California’s epic Huge Sur shoreline begs to be explored on a highway journey. On a Huge Sur highway journey, you’ll enjoy spectacular views of the Pacific Ocean, and discover the ruggedly lovely shoreline, one of the lovely locations on the planet.

Wandering by way of redwood groves. Strolling picturesque coastal bluffs. Touring a historic gentle station. Strolling on a purple sand seashore. Chasing lovely waterfalls. Snapping infinite images from scenic overlooks. If a Huge Sur highway journey isn’t already in your bucket record, it needs to be!

We now have made numerous visits to Huge Sur, and we by no means tire of returning. One among , the Huge Sur coast will bewitch you into returning time and again when you go to!

How lengthy does it take to drive Huge Sur?
When is one of the best time of yr for the Huge Sur highway journey?
Wherein path must you do the Huge Sur highway journey?
How do you get to Huge Sur?
Ideas to your Huge Sur highway journey
Huge Sur Highway Journey Itinerary
Day 1 of Huge Sur Day Journey
Day 2 of Huge Sur Highway Journey
The place to remain in Huge Sur
Day-by-day map for this Huge Sur itinerary

How lengthy does it take to drive Huge Sur, CA?

Stretching from Carmel within the north to San Simeon within the south, the Huge Sur coast will not be an extended distance.

At simply 91 miles alongside California Freeway 1, the Huge Sur coast will be pushed finish to finish in a few hours, with no stops.

However there may be a lot to see and do in Huge Sur that it’s best to plan on not less than 2 days to your Huge Sur highway journey.

When is one of the best time of yr to do the Huge Sur highway journey?

You are able to do a Huge Sur highway journey any time of yr, for the reason that California coast has delicate climate all yr lengthy.

However late spring is, in our opinion, the easiest time of yr to drive Huge Sur. The Huge Sur coast seems lovely in spring, with emerald inexperienced hillsides and many wildflowers.

In actual fact, Huge Sur is likely one of the greatest locations to go to in

That mentioned, spring by way of fall is excessive season in Huge Sur. Be aware that the marine layer might obscure views by way of a lot of the summer season, and even at different occasions of the yr. But it surely usually burns off by mid day.

We love the wisps of fog curling concerning the cliffs, however the water seems greatest when the climate is brilliant and sunny. Summer season does supply lengthy days, so you may see and do extra!

Fall provides good sunny days, lots of them freed from fog, however fall is wildfire season in California. If there are wildfires within the space, parks and roads could also be closed.

Even in winter, the moist season in California, you’re going to get good days on the Huge Sur Coast, with numerous sunshine. So long as you’ve a patch of dry climate and California Freeway 1 is open, you are able to do the Huge Sur highway journey in winter.

Winter west coast sunsets are superb!

Wherein path must you do the Huge Sur highway journey?

In the event you drive north to south, you’ll have unobstructed views of the Pacific Ocean as you drive. When the coast is as spectacularly lovely as Huge Sur is, you want these views!

So if in any respect potential, organize to start out your Huge Sur highway journey in Carmel.

That mentioned, you may drive it south to north as properly, if that’s extra handy. There are pullouts all alongside the Huge Sur coast, and you’ll cease to admire the views as typically as you would like.

We now have described the Huge Sur drive north to south on this article, however it works in reverse as properly.

How do you get to Huge Sur, CA?

From San Francisco to Huge Sur

The space from San Francisco to Huge Sur (the vacationer info heart, known as Huge Sur Station), is about 143 miles alongside CA Freeway 1, a drive of about 2 hours and half-hour.

We suggest you arrive in Carmel-by-the-Sea the night earlier than, so you can begin your Huge Sur highway journey good and early on the morning of day one.

Carmel-by-the-Sea is a few 2-hour drive from San Francisco, and you can find numerous lodging and eating choices within the village.

is a boutique resort providing elegant spacious rooms simply a few blocks from the village, or you may spend the night time on the , alongside Freeway 1.

From Los Angeles to Huge Sur

From LA to San Simeon, the southern finish of our Huge Sur highway journey itinerary, is 231 miles, a drive of a bit of below 4 hours through US 101 North.

We propose you arrive in Cambria the night earlier than, to get an early begin in your Huge Sur highway journey. Cambria is an effective base when you select to reach even a day earlier with a purpose to discover San Simeon.

Cambria, CA, is about 3 hours and 45 minutes from LA by highway. The lovable coastal village provides numerous selection for lodging and eating. The French Nook Bakery is open early for espresso and a pastry earlier than you begin your Huge Sur drive!

In Cambria, is positioned proper on Moonstone Seaside, overlooking the Pacific Ocean, as is , the place rooms have a full or partial ocean view.

Ideas for Your Huge Sur Highway Journey

Earlier than we get began on the Huge Sur highway journey itinerary, listed here are another issues to know earlier than you go!

Go through the week moderately than the weekend

Huge Sur is likely one of the most and the SF Bay Space, and you’ll doubtless share scenic viewpoints and mountain climbing trails with many different guests when you plan your Huge Sur highway journey for the weekend, particularly from spring to fall.

In the event you can, go through the week for a extra peaceable driving expertise and extra pleasing go to total.

Carry a cooler with water and meals

Huge Sur is essentially unspoiled wilderness, and there are just a few eating places alongside the drive. We propose packing a cooler with numerous ingesting water and picnic fixings for lunches. Additionally carry non-perishable snacks: we love these !

Obtain Maps and Brochures previous to Your Highway Journey

Cell reception is poor to non-existent in a lot of Huge Sur. Obtain all maps and brochures you want on the drive earlier than you begin the highway journey. To be protected, make paper copies as properly and maintain them useful!

We love this . In the event you plan to do some mountain climbing in your journey, it’s a nice useful resource!

You might also need to obtain the tide schedules for the times of your journey when you plan to stroll the seashores, so you might be conscious of the timing of incoming tides.

Gown in layers

Even on summer season days, it may be cool and breezy alongside the bluffs of Huge Sur and by the water when you go right down to the seashores. Gown in layers, with a light-weight heat jacket.

We suggest long-sleeved shirts and lengthy pants. You’ll find numerous poison oak alongside the paths (leaves of three, allow them to be!), and maintaining your legs and arms lined is a good suggestion.

Put on acceptable footwear for mountain climbing

Sturdy, closed-toed strolling footwear or mountain climbing footwear or boots are a should when you plan on mountain climbing greater than quick nature trails. Deliver water footwear when you plan to dip your ft within the water at creeks, rivers, or waterfalls.

Lease the fitting automobile to your Huge Sur highway journey!

Whereas driving Huge Sur in a convertible with the highest down sounds tremendous romantic, we suggest passing on a convertible.

With normally breezy situations and changeable climate (assume fog to solar to clouds to fog once more, all in the identical day!), you’ll be spending numerous time placing the highest up or down.

Driving with the home windows rolled down is a lot thrilling, and you’ll take all of the images you need, with out the trouble of coping with a soft-top.

Additionally contemplate renting a low clearance automobile for higher stability on the winding and slim California Freeway 1. And, choose computerized!

(Solely the Outdated Coast Highway, an elective 12-mile dust highway detour between Bixby Creek Bridge and Andrew Molera State Park, could be higher carried out in a excessive clearance 4WD.)

We’ve seen of us do the Huge Sur highway journey in an RV. There are quite a few campgrounds within the area, many with RV hookups.

However know that the highway is slim and winding, and there are tight turns. Plus there are some roads the place you may’t take an RV, such because the highway to Pfeiffer Seaside.

You could plan on renting an RV for a extra intensive of which Huge Sur is a component, but when you’re going to do the Huge Sur highway journey by itself, lease a automotive!

Bear in mind your digicam and binoculars

When you have a smartphone with digicam, carry it. But it surely’s worthwhile bringing your digicam on the Huge Sur highway journey, as a result of the vistas are simply so out-of-this-world lovely and it would be best to seize them one of the best you may.

A zoom lens is beneficial when you take pleasure in photographing birds or wildlife. Additionally carry compact binoculars to look at birds and wildlife and to scan the ocean for whale spouts!

Be aware the Huge Sur Ranger Station contact info

The Huge Sur Ranger Station is positioned at 47555 Hwy 1, Huge Sur, CA 93920. Rangers are usually accessible from 9 a.m. till 4 p.m. within the occasion you’ve questions or want info on hikes, highway situations, tenting, and extra.

There are public restrooms on the station and cell service is mostly accessible.

Park and ocean security info and knowledge on working hours and charges, path closures, and park closures will be discovered on the web sites of the person state parks. Learn the security tips and proposals earlier than you start your journey!

You possibly can name the toll free hotline at (888) 836-0866 for site visitors and highway situations between Carmel and Cambria.

Huge Sur Highway Journey Itinerary

On this article, we’ve described a 2-day Huge Sur itinerary that begins in Carmel-by-the-Sea and wraps up in San Simeon.

If that is your first go to to the area, you might need to add a day at every finish, to discover every of these two locations.

is a very charming California coastal village with heaps to do, and San Simeon has a pair of must-visit sights: Hearst Fortress, in our opinion one of many , and the Piedras Blancas Elephant Seal Rookery, the place you may see actually 1000’s of the pinnipeds in some months of the yr.

When you have simply at some point for the Huge Sur drive, you may nonetheless do fairly a little bit of this itinerary. Choose a couple of quick hikes (we’ve provided some strategies on this article) and benefit from the sightseeing and picture stops!

And if in case you have 3 days (or extra!) to your Huge Sur highway journey, take a look at our article on for extra concepts on thrilling issues to do in Huge Sur. From hikes to waterfalls and seashores, there’s a lot to find right here!

You may as well incorporate this Huge Sur itinerary as is or modified if you’re planning an extended California coast highway journey or a California highway journey.

Day 1 of Huge Sur Itinerary: Carmel to Pfeiffer Huge Sur State Park

Begin your day early with espresso and a pastry at Carmel Bakery. Then head to California Freeway 1 to start your Huge Sur highway journey!

Day one highlights embrace mountain climbing in lovely and , and picture ops at iconic Bixby Creek Bridge and Pfeiffer Seaside.

There are expansive water views all alongside this stretch of the Huge Sur drive, and many locations the place you may pull over to benefit from the views and take images. If you’re like us, it would be best to cease each few yards!

Search for sea and land birds, wildlife, and marine life all alongside the Huge Sur coast. You may even see California condors roosting on the tops of eucalyptus timber, different raptors, and quite a lot of sea and land birds.

Animals are much less seen through the day, however we’ve seen foxes, deer, and rabbits. Search for harbor seals, otters, and sea lions, and, in season, grey whales on their migratory path.

Within the spring, you will notice numerous wildflowers on the slopes of Huge Sur. In yr, you may come throughout huge dramatic swathes of orange California poppies or purple lupine.

However maintain a watch as you might be mountain climbing for much less prolific however no much less lovely varieties such because the purple wild iris. Wildflowers usually peak at Huge Sur in April.

Additionally within the spring, the hills and slopes of Huge Sur are a lush brilliant inexperienced, a ravishing distinction to paint from wildflowers and the blue of the Pacific Ocean.

Bear in mind to remain on designated trails, to guard the delicate ecosystem of Huge Sur, and to keep away from brushing up towards poison oak.

The remainder of the yr, the hills and cliffs of Huge Sur are the colour of a lion’s mane, and wild grasses present floral curiosity. We love the tan of the cliffs towards the blue of the water! Huge Sur is gorgeous regardless of if you go to.

Cease at Level Lobos State Park

Your first cease of the day is Level Lobos State Reserve, nearly 4 miles south from the village of Carmel-by-the-Sea.

Described by a visiting panorama artist from Australia as “the best assembly of land and water on the earth,” Level Lobos will actually take your breath away.

We now have written an entire article describing the , however suffice is to say that strolling these tremendous scenic trails is likely one of the greatest issues to do in all of Huge Sur.

Not one of the interlinking ocean view trails at Level Lobos is tough: they need to be doable for many guests to the park.

From the paths, you may snap images of the Pacific Ocean, the rocky shoreline, and the traditional Monterey cypresses for which the park is understood.

Apart from wildlife, birds, and marine life, the park’s flora is gorgeous, and in spring and summer season the park is flush with wildflowers.

The rocks on the shoreline are picturesque as properly, and jade-colored China Cove and navy-blue Gibson Seaside on make for fabulous images.

In the event you select to stroll a number of ocean view trails, (and we recommend you do!), you will want about 3 to 4 hours at Level Lobos State Park. There are picnic tables at Level Lobos if you wish to have a meal earlier than you hit the highway once more.

: There’s a payment to park inside Level Lobos. Parking heaps get full early, however since you’ll arrive very first thing within the morning, you shouldn’t have any hassle getting a spot.

The day payment per automotive is legitimate for the opposite Huge Sur state parks till sundown, so save the ticket in your dashboard!

Of us additionally park on the shoulder of California Freeway 1 and stroll into the park free of charge.

Cease at Soberanes Level in Garrapata State Park

Garrapata State Park is attractive: its untamed wilderness is quintessential Huge Sur.

The Soberanes Level space of Garrapata has a few tremendous scenic viewpoints for images.

There are coastal trails right here as properly: , on the coastal aspect, is a brief loop, 0.6 mile lengthy and provides fabulous views, and you’ll hike to Soberanes Level on a loop path.

Soberanes Level is likely one of the most photographed spots in Huge Sur, so make sure to get your personal images! With crimson ice vegetation and lichen masking the cliffs, the world may be very lovely. You possibly can peek down on the little pristine coves beneath.

: There isn’t quite a lot of signage in Garrapata State Park. Numbered mile markers from 1 to 19 are used to point factors of curiosity within the park. The coastal trails at Soberanes Level are at mile markers 8 and 9.

Parking is on laybys by the aspect of the highway, that are slim. You’ll have automobiles whizzing previous and pedestrians strolling round, so train excessive warning when parking, getting out, and strolling exterior at factors alongside California Freeway 1.

There isn’t a payment for Garrapata State Park.

Cease at Garrapata State Seaside

At mile markers 18 and 19, you may entry Garrapata State Seaside.

We usually go down the steps at mile marker 19, the place you arrive on the far south of the seashore, which you’ll then stroll. Earlier than you head down the steps, you may stroll the promontory for excellent views over the ocean.

Garrapata Seaside is sandy, with rocks and cliffs offering a dramatic backdrop. You possibly can’t swim right here, however the stroll is gorgeous.

On the south finish, you might even see Garrapata Creek flowing into the ocean. As you stroll in direction of the north finish, search for Doud Creek because it carves a path by way of the sand into the ocean.

Within the spring, a spectacular show of white Calla lilies lights up the shores of Doud Creek within the valley by way of which the creek flows earlier than it emerges onto the seashore.

: There isn’t a payment for Garrapata State Seaside.

Cease at Bixby Creek Bridge

As you drive south from Garrapata Seaside, the views proceed to be lovely, and you can also make fast stops at Notleys Touchdown and Rocky Creek Bridge for images earlier than you arrive at , one of the in style stops on the Huge Sur Coast drive.

The only-arch bridge hangs over the canyon, on the very fringe of the ocean. It opened in 1932, and its swish strains and lovely setting make Bixby Creek Bridge one of the photographed spots on California’s coast.

You possibly can park on both aspect of Freeway One on the north finish of the bridge.

Cease at Scenic Overlooks

Simply after Bixby Creek Bridge, the highway crests a hill. Beginning on the prime of the hill, there are a couple of scenic overlooks with dramatic vistas that you shouldn’t miss.

Hurricane Level View, proper on the prime of the hill, is our favourite Huge Sur scenic overlook. The overlook provides expansive views of the beautiful Huge Sur shoreline towards the Pacific Ocean.

In the event you’ve seen images of Huge Sur with curved bays stretching all the way in which to the horizon, that is the perspective the place the images have been doubtless taken.

Going south, the Sea Otter Refuge Viewpoint and the Little Sur River Viewpoint are each nice picture spots and locations from the place to search for whales in season.

Additionally search for the historic Level Sur Lightstation, perched on a volcanic rock off shore. When you have a zoom lens, you may snap images of the picturesque lighthouse from the highway. The lighthouse can solely be visited on . You may as well tour the close by former Level Sur Naval Facility.

Cease at Andrew Molera State Park

Andrew Molera State Park has an extended flat sandy seashore that’s good for strolling. Driftwood on the seashore makes for lovely picture compositions.

On this itinerary, you’ll have time for one hike. All the paths run parallel to the ocean, and you’ll stroll so far as you want earlier than you retrace your steps.

Select both the stroll alongside the sandy primary seashore, or the stroll alongside the bluffs above the seashore: both is likely one of the to place in your itinerary.

In the event you select the bluffs, don’t miss the quick Spring Path spur, the place, when you scramble over the boulders, you can find a small pristine seashore.

If you’re up for the problem, you may select the Ridge Path, which runs parallel to the seashore and the bluffs trails, at the next elevation. You’ll climb about 1,000 ft for excellent panoramas over the water.

The path from the parking zone to the seashore (or the bluffs), runs parallel to Huge Sur River and you’ll see the mouth of the river because it enters the ocean. There are picture ops all alongside these walks.

: There’s a parking payment at Andrew Molera State Park, however the payment you pay at one park is legitimate in any respect the parks on that day. Show your receipt in your dashboard.

If you’re not sure of the tide schedule, persist with the Bluffs Path or the Ridge Path. You can get trapped by incoming tides when you stroll south on the seashore with out being conscious of excessive tide occasions.

Go to Pfeiffer Seaside

is the final sightseeing cease for day one among your Huge Sur highway journey. Accessed through a considerably slim and windy highway, Pfeiffer Seaside is managed by the Los Padres Nationwide Forest.

The Purple Sand Seaside is likely one of the hottest spots alongside the Huge Sur coast. Manganese garnet deposits within the surrounding hills are washed right down to the seashore, creating purple specks within the sand. The purple will be much less or extra intense at completely different occasions.

Pfeiffer Seaside is beautiful any time of day, however it’s simply spectacular at sundown.

Keyhole Rock, a big pure arch, stands simply offshore, creating an image postcard scene. A stroll alongside Pfeiffer Seaside, watching waves sprint towards the rocks and arches, is the proper option to finish your first day in Huge Sur.

: There’s a payment to park at Pfeiffer Seaside, and your nationwide parks cross, if in case you have one, is not going to work right here. Additionally, parking spots on the seashore are restricted.

Within the night, your probabilities of discovering parking are usually good, however know that there’s at all times a small probability of being turned away if parking heaps by the seashore are full.

Dine and Sleep close to Pfeiffer Huge Sur State Park

Spend the night time in or round Pfeiffer Huge Sur State Park. Right here you can find a number of lodging and tenting choices, plus plenty of good locations to have a leisurely dinner.

We now have listed lodging choices in a separate that can assist you plan. Take a look at Huge Sur glamping!

Most lodges and lodges in Huge Sur have onsite eating places. For a particular deal with, e-book a desk for dinner at , the restaurant in Submit Ranch Inn, even when you select to remain elsewhere. The menu is fabulous, and the view spectacular.

is an alternative choice close by for dinner. The restaurant boasts excellent water views and the meals is nice.

Day 2 of Huge Sur drive: Pfeiffer Huge Sur State Park to San Simeon

Once more, we suggest beginning early, as a result of there may be simply a lot to see and do in Huge Sur!

Day two highlights embrace hikes in Pfeiffer Huge Sur State Park and Limekiln State Park, and picture ops at a number of lovely Huge Sur waterfalls!

Huge Sur Bakery, simply south of Pfeiffer Huge Sur State Park, is a good place to seize espresso and breakfast to go.

In the event you can watch for a bit to have breakfast, Café Kevah is one other nice possibility: you may take within the views from Nepenthe Restaurant as properly when you are right here!

Hike Pfeiffer Huge Sur early after which cease at Café Kevah in your method south. If it is advisable replenish your meals provide, Huge Sur Deli and Common Retailer opens early within the day and is on the way in which to Nepenthe Restaurant.

As on day one, your day two drive may be very picturesque, with quite a few scenic overlooks alongside the way in which. Pull over at designated laybys or parking areas to soak up the views and snap images. Be looking out for birds and wildlife!

Discover Pfeiffer Huge Sur State Park

Pfeiffer Huge Sur State Park doesn’t have a coastal presence.

As an alternative, its focus is Huge Sur River, for a unique atmosphere altogether. Strolling alongside the banks of the river among the many redwoods, sycamores, oaks, and different mature timber, whereas listening to the sound of the water, is tremendous enjoyable.

We propose selecting one different hike, other than strolling by the river.

Valley View is average to difficult and takes you up the hills for a ravishing panoramic view of Huge Sur Valley. In your return, you are able to do the opposite fork of this path for a view of Pfeiffer Falls. The falls might not at all times be full, so examine with a ranger earlier than selecting this path.

Buzzard’s Roost is the opposite in style path in Pfeiffer Huge Sur. It entails a average to difficult climb, for beautiful views of the Pacific Ocean and the Santa Lucia Mounains. Plus, you get to stroll previous the river and the redwoods on this hike. That is our favourite hike in Pfeiffer Huge Sur State Park.

: There’s a parking payment for Pfeiffer Huge Sur State Park, however the payment you pay in a single park is legitimate in any respect parks for the day. Save your receipt and show it in your dashboard, since you’ll be stopping at different state parks on at the present time.

Cease at Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park

Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park is house to the well-known McWay Falls (one of many !) and plenty of scenic trails.

When you can view from the freeway, it’s value doing the quick path to the overlooks for unobstructed views of the 80-foot ribbon of water tumbling onto the seashore at low tide and into the ocean when the tide is in.

The McWay Falls Overlook Path is an effective place to be looking out for California condors.

You may even see them roosting on the eucalyptus timber alongside the path. If you’re fortunate, you might even see one fly off as you might be watching: the wingspan of the California condor, at 9.5 ft, is gigantic. California condors are thought-about critically endangered.

The Ewoldsen Path is a 5-mile hike that entails a steep climb, however the payoff is a shocking view of the coast. The path goes by way of towering old-growth redwoods. If you’re up for the problem, this hike is fabulous.

Alternatively, strive the Partington Cove Path, a 1-mile spherical journey hike that goes right down to the ocean: one fork results in a small seashore and the opposite to an overlook.

: There’s a parking payment for Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park, however the payment you pay in a single park is legitimate in any respect parks for the day.

There isn’t a entry to the seashore at McWay Falls, or to the falls. Individuals have needed to be rescued or have had accidents making an attempt to entry one or each. Please heed park tips.

Chill out at Esalen and Slates Scorching Springs

For an excellent particular expertise, e-book a therapeutic massage at Esalen. The therapeutic massage is heavenly and also you get to reach one hour earlier than your therapy and keep one hour after your therapy.

Earlier than or after your therapeutic massage, take pleasure in a deeply enjoyable soak within the mineral waters of the Esalen scorching springs. Situated proper above the ocean, the recent springs supply magnificent views as you soak. (Be aware: the recent springs are clothes elective.) You may as well stroll the grounds and benefit from the gardens and views.

: Ebook your Esalen therapy forward of your go to to make sure you get the time slot you need.

Apart from reserving a therapeutic massage, the one option to benefit from the scorching springs is to e-book a slot through the night time public bathing occasions between 1 a.m. and three a.m.

Discover Limekiln State Park

The southernmost state park in Huge Sur, Limekiln State Park options lovely hikes by way of mature redwoods.

A trio of quick, reasonably simple trails takes you to 3 scenic canyons throughout the park, and they’re a few of our most favourite Huge Sur hikes. We propose doing all three trails!

The Hare Creek Path meanders by the creek within the shade of the redwoods. There isn’t any scenic endpoint to this path, so it’s all concerning the journey, which is nice and enjoyable.

The Limekiln Path gently climbs till it ends on the 4 historic lime kilns. The towers have rusted, however they’re fairly properly preserved.

The Limekiln Falls Path requires some wading by way of the stream, or hopping over stones, and ends at Limekiln Falls, a picturesque waterfall that tumbles down a cliff face. The waterfall is prone to be at its fullest in spring or early summer season.

The three trails whole lower than 3 miles spherical journey. Be aware that the falls path does require some agility.

: There’s a parking payment for Limekiln State Park, however the payment you pay in a single park is legitimate in any respect parks for the day.

Cease at Sand Greenback Seaside

The longest seashore in Huge Sur, Sand Greenback Seaside will be accessed through stairs. It’s a good spot to go beachcombing, though you might not discover any sand {dollars}. Tidepooling is one other in style exercise. Sand Greenback Seaside is one of the best place in Huge Sur for browsing.

We’ve by no means really gone right down to Sand Greenback Seaside, however it’s on our record! You possibly can park at an overlook for excellent images of the seashore if you don’t want to spend time on the seashore.

: Sand Greenback Seaside is managed by Los Padres Nationwide Forest and there’s a parking payment, separate from the parking payment for Huge Sur state parks.

Cease at Salmon Creek Falls

A brief hike that results in a ravishing waterfall, the Salmon Creek Falls Path is a must-do if you’re okay with some wading and muddy components. The waterfall tumbles 120 ft down the cliff face, and is strongest within the spring.

The trailhead is true off California Freeway 1. Parking is offered by the trailhead. You’ll hear the waterfall as you begin strolling the path! There are some boulders that block the view of the bottom of the waterfall, however you may nonetheless view the falls, and the setting is gorgeous.

We’ve seen of us scramble over and across the boulders to get to the bottom of the falls, however we’ve been content material to view the cascade from the endpoint of the path.

Cease at Ragged Level

Ragged Level is your last sightseeing cease on the Huge Sur highway journey. From the overlook, you get lovely prime down views of the water. Cease in at Ragged Level Restaurant for a drink and maybe one thing to eat as properly.

Simply south of Ragged Level, hike one final simple path if in case you have the time. The San Carpoforo Creek Path is flat and quick (only one mile out and again) and follows the creek to a seashore the place it meets the ocean.

Wrap up your Huge Sur Highway Journey

Again in your automotive, drive the ultimate scenic stretch of the route into San Simeon to finish your Huge Sur highway journey. Cambria, only a few miles south of San Simeon, is a good place to have dinner and spend the night time.

As we talked about earlier, when you can spare one other day, San Simeon has some unmissable sights.

Hearst Fortress, set on prime of a hill overlooking the Pacific Ocean, is a must-visit. Its structure, gardens, and artwork will be admired on quite a lot of guided excursions.

The Piedras Blancas Elephant Seal Rookery has a boardwalk path from which to gape on the lots of seals that cowl the seashore. And the historic (and picturesque) Piedras Blancas Mild Station will be visited on a guided tour.

To return by highway to San Francisco from Cambria, take CA Freeway 46 East to US 101 North.

The place to Keep in Huge Sur

On this itinerary, you’ll spend one night time in or close to Pfeiffer Huge Sur State Park.

Right here you can find several types of lodging, from tremendous upscale lodges to extra modest lodging, in addition to tenting choices.

Whereas most lodges in Huge Sur will not be simple on the common pocketbook, they provide attractive settings and excellent rustic-upscale experiences.

Huge Sur Motels

is a luxurious adult-only resort near Pfeiffer Huge Sur State Park. Situated on a hilltop on over 160 acres, the resort overlooks the Pacific Ocean. Boasting two heated swimming pools and a Japanese scorching tubs, Ventana Huge Sur provides spacious rooms and suites. There’s a well-reviewed onsite restaurant.

can also be positioned near Pfeiffer Huge Sur State Park. Snug rooms characteristic wooden accents and white linens. There’s a seasonal outside pool, and an onsite restaurant providing American fare. !

is positioned inside Pfeiffer Huge Sur State Park. Nestled amidst the redwood timber within the park, Huge Sur Lodge provides quite a lot of comfy cottage type rooms and an onsite restaurant.

Glamping and Tenting

Glamping is a good possibility to your one night time in Huge Sur. Close to Pfeiffer Huge Sur State Park, Ventana Resort provides lovely tent cabins with custom-designed mattresses and luxurious linen, and immediate cold and hot potable water with sink.

Ventana additionally provides common camp websites on the Ventana Campground. You may as well camp in Pfeiffer Huge Sur Campground: reserve properly prematurely. Each tent and RV tenting websites are provided. For a bit of upcharge, you will get a website proper by Huge Sur River!

Day-by-Day Map for the Huge Sur Highway Journey