Big Sur is known for its beautiful beaches, but it’s also home to a variety of natural attractions. You can visit Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park and McWay Falls, as well as the Esalen Institute. You can also watch elephant seals at San Simeon.
Bixby Creek Bridge
Big Sur’s Bixby Creek Bridge is a must-see attraction. Built in 1932, this 260-foot bridge spans the Big Sur River and is the longest concrete arch span on the State Highway System. The view from the bridge is breathtaking, with the Pacific Coast Highway and Big Sur coastline visible from both sides. If you enjoy taking pictures, I recommend visiting at sunrise or sunset, when the traffic is less.
The Bixby Creek Bridge is the perfect place for photos. While it’s a popular location for tourists, it is not well-marked. Despite the beautiful scenery, the bridge is notoriously fragile, so be careful and stay a safe distance from the edge.
Bixby Creek Bridge is a must-see landmark on a road trip to Big Sur. The bridge, which was built only 100 years ago, carries almost 5000 vehicles a day. The bridge was originally built to provide safe access to residents who were trapped inland during the winter months.
There are several pullouts near the bridge where you can park your car and take scenic photos. You can also pull over at Hurricane Point on Highway 1, which has a great view of Bixby Creek Bridge in the distance.
Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park
Located in Big Sur, California, Julia Pfeiffer Burns State park is a great place to go hiking and scuba diving. This state park is popular with both locals and tourists. It has seven marked hiking trails that lead to hidden coves and waterfalls. The park is also home to miles of redwood forests and offers several spots for whale watching.
Julia Pfeiffer Burns State park is home to Big Creek State Marine Reserve and Big Creek State Marine Conservation Area, which work to preserve the ocean ecosystem and wildlife. The park also has scenic overlooks, which are perfect for a relaxing day.
The park has plenty of hiking trails, and many of them are wheelchair accessible. The Waterfall Overlook Trail offers a panoramic view of the Pacific Ocean. Another less traveled trail is Partington Canyon Trail, which starts about two miles north of the Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park entrance on Highway One. This trail runs along the shore and passes through a small tunnel.
The Tourist Information Center is a great place to get more information about the park and surrounding area. There are Rangers at the Information Center Monday through Friday from 9am to 4pm and can answer any questions you may have. They can also help you find out where to camp or hike, or find other activities to do. The information center also offers cell service and maps.
McWay Falls
McWay Falls is an 80-foot-tall waterfall in Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park. It flows year-round from McWay Creek and into the Pacific Ocean. The waterfall is a tidefall. It is a popular destination among vacationers who wish to explore the natural beauty of Big Sur.
McWay Falls is best seen during clear weather. It is best seen from an overlook, as it appears as a thin ribbon of water. The falls are at their most spectacular during winter and early spring. The waterfall is accessible from the northbound side of Highway 1.
To reach the falls, hike a 1/2-mile dirt or paved path to the viewing area. At the base of the falls, there is an observation deck, which was built on the foundation of the original Waterfall House. The overlook is the perfect place to watch wildlife. The area surrounding McWay Falls is protected, so there are no beach areas, which preserves the natural beauty of the area.
McWay Falls is a popular destination in Big Sur. The park’s parking lots are often full of visitors. Arrive late in the afternoon for a more peaceful experience. Visiting the falls at sunset is especially spectacular.
Sand Dollar Beach
The unbroken swath of sand along the coast of Big Sur is known as Sand Dollar Beach. It is protected from erosion by high bluffs and is a favorite location for rock hounds. There are guidelines in place for rock hounds to ensure that they do not damage the delicate ecosystem. The best spots to rock hunt are the north and south ends of the beach.
The largest crescent of sandy beach in Big Sur, Sand Dollar Beach lies below dramatic cliffs in the Pacific Valley. It offers a wonderful sandy beach and a nice bluff trail, as well as panoramic views of the coast. Sand Dollar Beach is accessible from Kirk Creek Campground and Plaskett Creek Campground, which are among the most popular places to camp in Big Sur.
Sand Dollar Beach is situated on the southern coast of Big Sur, about halfway between Cambria and Big Sur Station. Visitors will find it a popular picnic spot during the summer, but they may also find it a rare opportunity to surf in Big Sur. There are restroom facilities and picnic tables, so you can spend the day at the beach.
If you are planning a romantic trip to Big Sur, you may want to consider spending the day at Sand Dollar Beach. The area is known for its romantic atmosphere, and is a great place for both seaside and hiking. Besides the popular beach, there are also many places to visit such as the Limekiln State Park, the Henry Miller Memorial Library, and the Henry Miller Memorial Library.
Point Lobos State Natural Preserve
The Point Lobos State Natural Preserve in California has over 8 miles of trails, some of which are ADA-compliant. With its picturesque coastal views, Point Lobos is a great place to spend the day. It is located in Monterey County, which has a Mediterranean climate. The average temperature is between 57degF and 65degF throughout the year. The fall season is sunny with warm afternoons and breezy evenings. Winter months are colder with temperatures of 42degF-61degF.
The geology of Point Lobos makes it an especially interesting destination. It is also home to a variety of plant and animal life, both on land and in water. Australian-born Francis McComas, who created the Point Lobos State Natural Reserve, called the location “the world’s greatest meeting of land and sea.” The state park system includes a number of natural areas and a variety of trails, including the Cypress Grove Trail across Headland Cove and the North Shore Trail, which provides panoramic views of the area.
The Point Lobos State Natural Reserve is located just south of Carmel-by-the-Sea. It is a short drive from Monterey. There are a variety of hiking trails, which range from easy to challenging. The Reserve’s website has online maps for hiking in the area, and you can also arrange a guided tour if you’d like to take your family.
Esalen Institute
If you’re looking for a place to get away from it all and reconnect with nature, consider visiting the Esalen Institute. This institute has become one of the world’s premier centers for alternative education and research. Its pioneering efforts have resulted in revolutionary ideas combining Eastern spirituality and Western science. The center was the first to popularize yoga in the West and now hosts over 500 workshops and programs every year. The campus houses 140 people and grows its own organic food.
Located in Big Sur, California, the Esalen Institute is a spiritual retreat center and spa. The retreat center has been around since the 1960s. The spa features ocean-side Slates Hot Springs, yoga workshops, and massage facilities. There is also a farm that grows sustainably-grown food. While the Esalen Institute offers limited internet access, it boasts a tranquil atmosphere that inspires meaningful change.
Esalen is located about 12 miles south of Big Sur on Highway 1. The center has shuttle services from Monterey, San Francisco, and San Jose. Esalen offers workshops for people of all walks of life. The program includes workshops that teach individuals how to connect with nature and experience life’s full potential.
The Esalen Institute also offers accommodation options. There are several types of guest rooms and suites available. The Point House Suite, for example, has a master bedroom with a loft, a living room, and a kitchenette. It offers the best views of the campus. Guests are provided with towels and toiletries, but should be aware that most of the rooms do not have TVs, alarm clocks, or cell phone reception.
