Big Sur Landmarks and Monuments

(Big Sur, Monterey County, California - CA, USA)

The various landmarks and natural monuments of Big Sur come in all shapes and sizes, a number of which have been completed sculpted by nature, such as the dramatic McWay Falls, famous waterfalls set within the Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park. The Cone Peak is another very famous California landmark and is actually amongst the tallest coastal mountains in the USA's lower 48 states, towering over 1,525 meters / 500 feet and dominating the Big Sur area with its sheer size and stature.

Something completely different from the plummeting waters of McWay Falls, and the hiking trails around Cone Peak, is the Point Sur Lighthouse. This lighthouse is now listed as a National Historic Landmark and is just a short drive from Big Sur, being located close by on Point Sur, a huge rock of epic proportions, measuring more than 100 meters / 328 feet in height.

Bixby Bridge

Address: Highway 1, Big Sur, Monterey County, California CA, USA
Without question one of the most instantly recognisable landmarks in the whole of the Big Sur area, the Bixby Bridge lies around 10 miles / 16 km to the north of the town center and is very much an iconic symbol of the entire region. This awesome, arching bridge was completed in 1933, during the time of America's 'Great Depression', and stretches between two nearby cliffs, spanning the Rainbow Canyon. Bixby Bridge has become a regularly photographed sight, being further enhanced by its splendid coastal backdrop and simple structure.
Open hours: daily - 24 hours
Admission: free

Cone Peak

Address: Coast Ridge Road, Big Sur, Monterey County, California CA, USA
Part of the Santa Lucia Range of mountains, Cone Peak is actually a mountain of marble and stands above many ancient redwoods, and also Limekiln Creek's three resultant canyons. A fairly remote trail leads to the summit if you are feeling energetic, with a fire lookout hut being positioned on the actual mountain top.
Open hours: daily - 24 hours
Admission: free

McWay Falls

Address: Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park, 37028 Highway 1, Big Sur, US-93920, Monterey County, California CA, USA
Tel: +1 831 667 2315
The scenic McWay Falls is situated within the Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park, where is nothing short of a breathtaking sight and wondrous natural landmark. Dropping around 24 meters / 80 feet and cascading straight into the Pacific Ocean, the McWay Falls flows throughout the year, even in periods of drought, since it is fed from strong underground springs. A small beachfront is close by, although quite inaccessible. There is also the remains of a 'waterfall house' near to the waterfall, which was built during the 1940s. Crowds often come here at the end of the day, to take arty photographs of the McWay Falls at sunset.
Open hours: daily - dawn to dusk
Admission: free

Point Sur Lighthouse

Address: 5 miles / 8 km north of Big Sur, Point Sur, Monterey County, California CA, USA
The Point Sur Lighthouse is one not to miss. After the tragic sinking of the 'Ventura' in 1875, congress was eventually persuaded to allocate money for the building of the lighthouse. Built in 1889 and remaining a favorite Californian landmark ever since, the Point Sur Lighthouse has prevented many ships from being wrecked around this extremely rock and hazardous coastline. Visitors will be able to fully explore the island and enjoy both guided tours and breathtaking views from the top/
Open hours: daily
Admission: charge, discounts for children

New Camaldoli Hermitage / Immaculate Heart Hermitage

Address: 62475 Coast, Highway 1 at Lucia, Big Sur, US-93920, Monterey County, California CA, USA
Tel: +1 831 667 2456
Standing in Big Sur's Santa Lucia Mountains, the New Camaldoli Hermitage also goes by the name of the Immaculate Heart Hermitage and enjoys stunning vistas across the Pacific Ocean. This is a Camaldolese Benedictine hermitage and was established in 1958, simply by two Italian's who craved a peaceful site with extreme natural beauty. Today, around 20 monks live here, while further visitors are able to stay in the retreat rooms. If you do visit, look out for the hermitage's legendary brandy-dipped fruitcake, which is baked here and sold all over California and beyond.
Open hours: daily, seasonal variations
Admission: free