
Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park
High Traffic Alert
This park experiences heavy crowds, especially on weekends.
Check out the similar parks below for a better experience
Very crowded, parking fills up early
Best: Visit in off-season or try alternatives
The heart of Big Sur features towering coast redwoods along the Big Sur River, dramatic gorges, and trails that climb to panoramic ocean vistas. The Valley View Trail rewards hikers with sweeping views of the Big Sur Valley and Pacific. The Big Sur River offers swimming holes perfect for hot days. Ancient redwoods provide cool shade and a sense of timelessness. More accessible than other Big Sur spots, yet surrounded by wilderness, this park balances convenience with natural beauty.
Accepted Passes
Try These Instead
These parks offer similar experiences with fewer crowds

Van Damme State Park
Unique Pygmy Forest with stunted trees, redwood canyon, and underwater marine park.
Why go: Similar coastal scenery, forest, hiking experience
Around 236 miles away


