Things To Do
Pfeiffer Beach
This is the most accessible beach in the area, but don't expect surfing and wading. This beach is gorgeous and lovely to relax on the sand, but as with much of the pacific, isn't ideal for swimming.
Andrew Molera Beach
This park has some wonderful hikes onto coastal bluffs. Getting to the beach may require wading through a small river, so this is more of a hike than a beach.
Carmel-by-the-Sea
The nearest town to the north of Big Sur features the iconic Pebble Beach golf course and storybook homes with fun names instead of addresses. There is plenty to check out around Carmel and neighboring Monterey.
Monterey Bay Aquarium
The World Famous Monterey Bay Aquarium is an aspiring Marine Biologist's dream! No other aquarium in the world compares to this complex responsible for so many conservation projects.
Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk
Whether from the Lost Boys, or Jordan Peele's US you will recognize this amusement park on the beach from a horror movie, but you'll have a SCREAMING good time!
San Francisco
Our Home, the City by the Bay has plenty to offer whether you want to spend a few hours or a few days! Golden Gate Park, the Presidio, Ocean Beach, and endless restaurants and entertainment make our city great! Find out why Tony Bennet left his heart here so many years ago!
Muir Woods National Monument
This National Monument just across the Golden Gate Bridge from San Francisco features some of the most accessible Redwood Trees in the state! Plan ahead if you hope to visit Muir Woods as reservations are required for entry since 2019.
Napa Valley
Wanna sip on some tasty grapes? Napa is 1 hour north of San Francisco, but well worth a visit if you have the time! If you go, be sure to visit Barnhouse Napa Brews, Uncle Eric's coffeeshop and pub! Housley Napa Valley tasting room right down the block is a highlight as well. We have also enjoyed our time at Frog's Leap vineyard and Saintsbury, but you can't go wrong with any of the vineyards in Napa Valley! The ones along Silverado Trail make for a gorgeous drive.
Yosemite National Park
If you are extending your California trip, consider a journey over to Yosemite National Park! The Valley is a gorgeous experience and can be seen for 1 day or more. Keep in mind that Yosemite is a 4-5 hour drive from Big Sur, but checking both of these bucket list locations on one trip sounds like the trip of a lifetime with a wedding tacked on!
Lake Tahoe
Like Yosemite, this is quite the journey from Big Sur, but could be worth a visit if it's on your bucket list. Maybe you even want to fly into or out of Reno? Regardless, Lake Tahoe is stunning and the town of Truckee is a home away from home for Josh thanks for the O'Farrell family's hospitality during ski season.