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Big Sur, CA

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Best time to visit

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Fall is a great time to visit Big Sur as it offers the best of summer weather without crowds, especially in September and October. Winter brings stormy conditions and lower prices and is a good time for whale watching. Spring also offers whale-watching opportunities and features cooler temperatures with blooming wildflowers. Summer is the busiest season, with pleasant temperatures and numerous activities, but it also comes with heavy crowds and persistent coastal fog that can linger into midday.

15 things to do in Big Sur, CA

Cycling

April–October Activity

Picturesque scenery, varied terrain, and gentle weather conditions attract cyclists to the Golden State

AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am

January 29-February 2, 2025 Event

One of the most popular golf events in the world annually takes place in Northern California. The perfect green fields with a stunning ocean overview welcome top pros, as well as amateurs and a large number of celebrities

Beach Season

May–September Activity

A huge number of varied beaches with white sands and clear waters give you the chance to choose a perfect spot within the coastline of the Golden State

Big Sur Road Trip

March–May | September–March Activity

Beautiful coastline, amazing forests, and gorgeous mountains—Big Sur has it all

Monterey Jazz Festival

September 27-29, 2024 Event

Top names of jazz gather together in one place to share their talent among real fans. Don't miss one of the greatest jazz events in the world!

Sea Otter Classic

April 10-13, 2025 Event

Check out these fascinating racing competitions and one of the largest bike expos in the US—this event is a real celebration of cycling

Monarch Butterflies

mid-November–mid-March Nature

Tens of thousands of North American monarchs head to California for their honeymoon, and wedding night falls on Valentine's Day

Sunset at Keyhole Arch, Pfeiffer Beach

mid-December to mid-January Nature

Winter in California can reveal some real magic of light

Elephant Seals

December–March Nature

These seals with elephant noses roam the ocean searching for food, and go ashore to breed and molt

Ice Plant Bloom

May Nature

One of Pacific Grove's most prominent sights

California Roots Festival

May 24–26, 2024 Event

Discover what California’s best raggae fest can bring

Calla Lily Valley & Garrapata Beach

late January–late April (best in mid-February–early April) Nature

One of the most picturesque coastal areas in Big Sur

Prewitt Ridge

March–November (all year round) Activity

Watch the sea of clouds from one of the most beautiful camps in California

Whale Watching

mid-December–mid-April (all year round) Nature

From North to South, California observes the giant marine creatures migration every year

Big Sur International Marathon

April 27, 2025 Event

The most scenic run in the whole United States

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