of your day enjoying the food and retail options in Big Sur.
What is the top tourist attraction in Big Sur?
Don't leave without visiting Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park, ranked the top tourist attraction in Big Sur.
Is three days enough to stay in Big Sur?
Three days in Big Sur is more than enough to enjoy the city's main attractions. Many travellers stay for two days on average. Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park, Pfeiffer Beach and Andrew Molera State Park are among the top-rated sights. Like to see more? Hang around a while longer to check off nearby hotspots such as Monterey.
What are some activities to do in Big Sur with kids?
Planning what to do in Big Sur with kids has never been so easy. Whether you're holidaying with teenagers or little ones, there's a range of family-friendly attractions to keep them happy here.

What to do in Big Sur for adults?
Big Sur Discovery Centre is one of the best things to do in Big Sur. With plenty of activities available, there's something here for everyone to explore.
Are there free things to do in Big Sur?
From enjoying parks to wandering around hip neighbourhoods, it's simple to find free things to do in Big Sur. If you need inspiration, get some recommendations from a local tour guide. Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park is a great spot for anyone wanting to save on their sightseeing adventures.