Top Surfing in Big Sur, California
Located In The Southern Part Of Monterey County, Willow Creek is a beach that Is a part Of Los Padres National Forest. This beach has a picnic area as well. The Narrow Road leading to the beach adds to the adventure of reaching this serene spot.
Located to the north of Gamboa Point, Gamboa Point Beach - also known as China Basin Beach - is a picturesque beach along the Big Sur coastline that is surrounded by private property and inaccessible to the general public. The beach is situated below steep coastal bluffs and has light brown sand and some rock formations. There are palm trees and a grassy park adjacent to the beach.
Located in the southern part of the Big Sur Region, Sand Dollar Beach is a large beach in Monterey County that is managed by the Los Padres National Forest. The beach has light brown sand. The beach has a backdrop of the mountains present along the Big Sur coastline. Sand Dollar Beach is part of a cove, which protects it from the winds coming in from the north and the south. Sand Dollar Beach does not have lifeguards. However, there is a picnic area adjacent to the beach that has picnic tables, restrooms, and barbecue spots. The beach also allows dogs on leash.
Big Creek Cove Beach is a hidden gem located in Big Sur, United States. The beach is about a quarter-mile long and has a stunning rocky shoreline with small patches of sand. As part of the Big Creek State Marine Reserve, it is one of the many marine protected areas that help preserve the natural beauty and biodiversity of the region.
Pfeiffer Beach also featured in USA Today's list of Top Ten Beaches in California in 2015 and countless other lists on travel planners. Moreover, it is popular among pet lovers as it allows dogs on leash and is one of the few beaches in the Big Sur region to do so. If you are planning to go into the water near Pfeiffer Beach, we recommend being extremely careful and preferably wearing a wetsuit as the water here is extremely cold and is known for dangerous rip currents. Moreover, between May and July, this part of the Big Sur coastline becomes extremely foggy (a phenomenon known locally as the "June Gloom") which can make navigation difficult while in the water near Pfeiffer Beach. Nevertheless, you can stay on the beach and observe a variety of animals present in the water here including seals, sea lions, dolphins, and migrating grey whales (between December and April). You can also explore the tide pools present on the northern side of the beach during low tides which contain a variety of animals including crabs, mollusks, and sea urchins. You can also explore the various interesting rock formations present around the beach shoreline. Pfeiffer Beach is a popular spot among photographers for its unique geographical features. We recommend visiting this beach at around sunset as during this time sun rays seem to pass through the natural tunnel at Keyhole Arch, presenting a beautiful illusory effect.
Located along the Big Sur coast, Andrew Molera State Park is one of the largest state parks on the Big Sur coastline, situated in Monterey County. The state park boasts a three-mile-long narrow beach with light brown sand, sparse vegetation, and an array of pebbles and driftwood. It’s advisable to wear appropriate footwear. The Big Sur River meets the ocean near the beach, forming an estuary adjacent to it. The southern part of the beach lies below steep bluffs, offering a dramatic backdrop to this natural haven.
Located at the mouth of the Little Sur River, Little Sur River Beach is an idyllic beach with light brown sand in the Big Sur Region. The beach is littered with driftwood and has a marvelous backdrop of the steep mountains of the Big Sur landscape. The Little Sur River sometimes forms a lagoon near the beach. There is also a natural rocky archway near the southern end of the beach. The beach is currently inaccessible to the general public as it is surrounded by private land owned by the El Sur Ranch and is fenced off to public access. There are signs on the fences around the beach forbidding trespassing on private property. This secluded spot lies within the scenic expanse of the Los Padres National Forest, known for its redwood trees and diverse wildlife.
