Los Angeles to Big Sur Road Trip
Every traveler should include a road journey along the Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) from Los Angeles to Big Sur in their bucket list of adventures in California. This beautiful drive offers a captivating combination of ocean views, Rocky Mountains, sandy beaches, and dense forests, showcasing the natural beauty of California's coastline. This about 150-mile route is not just a means of traveling between two renowned locations, but it's also a trip that offers charming villages, interesting historical sites, and a range of outdoor sports. This guide will make sure you get the most out of your road trip from Los Angeles to Big Sur, whether you're a family looking for fun, a couple seeking romance, or a solo traveler.
Why Choose the LA to Big Sur Route?
With good cause, the LA to Big Sur journey is one of the most well-known road trips in America. You will experience some of the most varied and amazing scenery California has to offer on this tour, which begins in the vibrant capital of Los Angeles and ends in the majestic landscapes of Big Sur. Highway 1, often known as the Pacific Coast Highway, bends along the coast, offering numerous chances to pause and investigate. Discover undiscovered beaches, well-known state parks, and charming communities where time seems to stand still along the route. Even individuals who aren't experienced road travelers can easily navigate the reasonably simple drive thanks to the well-kept roads and obvious signs.
Best Time to Take the Trip
Your enjoyment of your road trip can vary significantly based on the time of year you go. Even though the California coast is magnificent all year round, April through June and September through November are the ideal seasons to visit. In addition to beautiful sky that emphasize the visual magnificence, these months bring milder weather and fewer visitors. With more daylight hours and increased traffic, especially in and around famous destinations like Malibu, Santa Barbara, and Big Sur, summer is peak tourist season. That being said, winter is less dependable but still a possibility if you're ready for rain and the occasional closure of roads due to landslides, especially in the Big Sur area.
Planning Your Road Trip
A bit of advance preparation will go a long way toward making the most of your road journey from LA to Big Sur. These are some crucial things to remember:
Duration: Plan on spending three to five days on the journey in order to see all of the attractions. This lets you explore without feeling rushed and at your own pace. It is still possible if you only have a weekend, but you will have to choose your stops carefully.
Accommodation: There is a wide range of lodging options, from opulent Santa Barbara resorts to quaint Cambria bed and breakfasts. If possible, plan ahead for your stays, particularly during the busiest travel times of the year. With several campgrounds allowing the opportunity to sleep under the stars and wake up to the sound of the ocean, camping is another popular option in Big Sur.
Packing Essentials: It's recommended to bring clothing for both warm days and cool evenings due to the diverse scenery, particularly in Big Sur where nighttime temperatures might fall. Sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, and comfy walking shoes are basics that you should never overlook.
Navigation: Even if the route is well defined, using a GPS or map software beforehand might help you locate certain sights and steer clear of any possible delays or road closings. Prepare ahead of time by downloading maps and directions, as cell coverage might be only in some regions, especially around Big Sur.
The Route: Key Stops and Highlights
1. Santa Monica and Malibu
Take a drive to Santa Monica, a seaside city that represents the California way of life, to start your road trip. Start at the famous Santa Monica Pier, where you may have a relaxing walk along the avenue, ride the Ferris wheel for an aerial view of the coastline, or play games in the arcade. There are stores, eateries, and street entertainers lining the busy pedestrian Third Street Promenade. Visit Santa Monica Beach and enjoy the sun or give surfing a go if you're feeling more laid back.
Travel west on the PCH from Santa Monica to Malibu, a celebrity-favorite destination renowned for its beautiful coastline and wealthy atmosphere. Visit Zuma Beach, one of Malibu's biggest and most well-liked beaches; it's great for picnics, swimming, and tanning. El Matador State Beach, with its striking cliffs and sea caves, provides a more private location if you're looking for something quieter. Visit the Getty Villa, an art museum with ancient Greek, Roman, and Etruscan treasures housed in a reconstructed Roman villa, for a one-of-a-kind experience.
2. Santa Barbara: The American Riviera
The road opens up to the amazing majesty of the Santa Monica Mountains and the undulating hills of the central coast as you leave Malibu behind. Next on the list is Santa Barbara, a city that exudes a carefree beach feel while retaining its Spanish colonial beauty. Start your tour at the 1786-founded historic Santa Barbara Mission, which provides breathtaking architecture and lovely grounds that provide a window into California's past. You may find a lot of shops, cafes, and art galleries by taking a stroll down State Street, which serves as the city's major avenue.
Take advantage of the chance to unwind at the oldest operating pier in California, Stearns pier, where you can enjoy fresh seafood, see the aquarium at Sea Center, or just sit back and watch the boats come and go. There are more than 120 wineries in the Santa Ynez Valley, which is only a short trip inland, if you love wine. A wine tasting tour would be a great way to experience some of the best Pinot Noir and Chardonnay the area has to offer.
3. Pismo Beach and San Luis Obispo
You will reach Pismo Beach, a traditional beach town in California, if you continue north. It is well-known for its broad, sandy beaches and unique pier. With neighboring Oceano Dunes for dune buggying, kayaking, and surfing, Pismo Beach is a paradise for adventure seekers. During the winter months, hundreds of monarch butterflies can be seen at the Monarch Butterfly Grove, a unique location south of Pismo Beach, as they gather in the eucalyptus trees.
San Luis Obispo, also known as "SLO," is just a short drive inland. The laid-back vibe and historic charm of this quaint village are well-known. Wander around the downtown area to visit independently owned stores, galleries of art, and the well-known Bubblegum Alley—a tiny passageway lined with layers of colored chewing gum. Visit the Thursday night San Luis Obispo Farmers' Market for a flavor of the community's culture. There, you may savor delicious street food, fresh produce, and live music.
4. Hearst Castle: A Step Back in Time
You proceed from San Luis Obispo to Hearst Castle, one of the most beautiful and iconic sites in California. Newspaper tycoon William Randolph Hearst owned the opulent Hearst Castle, which was perched on a mountaintop with a view of the ocean. It is now a museum with guided tours of its luxurious apartments, vast gardens, and remarkable art collection. Must-sees include the indoor Roman Pool, which is lined with elaborate mosaics, and the Neptune Pool, which features magnificent colonnades in the style of Rome.
A panoramic view of the surrounding countryside, which includes the Pacific Ocean and the Central Coast's rolling hills, can be seen from the castle's location. Take some time to explore the visitor center, which includes a gift shop, cafe, and displays on the building and history of Hearst Castle, after your tour.
5. Cambria: A Hidden Gem
After leaving Hearst Castle, make your way back to the coast to arrive at the lovely community of Cambria. Cambria, well-known for its artistic community and breathtaking scenery, is the ideal location for unwinding and taking in the slower pace of life. Discover the East Village's distinctive stores, art galleries, and historic buildings. Situated in a renovated home from the 19th century, the Cambria Historical Museum provides information about the town's past.
While in Cambria, a trip to Moonstone Beach is a need. This rocky beach is well-known for its polished stones, which sparkle in the sunlight. You may stroll down the boardwalk and enjoy the serenity of the waves as you stroll. Keep a lookout for animals; you may occasionally observe whales, sea otters, and seals offshore.
6. Elephant Seal Rookery
To reach the Elephant Seal Rookery at Piedras Blancas, take a brief drive north of Cambria. The northern elephant seals that inhabit this section of the coast are abundant, and you can get up close and personal with these amazing animals thanks to the observation platforms. You may watch elephant seals mating, molting, giving birth, or caring for their young, depending on the season. You may learn a lot about the seals and their life cycle from the informative signs and experienced volunteers that are present.
7. Ragged Point: The Gateway to Big Sur
Following the rookery, the road climbs and twists, providing progressively more stunning views of the coastline. The next place you'll see is Ragged Point, which is frequently referred to as Big Sur's southern entrance. This is a gorgeous spot with amazing views of the sea and the rocky shoreline. Along with being a wonderful area to stop for lunch or a quick coffee break, Ragged Point is also home to a delightful restaurant and inn. Explore the gardens, stop at the cliffside lookout for images, and, if you're feeling really daring, descend the steep walk to the beach with black sand below.
Exploring Big Sur
It feels like entering into a new space when you arrive in Big Sur. With mountains and sea meeting in a striking creation of natural beauty, this part of Highway 1 is well known for its magnificent landscape. In order to preserve the area's feeling of wilderness and unspoiledness, there are just a few tiny settlements and no urban growth. The following list includes a few of Big Sur's best sights and things to do:
1. Bixby Creek Bridge
An engineering works of art that crosses a rocky canyon with the ocean and coast providing a magnificent backdrop, the Bixby Creek Bridge is one of Big Sur's most recognizable landmarks. One of the highest single-span concrete bridges in the world was finished in 1932 with this bridge. For a chance to take this iconic California photo, pull over at one of the permitted overlooks on either side of the bridge. Seeing the waves slamming into the cliffs below the bridge is an amazing sight.
2. Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park
Nature lovers should not miss Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park, sometimes referred to as the "mini Yosemite." Tall redwood trees, beautiful hiking paths, and the serene Big Sur River can all be found in the park. Popular hiking paths include the Pfeiffer Falls Trail, which leads to a 60-foot cascade, and the Valley View Trail, which provides expansive views of the Big Sur River Valley. Furthermore, the park has a lodge, picnic areas, and a campground, making it a great place to spend a night or two in the middle of nature.
3. McWay Falls
McWay Falls, one of Big Sur's most popular and regularly photographed locations, is situated in Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park. A serene beach is the setting for this 80-foot waterfall, which falls down a granite cliff. Because of its short and simple walk, people of all ages and fitness levels can visit the falls. While the beach itself is inaccessible, the trail's viewpoint provides breathtaking views of the falls and the azure seas of the bay below.
4. Pfeiffer Beach
The unique purple sand at Pfeiffer Beach is attributed to manganese garnet deposits found in the nearby hills. Dramatic rock formations along the beach are another reason for its fame, such as the well-known Keyhole Rock, which has a built-in archway that frames the setting sun. Finding the beach can be a little challenging because it's off Sycamore Canyon Road, a twisting, narrow road that needs to be driven carefully. Pfeiffer Beach is one of Big Sur's most exquisite and tranquil locations, so the work is definitely worthwhile.
5. Point Sur Lightstation
Since 1889, ships have been guided over the dangerous coast by the Point Sur Lightstation, a historic lighthouse perched atop a volcanic rock near offshore. Only guided tours are available to reach the lighthouse, and they provide an interesting look into the history of the area and the lives of the lighthouse keepers. As part of the tour, you'll stroll up to the lighthouse, where you'll be rewarded with expansive views of the shore and ocean.
6. Garrapata State Park
Hidden to most people, Garrapata State Park is home to some of Big Sur's greatest coastal views. Trails winding through fields of wildflowers, redwood woods, and coastal cliffs span several miles in the park. If you're lucky enough to see sea lions, harbor seals, and even whales during their migration, the Soberanes Point Trail is a well-liked option. Photographing on the park's beaches is ideal due to its untamed beauty and strong surf.
7. Henry Miller Memorial Library
A little bookstore and cultural center honoring the life and works of American writer Henry Miller is the Henry Miller Memorial Library, a great place to get a dose of history and culture. Literary readings, film screenings, and concerts are just a few of the events that the library hosts all year round. In the off-season, it's a tranquil spot to unwind, peruse the wide range of books in the collection, and take in Big Sur's artistic atmosphere.
Dining and Accommodation in Big Sur
Big Sur has an extensive variety of lodging and dining alternatives that cover a range of preferences as well as price points, despite its isolated position. Here are a few well-liked options:
Big Sur Bakery & Restaurant: a well-liked cafe in the area that serves freshly made bread, pastries, and wood-fired pizzas. The attractiveness is heightened by the rural surroundings encircled by redwoods.
Nepenthe: Nepenthe is one of Big Sur's finest dining locations since it is perched high above the cliffs and provides incredible views of the coastline. A blend of American and Mediterranean dishes are offered on the menu, with the Ambrosia Burger being a particular highlight.
Deetjen’s Big Sur Inn: For many years, tourists have favored this old inn and restaurant. The on-site restaurant offers filling breakfasts and dinners, and the accommodations are quaint and full of charm.
Treebones Resort: Treebones Resort provides luxurious yurts with views of the ocean and a special "human nest" where visitors may sleep beneath the stars for an unique glamping experience. In addition, the resort features an organic garden and a fantastic sushi bar.
