What towns are near Big Sur?
Sarah Smith
Published Jan 11, 2026
Towns in the north include Carmel, Monterey, Pacific Grove, Seaside, Marina and Salinas. In the south, the closest towns are Cambria, San Simeon, Paso Robles and Morro Bay.
What's the closest town to Big Sur?
Big Sur and Neighboring Cities:
Cambria is around the half way point, but the closest town to Big Sur area on the south is San Simeon. It is also the closest to Hearst Castle. On the north side, Carmel is the last town you get to before going to Big Sur area. You will want to see Big Sur during daylight hours.
What cities are near Big Sur California?
Cities near Big Sur, California:
- Monterey, CA.
- Seaside, CA.
- Pacific Grove, CA.
- Gonzales, CA.
- Marina, CA.
- Soledad, CA.
- Salinas, CA.
- Greenfield, CA.
How far is Monterey from Big Sur?
The direct drive from Big Sur to Monterey is 28.0 mi (45 km), and should have a drive time of 45 mins in normal traffic.
What is Big Sur next to?
Big Sur (/ˈsɜːr/) is a rugged and mountainous section of the Central Coast of California between Carmel and San Simeon, where the Santa Lucia Mountains rise abruptly from the Pacific Ocean.
28 related questions foundIs Big Sur near Santa Barbara?
The direct drive from Big Sur to Santa Barbara is 213 mi (343 km), and should have a drive time of 4 hrs 18 mins in normal traffic.
Does Big Sur have a town?
Big Sur is an unincorporated community village in Big Sur, Monterey County, California. It is located along a 1-mile-long (1.6 km) stretch of Big Sur Coast Highway in the Big Sur Valley 24 miles (39 km) south of Carmel, California.
What is the best time of year to visit Big Sur?
The most popular time to visit Big Sur is between April to October, when the weather is nicest. (Though one should be warned that the marine layer coats much of the coast in the mornings during parts of the high season.) Businesses are not open as long during the off-peak season.
Is Big Sur on the way to Yosemite?
The direct drive from Yosemite National Park to Big Sur is 287 mi (461 km), and should have a drive time of 6 hrs 1 min in normal traffic.
Should I upgrade my Mac from Big Sur to Monterey?
If you want the new Safari, you actually don't need to upgrade to Monterey to get it—it's part of Safari 15, which is available for macOS Big Sur. To get it, check for updates in the System Update pane in System Preferences. Apple has dialed back some of the bigger changes, however.
Is Big Sur in Northern or Southern California?
Big Sur is a 100-mile stretch of ruggedly beautiful seacoast along the Pacific Ocean in west-central California; an area known worldwide for its beauty.
Is Carmel north or south of Big Sur?
MAPS, DIRECTIONS & TRANSPORTATION. Big Sur Valley is located 26 miles South of Carmel on the central California coast, surrounded by Ventana Wilderness Area and the Los Padres National Forest.
Where do you stop on the way to Big Sur?
Big Sur Road Trip Adventure Guide
- Stop 1: Bishop Peak. ...
- Stop 2: Montaña de Oro State Park. ...
- Stop 3: Morro Bay. ...
- Stop 4: Silver Peak Wilderness Area. ...
- Stop 5: Kirk Creek Campground. ...
- Stop 6: Limekiln State Park. ...
- Stop 7: Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park. ...
- Stop 8: Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park.
What airport is in Big Sur CA?
What airports are near Big Sur? The closest airport is Monterey Regional (MRY) (22 mi). Other nearby airports are San Jose (SJC) (75.67 mi), San Luis Obispo County (SBP) (96.69 mi) or San Francisco (SFO) (98.47 mi). KAYAK recommends you fly to San Francisco.
Are there redwoods in Big Sur?
California's coast redwoods meet their southernmost habitat along the Big Sur coast, and this gem of a park, located 26 miles south of Carmel, is a great way to sample their deep shade and cathedral-like beauty.
Is Big Sur south of San Francisco?
Big Sur [3] is a region on the Central Coast of California. It contains vast wildernesses and breathtaking views as it stretches 90 miles along the rugged Pacific Ocean. It is approximately 150 miles south of San Francisco and 300 miles north of Los Angeles.
Is Mariposa Grove inside Yosemite?
Located in the southern portion of Yosemite, the Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias is the largest sequoia grove in Yosemite and is home to over 500 mature giant sequoias. The national park idea is rooted in the Mariposa Grove.
Does Big Sur get snow?
Big Sur (zip 93920) averages 3 inches of snow per year.
The US average is 28 inches of snow per year.
How many days should you spend in Big Sur?
If you are staying in the area, we recommend spending at least 2-3 days in the area. There are so many beautiful hikes, beaches, and nearby towns that will make it easy to fill those three days. One of the best parts about visiting Big Sur is not being rushed and taking the time to enjoy the area at a relaxing pace.
What is Big Sur like in winter?
The weather in Big Sur in winter can be rainy and windy but if you check the weather forecast in advance you can avoid stormy days. Some areas of Big Sur are prone to mud slides if the winter is very wet with lots of rain.
Is Big Sur open now?
Highway 1 is fully open to travelers who may now travel without interruption from Monterey/Carmel area to Cambria/Morro Bay along the Big Sur Coast.
Is Big Sur beautiful?
Big Sur is known as one of the most scenic stretches of undeveloped coastline in the United States. It's a rugged and mountainous 90-mile section of the Central Coast of California along Highway 1 (also known as the Pacific Coast Highway, or PCH) south of the Carmel Highlands with unparalleled coastal beauty.
Can you drive through Big Sur?
Can you drive through Big Sur? Absolutely! Big Sur is a coastal drive along Highway 1 in California. Along this scenic drive, you will pass famous view points and state parks such as Point Lobos State Park, Bixby Bridge, Pfeiffer Beach, McWay Falls, Hearst Castle and more!
Where should I stop between Cambria and Santa Barbara?
Must-See Stops Along California's Highway One | Visit California
- Santa Barbara Mission. ...
- Pismo Beach. ...
- Wildlife Watching In San Luis Obispo County. ...
- Hearst Castle. ...
- Cambria. ...
- Limekiln State Park. ...
- Nepenthe. ...
- Bixby Bridge.
How far is Santa Barbara from Cambria?
The total driving distance from Cambria, CA to Santa Barbara, CA is 127 miles or 204 kilometers.