Big Sur, California: 1 Day Road Trip to Beaches, Waterfalls, Bridges and Elephant Seals

Used to live in Monterey and Big Sur was the backyard. I miss the long lazy drive on the PCH. It is unquestionably one of the most, if not the most beautiful coastal drive in the world.

Garrapata beach is definitely the highlight. That's the very definition of an awesome scenic shore drive.

Pro tip about sand dollar beach is that if you pay for pfeiffer beach, save the receipt and visit sand dollar beach on the same day for free. Going the other direction doesn’t work cuz there is a manned kiosk at pfeiffer beach. Not at sand dollar beach. Nepenthe is amazing. It’s worth every cent. Pfeiffer beach if you are coming from the south is the first left past the Big Sur post office. There is a left turn sign. But it’s easy to miss the road and if you miss it, it’s hard to turn right on that road. Much easier to access from the south. I’ve been to pfeiffer falls but not on the trail. Last time I was there it was still closed. It finally is back open. I’m so glad. The first time I went it had gotten washed out in a combined massive fire and massive flood. I have been to the valley view hike and it has a nice view but nothing spectacular. It’s very pretty. I can only imagine how great the pfeiffer falls trail is super nice. Also the piedras Blancas lighthouse tour by the elephant seals preserve is really cool if you’ve never been. Very in depth guided tour of lighthouse and the piedras Blancas preserve. It’s $10. Only open certain days of the week for one guided tour per day.

Thank you 😮❤ MY Father took our family up the cost in the 50th We started in San Diego We got to see all the lighthouse and missions from San Diego to the Red Woods and on up to Washington and the caves WOW what a trip My Dad always made sure to take us on great adventures during the summer 🫶 Thank YOU and your Dad's ❤🤗🫶

Thanks for taking me back home...Carmel is my hometown, though I've lived away for many years. There weren't many built-up paths and fees for parking when I was younger. It was much wilder and rugged then. I've always loved Nepenthe, especially the outdoor back deck full of windchimes on the ocean side, and the gorgeous views of the Coast Range looking south. River Inn is also a good spot for a meal, live jazz on Sundays, and you can walk in the shallow river. The Old Coast Road is my favorite slow drive, up and downhill from light to dark, undulating and winding. Some of the series "Then Came Bronson" was filmed there, going inland from his crossing Bixby Creek Bridge on motorcycle. There are masses of beautiful wild calla liles along the Little Sur River as you come around that wide slow loop going north. I'm glad you and your Dad did this together. Precious times.

Your dad is awesome. Such good vibes no wonder why your vibes are great

❤🎉😊 Mash Allah my brother.❤❤❤😊 This video was truly a work of art. Alhamdu Allah!😊

I lived and worked at Ragged Point for a total of over 7 years. I lived just behind the tree line to the right of the pagoda. I’d do the SLO County drive a few times a month, basically from Pismo to RPI. I explored north as well, of course, Salmon Creek, Jade Cove, etc. But Ragged Point was home. Thanks for the flashback!!

I I am so glad to see this. I went to California 45 years ago, road trip from Texas. We missed the road that goes by Big Sur, and the views on your video are amazing! Thank You!

I have stayed at The Ragged Point Inn and it was delightful! The restaurant was good as well. The deer graze when all the guests are sleeping. I watch them from my balcony at 1am.

Thank you. I've been waiting for you to do Big Sur, and you didn't disappoint! You brought back wonderful memories of when I've driven it myself. I've also stayed at Ragged Point Inn twice. The last time was several years ago when I wanted to show the west coast to my eastern-seacoast-raised late husband. I'd mapped out a route where the first sight of the Pacific Ocean was as unobstructed as possible. When he pulled over at the first viewpoint he started to say "it's a good thing I'm used to pulling over for scenic .....Oh. My. God." Yes, he interrupted his own comment as soon as he saw the Pacific! We stayed at Ragged Point Inn that night. When we got to our room, there was a window covering the west side of the room with sliding glass doors. You could just sit on the bed watching the sunset. Thank you again for these very well done videos.

Big Sur is one of my favorite places in the U.S.

I can't thank you enough for these videos. Living in Connecticut, it's never easy to get back to California. But I have been there 11 times and after watching this one I was right back at my favorite place, McWay Falls. I had a local artist do a painting from a snapshot I took back in 2011. I treasure it as I treasure every minute of your amazing videos!

These guys did a GREAT job capturing the essence of the Big Sur coastline..

I can only fathom how much effort it takes to make these beautiful videos of your trips and to be able to document it with your father is even more special. Love your videos thank you for sharing them all with us.

Revived memories of our trip there about three months ago. The PCH is probably the most scenic route in the world. Earlier I thought Cape Town has the most scenic road view when driving to the Cape of Good Hope. Notable is the energy of the father and admire the respect that the son gives to his father.

I'm planning a move to California, it's very exciting

When I was growing up we made a trip up here every summer…..thanks for the memories

My husband and I stayed at Ragged Point ten years ago. We stayed in one of the one story rooms near the bluff. The room wasn’t anything special, but it was clean and cozy. The best part was hearing the waves while we went to sleep. One night it rained, so hearing that on the roof was also nice.

I’ve used your videos to plan so many trips now! You’ve really enriched our travels! Thank you!