Heading to Big Sur with the kids? Get ready for an amazing adventure in one of California’s most gorgeous locations.

In Big Sur, all of the best things to do lead outdoors. You can go from redwood forest hikes to waves crashing onto a purple sand beach within minutes. Though Big Sur is known as a popular spot for romantic getaways and wellness retreats, it’s also a wonderful place for families to unwind and connect.

When we first moved back to California, Big Sur topped the places I was excited to explore as a family. Though navigating the region took a little adjusting – you’ll want to bring the Dramamine for this trip – it did not disappoint. Over the past few years, this stretch of Highway 1 has become a favorite drive for the whole family.

Come here to get off the grid and tune out the world. Your phone won’t work much of the time and many lodging options come without televisions and phones. It’s time to connect with each other and enjoy family fun while immersing yourself in the area’s natural beauty.

You’ll discover hidden beaches and swimming holes, California’s southernmost redwood groves, haunted lighthouse tours, and where to find one of the state’s most spectacular restaurant views. By the end of this post, you’ll have your hotel booked and an amazing itinerary for exploring one of the country’s most dramatic stretches of Highway.

Don’t miss my tip on where to enjoy a delicious lunch from Adirondack chairs in the middle of the Big Sur River!

The repeated storms in early 2023 caused a lot of damage to Highway 1 through Big Sur. Teams are working hard to fully reopen the road as quickly as possible. Check the current road status at Cal Trans before you go!

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Big Sur Map of Attractions

Top 22 Things to Do in Big Sur with Kids

1. Splash at Carmel River State Beach

Just south of Carmel-by-the-Sea, this beach is a great find for families exploring the area.

Like the other beaches in Big Sur, the ocean waves and rip currents are pretty rough at this beach. But what Carmel River State Beach has that many of the others don’t is the Carmel Lagoon that forms as the Carmel River approaches the ocean.

We love to look at the ocean in Northern California, but it’s rare to find a beach that we enjoy swimming in, so we’re always on the lookout for these lagoons. Not only are they one of the few places where it’s safe to splash in Big Sur with kids, but it’s also a beautiful introduction to the area.

2. Explore Point Lobos: The “Crown Jewel” of the California State Park System

At the northern tip of Big Sur is one of my favorite places in the whole state: Point Lobos State Natural Reserve. This park has wonderful nature trails that are unique, gorgeous, and super fun for the whole family to explore.

Our favorite walk with the kids is the Cypress Grove Trail. It’s less than a mile long but offers some of the park’s most awe-inspiring landscapes. You’ll find orange-algae-covered cypress trees next to the surreal blues of Monterey Bay. And there are opportunities for a little rock scrambling and side trails that the boys love.

From there, take a wander down the South Shore Trail which follows the water to Weston Beach. At low tide, you can explore the tide pools and even find a Hidden Beach which only reveals itself when tides are low.

There is so much to see and do in this park that we wrote one of our first posts all about visiting Point Lobos as a family. Check out the details on our favorite Point Lobos spots here.

And for an extra special experience, book this popular private walking tour for the inside scoop from a local expert who’s written two books on the region.

3. Wander through Garrapata State Park’s Calla Lily Valley

A favorite spot to explore Big Sur with kids is the hidden ravine full of wild Calla Lilies that reappears every spring in Garrapata State Park. It’s a quick scenic walk to get to Calla Lily Valley which is only about 0.5 miles from the Highway.

To get there, park at the little dirt parking area on the shoulder of Highway 1 near mile marker 63. You’ll find a trailhead that leads into the valley.

As usual for us, we missed that turnout and parked near the entrance to Garrapata State Beach instead. That’s ok too. You follow an easy trail back north and arrive at the ravine. A few stairways lead into the valley. The one closest to the freeway is the easiest to descend.

The best time to visit Calla Lily Valley is February through mid-April. We were there at the tail end, and there were still plenty of lilies in bloom! Make sure to keep an eye out for poison oak and ivy. Long pants and sleeves are a good idea!

Take some time to walk out onto the beautiful beach before heading back to the car. On our way in, a drenched man warned us that he was clobbered by a sneaker wave. It’s best to explore away from the waves here.

Calla Lily Valley is only one of Garrapata State Park’s many wonders. If the lilies aren’t in bloom, you won’t be disappointed by the hike to gorgeous Soberanes Point. The trailhead is about 2.5 miles north of Calla Lily Valley. The coastal headlands here are a great spot to watch sea lions, otters, and harbor seals. You may even spot some whales during their annual migration!

4. Pose by Big Sur’s Famous Bixby Bridge

Bixby Bridge has long been one of Big Sur’s most famous landmarks. I have a hunch that it has become even more so for those of us who were glued to Big Little Lies. Watching from my living room in Virginia, the show’s opening credits alone were a reminder of the region’s endless natural beauty.

Construction on Bixby Bridge was completed in 1932. It’s the longest concrete arch-span bridge in the California State Highway System. Its completion was a game-changer in connecting the remote coastal communities to Monterey County.

Most days, you’ll know you’re nearing the bridge by the slowing of traffic. If you want to stop to take a look and some photos, there are small parking areas near the northeast and northwest corners of the Bridge. I’ve found that there are usually more spaces on the northeast side which is also the starting point for Old Coast Road.

The most popular viewing area is the Castle Rock Viewpoint on the ocean side of the bridge. There is a sidewalk here and markers commemorating the completion of this engineering feat.

As with all popular locations, the best time to visit is weekdays and early mornings. The most crowded times are summer weekends.

5. Brave the Point Sur Lighthouse

If you’re traveling to Big Sur with kids who love ghost stories, stop at the Point Sur Lighthouse.

It is the only complete turn-of-the-century light station open to the public in California. It sits on a large chunk of volcanic rock, 361 feet above the ocean, where families lived and worked from 1889 until 1974. The unique stone lighthouse still guides ships with its light, but today the operation is automated.

Before Highway 1 was completed in the 1930s, leaving the lighthouse required climbing 400 stairs and then trekking several miles to a country road. Residents could only get supplies by ship. Visiting a doctor required a four-hour horseback ride to Monterey.

Today it is on the National Register of Historic Places, and the buildings where the keepers and their families lived are a ghost town. Literally. The lighthouse embraces its reputation as one of the country’s top haunted lighthouses. Check out this KQED article for all the spooky details.

You can visit the lighthouse facilities on a three-hour walking tour offered on select weekdays and weekends. Moonlight tours are offered on 11 days between April and October, and special haunted ghost tours are offered on select dates before Halloween. Check the official Point Sur website for the latest dates and details.

6. Count the Monarch Butterflies at Old Cooper Cabin in Andrew Molera State Park

Finding monarch butterflies in their winter hibernating spots is a fascinating natural wonder to experience throughout California. In Big Sur, they return in October and stay through January.

The Eucalyptus tree grove near Cooper Cabin in Andrew Molera State Park is one of the observation sites. They cluster in trees in the morning when it’s cold and can be seen fluttering around when the sun warms up later in the day.

No other butterflies migrate like the North American Monarch. They travel up to 3,000 miles and are the only butterflies to make the long two-way migration each year. Unlike birds and whales, each individual only makes the trip once. It is their children’s grandchildren that make the return trip the following year.

Up until recent years, the monarchs flew en masse to the same winter destinations. Even to the same trees! For a few years, our attempts to visit hibernation sites in Pismo Beach and Pacific Grove revealed a shocking change in migration patterns. In 2020, we didn’t see a single butterfly in Pacific Grove. However, the butterflies returned in full force in 2021. We hope they’ll continue finding Cooper Grove!

7. Hear the Story of the California Condor at Andrew Molera State Park

Named for the man who brought the artichoke to California, Andrew Molera is the largest state park on the Big Sur Coast. It is home to The Discovery Center operated by the Ventana Wildlife Society. The Center features educational exhibits and programs about the California Condor Reintroduction Program.

The center is open during the summer months, from Memorial Day to Labor Day. Visitors during this time can take part in free Condor Tours and presentations. It’s a good idea to check for programs and schedules before you go.

After learning about the region’s most famous birds, visitors enjoy over 20 miles of hiking trails. Popular options are the easy hike to the beach along the Big Sur River and the Bluff Trail which offers breathtaking coastal views.

8. Hike to Pfeiffer Falls

The Pfeiffer Falls Trail sustained damage in the winter 2023 storms. Check the park’s website for current trail status before you go.

The Pfeiffer Falls Trail is a great Big Sur stop with kids. It’s one of the park’s easiest and most popular trails, and it finally reopened in 2021 after suffering severe damage in a 2008 fire.

The new trail offers an improved visitor experience while also focusing on the health of the surrounding ecosystem. Visitors climb through a redwood canyon to view the 60-foot falls streaming into a serene pool below. This area houses one of the most southern groves of redwoods in California, so be sure to look skyward before continuing south.

You can explore the trail as a 1.3-mile out and back, or connect with the Valley View Trail for a slightly longer loop.

9. Gaze Up at Big Sur’s Beautiful Redwoods

Big Sur has some of the southernmost coastal redwood groves in the state. If you’re driving through Big Sur with kids, make sure to soak in their beauty before the central coast landscape changes.

Near the turnoff to Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park, the feel of Highway 1 changes as you meander through some of the gorgeous trees. Though you can find them in many of the region’s state parks, Pfeiffer Big Sur is one of the best known for beautiful redwoods.

Though there is no beach access at the park, you can walk along the banks of the river where the giant trees flourish. The park’s 0.8-mile Nature Trail is kid-friendly and a wonderful way to take notice of Big Sur’s plants and the role that they play within the local ecosystem.

Make sure to stop by to visit the Colonial Tree near the park’s softball fields. Estimated to be around 1,100 years old, it’s the park’s largest and likely oldest tree.

10. Splash Around at the River Gorge Swimming Hole

Though Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park may not have access to the ocean, it offers one of Big Sur’s favorite swimming experiences at the Big Sur River Gorge. Visitors love to take a dip in the inviting pool of clear river water found in this granite-walled gorge. River crossings and rock scrambling along the way make for an adventurous day.

Park near Day Use Lot 3 and follow the 0.5-mile Gorge Trail to a bridge. From here, head upstream and follow trails on either side of the redwood and oak-lined river banks. If the footbridge has been removed, hike past the abutments and continue along the left side of the river to reach the gorge. As long as you continue upstream, you’ll reach the pool.

The hike itself is only a half-mile round trip, but it requires some rock scrambling and climbing over trees along the way. Wet rocks are slippery, so wear shoes with good traction.

The pool itself stretches across the gorge between steep granite walls. It’s now more shallow than in previous years because it has been filled with sediment from recent wildfires. Some people enjoy continuing into the gorge past the pool where you’ll find a few more swimming holes, cascades, and boulders to explore upriver.

Only access the gorge when the river is low, especially if you are traveling to Big Sur with kids. In the spring, the river swells and the area is prone to flooding after rain. The river can be dangerous when the current is at its strongest in the winter and spring.

11. Play on a Purple Sand Beach

I’d been up and down Highway 1 many times before I tracked down one of Big Sur’s most famous attractions: Pfeiffer Beach.

Pfeiffer Beach is known for its pockets of purple sand. The color comes from manganese garnet deposits washing onto the beach from neighboring hills, so the best time to visit is after it rains. But we still found plenty of purple sand on a sunny October day.

Not only is this beach known for its purple sand, but it’s also home to the well-photographed Keyhole Arch. If you can time it right, try to visit at sunset when the brightest light shines through the small archway opening!

As with most of Big Sur’s beaches, play on the sand, but don’t take a dip here. Rip currents are strong, and sneaker waves are common. Go at low tide, take in the beautiful sights, and have fun seeking out the beach’s famous purple sand instead!

Pfeiffer Beach is at the end of Sycamore Canyon Rd. The only sign alerting you to the turnoff is a small yellow sign that says “Narrow Road.” If you are driving south, the turnoff is a sharp right 1.1 miles past the entrance to Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park. If you are driving north, the turnoff is going to be on your left 1.8 miles past Nepenthe. There’s a good chance that you won’t have cell reception here, so setting your odometer at these landmarks is helpful.

12. Browse the Hawthorne Gallery

An art gallery may not be top of mind when traveling through Big Sur with kids. But if you regularly take your kids to museums and galleries, places like the Hawthorne Gallery are wonderful opportunities to see how art and nature can blend.

The gallery represents work by the multi-talented, multi-generational artists in the Hawthorne family. This family lived the dream of moving off the grid to this gorgeous region. They focused on building nature connections and developing their children’s creative instincts. And a new generation of artists was born.

Open daily from 10 am – 6 pm, the gallery is worth a stop. There are even a few works in the surrounding garden if you prefer to peek at the art outdoors.

Inside the gallery, you’ll find sculptures, ceramics, glassworks, paintings, and jewelry. And the building itself is a sight to behold. Its curved lines, huge glass windows, and wood finishes combine to fit effortlessly into the gorgeous surroundings.

13. Learn Something New at the Henry Miller Memorial Library

This quirky spot isn’t a traditional library where you can borrow books. It’s also not a memorial to novelist Henry Miller, who lived in Big Sur from 1944 to 1962. You won’t find the site of Miller’s home here either.

What you will find is a community gathering place that serves as a memorial to a different time and spirit. Browse the selection of carefully curated books, including novels written by Miller and the books he found to be most influential.

There is also a great children’s book selection which makes for a great place to look for a souvenir on your travels through Big Sur with kids. Our boys chose “Octopus’s Garden,” which proved to be a fitting soundtrack as we made our way back north on Highway 1!

While I browsed the book tables, John and the boys ran around the lawn area and explored the redwood groves.

Check out the online calendar for upcoming events before you go. During the summer, this is one of California’s most unique venues for live music, theatre, film festivals, and more.

14. Spot a Humpback Whale

Whales migrate along the California Coast for most of the year. Gray Whales are present in the Big Sur area from December through May, with peak numbers in mid-January and mid-March.

Endangered Humpback Whales feed on the region’s anchovies, sardines, and krill from late April through November. And the largest animal to ever live on earth, the Blue Whale, is in Monterey Bay from June through October.

Humpback Whales are the most active of the three and can often be seen from Highway 1 turnouts. A popular spot to get a peek at the charismatic animals is the junction of Highway 1 and Partington Ridge. The deep submarine canyons in this area draw them in, allowing for frequent views of the whales.

15. Discover Partington Cove

A 1.5-mile hike to a hidden cove is the appeal behind a favorite hike for folks exploring Big Sur with kids.

Technically a part of Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park, you access the trailhead to Partington Cove 2 miles north of the main park entrance. The turnoff location used to be trickier to find, but now you can pull it up on Google Maps (if you have service). When you reach the turnout on the ocean side of Highway 1, you will see a gate and a steep dirt road that leads toward the water and forest below. This is the path you will take to the cove.

As you get closer to the water, you’ll come to a junction. Veer left to continue to the cove. You reach a bridge that then takes you to the 60-foot tunnel built for John Partington in the 1880s. He used the tunnel to transport oak from the mountains to ships moored in the cove on the other side. Rumor has it that the cove was also used by smugglers and bootleggers in the twentieth century.

On the other side of the tunnel, you’ll reach the cove, beloved for its crystal clear blue-green water. It’s so clean that you can see the kelp forest growing below. Head out to the bench, sit back, relax, and enjoy the view!

16. Take a Family Photo at McWay Falls

McWay Falls in Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park is one of the most popular stops in Big Sur with kids. The secret’s out on this one, so don’t expect to have the place to yourself!

Bug saw a photo of this famous tidefall in a San Luis Obispo hotel, and couldn’t believe it when I said we could drive to see it in person. This was the most excited his little 4-year-old self has ever been for a road trip stop!

The walk to the falls overlook is quick and easy. It’s only about 0.25 miles. Shortly after the falls come into view, you’ll come to a fence that has closed off the rest of the trail. Unfortunately, the natural processes that shaped the park’s dramatic scenery have also made some of these areas unsafe for hikers.

McWay Falls is one of only two tidefalls, a waterfall that pours into the ocean, in California. As long as you know to expect a short trail and crowds, it’s fun to view it with others. At the very least, you’re sure to find someone willing to snap your family photo!

17. Check Out Historic Lime Kilns and Limekiln Falls

Limekiln State Park’s waterfall is one of the most impressive natural wonders in the park. As you walk to the 100-foot falls, you’ll also find second-growth redwoods and access to a dark sand beach.

When the falls are at their most dramatic, the large limestone slab behind them is draped in water. But during a drought year, the waterfall splits in two revealing the layers of moss that the falls nourish.

On the way back, you can take another fork off the trail to visit the park’s namesake Lime Kilns. The kilns are remnants of the three years from 1887 to 1890 when the site of the park was the region’s premier site for harvesting limestone. Four massive 100-foot kilns were built to heat and extract the lime. After only three years, Rockland Lime and Lumber Company had depleted the area’s valuable natural resources, redwood timber, and limestone, and moved elsewhere. The kilns stand today as an eerie memorial to the region’s troubled recent past.

The trail from the falls to the parking lot is about a mile round trip. If you double back to see the kilns, the hike is about 1.5 miles. At the end of your journey, make time to stop by the park’s beach accessed under a bridge near the parking lot.

18. Play on Sand Dollar Beach

Sand Dollar Beach is on the southern end of the Big Sur Coastline. The crescent-shaped shoreline is the region’s longest and most continuous strand of beach. It also retains the region’s turquoise blue waters and scenic mountain backdrop.

Beachcombers traveling through Big Sur with kids look for the namesake sand dollars. Jade Cove is located on the southern part of the beach, named for the beautiful rocks found there. You can still find small bits, but, not surprisingly, the most valuable stones were hauled out long ago.

This beach gets more day-use visitors than others in the area, but its larger size provides plenty of elbow room.

Though it’s known to be one of the best surfing spots in Big Sur and draws many fishermen, like the other Big Sur beaches, it’s best for hanging out on the sand. The waves and rip currents are still considered too dangerous for swimming and sneaker waves can be risky too.

Popular Plaskett Creek Campground is across Highway 1 from Sand Dollar Beach. Its proximity to the beach makes it one of the most popular campgrounds in Big Sur for families.

19. Walk to Salmon Creek Falls

When you’re driving Highway 1 in the Big Sur area, you’ll often see a bunch of cars parked at the side of the road and will wonder what they are up to. This is one of those spots.

The trailhead to Salmon Creek Falls is located on a large horseshoe bend, south of the now out-of-service Salmon Creek Ranger Station. The bend is at the southern end of Big Sur, about 3.7 miles north of Ragged Point.

This is a great option for a quick but impressive Big Sur stop. The walk to the waterfall is only about 0.25 miles from the road. You should be able to start hearing the falls shortly after you get started on the trail. What makes this waterfall so strong is that two streams of water unite as they drop 120 feet into the pool below.

20. Take a Break at Ragged Point

Ragged Point welcomes northbound travelers with their first glimpses of Big Sur’s magical coastal views. And if you’re driving south, it’s a great place to pull over for one final peek before the Central Coast landscape widens out.

Besides the viewpoints, visitors can take a nature trail and hike down to a black sand beach and waterfall. Though only 0.5 miles, this is a steep hike that quickly descends 400 feet. It will be a challenge with littles.

The true perk of a stop at Ragged Point for families driving through Big Sur with kids is the range of amenities you’ll find. The resort has a restaurant and Sandwich Stand for quick bites (and milkshakes). With both an Espresso Bar and Ice Cream Stand on-site, it’s a perfect road trip stop for parents and kids alike. There are also picnic tables with a wide lawn for kids to run around.

Ragged Point is also one of the few places to get gas in the region. Make sure to fill up here if you haven’t already, though you’ll already be paying Big Sur rates.

21. Smell the Sea Lions at Piedras Blancas

Elephant seals love the California coast and my boys sure love elephant seals!

When driving along the southern tip of Big Sur with kids, you’ll drive by the Elephant Seal Preserve at Piedras Blancas. There are several elephant seal preserves on Highway 1, but this is the most accessible. The public can view the seals from a wide boardwalk without a tour or hike.

Friends of the Elephant Seals supports the site, trains docents to speak with visitors, and maintains an informative site with a kids zone. Check it out before your trip or use it to answer all the inevitable post-visit questions!

Visit in late January during pupping season, early May at peak molting season, and in late October when the juvenile elephant seals return from the ocean.

22. Imagine the Past at Hearst Castle

Hearst Castle looms high on the mountain above San Simeon. It is a mansion-turned-museum that reimagines what it would have been like to be a guest of media baron William Randolph Hearst in the 1920s and 30s.

The visitor center offers movies about the site’s history, food options, and gift shops. From here, buy tickets for a shuttle that winds up the hill to the “castle.” The Grand Rooms tour is the most popular for first visits, though there are several options to choose from.

The experience is best for families traveling through Big Sur with kids 5+. We visited when the boys were 2 and 4 years old. They loved the bus ride, and JJ was impressed by the grand scale of the house. But tour sizes are large, and they aren’t structured for kids. We enjoyed the outdoor spaces because I could walk with Bug at the edge of the group when he got antsy, but the inside portions were a bit stressful.

Keep a lookout for zebras as you drive by the Hearst Castle property. They are descendants of some of the animals from Hearst’s onsite zoo. I’ve only glimpsed them once, and of course, everyone in the car was snoozing!

Where to Stay in Big Sur with Kids

Big Sur is known for its wild, rugged, and remote feel. You’re not going to find big family resorts here. It’s a great spot to connect with nature in a tent, rustic cabin, or yurt.

On the other hand, you’ll want to plan months ahead or keep your fingers crossed for cancellation in this area. Things book up fast with many families returning summer after summer!

Camping in Big Sur with Kids

Big Sur is a camper’s dream, with amazing campsites beneath the redwoods and awesome ocean views.

Kirk Creek Campground

Kirk Creek Campground is known for its dramatic ocean views. The stunning sunsets and sunrises help campers forget the lack of amenities. If you’re ok with bringing your own fresh water and using vault toilets, you’ll love this spectacular campground.

Plaskett Creek Campground

Though located on the east side of Highway 1, breaking surf can be heard from most campsites at Plaskett Creek Campground. The main appeal here is the proximity to Sand Dollar Beach, one of Big Sur’s most popular. The campground only has 44 sites and it is best suited for tents and small trailers. All campers have access to basic plumbing, flushing toilets, and fresh water.

Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park

These sites top my Big Sur wish list. There are exactly two campsites at Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park and they are extremely difficult to book! These are tent-only walk-in primitive campsites located behind gorgeous McWay Falls. Camping here means amazing views that few will ever see. Seems worthwhile to me, even if you do have to haul in your water and firewood!

Family Hotels in Big Sur

Big Sur’s lodging options tend to be on the extreme ends of the accommodation scale. In this case, they are either extremely posh or very “rustic.” Most options on the fancy side are not kid-friendly. I’ve yet to find a slam-dunk option here, but the following are some of our top picks for family-friendly lodging.

Big Sur Lodge

Big Sur Lodge is not fancy, in fact, “rustic” features prominently in its own description. But if you’re looking for comfort and convenience within beautiful Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park, this could be a good option for you.

The lodge features 61 cottage-style rooms, some of which have two rooms, kitchens, and fireplaces. You won’t have TV or WIFI, but you’ll be near the park’s hiking trails, a heated pool, the river, and the Lodge restaurant.

Big Sur Campgrounds and Cabins

If you’re looking for something between camping and lodging, check out Big Sur Campgrounds and Cabins.

The family-friendly property features a wooded setting along the river, a playground, and picnic areas.

Big Sur Vacation Rentals

If you want to experience life as a Big Sur local, check out these unique vacation rentals set in spectacular locations.

Peaceful Retreat with Amazing Views

Less than a mile from Sand Dollar Beach in the town of Gorda, this peaceful retreat will help you get away from it all. The home is perched 800 feet above the Ocean with gorgeous views from every room. After entering the gate at the end of the driveway, pass through a small redwood forest to get to this off-the-grid home.

Getting to the house requires driving one mile up a dirt road with all the bumps and ruts you might expect. You’ll need a 4WD in the rain.

Restored Post-Adobe with Sweeping Ocean Views

Set on Point Lobos Ridge, this restored historic home combines the feeling of getting away from it all with the convenience of being close to Carmel. Located in a warmer microclimate above the fog, you’ll experience the best of what the area has to offer, especially its magical sunsets. With a gourmet kitchen and multiple outdoor dining areas, you’re sure to create unforgettable meals and memories here.

Where to Eat in Big Sur with Kids

You won’t find many cheap eats in Big Sur, but there are a few spots that are worthwhile for the experience. When traveling through Big Sur with kids, we usually pack a picnic for our main meals and then stop somewhere to enjoy a special treat after a hike or at the end of a day at the beach.

The following are some worthwhile Big Sur dining options for families.

Top 10 Tips to Know Before You Go to Big Sur with Kids

1. When to Go

The best time to visit Big Sur is from late April through October. Off seasons have less traffic, but you need to watch out for the heavy rain, landslides, and mudslides that can close Highway 1. You’ll also need to be aware of fire conditions in late summer and early fall.

2. Road Conditions

When heading to Big Sur, always check road conditions before you go. Weather events and construction can close down sections of Highway 1 year-round.

3. Bring a Map

Large portions of Big Sur do not have cell service. Plan ahead by downloading maps or bringing a good old road atlas along with you.

4. Plan Ahead

Book accommodations in advance. There are limited lodging options here, and many book up months ahead of time. While there are a few first-come, first-served sites, you might have to drive through to Carmel or San Simeon for lodging if you don’t have reservations.

5. Pack a Picnic

During COVID, we started packing picnics for our road trips instead of stopping at restaurants. Not only were we assured of outdoor dining, but we also found that this was a budget-friendly and healthy option for our family.

Big Sur is a great place to pack your meals, as restaurants tend to be on the pricey side. Splurge on a special treat, but otherwise, bring some sandwiches with you to the redwoods and the beaches. Enjoy the beauty of your surroundings and let the kids have the freedom to run around.

6. Enjoy the Views with Care

Along Highway 1, you’ll find plenty of places to pull over and enjoy the view. Take advantage of the roadside viewpoints, but when you do, make sure to keep kids close on the cliffs. Big Sur is no stranger to landslides, so it’s best not to get too close to the edges.

7. Don’t Swim

You might think I’m a bit overboard on the “don’t swim in the Big Sur ocean” spiel, but I can’t emphasize this enough. On our last visit to Pfeiffer Beach, I watched families stroll in with little boogie boards and puddle-jumper vests. These may seem like natural items to bring on a beach vacation, but the waves are rough and riptides are real. Some areas even have steep drop-offs to submarine canyons.

Please heed the beach warning signs, and play on the sand instead. If you’re in Big Sur with kids and the family wants some water fun, look for beaches with lagoons and rivers to splash in.

8. Fill Up Before You Go

Before heading onto the Big Sur part of Highway 1, it’s a good idea to fill up your tank before leaving Carmel or San Simeon. In the northern section, there are a few two-pump options near the lodges. But there’s a long 40-mile gap between the Shell near Nepenthe and Ragged Point to the south. And you’ll likely pay a premium at these remote stations.

9. Bring Limes

When you drive Highway 1 through Big Sur, come prepared for motion sickness. It happens to grown-ups and kids alike in the back seat of this famously winding road. You can buy some kid-friendly Dramamine or ginger tablets, but limes have worked great for us too.

We learned this trick on a choppy ocean catamaran ride years ago, and it’s served us well. We quarter two or three before we go, and start giving them to the boys early, well before the winding parts begin. And then we keep passing them back whenever they think they might need them. Read more about limes and other road trip secrets here.

10. Wear Layers

Layers are your friend in a place like Big Sur. Mornings are cool and foggy for much of the year, especially in the summer! After the fog burns off or you warm up during a hike, you’ll start peeling off the fleeces and replacing beanies with sunhats. Don’t forget sunscreen even when it’s foggy though! You can still get a decent sunburn, even if you can’t feel the sun.

Big Sur Day Trip

Most people experience Big Sur with kids on a drive up or down Highway 1. This is a great option with plenty of family hotel options in Monterey or Cambria on either end.

If you’re looking for an itinerary for a Big Sur day trip, here’s what I recommend.

Big Sur Day Trip: Southbound Itinerary

• Get an early start and enjoy a morning of hiking and exploration at Point Lobos. Check the tide schedules before you go and try to tide pool on Weston Beach.
• Make your way down the coast, pulling over at Vista Points along the way. If it’s spring, make a stop in Garrapata State Park’s Calla Lily Valley.
• Stop for a classic Big Sur photo op at the Bixby Creek Bridge.
• Enjoy lunch with breathtaking ocean views at Nepenthe.
• Swing by the Henry Miller Memorial Library for a taste of Big Sur’s bohemian past and a literary souvenir.
• Swing by McWay Falls for a glimpse of Big Sur’s iconic tidefall.
• Say hello to the sea lions at Piedras Blancas as you make your way out of Big Sur’s dramatic coastline.
• Head into Cambria for dinner and some good rest along Moonstone Beach.

Big Sur Day Trip: Northbound Itinerary

• If you’re leaving from Cambria, enjoy a grab-and-go breakfast picnic on Moonstone Beach before you hit the road. Hotels like the Sea Otter Inn will even deliver breakfast burritos to your room for an easy and delicious morning!
• Greet the sea lions at Piedras Blancas to start your day along the coast.
• Stop at McWay Falls for a photo op at one of Big Sur’s iconic stops.
• Just a couple miles up the road, venture down to Partington Cove for gorgeous views a bit more off the beaten track.
• Check out the Henry Miller Memorial Library’s collection of censored books and classics from the children’s section.
• If it’s a hot day, enjoy lunch from the Big Sur River Inn while sitting in an Adirondack chair in the middle of the Big Sur River. Take a driving break and let the kiddos splash around nearby.
• Stop for a classic Big Sur photo op at the Bixby Creek Bridge.
• Make your way up the coast, pulling over at Vista Points along the way. If it’s spring, take time to explore Garrapata State Park’s Calla Lily Valley.
• If you still have the energy for a hike, head to Point Lobos next. The Cypress Grove trail is less than a mile and is one of our favorite walks in the region.
• Enjoy a delicious dinner and sunset on the beach in Carmel-by-the-Sea.

Itinerary: Big Sur Family Activities for a 4-Day Weekend

Sometimes there are just too many options to sort through! I put together this sample itinerary to help you picture the possibilities for a 4-day weekend in Big Sur with kids.

Get Settled and Unwind (Day 1)

On Day 1, we try to take it easy. It’s likely been a long week topped off by a long drive, so we focus on switching to the getaway mindset and finding some options for the kids to run around.

• On your way into your camp or lodge, enjoy a relaxing stop along the coast. If you’re starting near Carmel, stop at Carmel River State Beach where the kids can play in the sand and splash in the lagoon. If you’re driving north, stop at Sand Dollar Beach and try to spot some surfers. Slow down and enjoy your first views of the Big Sur coastline.

• Check in or set up camp and get settled.

• Grill for dinner, and enjoy together time hanging out by a campfire or fire pit.

A Day on the Coast (Day 2)

• Start your day with a Point Lobos hike. We love to begin on the Cypress Grove Trail and then wander down to Weston Beach for some tide pooling. This is a gorgeous park with many views of the dramatic Central Coastline. If you arrive past 9 am on a weekend, you’ll likely see a line of cars on the street outside. It’s normal to park outside and then walk in if the parking is full.

• Make your way down Highway 1, stopping along the way at sites that pique your curiosity. Have an ice cream at COAST or browse the selection of books at the Henry Miller Library along the way.

• Get your cameras ready and make a stop to see the famous tidefall at Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park. If you have more energy left to explore, head two miles north for the hike to Partington Cove before heading back for dinner.

• If you’re still wanting to wander in the evening, complete your first full day in Big Sur with sunset at Pfeiffer Beach or a moonlight tour at the haunted Point Sur Lighthouse.

Explore the Redwoods and the River (Day 3)

• Start Day 3 by exploring redwoods and waterfalls at Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park.

• Spend the day relaxing and playing by the river. Hike upriver to the Big Sur River Gorge Swimming Hole and soak up the sun on the big boulders. Or if you’re staying at one of the lodges near the river, stay close to home and splash by the river banks.

Savor Your Last Day (Day 4)

• Celebrate a successful getaway by splurging on lunch at Nepenthe, with its unparalleled Big Sur views. Pick up a souvenir (or two) at The Phoenix Shop downstairs before heading home.

• Make one more quintessential Big Sur stop by pulling over to see Calla Lily Valley if you’re heading northbound in the spring. If the lilies aren’t in bloom, enjoy a hike along the bluffs to Garrapata’s Soberanes Point instead. On the way home via the southern route? Make one last quick and easy stop to see Salmon Creek Falls for a final photo opp.

If you enjoyed this post about Big Sur, you might enjoy these too:

• Highway 1 with Kids: The Ultimate Guide To 50 Family Adventures
• The Ultimate San Francisco to San Diego Road Trip Guide
• 20 Amazing Ways to Experience Monterey with Kids
• Pinnacles National Park: Day Trip Guide

Not ready to visit Big Sur just yet, but want to save this post for later?