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

[@PassingBy1118]

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.

[@ThroughMyLens]

Agree 100%

[@kellyjohnson3617]

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.

[@ThroughMyLens]

Thanks for all the information! The Pfeiffer Falls Trail is so nice now, you should totally check it out! I went to Piedras Blancas Lighthouse a few years back, it was a great tour but it was almost a half day when we went haha.

[@ft-sd6ux]

You can go to sand dollar beach for free if you don’t mind adding an extra 10 minutes to your walk as it’s already a lengthy walk down the trail to the beach when you pay for parking. You just have to park in the neighborhood before the road that leads you down to parking lot at sand dollar. Most times there is someone at the kiosk but if you just want to see the view you can park without dropping off money in the pay box on the days the kiosk is closed

[@pauladuncanadams1750]

ALL THE STATE PARKS ARE PAY ONCE DAY USE FEE. Except Limekiln, which, sadly, the state sold to a private ownership. You can still spend time at Limekiln, however, you wil, have to pay a separate fee. Otherwise, pay at any entrance and keep the sticker on your windshield to enter any state park mentioned in this video ,and others not mentioned, such as Point Lobos.

[@GlobalMindSync]

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

[@conniepharr7426]

I watch this video often when I’m feeling homesick for California and its beautiful ocean and forests. Say what you will about California but there aren’t many places with the beauty we’re seeing in this video

[@taniabambridge5388]

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.

[@Stoney_Snark]

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!!

[@munirdaya9135]

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.

[@ThroughMyLens]

Would love to do the Cape Town drive in the future!

[@munirdaya9135]

@@ThroughMyLens The Cape drive is also very scenic. I have done that about seven or eight times. On the day trip one also see penguins at Boulders Beach and Sea Lions in Haut Bay. Wild Chacma baboons can also be seen as they regularly use urban spaces in search of human foods. At the Cape of Good Hope one gets to witness a panoramic view of the Atlantic Ocean in the most southern part of the continent.

[@tomelifeisjustonebig]

Try the Great Ocean Road in Victoria, Australia for a drive better then both those.

[@harlow743]

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

[@martyc7029]

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.

[@davidcacopardo8218]

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!

[@paulamariegourley3606]

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.

[@SweetPotato2.0]

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 ❤🤗🫶

[@calgal5752]

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

[@rezavergara8007]

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.

[@theaprum1]

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

[@californiahiker9616]

Fave Big Sur spot: Point Lobos State Park. Perfect in every way! Do the perimeter hike…. just try to avoid the weekend.

[@bruceottenberg373]

drove it this summer, at least most of it. The southern end was washed out and I had to turn around and backtrack to Monterey. It is the most most breathtaking scenery I have ever seen.

[@sofiiamusiak6539]

🎯 Key points for quick navigation: 00:00 *🌊 Introduction to Big Sur Road Trip* - Overview of the Pacific Coast Highway road trip from San Simeon to Carmel. - Journey covers stunning coastal views and notable stops like Hearst Castle and elephant seal overlook. 02:18 *🚶 Ragged Point and Art Installation* - Introduction to Ragged Point as the start of the Big Sur coastline. - Highlights include the art installation "Portal to Big Sur" and scenic forest views. 03:54 *🌉 Driving North on the PCH* - Describes the advantages of driving north to south for better coastal views. - Mention of challenges due to Dad's discomfort with road drop-offs. 05:38 *🏞️ McWay Falls and Big Creek Bridge* - Features McWay Falls, a tidal waterfall and a highlight of Big Sur. - Details on Big Creek Bridge and its photographic appeal despite less fame than Bixby Bridge. 07:20 *🍔 Lunch at Nepenthe* - Experience dining at Nepenthe, a famous restaurant in Big Sur with great views. - Discusses menu items like the Ambrosia Burger and the logistics of finding parking at popular spots. 09:06 *🏖️ Pfeiffer Beach Exploration* - Describes features of Pfeiffer Beach such as the purple sand and Keyhole Arch. - Notes on the beach's accessibility and the seasonal visibility of purple sand after rains. 11:03 *🌲 Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park Hike* - Exploration of Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park, focusing on the redwood forest and Pfeiffer Falls. - Discusses the scenic River path and the Pfeiffer Falls Valley View Trail with options for hiking loops. 14:17 *🌉 Conclusion at Bixby Bridge* - Visit to Bixby Bridge, discussing its historical significance and scenic location. - Closing remarks on the day's journey along Big Sur, preparing for the next part of the Pacific Coast Highway road trip. Made with HARPA AI

[@paulaartandmusic4412]

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!

[@carolinenunez3455]

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.

[@grzesiek1x]

Wow! I will be visiting the USA for the first time (I am from Poland btw) and I think I will be staying away of Los Angleles and I really want to visit all those beautiful places in California! It reminds me of France - Cote d"Azur a little bit :)

[@pauladuncanadams1750]

The area at Paul's Slide (Limekiln, Gorda) is closed indefinitely due to last winter's slides. The area is now unstable and extensive work needs to be done to bring the road away fron the cliffside. So, yes, check before making plans.

[@idontwantahandle325]

great job. I used to live in the bay area. when i went to monterey for my job I always planned extra time or a weekend to see hwy 1. it is always amazing.

[@DavidinSLO]

1:55 -- great advice! check road conditions beforehand (Big Sur's famous Hwy 1 is currently closed north of San Simeon)

[@nancycamaquin6648]

We went to Hearst Castle and Nepenthe for the first time ever. It was beautiful and the food and view was great from both places. A return trip is needed. You highlighted so many wonderful places to add to our road trips. Great video!

[@nevadahiker6661]

I've done the drive 6 times in my life. One of my friends saw the pics I had taken, and decided to check it out while they were in Cali. They thought it was beautiful, but their fear of heights definitely impacted their enjoyment! I had never mentioned it because heights are a bonus for me, and didn't realize that others might not feel the same!

[@ThroughMyLens]

haha I know what you mean. I would never think about it if it wasn't for pops haha

[@feliciadominguez3365]

The California coastline is one of the greatest natural treasures in the world.

[@josy-sp-br]

Did stop the fire? I'm sad when I've been on pacific highway startted lots of fire incidents that blocked the road just before arriving at big sur😭 I got too frustrated... A trauma I wished to solve going back, but I fear to be unlucky again...

[@donphillips5957]

Thanks. I don't often go south of Carmel. I really appreciate the closeup look at the Big sur area

[@michip.904]

I miss California. Big Sur is beautiful and the climate of the coast is unique. You have a great dad. It's always nice to spend quality time together. Keep doing these short documentaries. Greetings from Germany. 👍

[@loveistheanswer8137]

We drove the PCH North to south in a 40 ft motorhome. Going south the passenger feels like your looking down a cliff the whole way, and the shoulder looks about a foot wide. I’m exaggerating slightly of course, but if you are prefer not to look over a cliff the whole trip, go south to north. One of the most scenic drives I’ve seen. The Cabot trail on Cape Breton is another similar awesome drive. 👍

[@ThroughMyLens]

Yea my dad would not have liked that 😂

[@pjfountaine7755]

You probably aren’t exaggerating by much. Haha

[@subramanianannamalai8333]

Loved it. Feels like i visited all these places along the Big Sur myself.

[@sluggotinfantryman]

Point Lobos is the banger. 2 hours to walk it all or longer. Limited entry during season. Carmel is 9 miles from Monterey.

[@markwhitmore6862]

Can't believe you didn't mention the "love" scene with Liz Taylor and Richard Burton from "The Sandpiper" filmed at Pfeiffer Beach.

[@ladyzen]

I've been to Peiffer Beach, but it was years ago. With my ex husband, when the kids were younger. It was amazing. Been to Big Sur as well, with ex husband. First time I ever climbed a 30ft rock and I was pregnant with our son at the time, didn't even know it. Another time we went to Big Sur w/ kids & stayed in Ventanna Campground, redwoods, streams..it was so amazing. Stayed for a week. It was great. Carmel & Monterey, Yosemite, Tahoe and San Francisco as well. Went to Oakland & San Fran every week with my grandma as a kid, my brother & I. We'd drive to Stockton to grandmas, get dropped off for the weekend. Next day drive to Oakland to aunt tootsies & from Oakland take the bart into San Fran. Those were great times. I never wanted to go home.

[@judithschoner6433]

Beautiful, I love this part of the PCH since my early 20s. Thank you for sharing this adventure.

[@Timtimzi]

Drove along the coast on vacation for "the scenic+longer route". Also rode my road bike along the route before. Keep the ocean to your right and you'll be in for an experience.

[@userk23c5d5]

Jack Kerouac brought me here. Beautiful.

[@mindiwilhelm4322]

Beautiful footage of Big Sur in the beginning of the old Chevy Chase movie, Seems Like Old Times. Well done.

[@pauladuncanadams1750]

Thanks for the time stamps. I always appreciate when people do that. Also, thank you for sharing your pleasant day in our beautiful area. Please come visit again. ❤

[@Rome6601]

Wow drop dead gorgeous! Big Sur Coast! 🌄

[@caroltrego1640]

Great video. Remembered my time while the one and only time driving up through Big Sur. Thanks for sharing.

[@michellebrazil1325]

Absolutely gorgeous. Thank you for the beautiful video. Never seen an ocean and this is my destination.

[@pjfountaine7755]

Beautiful footage of this amazing stretch of Highway 1, PCH. Thanks Especially liked seeing the sea lions/seals , like when i seen them many years ago. Nice to see they are still flocking to the coast there

[@MrBlessed70]

Absolutely beautiful scenery.Reminds me of the parts of Byron Bay,Australia in many parts.

[@zentzu9288]

SO AMAZING VOICE !!! GREAT FOR POETRY!!!

[@eileenmori8560]

I love watching your travels with your Pops. Hubby and I did this exact trip in Feb 2022. We were lucky enough to spend the night at the Post Ranch Inn - definitely a romantic spot. Please keep posting.

[@ThroughMyLens]

Wow, I have always wanted to stay there. That's awesome!

[@couchpotatolv]

Love the videos! You missed Salmon Creek Falls…..Such a short little hike to an awesome waterfall. You gotta do a quick video on it.

[@danielcrawford4134]

Perfect. This is going to be a day on our next family driving trip from LA to SF. Thank you for the details, etc.

[@rrad3926]

Did this trip many moons ago. Such a beautiful area. Favorite spot was probably the bakery near Big Sur or the Bixby Bridge.

[@francafattori8998]

Wonderful Big Sur...the best place of California!!! I stayed there, years ago 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 Lol ❤️ from Italy 🇮🇹

[@ThroughMyLens]

SO glad you got to see it!

[@francafattori8998]

@@ThroughMyLens Thanks 💖 Big Sur forever in my heart 💖🌟💖🌟

[@Truecrimequeen68]

I will be going up there soon. I luv it up north. Great information and beautiful pictures.

[@rmsolis19]

Aww Dad is narrating too, love this!! He did a great job. 👍🏼 Awesome recommendations!

[@jenniferschnieder6316]

Love all your videos! Big Sur❤

[@glau6124]

i stayed at ragged point inn about two weeks ago! It’s a lovely hotel. The price is on the higher end during peak season but the view was lovely when it’s not foggy. The food at the restaurant was also very good. The hotel also has no wifi and no mobile reception so it was a (much needed) detox. For all cat lovers there lives a ginger cat named Puma at the hotel who’s so cute

[@aidaovasapyan9951]

Heloo from California , we enjoy all your programs it’s amazing ,quality #1 details ,and the best thing ,you are traveling whit your dad and it’s so impressive ,big helooo for your dad ,

[@cathy2859]

I've stayed at Ragged Pt. ... love it! Seen banana slugs there too! Restaurant is delicious and grows its own veggies. Sadly the road is blocked now so we do either North or South.

[@msjutee]

We are going next week! I hope I see some banana slugs!

[@stevechoi2841]

Enjoyed your trip, make easy for me for day plan when I visit there.

[@mmeckes27]

We just returned from 3 nights camping in San Simeon. We spend 2 entire days exploring Big Sur. We've driven through Big Sur a dozen times, but this was the first time we were able to really explore. Got to spend time in many places we've just looked at from the road. We normally travel through during the winter, so were surprised at the crowds. Places too busy to stop were Henry Miller Library, Bixby Bridge and Pfeiffer Beach (no parking available). We couldn't find parking at Pfeiffer Falls on day 1, but we went back and found parking on day 2. The park is still closed - looks like renovation in progress, but part of the trail is open, just far enough to see the falls. If you've never stopped at Mill Creek Picnic area, I would highly suggest spending an hour there. Creek running to the beach, rocky shoreline, but hidden sandy beaches both to the north and south that are only accessible from Mill Creek (as far as I could tell). About 10 years ago, we stayed at Rocky Point and absolutely loved it. Rooms are just average, but even though we had a first floor room, we had a spectacular view. We watched sunset from the forest area and thought about trying the trail down to the beach, but decided that we didn't want to break our necks.

[@Sumipan786]

We love the ragged point inn restaurant. The food is good and well priced.

[@bradvanhemelryck2860]

Need a bit of a thrill while you're in Big Sur? Do the drive while your brakes are grinding back to Morro Bay! Last time I was there my brakes started going metal to metal heading north into the town of Big Sur. Then the road was closed going north soI had to turn around for a nice two hour drive back to Morro Bay on sketchy brakes. Good times!😀 So my pro tip is to check your brakes (among other things). You definitely don't want to break down out there!

[@ThroughMyLens]

Oh wow that sounds like an adventure!

[@thiscorrosion900]

Put out the drag chute! LOL

[@johnperry5102]

great video, those redwoods were awesome

[@rhondaz356]

I absolutely love your videos, and the style and way you present them. This video is no exception.👏 very interesting and entertaining, as always 👏🌲🌊

[@ThroughMyLens]

Thank you so much, really appreciate it!

[@RosaGomez-j7j]

It’s so beautiful 🤩 I will love 💕 going all this beautiful places 🌲🌲🌲🌲🪷🌿🍂

[@jonathantitus2629]

Really well done video--based on my admittedly limited experience--it seems you hit ALL the best stops. Whenever I am asked about the best roads in America this stretch is firmly ensconced in the Top Ten. Thanks for sharing and in doing so bringing back great memories.

[@pauladuncanadams1750]

For those that may miss my reply below, you only have to pay an entrance fee to one state park. Keep the receipt in your window to visit all the other parks. The one exception is Limekiln, which the state no longer owns.

[@iben6234]

FANTASTIC !

[@medleyguy]

Thats our favorite drive. We prefer the scenery and the slower pace to the valley freeway when we travel to Monterey from SoCal.

[@theidahotraveler]

I've done a drive like this but on a lot of dirt roads up in Humboldt county

[@PamelaT40]

Definitely adding the Big Sur to my California must see list, thank you!

[@kennymackie4518]

Ran the Big Sur International Marathon May 1st, 2011 from Carmel south 13.1 miles and turned around and headed back north cause of land slide!

[@pauladuncanadams1750]

Sadly, you didn't stop off at Big Sur proper. A nice stop is The River Inn. You will notice right away the lovely flowers out in front by the parking area. It's another nice restaurant. Yeah, OK, Nepenthe is good if you need that coastal view. River Inn has a lovely patio overlooking a beautiful grassy area, an indoor fireplace, a stocked bar. On Sundays, during the summer, they have live music on the patio. There's also a General Store and, importantly, restrooms. There's a staircase leading from the patio down to the grassy area and the Big Sur River. Wooden chairs in the shallow river are left out for people to wade out and sit with their feet in the river. And those chairs are highly coveted! It's a great place to take a needed break.

[@Raceless1ELWynn]

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

[@aznsrey1324]

It's so beautiful in person. Thank God for this amazing bday trip the best ever. Enjoy all these beautiful nature places now while you can before the world get darkness. Next year will be big changes to very darrrk. I pray for everyone 🙏✝️🥺🥺

[@lilliliell5763]

Just discovered you channel. I have bingo watched your show for two days now. Love watching you and your Dad discovering fun and funky places on your travels!

[@DARKSIDE123-m7n]

greating from bali indonesia,amazing coast beach in california,nice journey and traveling brother,

[@TheWrightLifeTravelChannel]

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

[@eduardoovalle1380]

It is very nice but very nice video that you have prepared for us, I am very happy to see it again, thank you.

[@susanlucas1125]

Great video..need to take a drive up the coast, but not in the winter..too foggy and gets dark early

[@alejandrogm3600]

Amazing shots! Thank you for the tips loved it!

[@christinerolle3876]

Thanks for sharing again Josh.

[@FBMoy]

Big Sur was already on my bucket list, but this video moved it right towards the top! :)

[@sluggotinfantryman]

Cambria is best town to stop in. You can go across from James Dean Junction then out to Hunter Liggot and to coast using Naciemento Road. It comes out by Ragged Point. Sand Dollar Beach is largest along the coast. I don't go below Cambria. Except to look at E Seals.

[@olgaburgos7780]

I love your videos and the places you take us to see which are difficult for us old folks to do . Big Sur is magnificent! Thank you so very much.🥰👍😃

[@ThroughMyLens]

Thanks for watching!

[@cecelianhan350]

Just subscribed to your channel. Loved the sound of your voice 👍and what better way to travel the world with your pap!

[@loupoulain8103]

Lime kiln State Park has the southernmost natural stand of coastal redwoods.

[@markyuen2312]

Would like to have see you take some photographs of the Sunset going down in the Pacific Ocean........

[@ThroughMyLens]

I have many times, but on this trip we were trying to do all of PCH in 7 days so had to continue on. Beautiful place for sunset though!

[@robinwhitman8840]

Looks daunting

[@JMAM006]

Definitely Pfeiffer Beach. Stayed in a house on Pfeiffer Point in 1971. We would hike down to Wreck Beach. Back when Sycamore Canyon Rd was not paved. And the beach was wild and wonderful. No tourists the locals didn't tell them. Went to Esalen Hot Springs they were open late night for the area residents. And there was a bar on the highway where it was Mezcal Tequila nights, then we'd go hot tubbing 🙃

[@violetbf3773]

Haha yeah Pops, how do you not remember? 😂 I can’t wait for the premiere!

[@ThroughMyLens]

😂 Thanks for the comment!

[@oursweethomelife]

I love your videos! We visited California and camped in Big Sur many years ago. It was very beautiful and enjoyed all of the awesome views! We would love to go back sometime.

[@LourdesGonzalez-gs8jj]

Wow 🤩 absolutely amazing views of Big Sur!! 🎉🎉🙌🙌❤️❤️❤️wonderful video thank you so much for sharing! 🙌🙌🙏🙏

[@gizzykatkat9687]

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

[@pauladuncanadams1750]

FYI: purple sand is actually garnet sand. Yes, garnet.

[@Montanez823]

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

[@reginamay2767]

Awesome views, I never been there but I hope to sometime. You all did great on the awesome views. Thankyou so much.

[@ThroughMyLens]

Our pleasure! I hope you make it there one day!

[@pelicanpete36]

Wow unbelievable. Thanks for sharing.

[@ThroughMyLens]

Thanks for watching!

[@stargazer5073]

pops was a wild young man, he cant remember

[@ThroughMyLens]

😂😂😂

[@diggingmystyle]

One of my favorite places in Central Ca.

[@ireneseverova2369]

Absolutely amazing! Thank you so much for this wonderful video 💙 nice vibe from you 😊

[@connieatkins7390]

Stunning

[@ThroughMyLens]

It really is!