Big Sur is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts, with more than 90 miles of rugged Pacific coastline to the west and the St. Lucia Mountain range to the east.

Visit Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park to climb 3,379-foot Manuel Peak, Sand Dollar Beach to go jade-hunting, Limekiln State Park to explore some of Monterey County's oldest redwood trees, and Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park to see McWay Falls gently fall straight into the ocean.

Keyhole Arch Rock on Pfeiffer Beach is one of the most stunning sunset places on the central coast, and Andrew Molera State Park and Garrapata State Park offer hikes that take tourists to the shore. It's impossible to get bored at Big Sur, as there are so many amazing sights to see.

The Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park

Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park, named for one of Big Sur's most revered pioneers, is a popular destination for locals and visitors. Seven well-marked park paths lead visitors to scenic destinations, such as hidden coves, waterfalls, miles-long rivers, redwood-covered woods, and more.

It's also one of the few places in Big Sur where scuba diving is permitted. Waterfall Overlook Trail is the quickest and most popular route. Trail users have less than a mile to their destination, McWay Falls, one of Big Sur's most visited sites.

The area is renowned for its beauty and represents a perfect synthesis of Big Sur's defining geological characteristics. Isolated from civilization, this beach is framed by craggy cliffs home to bushes, flowers, and cypress trees. The falls cascade down one of the cove's granite cliffs and into the waiting arms of the sea below.

From December through February and March through May, the cove is one of the best places to see grey whales as they migrate through Big Sur. Some have even been seen approaching the cove's opening.

The Andrew Molera State Park

In addition to its many hiking routes, this 4,800-acre park is home to various other attractions. Andrew Molera Park, named for the man who introduced the artichoke to California, is home to 20 miles of hiking paths that pass through isolated beaches, redwood trees, meadows, and the Big Sur River.

Visitors may ride bikes and horses throughout the park because of the relatively level terrain. The beach is one of the greatest places to go surfing in Big Sur, and it's also a safe place to do so. Andrew Molera State Park features nine trails, five of which are designated primary routes and three of which are secondary.

You may build the Andrew Molera Loop by connecting the Bluffs Trail, Panorama Trail, and Ridge Trail. The Bluffs Trail follows the shore, and the Panorama Trail and Ridge Trail carry hikers inland to equally stunning woodland areas. The Bluffs Trail also features several side paths that lead straight to the water's edge.

Beach Pfeiffer

Pfeiffer Beach is a great alternative to hiking through the state park if you need more time. Pfeiffer Beach is a large, quiet beach about 7 miles south of Andrew Molera State Park, adjacent to Los Padres National Forest.

Its broad shorelines are covered by tall, vegetation-heavy cliffs and spectacular rock formations. However, the most well-known rock structure at the beach may be seen just offshore. Those passing by will need to pay attention to the Pfeiffer Keyhole Rock, so named for its prominent arch.

As a close second to Bixby Bridge, it is often the subject of visitors' camera lenses while at Big Sur. With the tide out, tourists may explore the tidal pools around Pfeiffer Keyhole Rock. It is ideal for visiting the rock around sunset when the light shines brightly through the keyhole and makes for an incredible photo opportunity.

The Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park

Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park is located on the western side of the St. Lucia Mountains and is 1,600 acres in size. Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park is similar to other regional state parks in that it has redwood woods, wide meadows, and waterfalls, yet, the park's setting makes it stand out.

This park is inland and has no ocean vistas, unlike nearby Andrew and Garrapata. Rather, the Big Sur River, which can be seen by hikers along some park routes, serves as the primary water supply.

Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park is home to 8 kilometres of trails worth checking out. The 1.4-mile trek to Pfeiffer Falls is by far the most well-known. This path features a stunning 60-foot waterfall and is known for having some of the nicest redwood woods in the whole park.