5 of the Best Photo Spots in Big Sur, California
Driving through Big Sur along Highway 1 offers some of the prettiest views of California’s rugged coastline. Here’s a list of 5 of the best photo spots in Big Sur to capture your time visiting this iconic destination.
Where to Stay in Big Sur
Campgrounds
Fernwood Campground and Resort
Garrapata State Park
Entry: free
Hours: 8 a.m. to half an hour past sunset
Located in Monterey County, Garrapata State Park offers some of the best views of the California coastline. The park offers 2 miles of beachfront, coastal hiking, and wildlife viewing. Visitors can also climb to a view of the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary. The Soberanes Canyon Trail is a popular hike in the park at only 1.25 miles. This trail will take you along the backside of the canyon offering beautiful views. Because of its stunning views of the coastline, Garrapata State Park is our #1 photo spot in Big Sur.
Bixby Bridge
Free Parking
Bixby Bridge is one of the most popular and most photographed bridges in the U.S. Expect crowds when visiting, especially in the evenings around sunset. There are parking areas on the right and left side of the bridge, offering different views of the bridge.
Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park
Entry: $10
When you pay the $10 entry fee, your ticket is good for the other Big Sur state parks, if you plan on visiting the same day.
Hours: 8 a.m to sunset
Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park offers several hiking trails, awe inspiring views of the California coast, and is home to the well known McWay Falls. You’ll be taking pictures around every corner. The Partington Cove Trail is an easy 1.1 mile out and back trail that will take you past beautiful views of the ocean before your hike along the Overlook Trail.
Read More: 10 Day California Road Trip
McWay Falls
Located in Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park
The Overlook Trail in Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park will take you to the famous McWay Falls viewing area. Due to erosion, the Overlook Trail is only partially open, however you can still clearly see McWay Falls and snap a photo. Depending on the season, you might even see whales passing by McWay Cove. This trail can get crowded, and the viewing area has limited space. Please be respectful of others trying to take a picture too.
Pfeiffer Beach
Entry: $12
Hours: 9 a.m to 8 p.m.
Pfeiffer Beach is home to the famous Keyhole Arch. The best time to visit is around sunset, as the sun descends and the light rays shine through the rock arch. It is a popular beach for photographers trying to capture this occurrence. The beach is also known for patches of purple sand that is caused by erosion of cliffs containing manganese garnet rocks.
We hope you enjoy your visit to Big Sur, and we hope you love these photo spots as much as we did!
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