The mystic and wondrous beauty of Big Sur is what draws visitors here, and the state has provided plenty of parks and beaches with public access. You'll certainly want to visit Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park, a lofty redwood forest where waterfalls can be seen from walking paths for those of you who enjoy leisurely walks or hiking. Andrew Molera State Park is accessible by walking trails that bring you to a peaceful, sandy beach which is protected from wind by large bluffs. Point Lobos State Park, a coastal reserve covering 1276 acres, juts out on a small peninsula 5 miles south of Carmel. This park deserves a full day of discovery to explore tide pools, take in panoramic vistas, or hike through the splendid promontories. Garrapata State Beach is a beautiful strip of sand which stretches out to reach the rugged coastline of Big Sur. Although Pfeiffer Beach is a hard-to-find spot, the effort it sometimes takes to get there is more than worth the trouble. This beach is truly awe-inspiring with its majestic rock formations and large sandy beach area. Another state park worth visiting is the Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park. Here you'll find redwood forests, mountain creeks and waterfalls. There is a walking path which takes you to McWay Cove where you can eye one of the most unforgettable vistas on the central coast. The parks and beaches of Big Sur offer the visitor some of the most awe-inspiring sights, sounds, and feelings of harmony with nature through their majestic beauty.

Big Sur Parks & Beaches
Andrew Molera State Park & Beach	Highway 1 (20 miles south of Carmel)	Big Sur, CA	(831) 667-2315
Garrapata State Park & Beach	Highway 1 (10 miles south of Carmel) Big Sur, CA	(831) 624-4909
Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park & Beach	Highway 1 (38 miles south of Carmel)	Big Sur, CA	(831) 667-2315
Limekiln Beach State Park	Highway 1 (56 miles south of Carmel)	Big Sur, CA	(831) 667-2403
Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park	Highway 1 (26 miles south of Carmel)	Big Sur, CA	(831) 667-2315
Pfeiffer State Beach	Highway 1 (27 Miles South of Carmel)	Big Sur, CA	(831) 667-2315
Point Sur State Historic Park	Highway 1 (19 miles south of Carmel)	Big Sur, CA	(831) 625-4419