Big Sur · Things to do

Caltrans lists State Route 1 as closed from 11.7 miles north of Ragged Point to 9.5 miles north of Big Sur because of wildfire, and there is separate one-way control at Rocky Creek Bridge for construction. The road also closes routinely for slides, so check the day you travel rather than the week before.

The redwood park in the valley, normally 8am to sunset and 10 USD per vehicle for day use, with camping and the Pfeiffer Falls trail. It was closed for public safety because of the Timber Fire when checked on 1 September 2026. There is no ocean access inside the park itself.

The overlook trail to the 80-foot waterfall dropping onto the beach is the most photographed thing on this coast; normally 8am to sunset, 10 USD per vehicle. There is no beach or ocean access at McWay and everything beyond the fence line is off limits. Closed as of 28 August 2026 for the Timber and Plaskett fires.

Bookshop, arts space and outdoor concert venue in a redwood grove off Highway 1, listed as open 11am to 5pm daily, running readings, screenings and ticketed gigs. Phone 831 667 2574; the site was being rebuilt when checked, so ring for what is actually on.

At the northern end of the coast three miles south of Carmel, open 8am to 7pm with last entry 6:30pm, 10 USD per vehicle, and outside the fire closure area when checked on 1 September 2026. Short loop trails to coves, sea otters and the Whalers Cabin museum, which opens 9am to 5pm as staffing allows.