My Photography & Travel Guide to Big Sur, California
Updated August 2023
Big Sur, California
““Nature has a way of healing the soul””
Visiting Big Sur had been on my travel photography bucket list for a long time. I am so happy we had the chance to visit this incredible part of the country. To say it is an epic location would be an understatement. The entire drive down the California coastline from San Francisco is stunning.
Big Sur is located about 2.5 hours south of San Francisco. The drive down Highway 1 along California Coastline is one of the most beautiful drives in the United States. We could not help stopping every few miles to take in the incredible views.
Between the incredible parks, restaurants, hiking trails, and photography you are in for a great adventure.
What is the best month to visit Big Sur?
The best times to visit are late Spring and early Fall. The weather is great and the crowds have died down. I would highly recommend a minimum of two nights.
How To Get To Big Sur?
Normally, you can just drive into Big Sur. You would just drive down to the coastline from San Francisco or North from Los Angeles.
However, our adventure began before reaching Big Sur. About 2 weeks before our visit, we received an email from our hotel saying that the bridges on the north and south coast had been washed out because of severe flooding. So they proposed an incredible solution.
They had arranged for guests to park at Monterey Aiport and come to the hotel via Helicopter for just $100 per person. Yes, please sign me up!! It was my first time in a helicopter and to be able to fly down the California Coastline was just icing on the cake.
As we were walking out to the Helicopter I noticed that the Air Force had an F-22 on the tarmac. Being so close to one of these planes is something that does not happen every day.
I was even able to photograph one of these planes taking off.
Where to Eat?
We mainly ate in our hotel in the Post Ranch Inn. But we did have a chance to visit 2 wonderful restaurants.
Restaurants with Incredible views
Nepente Restaurant: An icon of Big Sur’s dining scene will always be Nepenthe Restaurant. Whether you pop in for lunch - dinner or even sunset drinks, you’ll want to get a seat with a view.
Big Sur Bakery - another classic spot. Everything is just delicious and the perfect stop for a great afternoon snack or late-morning coffee.
Hotels in Big Sur
One of the reasons we visited Big Sur was to stay at the Post Ranch Inn. We had read so many articles about this hotel that we really wanted to experience it. This is truly a magical location. It is set above the Pacific Coastline with just outstanding views.
As we approached the hotel via helicopter and were treated to such a unique experience that I will never forget it.
Since most people could not drive into the Big Sur area there were virtually no visitors. The hotel arranged for guests to be able to borrow one of the 8 cars they had on standby. So we would take drives down the coastline and see 1 car every 20 to 30 minutes. It was just so incredible that there were no words to describe it. Even if I was the richest person on earth I could never buy this experience.
Photography Locations
Enjoy the Highway 101 Drive
One of the best things to do in Big Sur is to enjoy the beautiful drive. Highway 101 is full of dramatic coastlines, beautiful views, and curvy roads. There are lots of places to pull over and enjoy the views. Take your time to enjoy the beauty around you.
2. Drive 17-Mile Drive
Since we were driving down from the north we stopped to drive along the famous 17-Mile Drive along Pebble Beach, a famous golfing community. It is AMAZING!! Do not miss it.
The Lone Cyprus Tree
There are beautiful views of the coast, mansions to marvel over, and nice golf courses. The entrance fee is $10.50 per vehicle.
3. Bixby Bridge
If you are coming into Big Sur from the north, one of your first stops should be at the Bixby Creek Bridge. It is one of the most photographed bridges in California.
From. our Helicopter
You can view the bridge from both the east and west sides of the road. I was able to photograph it from our helicopter.
4. Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park McWay Falls
Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park is home to the famous McWay Falls, a beautiful waterfall that flows into the Pacific Ocean. There is a short ½-mile overlook trail to see the waterfall. The waterfall is about 80 feet tall and is surrounded by granite cliffs and a sandy cove. The beach is closed to the public.
If the only thing you want to see in the park is McWay Falls there is an overlook on the side of Highway 101 before going into the park. The view from this pullout is about as good as taking the hike and will save you the entrance fee.
Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park is one of my favorite State Parks to explore in Big Sur, and has often been called a “mini Yosemite.” There are redwoods and creeks to explore and plenty of places to park.
5. Andrew Molera State Park
Andrew Molera State Park is more “undeveloped” in the sense that there are only a few trails to do here. I really love the easy Bluffs Trail that follows the bluffs with ocean views. The Creamery Meadow Trail is a nice 2-mile roundtrip and crosses over the Big Sur River.
6. Garrapata State Park
Garrapata State Park has about two miles of beach along with a 50-foot climb to dramatic views of the coastline. There are also a bunch of different coastal hiking trails that meander through the park. Soberanes Point is another beautiful view.
7. Point Lobos State Natural Reserve
If you are looking for beautiful views of the coast, a Point Lobos hike should be on your itinerary. Along with hiking, you can explore tide pools, spend time at the beach, take beautiful pictures, and look for wildlife.
Some of the highlights in Point Lobos are Cypress Grove Trail, the Old Veteran Cypress, and spotting sea lions and sea otters at Sea Lion Point. China Cove is a popular place for photography and is really pretty. Visiting Point Lobos is one of the best things to do in Big Sur near Los Padres National Forest with family.
8. Stop For The Coastal Views
You’ll find as you drive along Highway 1, there are multiple places to stop for views and photos. It’s part of the Big Sur experience. If you stop at iconic locations like Bixby Creek Bridge or pullover for the dozens of pullouts, you will want to be extra careful to be parked legally.
I hope you have found this Photography Guide on the Big Sur helpful. You can find my other Photography & Travel Guides by Clicking on this Link
