This beautiful stretch of coastline and forest offers a chance for visitors to get back to nature. Camping and hiking are two of the biggest activities in this area. Garrapata State Park offers a beautiful section of beach, and Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park is a lovely place for hiking.
Big Sur begins about 4 miles south of Carmel in Yankee Point, and stretches along the Highway No. 1 as far as Salmon Cove, some 17 miles north of San Simeon. From Highway 1 there are splendid views over the picturesque coastline. To the east stretches a true wilderness; the Santa Lucia Mountains and Ventana Forests, with more than 220 miles of trails.
Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park is a great place for hikers, sun bathers, and those looking for a nature escape. The park offers both camping facilities and, for anyone looking for a little more comfort, the Big Sur Lodge. One of the highlights in the park is Pfeiffer Falls, which is reached by the Valley View Trail. A branch off this trail leads to the Valley Overlook with views that extend to the ocean and the Big Sur River Valley.
Garrapata State Park is another popular area of Big Sur. The main attraction here is Garrapat Beach, a long, wide, crescent shaped stretch of golden sand. Waves here can be big and it may not be the best for swimming, but great for taking a stroll and soaking up the sun. For those looking to get a little exercise there are also day hiking trails in the park providing fabulous views of the coastline, mountains, and redwoods.