A Guide to California's Big Sur

Along the Highway

Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park

It is Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park of which many people immediately think when "Big Sur" is mentioned. It has a lodge with accommodations, a very large campground, and beautiful waterfalls (upper and lower Pfeiffer Falls) that are accessible by a short trail. Big Sur Lodge Restaurant and Espresso House serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The park is sheltered by the canyon walls and its large trees, so it is a good place to relax. Though it lies along Highway 1, it is well inland in the Big Sur River Valley, not along the coast.

There is another state park nearby with "Pfeiffer" in its name, Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park, and another with "Sur" in its name, Point Sur Lightstation State Historic Park.

Reference

• State park vehicle day use fee (walk-ins are free)
• Information 831.667.2315
• Video about this park by the California State Parks (2010)
• Related Web sites
  • Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park, California State Parks
  • Reservations and Fees: Camping, Tours, and Day Use, California State Parks
  • Online camping reservations at Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park, ReserveAmerica

Activities, Facilities, and Services

• Lodging - Accommodations - Hotels - Resorts - Motels - Inns - Cabins
  • Big Sur Lodge 831.667.3100 / 800.424.4787
• Camping - Campgrounds: State Park Campground
  • Camping reservations
    • Reservations and Fees: Camping, Tours, and Day Use, California State Parks
    • You can make camping reservations by telephone
    • You can make camping reservations on line with ReserveAmerica
  • Group camping available
  • Showers
  • RVs permitted; dumping station available
• Restaurants - Food
  • Big Sur Lodge Restaurant and Espresso House 831.667.3100 / 800.424.4787
• Picnic Areas
• Restrooms
• Telephone Services: public telephone
• Internet Access: WiFi (wireless) access within about 150 to 200 feet of the Camp Store with purchase of AT&T WiFi (formerly SBC FreedomLink) access
• Supplies
  • Big Sur Lodge 831.667.3100 / 800.424.4787
• Gift Shops and Galleries
  • Big Sur Lodge Gift Shop 831.667.3100 / 800.424.4787
• Ranger Stations
• Public Transit stop (seasonal)
• Scenic Vistas
• Wildlife Viewing
• Waterfalls
  • Pfeiffer Fall
• Hiking and Backpacking
  • There are two short trails on the west side of the highway: Buzzards Roost Trail and Liewold Loop.
  • There are several short trails on the east side of the highway near the campground and Big Sur Lodge: Pfeiffer Falls Trail, Valley View Trail, Oak Grove Trail, Nature Trail, and Gorge Trail.
  • Mt. Manuel Trail travels northward from this state park into Los Padres National Forest and Ventana Wilderness, crossing the summit of Mt. Manuel, passing several camping areas, and permitting access via other trails to Bottchers Gap. You can use Pfeiffer Falls Trail and Oak Grove Trail to reach the foot of this trail. You must have a wilderness permit for any overnight stay.
  • For more detailed information, contact Big Sur Station and see the resources listed on the Books and Maps page.
• Fishing: river
• Swimming: river; swimming pool at Big Sur Lodge