Big Sur Station
Big Sur Station
4.5
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The visitor information center at Big Sur.
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
4.5
91 reviews
Excellent
63
Very good
18
Average
5
Poor
3
Terrible
2
Feb 2017 • Friends
Travel Tip: Fill up your tank to Full before even heading up to Big Sur. As in an 1 to 1.5 hours before your ETA. Why? Because we thought that we would see a gas station on before heading up and then almost ran out of gas.
You are going to relax right? Well when driving up here and not knowing if you're going to run out of gas you won't be relaxed.
Be a pro and fill up before. If not, there is this station, but know that it does not stay open 24 hours a day.
I'm a fellow traveler so I appreciate when other people have given me tips/recommendations while in a new city. If this information is helpful, please let me know by hitting the like button. Even if this review helps only one traveler then it's worth it to know I'm contributing towards making someone's experience better, giving to the global community, and paying it forward. Safe Travels!
You are going to relax right? Well when driving up here and not knowing if you're going to run out of gas you won't be relaxed.
Be a pro and fill up before. If not, there is this station, but know that it does not stay open 24 hours a day.
I'm a fellow traveler so I appreciate when other people have given me tips/recommendations while in a new city. If this information is helpful, please let me know by hitting the like button. Even if this review helps only one traveler then it's worth it to know I'm contributing towards making someone's experience better, giving to the global community, and paying it forward. Safe Travels!
Written November 9, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Robert M
Wilmington, MA
Jun 2016 • Couples
I kind of believe we drove the road from San Simeon, CA to Monterey, CA the wrong way.... we went north because we were driving the entire coast of California from San Diego to Oregon! But if you drive this roughly 100 mile section of road from Monterey to San Simeon you should be able to pull off the road on the side with the views (and often with no guard rails). The views are just wonderful.
Big Sur is a tourist trap however. Things will cost you. We needed gas as we were heading north out of San Simeon and decided to stop at the first gas station (and one of the only ones we saw) at the southern end of Big Sur. The gas station at the Ragged Point Mini Mart charged well over $4 per gallon for gas.... $62 for a bit more than 14 gals of gas.... YIKE! So make sure you fill up BEFORE you get into the Big Sur area.
On the other hand.... do things right and take your time. Do some research of places you must see as you travel through the approx 100 mile drive. There are plenty of websites to give you some tips. Some places you will want to skip the entry fees and others you won't want to miss. So do your research ahead of time. Cell service is limited during the trip.
We drove from San Simeon (near Hearst Castle) to San Francisco in one very long day. We did get to see quite a few thing but we also missed some things too. If we had taken 2 days to do this portion of our California tour, we would have hit a few things more and arrived in San Francisco more rested. If you are driving north from San Simeon, we recommend you tour the Big Sur highway 1 up to Monterey and stay in the Monterey area on the first day.... then do some more touring on the way to San Francisco on day 2. Conversely, if you are heading south from San Francisco. Take your time getting to Monterey on day 1 and then stay in the Monterey area with its lots of shops and restaurants. On day 2 drive Highway 1 down to San Simeon stopping frequently to enjoy the wonderful scenery of Big Sur.
Tripadvisor does not allow websites in reviews so you will have to do that research yourself. Try to search for "big sur coastal drive" and check some of the hits you get there (including some from Tripadvisor),
Concerning the road: it winds on the cliffs where the mountains meet the sea and frequently has shear drop offs to the ocean on one side and potentially hazardous mountain cliffs rising on the other (with the possibility of rock slides). Since the cool ocean air is rising sharply against the cliffs, the area can get misty (fog). Some viewing areas will have limited visibility while around the next bend the views will be clear. Bring a good camera. Cell phone cameras can only do so much no matter how good the cell phone is. Frame your photos. A photo of some ocean rocks looks a lot better if you have some near by trees at the edge of the photo (I learned that a long time ago when I took a nature / photograph tour in Acadia National Park). But sometimes.... the trees aren't there so...take the photoS.... capital S.
The views are 5 star even if the the area is a tourist trap.
Big Sur is a tourist trap however. Things will cost you. We needed gas as we were heading north out of San Simeon and decided to stop at the first gas station (and one of the only ones we saw) at the southern end of Big Sur. The gas station at the Ragged Point Mini Mart charged well over $4 per gallon for gas.... $62 for a bit more than 14 gals of gas.... YIKE! So make sure you fill up BEFORE you get into the Big Sur area.
On the other hand.... do things right and take your time. Do some research of places you must see as you travel through the approx 100 mile drive. There are plenty of websites to give you some tips. Some places you will want to skip the entry fees and others you won't want to miss. So do your research ahead of time. Cell service is limited during the trip.
We drove from San Simeon (near Hearst Castle) to San Francisco in one very long day. We did get to see quite a few thing but we also missed some things too. If we had taken 2 days to do this portion of our California tour, we would have hit a few things more and arrived in San Francisco more rested. If you are driving north from San Simeon, we recommend you tour the Big Sur highway 1 up to Monterey and stay in the Monterey area on the first day.... then do some more touring on the way to San Francisco on day 2. Conversely, if you are heading south from San Francisco. Take your time getting to Monterey on day 1 and then stay in the Monterey area with its lots of shops and restaurants. On day 2 drive Highway 1 down to San Simeon stopping frequently to enjoy the wonderful scenery of Big Sur.
Tripadvisor does not allow websites in reviews so you will have to do that research yourself. Try to search for "big sur coastal drive" and check some of the hits you get there (including some from Tripadvisor),
Concerning the road: it winds on the cliffs where the mountains meet the sea and frequently has shear drop offs to the ocean on one side and potentially hazardous mountain cliffs rising on the other (with the possibility of rock slides). Since the cool ocean air is rising sharply against the cliffs, the area can get misty (fog). Some viewing areas will have limited visibility while around the next bend the views will be clear. Bring a good camera. Cell phone cameras can only do so much no matter how good the cell phone is. Frame your photos. A photo of some ocean rocks looks a lot better if you have some near by trees at the edge of the photo (I learned that a long time ago when I took a nature / photograph tour in Acadia National Park). But sometimes.... the trees aren't there so...take the photoS.... capital S.
The views are 5 star even if the the area is a tourist trap.
Written June 22, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
mini
Fremont, CA
Sep 2013 • Couples
Big Sur station is a ranger station operated by Caltrans, the Los Padres National Forest, and California State Parks. They do an amazing job of keeping the entire Big Sur area a great place to visit. The station is 26 miles south of Carmel near the actual town of Big Sur, California. There is a Nature Station Store here with books, trail maps, and related materials.
As with the rest of the Big Sur area, the area is scenic. There is a restroom here as well.
In terms of visitor centers, its an average one to visit. In terms of staff, they are stellar.
I gave this place an average rating as it is NOT a must see stop on the Big Sur route unless you want to stop.
As with the rest of the Big Sur area, the area is scenic. There is a restroom here as well.
In terms of visitor centers, its an average one to visit. In terms of staff, they are stellar.
I gave this place an average rating as it is NOT a must see stop on the Big Sur route unless you want to stop.
Written August 25, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
AYDIN Y
Istanbul, Türkiye
Jan 2015 • Solo
Watch out for the gas prices ! ! !
This is legally stealing !
So, fill up in Monterey but never in Big Sur.
You will feel like a fool and it says "no gas station next 40 miles" !
Monopoly next 40 miles ;-)
This is legally stealing !
So, fill up in Monterey but never in Big Sur.
You will feel like a fool and it says "no gas station next 40 miles" !
Monopoly next 40 miles ;-)
Written January 23, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
HeartOfSaturdayNight
Berkeley, CA
Nov 2015
Bring your national parks pass so you can get free parking. Or park along the highway, which is free and legal. Get off of Pine Ridge Trail to avoid the swarms of people. Coast Ridge Road is an easy dirt road with views of mountains and ocean, with access to trails.
Written November 29, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
EDDIEJOJO
Simi Valley, CA
Jul 2014 • Couples
Make sure you fill your gas tank before heading to the BIg Sur area. We went in a nice gift shop and I was curious on the price of gasoline. I was shocked to see $5.49 for regular. I bought a nice ball cap to add to my collection from the price I saved by having 3/4 of a tank when we arrived
Written January 5, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
James H
Titusville
Apr 2013 • Couples
We have had an occasion to stop at a few these stations and the Rangers are very helpful giving you advice once they can figure out what you want to do. Do you and are capable of long arduous hikes? Do you prefer moderate trails? Do you want o gain access to the shore? Once you narrow your choices you will find them very helpful. We drove from Monterey to Big Sur and I took 1200 pictures. The ocean scenes are incredible and remind me of our trips to Bermuda as well as the Arcadia National Park in Maine. The Bixby Bridge has to be the most photographed bride in CA next to the Golden Gate. My advice is to go slow, stop often, hike the short trails to the ocean and enjoy natures artistry. A fee paid to a state park is good for all parks that day.
Written May 3, 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
circa1806
San Francisco, CA
Dec 2011 • Solo
Many travel writers call the Pacific Coast Highway 1 (PCH 1), one of the best road trips in America. I could hardly disagree but I would add that Big Sur is one the most peaceful places in America if not the world. It consist mostly of a thin ribbon of asphalt perched precariously between the Santa Lucia range, the Los Padres National Forest and Pacific Ocean. There are many twist and turns that give views of California and Pacific making something extraordinarily beautiful. There are several California State Parks off Highway 1 that are a must-see. Point Lobos State Reserve is the first in a series. it is very tempting to pull in and take a look at the epic battle between the California landscape and Pacific Ocean. The rock formations are unbelievable.
Aficionados say that Big Sur begins at Point Lobos State Reserve just south of Carmel and continues south until Ragged Point. I am not going to argue with the aficionados. I just enjoy this trip starting in San Francisco until reaching San Luis Opisbo which includes the counties of San Mateo and Santa Cruz . Every trip seems like the first time. I always feel a great sense of well being.
If you need to go directly to Big Sur from San Francisco traveling south on U.S. 101 to Highway 68 is the best way to save time. Highway 68 is about south of San Jose and Gilroy. It intersects with U.S. a 15 to 20 mile jog from U.S. 101 to Highway 68 through Salinas. It will take you past Laguna Seca speedway. Taking this route is also a good excuse--I mean--opportunity to see the place John Steinbeck wrote about in The Grapes of Wrath.
There is always a temptation to stop in Monterey and Carmel. I think these two places deserve a trip of their own' but if you are inclined, please stop. Seeing this area of California is best at a leisurely pace. Get up early and try--really try--to stop at all the official and unofficial vistas. The traffic in the summer can seem overwhelming so a late Autumn to Winter drive may be the best time to repair any frayed nerves. The views are spectacular examples of what happens when humans allow nature to remain mostly unspoiled.
Aficionados say that Big Sur begins at Point Lobos State Reserve just south of Carmel and continues south until Ragged Point. I am not going to argue with the aficionados. I just enjoy this trip starting in San Francisco until reaching San Luis Opisbo which includes the counties of San Mateo and Santa Cruz . Every trip seems like the first time. I always feel a great sense of well being.
If you need to go directly to Big Sur from San Francisco traveling south on U.S. 101 to Highway 68 is the best way to save time. Highway 68 is about south of San Jose and Gilroy. It intersects with U.S. a 15 to 20 mile jog from U.S. 101 to Highway 68 through Salinas. It will take you past Laguna Seca speedway. Taking this route is also a good excuse--I mean--opportunity to see the place John Steinbeck wrote about in The Grapes of Wrath.
There is always a temptation to stop in Monterey and Carmel. I think these two places deserve a trip of their own' but if you are inclined, please stop. Seeing this area of California is best at a leisurely pace. Get up early and try--really try--to stop at all the official and unofficial vistas. The traffic in the summer can seem overwhelming so a late Autumn to Winter drive may be the best time to repair any frayed nerves. The views are spectacular examples of what happens when humans allow nature to remain mostly unspoiled.
Written December 9, 2011
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
SuzC
Seaside, CA
Sep 2017 • Friends
The Big Sur Station is the end of the road for now, but the new bridge opens on 10/13 for those who want to drive to Nepenthe, Ventana, Post Ranch and other points south. You still won't be able to get past the mudslide on Highway 1. Estimates for that to be fixed are late next year.
The Big Sur Station is a great place to stop and look at the Ventana Cone and to find out current information on what's open for hiking. Great docents and a lovely gift shop.
The Big Sur Station is a great place to stop and look at the Ventana Cone and to find out current information on what's open for hiking. Great docents and a lovely gift shop.
Written September 20, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
KateyOB
Chicago, IL
Aug 2015
This spot is a must stop as you treck along Highway one between Paso Robles and Monterrey. The view is spectacular, for one thing. The multilevel natural terrace looks out over the ocean and is just breath taking. Loved the butterfly garden too. Fun little gift shop and great BBQ with some good ol' strumming and music outside to add the experience.
Written January 16, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi I hear that some of the highway 1 route is closed through big sur we are planning our trip down from Monterey on 18th October and wanted some suggestions on routes as our plan was to go using highway 1 only!, can we go down some of it, as really want to see pfeifter state beach can anyone advice where problem starts and ends the bridge should be fixed by the time we go but not the landslides, we have all day to travel through the Big sur so do not mind going back and forth, will have a child on board so don't really want to do scary routes is the Nacimiento- Fergusson dangerous.
Written September 22, 2017
There are lots of hiking options at Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park. One option is Pfeiffer Falls Trail which is 2 miles round trip with a 200 ft. elevation gain. You can continue to the Valley View Overlook which is a 500 ft. elevation gain. If this is too difficult for your 7 yr. old, I highly recommend parking in Parking Lot #2 and crossing the foot bridge over the Big Sur River and see the magnificent stand of old redwood trees. You can follow this flat trail to the Nature Center which has a stuffed mountain lion and other stuffed animals and birds and is set up for kids. I'd also recommend the California State Parks website as that has detailed information on all trails and their difficulty,including Molera. Even if the bridge is not open on 10/13, I'd recommend going the short distance past Andrew Molera to Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park to see the redwoods.
Monterey to Pismo is about 150 miles and 2 1/2 hours. You would want to do this and go north on Highway 1 again to see Hearst Castle in San Simeon. However, Highway 1 is fully closed at Ragged Point which is 24 miles north of Cambria, which basically means that nothing north of Hearst Castle on Highway 1 is accessible.
Hope this helps.
Written September 24, 2017
I was invited to a camping trip for the weekend and Fernwood Resort does not allow more than two cars per campsite. Where can I park my car nearby, and at what time should I get there to ensure a parking spot for myself?
Written June 10, 2015
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