The 10 places the travel guides we read name most, what they say about each, and fares from your city.
The places, most named first
From the 8 guides that rank for "best beaches in big sur"
Named by 5 of 81. McWay Falls (Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park)Big Sur, California, United StatesAn 80-foot waterfall drops onto a cove beach, viewed from a short overlook trail.There is no access to the cove itself because of hazardous conditions.
Named by 5 of 82. Pfeiffer BeachBig Sur, California, United StatesKnown for purple sand and Keyhole Rock, an arch that frames sunsets.Sunset shots through Keyhole Rock work in December and January; arrive early.
Named by 5 of 83. Sand Dollar BeachBig Sur, California, United StatesThe longest and widest continuous beach in Big Sur, good for beachcombing, tide pooling and surfing.Pieces of jade can be collected on the beach, but digging is not allowed.
Named by 4 of 8
4. Garrapata State Beach
Big Sur, California, United States
Two miles of beach front with coastal hiking and wildlife such as sea otters and passing gray whales.
Wildflowers cover the trail beside the beach in spring and summer.
Named by 3 of 85. Andrew Molera State ParkBig Sur, California, United StatesA long sandy, rocky, driftwood-covered beach below the Big Sur headlands, with a river and many trails.The largest state park in the Big Sur area.
Named by 3 of 86. Jade CoveBig Sur, California, United StatesRugged cliffs and surf; jade is harder to find than it used to be.Far less accessible than Sand Dollar Beach and not recommended with small children.
Named by 3 of 87. Limekiln State ParkBig Sur, California, United StatesQuieter side of Big Sur with redwood trails, old lime kilns and a waterfall.More local and low-key than the parks to the north.
Named by 2 of 88. Point Lobos State Natural ReserveBig Sur, California, United StatesNamed among the scenic stops on the drive south from Carmel.
Named by 2 of 89. Ragged PointBig Sur, California, United StatesCalled the gateway to Big Sur, with a steep trail down to Black Swift Falls.
10. Partington CoveBig Sur, California, United StatesSmall cove reached by a 1-mile trail along a creek and through a 60-foot tunnel.
Fares from your city
Pick a place for live fares. Watch them and we alert you when they drop.
Finding fares from your airport…
When to go
Travel guides don't agree on one best time to visit Big Sur; its page has the weather and what's on, month by month.
Swimming at Big Sur's beaches is generally not recommended because of cold water, strong rip currents and big waves.
Is it better to stay in Monterey or Big Sur?
Big Sur is a 90-mile stretch of coast starting about 25 miles south of Monterey, with campgrounds and lodges along Highway 1; the pages do not compare the two directly.
Named by 5 of 81. McWay Falls (Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park)An 80-foot waterfall drops onto a cove beach, viewed from a short overlook trail.There is no access to the cove itself because of hazardous conditions.
Named by 5 of 82. Pfeiffer BeachKnown for purple sand and Keyhole Rock, an arch that frames sunsets.Sunset shots through Keyhole Rock work in December and January; arrive early.
Named by 5 of 83. Sand Dollar BeachThe longest and widest continuous beach in Big Sur, good for beachcombing, tide pooling and surfing.Pieces of jade can be collected on the beach, but digging is not allowed.
