Things To Do
Pfeiffer Falls
On the western slope of the Santa Lucia Mountains, the peaks of Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park tower high above the Big Sur River Gorge, where the Big Sur River enters this popular park. Walk along the banks of the river and among the redwoods, conifers, oaks, sycamores, cottonwoods, maples, alders and willows.
Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park - this is closed
This state park is named after Julia Pfeiffer Burns, a well respected pioneer woman in the Big Sur country. The park stretches from the Big Sur coastline into nearby 3,000-foot ridges. It features redwood, tan oak, madrone, chaparral, and an 80-foot waterfall that drops from granite cliffs into the ocean from the Overlook Trail. A panoramic view of the ocean and miles of rugged coastline is available from the higher elevations along the trails east of Highway 1.
Monterey Bay Aquarium
Mesmerizing tanks and exhibits showcase more than 35,000 animals and plants representing over 550 species—a large number of them California natives. Watch a giant Pacific octopus unfurl its tentacles, stand in the center of a swirling school of sardines, have hammerhead sharks swim inches away from your face, and see how trainers do daily health checks of the aquarium’s cutest inhabitants, California sea otters.
Esalen Hot Springs
Henry Miller was a visitor, Joan Baez a resident, and Hunter S. Thompson an employee. Esalen is a private retreat but its hot springs are open for anyone from 1a - 3a through a reservation on its website, where you can also make a massage appointment. As a place of stunning beauty, an awe-inspiring respite for mind and body, and a great equalizer, the Baths nourish conversation, contemplation, and community.