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The Big Sur Coast of Central California is over seventy miles in length and stretches from the Carmel area on the north, south to the San Luis Obispo County line near San Simeon. The eastern boundary is the western slopes of Santa Lucia Mountains; the western boundary, the Pacific Ocean.
The western slopes of the Santa Lucia Mountains, reaching an elevation of 5,200' at Cone Peak, drop precipitously to the sea. Much of the coast is  bounded by sheer cliffs. Great offshore rocks punctuate the dramatic meeting of land and sea. Beaches are few; strong currents, waves and cold water make swimming hazardous. Nearly fifty separate streams flow down the mountains to join the sea. Several of these, such as the Big Sur and Little Sur Rivers, Big Creek, Garrapata Creek and Salmon Creek, have substantial year-round flows and support migrating as well as resident fish. The Big Sur coast is rich in plant and wildlife diversity. Coast redwoods are found in the cool, moist canyons. The Santa Lucia fir and many other rare plants are present. Mountain lion, deer and many smaller terrestrial animals and birds make Big Sur their home. The California sea otter refuge runs the length of the coast, providing safe harbor for the sea otter, perhaps the most playful member of the coast's diverse marine wildlife.The climate in Big Sur is mild. Although the winters bring some of the heaviest rainfall in California, the summers are long and dry. Coastal fog is typical on summer mornings near the shore, while inland and at the higher elevations temperatures can get quite high.The rugged mountainous terrain of the Big Sur coast has had a profound effect on historical use of the area and will continue to serve as a limitation on the kinds of activities that can be carried on and the scale of development. Natural constraints to development, including availability of water, difficult access and unstable soils on steep slopes require extra care and imaginative solutions when contemplating new land uses.The scenic qualities and the natural grandeur of the coast which result from the imposing geography, the rich vegetative compositions and the dramatic meeting of land and sea are the area's greatest single attraction. Big Sur has attained a world-wide reputation for spectacular beauty. Although it has remained a rural area where sturdy pioneering families still carry on ranching, Big Sur's residents have also achieved acclaim for their cultural contributions. Many well-known writers, artists and artisans have been inspired by the coast's dramatic vistas and timeless solitude. A strong community identity continues to attract new residents. Today, tourism and private residential development are the strongest trends affecting management of the area.
Approximately half of the areas 150,000 acres lie within the Los Padres National Forest and the Ventana Wilderness. Nearly 10,000 acres are contained within units of the State Park System. Approximately 60,000 acres are in private ownership.
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Big Sur Information & History
Big Sur Arts
- The Big Sur Arts Initiative serves children and families through the arts, with enrichment programs, cultural events, and artists' services.
- Coast Galleries is a historic Big Sur landmark and one of the largest galleries of American crafts in the United States.
- Esalen was founded in 1962 as an educational center devoted to the exploration of unrealized human capacities.
- Henry Miller This presentation of Coast Galleries and Publishing features the art collection of Henry Miller, the renowned American writer and painter.
Sports and Recreation
- Big Sur River Run The Big Sur River Run, the most beautiful 10K in the world, takes place annually in Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park.
- Big Sur International Marathon offers twenty rustic rooms, including suites with balconies overlooking the Big Sur River. Accommodations include a restaurant, general store, and the Heartbeat Gift Gallery.
- Point Sur in the National Register of Historic Places, is the only complete turn-of-the-century lightstation open to the public in California.
Lodging and Restaurants
- Big Sur Lodge lies within ancient groves of redwoods and oaks in Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park. The Big Sur River is just a few minutes stroll from each of the spacious, cottage-style rooms.
- Big Sur River Inn offers twenty rustic rooms, including suites with balconies overlooking the Big Sur River. Accommodations include a restaurant, general store, and the Heartbeat Gift Gallery.
- Post Ranch Inn Perched atop the cliffs of Big Sur, Post Ranch Inn provides the ultimate getaway experience for travelers wanting to take in the beauty of the Big Sur coast and all that nature has to offer.
- Nepenthe Restaurant Perched high above the Pacific Ocean, Nepenthe Restaurant has served as a Mecca for poets, artists, and travelers for fifty years.
- Ventana is located on the hillside overlooking the dramatic Big Sur coast, and offers the discriminating traveler exceptional lodging, restaurant, and spa services.
- Cielo Ventana Inn's restaurant, Cielo, serves California Cuisine emphasizing only the freshest and highest quality ingredients, and features an award-winning wine list.
Big Sur Weather
- AccuWeather.com AccuWeather.com offers a 5-day forecast for Big Sur.
- The Weather Channel Weather.com, produced by The Weather Channel, offers a daily and ten-day forecast for Big Sur.
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