Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park Tours

Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park which includes mountains, general coastal views and landscape views
Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park featuring landscape views, rugged coastline and a river or creek
Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park which includes landscape views, flowers and wildflowers
Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park which includes landscape views and rocky coastline
Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park which includes a sandy beach, general coastal views and landscape views


Hike, camp or picnic among the redwood trees, waterfalls and dramatic coastal cliffs that have inspired artists, poets and writers for the past century. 

Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park is a 1,000-acre (400-hectare) State Park on the California coast. The area takes its name from John Pfeiffer, whose family were European settlers in the 19th century. Perfect for hiking, camping and swimming, this park features stunning views across the Big Sur Valley, the Big Sur River Gorge and the Pacific Ocean. You’ll see a wide variety of large-tree species, including redwoods, oaks, sycamores and maples. Also, keep an eye out for the wildlife, including black-tailed deer, raccoons, skunks and varied birdlife.

The best way to experience the park is on foot so that you don’t miss anything. Explore the three-mile (five-kilometer) Valley View Trail, which takes in Pfeiffer Falls, the park’s 60-foot (18-meter) waterfall. The trail is a bit steep in parts, rising 200 feet (60 meters), offering stunning views over the falls and the park’s many creeks and redwoods. More experienced hikers can try the 4.5-mile (seven-kilometer) Ewoldsen Trail, at the nearby Julie Pfeiffer Burns Park, which is steeper and more strenuous in parts. Don’t miss McWay Falls, which tumble straight from the cliffside onto the beach. The beach itself is off-limits, but for spectacular year-round views, check out the overlook near the parking lot.

In summer, swim in the Big Sur River, which runs through the park and empties into the Pacific Ocean. Pitch your tent on the park’s campsites situated at picturesque spots along the riverbanks. The park offers an information center, kiosk, restrooms, showers and a laundry. The Big Sur Lodge offers motel-style accommodation and a restaurant. 

Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park borders the Ventana Wilderness area, an additional 320 miles (515 kilometers) of hiking trails. The area is just inland from the California coast, 28 miles (42 kilometers) south of Carmel. Driving is the best way to get here, and there are also some coastal bus tours from travel agencies in Monterey. The park opens 30 minutes before sunrise and closes after sunset. Bring a picnic or snacks as food options are limited to a café and grocery store at the Big Sur Lodge.

Reviews of Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park

4.7
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
406
" "5 - Excellent 75%
4 - Good
117
" "4 - Good 22%
3 - Okay
12
" "3 - Okay 2%
2 - Disappointing
5
" "2 - Disappointing 1%
1 - Terrible
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" "1 - Terrible 0%

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler

Nice hiking and camping!

4/5 - Good

LOU

Very crowded! Summer is not a good time to visit

3/5 - Okay

Heather

So crowded we could never get in. So bummed. Not their fault - I need to go in the off season - don't expect to get in if you don't arrive super early in the summer.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler

Beautiful park with the Big Sur River running through. Lovely lodge but whole area was very crowded in mid-July.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Used campgrounds several years ago, beautiful site. Not as many campsite available due to fires and flooding. Another nice place to stop for a picnic lunch is Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park. This park is located south of Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Have camped there in the past, beautiful campsites. Just not as many as in the past due to fires and flooding. Another good place to stop for a picnic lunch is Julia Pfeiffer Burns which is located south of the state park.

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Best Lodging Options Near Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park

Big Sur Lodge
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3 out of 5
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Alila Ventana Big Sur, All Inclusive Adults Only
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Carmel Mission Inn
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Portola Hotel & Spa at Monterey Bay
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4 out of 5
Two Portola Plaza, Monterey, CA
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The Quail Lodge
The Quail Lodge
4 out of 5
8205 VALLEY GREENS DRIVE, Carmel, CA
The Quail Lodge
Hyatt Carmel Highlands
Hyatt Carmel Highlands
4 out of 5
120 Highland Dr, Carmel, CA
Hyatt Carmel Highlands
Carmel Bay View Inn
Carmel Bay View Inn
2.5 out of 5
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Carmel Bay View Inn
Casa Munras Garden Hotel & Spa
Casa Munras Garden Hotel & Spa
3.5 out of 5
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Hyatt Vacation Club At Highlands Inn
Hyatt Vacation Club At Highlands Inn
4 out of 5
120 Highlands Drive, Carmel, CA
Hyatt Vacation Club At Highlands Inn
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.