Is it better to stay in Big Sur or Carmel?

Monterey and Carmel are nice towns right on the water – lots to do, plenty of restaurants, etc. Big Sur is the 90 mile stretch of coastline south of Carmel – it is pretty remote without much civilization to speak of. It is great for the outdoors though – hiking, incredible views, some neat beaches, etc.

How long should I stay in Big Sur?

2-3 days
If you are staying in the area, we recommend spending at least 2-3 days in the area. There are so many beautiful hikes, beaches, and nearby towns that will make it easy to fill those three days. One of the best parts about visiting Big Sur is not being rushed and taking the time to enjoy the area at a relaxing pace.

Can you stay overnight at Big Sur?

It’s only illegal to park overnight to sleep. If you’re not sleeping in your car, you should be fine. You just won’t be able to park within Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park to access the overlook trail. There is a nice long turn out close to the falls you can park in.

What is the best time of year to visit Big Sur?

The most popular time to visit Big Sur is between April to October, when the weather is nicest. (Though one should be warned that the marine layer coats much of the coast in the mornings during parts of the high season.) Businesses are not open as long during the off-peak season.

Can Big Sur drive?

Can you drive through Big Sur? Absolutely! Big Sur is a coastal drive along Highway 1 in California. Along this scenic drive, you will pass famous view points and state parks such as Point Lobos State Park, Bixby Bridge, Pfeiffer Beach, McWay Falls, Hearst Castle and more!

Is Big Sur worth seeing?

Big Sur is a very worthy road trip destination for anyone who loves to be outdoors and experience nature. The rugged stretch of coastline has stunning beaches and mountains and also some really great restaurants.

Is Big Sur crowded?

With more than 300 days of sunshine per year, Big Sur’s peak season runs long, from April to October. However, once August passes, crowds start to disperse and high temperatures inland start to drop, leaving more room for visitors to wander on the coast and the mountains.

Does Big Sur get snow?

Big Sur (zip 93920), California gets 27 inches of rain, on average, per year. The US average is 38 inches of rain per year. Big Sur (zip 93920) averages 3 inches of snow per year. The US average is 28 inches of snow per year.

What is special about Big Sur?

Big Sur has been called the “longest and most scenic stretch of undeveloped coastline in the contiguous United States“, a sublime “national treasure that demands extraordinary procedures to protect it from development”, and “one of the most beautiful coastlines anywhere in the world, an isolated stretch of road, mythic …

Can you swim in the Big Sur?

Big Sur River Gorge is one of the big draws at Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park, facilitating a romp to a swimming hole in the wilds of Big Sur. An unmaintained trail connects the park’s campground to a inviting pool of clear river water in a granite-walled gorge.

What is Big Sur like in winter?

The weather in Big Sur in winter can be rainy and windy but if you check the weather forecast in advance you can avoid stormy days. Some areas of Big Sur are prone to mud slides if the winter is very wet with lots of rain.

Is Big Sur Open 2021?

Highway 1 is fully open to travelers who may now travel without interruption from Monterey/Carmel area to Cambria/Morro Bay along the Big Sur Coast.

Which way do you drive Big Sur?

There really isn’t a right or wrong way to drive the coast along Big Sur. You are either driving from the south or the north. I drove from south to north as I was coming from San Diego and then later returned the same way. That being said, I do think starting in Carmel and driving south is a little better.

Is the 1 open through Big Sur?

Travelers from the Monterey/Carmel area should be advised that Highway 1 remains open from the north, through Big Sur proper, all the way down to Ragged Point. Travelers from the south are advised that Highway 1 remains open through Cambria and San Simeon.

Why is Pfeiffer Beach sand purple?

The purple hues are caused by manganese garnet that has trickled down from the nearby mountains after a rainfall. The entire beach does not have purple sand. You will find small patches of purple sand along the north side of Pfeiffer Beach and by the tide pools.

Is Big Sur a national forest?

Los Padres National Forest spans five counties: Monterey, San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, Ventura, and Kern. In Monterey County, Los Padres National Forest extends through Big Sur and out toward the Salinas Valley.

Are there bears in Big Sur?

Bears are not common in Big Sur so this sighting was quite… More. We regularly provide still-born calves to help newly released condors get established and to reduce lead exposure to older birds from feeding on “wild” carcasses that were shot with lead ammunition.

Is sand really fish poop?

The famous white-sand beaches of Hawaii, for example, actually come from the poop of parrotfish. The fish bite and scrape algae off of rocks and dead corals with their parrot-like beaks, grind up the inedible calcium-carbonate reef material (made mostly of coral skeletons) in their guts, and then excrete it as sand.

Where are the 4 green sand beaches in the world?

If you go to Wikipedia, you will see that there are only 4 green sand beaches in the world:
  • Talofofo Beach on Guam.
  • Punta Cormorant on Floreana Island in the Galapagos Islands.
  • Hornindalsvatnet in Norway.
  • PapakĹŤlea beach on the Big Island of Hawai’i.

What beach do celebrities go to in California?

Laguna Beach has been home to many famous Hollywood stars over the years.