5 Must Stops on a Big Sur Road Trip with Kids

Last update: June 2026

One of the most beautiful drive I have ever taken was along the California Coast to Big Sur. Drastically different from what I am used to on the East Coast, I felt like I was in a different country. I was belting out the classic Mamas & Papas song California Dreamin’ while taking in every inch of the incredible landscape. My daughter Harmony and I visited in 2018 and it was the first time I took her across the country. I couldn’t have chosen a better trip as we have the time of our lives and have been wanting to come back ever since. It also sparked our inner adventure travel bug and we have since been on several other outdoor adventures.

Big Sur sits along one of the most scenic stretches of the Pacific Coast Highway, roughly between San Simeon to the south and Carmel to the north. Whether you are driving the PCH from top to bottom or carving out a dedicated Big Sur day trip, these five stops are non-negotiable. And trust me, once you see this coastline, you will start planning your return before you even leave.

This post contains our 5 essential Big Sur stops from our first visit. Stay tuned for the full Pismo Beach to Monterey road trip experience,.

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Bixby Bridge

Bixby Creek Bridge is one of the most picturesque spots in the USA. A magnificent bridge on its own, the dramatic cliffs and seaside only add to its beauty. A well-known landmark on Highway 1, it has been featured in countless commercials, postcards, TV shows, and movies. It represents the epitome of a California road trip. It was at the top of my Big Sur bucket list and it did not disappoint. Even my then 4-year-old was completely in awe, which is saying something for a kid whose attention span was about 90 seconds at the time.

About 15 miles from Carmel, the drive down Highway 1 takes roughly 30 minutes. The most popular option is to stop at the turnout at the north entrance of the bridge where you will find a small free parking lot. A short walk leads to a perfect spot for photos. If you are craving a little more adventure, stop at the southern entrance where a small path takes you up a hill for equally stunning views. Make sure to take advantage of the viewpoints in both directions.

Calla Lily Valley

Off the beaten path, there is a small valley filled with wild calla lilies that most people drive right past. I stumbled upon it during my pre-trip research and it turned out to be one of our favorite stops of the whole trip. The flowers bloom from late January through the end of April, so timing matters. If you are visiting in spring, do not skip this one.

The valley sits along Highway 1 with no signage on the road to signal the trail. The closest marker is mile marker 63 not far from gate 19 in Garrapata State Park. It is very easy to miss, and yes, it happened to me too. I had to pull over and backtrack. Park along the road then follow the Garrapata trail through guided wires and patches of wildflowers, then down wooden steps into the valley. Depending on the time of year you will be greeted by magnificent white calla lilies. A small creek runs throughout the valley and flows into the ocean. Follow its path all the way to the beach. It is the perfect spot for a picnic.

Nepenthe Restaurant in Big Sur

48510 Highway 1 (Big Sur, CA)

Nepenthe restaurant offers clifftop views that will stop you in your tracks. Sitting on the coast just above the Pacific Ocean, the setting alone is worth the stop. The food is decent, the drinks are good, and the views are the kind you stare at so long your food gets cold. I had read some mixed food reviews before going but decided not to let that stop me. With zero expectations, it turned out to be a very pleasant meal and Harmony and I thoroughly enjoyed our time there.

Nepenthe is located off Highway 1, 29 miles south of Carmel. Look for their sign on the road and you cannot miss the driveway. There is ample parking on site. Reservations sell out months in advance so book as early as possible. They also accept walk-ins for the waiting list if you are feeling lucky. A big bonus for families: Nepenthe is kid-friendly with a children’s menu and crayons upon arrival.

Pfeiffer Beach

9100 Sycamore Canyon Road (Big Sur, CA)

Pfeiffer Beach is known for Keyhole Arch and its purple sand, caused by manganese garnet rocks in the surrounding cliffs. It is more visible after rain. The entrance is notoriously hard to find. I had to drive around a couple of times before finding the entrance to the road. Look for Sycamore Canyon Road off Highway 1, identifiable by a yellow Narrow Road sign. There is no signage for the beach itself. The road winds two miles down to the parking lot and gets narrow in spots, no oversized vehicles allowed.

The entrance fee is $15 per vehicle. From the parking lot it is a short five minute walk to the beach. As you walk along the shore you will pass Keyhole Arch, the focal point of the beach. This stunning rock formation is known for the window where waves come rushing through, and it attracts serious photographers especially at sunset when the light hits just right. Give yourself plenty of time here. It is one of those places that is even better than the photos.

Note: swimming at Pfeiffer Beach is considered dangerous due to the geography of the beach. Wade in the shallows but skip the swim.

McWay Falls

McWay Falls is one of the most iconic spots in Big Sur. Located inside Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park, the 80-foot waterfall drops directly onto the beach below. It is the kind of view that does not feel real until you are standing in front of it.

Parking inside the park is $10 per vehicle. Note that a construction project is currently limiting parking spaces inside the park through 2026, so plan to arrive early or be prepared to park along the shoulder of Highway 1 for free, which is exactly what I did. Budget mom habits die hard.

From the parking area it is a short hike through a tunnel and up to the overlook. The viewing area is small and fills up fast, especially around sunset when the tripods come out in full force. Access to the beach itself is strictly off limits due to erosion and treacherous terrain, and rangers monitor the area regularly. The view from the overlook is more than enough.

Note: access to the beach is illegal due to erosion and treacherous terrain. It is a hefty fine if you are caught trespassing and Rangers routinely monitor the area.

Where to Stay in Big Sur

Big Sur accommodation is notoriously expensive and books out fast. The luxury options like Post Ranch Inn and Ventana Big Sur are dreamy but firmly in the splurge category. Even a glamping option like Treebones is still out of my price range. But a girl can dream, right! Instead we stayed in a cabin at Big Sur Lodge which was more accessible option and conveniently located for exploring the area. Campgrounds are your most budget-friendly bet and there are several good ones along Highway 1.

If you want to save significantly on accommodation costs, HomeExchange is worth looking into. As a HomeExchange ambassador I use it regularly on our 50-state adventure and it has saved us thousands of dollars. There are homes available in the Carmel and Monterey area that put you within easy striking distance of all five stops on this list without the Big Sur price tag. As a HomeExchange ambassador, my referral link gets you 250 bonus guest points when you sign up.

Where to Eat in Big Sur

Nepenthe is already covered above and is the most memorable dining experience in the area. For something more casual, Big Sur Bakery is a local favorite. Do not let the name fool you: they serve lunch and dinner too, and the pastries are genuinely worth the stop on their own.

Things to Know

• There is no cell service in Big Sur. Download Google Maps offline before you leave and keep a hard copy of your itinerary as backup.
• Pack snacks and extra food. Prices in the area are high and options are limited.
• Peak season runs from April through October. Book accommodation and restaurant reservations as far in advance as possible.
• Always check for road closures before your visit. Highway 1 is frequently impacted by landslides, fires, and construction. Check CalTrans road conditions before you leave.
• Fill your gas tank before entering Big Sur. Gas prices in the area can be double or even triple what you would pay elsewhere.
• Pfeiffer Beach entrance is $15 per vehicle. Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park parking is $10 per vehicle and is good for all California state parks the same day.

Back for More: What We Added on Our Second Trip

We went back to Big Sur in 2022, this time with an 8-year-old Harmony and a much longer stretch of Highway 1 under our wheels. Starting in Pismo Beach and driving all the way up to Monterey, we covered a side of Big Sur we never got to see on that first trip: longer hikes, a tent cabin stay at Fernwood Resort, and a whole new appreciation for just how vast and varied this coastline really is.

Stay tuned for the full Pismo Beach to Monterey road trip experience with everything we discovered on the second visit.

Now you can see why Big Sur is a favorite place of ours. Next time, we will definitely stay longer. I would love to spend several days to explore the different State Parks and do some more serious hiking now that my daughter is older. Hope you get to visit and experience this amazing place as pictures do not do it justice! If you enjoyed this post, please subscribe to the blog for more family-friendly travel guides from around the country.

Thank you for reading xx

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