Trip to Big Sur, the United States: how to get there, how many days and when to go

Big Sur – Califórnia Destination Monterey and Big Sur

How to get there

Monterey Regional Airport (MRY) Monterey · 45 km

Approximate road distances. Check flights and bus schedules before you travel.

From Monterey and Carmel, head south on Highway 1 only on open sections; confirm route conditions before departing.

How many days

One or two days for selected stops and walks, without assuming a full coastal crossing.

When to go

In Big Sur, the periods April to June and September to October usually have mild conditions for the outdoor circuit; between November and March, consider the possibility of rain when planning the coast.

The seasons shown are the most usual ones; nature doesn't always follow the calendar.

Do you need a car?

A car services the distant sectors; cell coverage can fail and it's advisable to download maps before starting.

Suggested itinerary

An order that works

Built with the places on this page. No rush: it's paced so you have time to see them.

One day in Big Sur

Morning
Bixby Creek Bridge
Devote the start of the itinerary to Bixby Creek Bridge. Prioritize the main part of the visit and arrival timing, leaving a break before continuing into Big Sur.
Afternoon
Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park
After the break, head to Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park. Check access and explore the place without turning the Big Sur afternoon into a string of drives.
Late afternoon
Return via the Bixby Creek Bridge sector
Finish walks in the part of Big Sur already visited and return to lodging before planning another trip. Light and weather can alter the duration of this stage.
Evening
Evening free in Big Sur
Dine near your base in Big Sur and keep the evening free to rest after the route through Bixby Creek Bridge and Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park.

Check before you go. Opening hours and days change, and places may close for renovations, holidays or events. This itinerary is a suggestion from Cidade Turismo, not a commitment: plan yours by checking directly with each place you intend to visit.

Before you go

Frequently asked questions

How to reach Big Sur and begin the visit?

Highway 1 should only be included in the plan on open stretches.

How many days to allocate for Big Sur?

One or two days cover a selection of stops and trails.

How to get around during a stay in Big Sur?

Distances between access points make a car necessary.

Is Big Sur a town with a compact center?

No. The name denotes a large region, with services and access points separated along the coast; the entry uses the Big Sur River core as a reference.

Your trip to Big Sur.