Big Sur will, without a doubt, leave you breathless. A dizzying drive along the section of Highway 1 that takes you into the area is widely considered one of the best scenic routes in the world. Adventurers will find a rugged, jagged, and incredible topography where trees almost outnumber the stars in the night sky. Attesting to its untamed nature, Big Sur technically has no boundaries, but for the sake of geographic placement, most consider the 90-mile stretch of coast between Carmel and San Simeon to be Big Sur's domain. State parks run adjacent to the vast Santa Lucia mountain range, making camping the preferred mode of lodging here. There are a fair amount of hotels, motels, and inns offering creature comforts, though no matter where you lay your head at night there will be a noticeable lack of urbanity. Secluded beaches, endless hiking trails, and dramatic outlooks over the Pacific Ocean are the rewards for venturing into one of North America's last wild places.
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Top Things to Do
Top picks for the best activities in Big Sur
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Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park
- Arguably Big Sur's most popular state park (nine total in the 90-mile region), Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park's biggest draw is the 80-foot McWay...
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- Hiking
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Sykes Hot Springs
- "Natural hot springs" just sound so wonderful, so inviting, right? Averaging temperatures of 100 degrees Fahrenheit, Sykes Hot Springs are located...
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- Offbeat Activities
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Esalen Institute
- Esalen is a not-for-profit sanctuary and alternative education institute that is both literally and figuratively perched on the edge of the Western...
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- Spas
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