Pristine beaches, towering sea cliffs, roaring rivers and thundering waterfalls await you in Big Sur, a California gem spanning more than 90 miles of coastline and featuring several state parks. It’s the perfect destination for your next day trip.

Big Sur has many family-friendly activities, ranging from short hiking trails to nature reserves spotted with tide pools. Whether you’re looking for an adventure in the Redwoods or a relaxing place to spot migrating whales, Big Sur possesses limitless prospects. Here are five kid-friendly places you can’t miss while exploring Big Sur.

1. Point Lobos State Natural Reserve

Called the “crown jewel of the State Park systems,” Point Lobos is a prime place for sightseeing, photography, painting, nature study, picnicking, SCUBA diving and jogging. There are rare plant species, endangered archeological sites, unique geological formations, and incredibly rich flora and fauna in both the sea and on land. 

Point Lobos is made up of headlands, coves, and rolling meadows. The offshore area is a popular spot for diving and is home for sea lions, seals, sea otters and migrating whales (December-May). Hiking trails follow the shoreline and lead to hidden coves. This area was home to the turn-of-the-century whaling and abalone industry.  A cultural history museum (open 9-5pm) remains at Whalers Cove, a small cabin built by Chinese fishermen from that era. 

• Cost: $10 per car for day use only
• Hours: 8am-7pm (last entry at 6:30pm)

2. Julia Pfieffer BurnsState Park 

Near mile marker 35.8 on Highway 1, the park is 37 miles south of Carmel

Are you looking for a short hike that it extremely worthwhile? The ½ mile round trip Waterfall Outlook Trail located at Julia Pfieffer Burns State Park is just that. The almost flat stroll ends an oceanfront overlook with immaculate views of McWay Falls, which was a favorite spot of Big Sur pioneer woman Julia Pfeiffer Burns, for whom the park is named. The column of waterfalls 80 feet from the top of a granite cliff to a sandy inlet below. This beach isn’t open to the public, but the sight is completely worth checking out.

A panoramic view of the ocean and miles of rugged coastline is available from the higher elevations along the trails east of Highway 1. 

• Cost: $10 per car, per day. Your entrance fee allows you access to all California State Parks until sundown.
• Hours: The park is open to day use visitors a half hour before sunrise to half hour after sunset.
• Camping: Two environmental campsites are located on the west side of Highway 1 south of McWay Cove. Both sites are hike-in only, and no vehicle access is permitted. Reservations should be made six months in advance. 1-800-444-7275 or book online https://www.reservecalifornia.com/CaliforniaWebHome/

3. Limekiln State Park 

The park is 56 miles south of Carmel, off Highway One; two miles south of Lucia.

Limekiln features breathtaking views of the Big Sur Coast, the beauty of the redwoods,  the rugged coast and the cultural history of limekilns. The park has 24 campsites.  An exceptional and fairly level hike through redwoods and along several lush creeks, with both a waterfall and the historic limekilns, is among the sights.  The Limekiln Trails are well-maintained and short with modest elevation gain and a series of creek crossings to keep things interesting. There is also a short walk to the coast!

After finishing the trails on the inland side of the park, head west across the parking lot to a road that goes under Highway 1 and out to the beach. There may be a chance for you to spy some dolphins frolicking in the waves 100 yards offshore, especially during the Winter months. 

• Cost: $8 per car
• Hours: 8am-sunset unless camping
• Camping: The park has 24 campsites. Visitors will be able to reserve campsites and lodging six months in advance. Bookings may extend from the arrival date to the desired departure date-based on availability and the park’s maximum stay rules. Book online at www.reservecalifornia.com/CaliforniaWebHome/

4. Andrew Molera State Park

Near mile marker 51.2 on Highway 1, the park is located 21 miles south of Carmel

In the spectacular Big Sur area, this park is still relatively undeveloped and offers visitors great hiking and beachcombing. Miles of trails wind through meadows, bluffs, beaches and, hilltops. Lesser known than Julia Pfeifer Burns State Park, Andrew Molera offers a great trail along the Big Sur River to vegetated bluffs and a sandy beach. 

To reach Molera Point, follow the Headlands Trail for the picnic area. To get to the beach, you might need to get your feet wet unless you can hop across the seasonal footbridge over the river by the picnic area. At the beach, watch the tide and sleeper waves! The beach is well worth the adventure.

• Cost: $10 per car for day use only
• Hours: Open ½ hour before sunrise to ½ hour after sunset

5. Big Sur River Inn

46800 California 1, Big Sur

The Big Sur River Inn first opened 80 years ago as the Apple Pie Inn.  Its history parallels the history of Big Sur pioneering families. It was built beside the Big Sur River and guests can lounge on chairs in the river and tangle their feet in the cool water while reading a book or hanging out with friends and family. 

The River Inn has a restaurant (breakfast, lunch, and dinner), gift shop, store, gas station and 20 motel rooms. The general store offers everything from camping supplies to a great selection of local wines, made-to-order pizzas, and a burrito bar.  They even make smoothies, perfect for the hot summer months! The lodge and restaurant have a rustic log cabin feel, and you can dine indoors or outdoors with a view of the river. Come on a Sunday, and you will catch some outside entertainment and a BBQ!