A Day in Big Sur, from San Simeon Heading North

It's wonderful to spend a day driving the winding highway in Big Sur, stopping at each beautiful spot! It takes about an hour of driving, from San Simeon to Lucia Lodge where the road is closed due to the Regents landslide, and then another hour back. Save the whole day for exploring!

Map View Back To California Bests

Elephant Seal Vista Point, San Simeon

Beaches absolutely covered in massive elephant seals, and sometimes their babies. This is where the drive begins!

Piedras Blancas Light Station, San Simeon

You can't visit the lighthouse and amazing loop trail without an online reservation. You get to walk the loop and buildings by yourself, after a half hour talk by a ranger.

Old Piedras Blancas Motel site (elephant seals)

Beautiful spot to see elephant seals playing in the water, and hear their gurgling sounds like a bottle pulled underwater!

Ragged Point Inn Lookout, Big Sur Drive

Gorgeous lookout over sheer cliffs. Absolutely stunning! Restaurant, inn, gift shop, coffee shop, and grounds with sculpture, walkway through cypress trees, and flowers.

Salmon Creek Falls Swimming Hole, Big Sur

A very short hike in to huge boulders, bright trees, waterfalls, and a swimming hole. There is a longer hike, if you take the right fork.

Nathaniel Owings Redwood Grove, Big Sur

Peaceful grove of redwoods with a bubbling stream.

Limekiln State Park, Big Sur Coast

Beach that is like a dream! Crystal clear river leading to the ocean and huge white rocks.

New Camaldoli Hermitage, Big Sur Drive

Stunning view from a bench on vertical cliffs above blue-green water.

Cambria town

When you return, you could spend the night in Cambria town, 20 minutes away, or eat dinner there, at Robin's Restaurant, a splurge. 

Big Sur Coast Drive, San Simeon to Lucia

Breathtaking stops along the way, of vertical cliffs and sparkling blue-green water, a lighthouse (reserve online), redwood gulches, swimming holes, stunning beaches, and New Camaldoli Monastery.

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