
Now on to our favorite viewpoints and landmarks! Below is our complete list of must-see stops in Big Sur.
#Big sur waterfall map drivers#
These spots are great, offering unobstructed views of the coast and a chance for the drivers to enjoy them! We always recommend waiting for a vista to see the views rather than pulling off the side of the highway in random areas. In addition, there are many “vista spots”, which are little pull-off spots along the highway. Some destinations left their parking lots open and used the honor system to drop off $10, so make sure you have cash handy for the day. We went in the off-season (November through February) and many of the parking lots were closed, so we parked along the side of the highway without any issues. A lot of these stops also have small parking lots, often charging $10 to park. How do you access these spots? Almost all are right off the highway. The Must-See Stops in Big Sur:Īlong Big Sur there are many parks, beaches and trails to explore. You’ll want to wake up early and leave before sunrise, so you don’t miss the daylight hours to see all your must-see stops in Big Sur. This is certainly a doable option, but will make for a 12+ hour day. We left our hotel early and felt we had time to see all of our must-see stops in Big Sur.Ī third option is driving in from San Francisco or San Jose and doing Big Sur as a day trip. We stayed in Monterey, which is about a 10-minute drive until you’re officially in Big Sur. These options are limited and very popular, so they sell out fast!Ī more affordable, and less busy, option is to stay in Carmel-By-The-Sea or Monterey. There are lodging options within Big Sur, including some motels, glamping and camping options. The beaches and coastal stops will be windy and cool whereas sheltered spots can be hot. Pack layers because the weather will change depending on your location. Additionally, why miss out on the views? We started our day at sunrise and it allowed us to maximize the number of stops we could fit in. This drive is filled with turns along cliffside roads and minimal high-mast lights, so we highly recommend driving during the day for safety. This is also why driving North to South is preferred as it really limits the amount of u-turns that are needed. What does this mean if you miss a vista point or turn off for a beach? You either drive along until you find another vista point or do a three-point turn on a highway that’s filled with a lot of blind corners. Highway 1 through Big Sur is a one-lane highway. As a general rule, we used a restroom every time we saw one. A few stops have porta potties or outhouses, but overall these are limited. Notice a trend? Big Sur is a region that’s relatively underdeveloped with limited facilities. We recommend packing a lunch to enjoy on the beach, you cannot beat the views! 4. The town of Big Sur has a few spots to grab a meal, but after you leave the town there are next to no food stops. To go along with the no service and no gas stations, there are really limited spots to eat. There are no gas stations off the highway outside of the small town within Big Sur, so plan accordingly and fill up before you begin your drive.

#Big sur waterfall map Offline#
We highly suggest you use our Google Maps List with all 12 locations detailed below pre-saved!Ĭlick Here to Access our Big Sur Google Maps ListĪlso, as there is no service, ensure to download an offline map of the Big Sur area in Google Maps before starting your day. A lot of the beaches or popular spots don’t have signs until the moment you need to turn off, and this will get frustrating after a while. Is there a risk of getting lost? No, it’s pretty straightforward driving HOWEVER, there is a risk of missing any one of your must-see stops in Big Sur. There is no cell service for almost the entire drive through Big Sur (or the entire drive depending on your carrier). Plan Your Trip In Advance with Google Maps Before we get started on all the must-see stops in Big Sur, there are some important tips to know prior to leaving.

Important Big Sur Road Trip Planning Tips:īig Sur is largely undeveloped coastlines and national parks, so there are minimal amenities. Important Big Sur Road Trip Planning Tips:.
