The ultimate photography guide to Big Sur in California. At the end of 2012, as I was planning my first Big Sur coastal drive along California State Route 1, I was surprised at how little information I could find related to travel photography on the Big Sur drive.
I found plenty of reviews and recommendations on wine tasting tours or how to spend 3 days at Hearst Castle, but not much on how to plan a photography trip. Therefore, I decided to create my own photography guide. On my first trip to Big Sur, I had to make all the discoveries independently, which led me to miss many must-see destinations. Consequently, I compiled the top places to photograph in Big Sur with valuable photography tips and directions for others to enjoy.
Big Sur Photography Guide
What I realized after my first trip is that serious planning is essential to capture those iconic Big Sur photos. The Big Sur coastal drive is unique in that for 300 – 350km, you are presented with amazing views and numerous photography opportunities every few hundred meters. If you keep stopping at every vista point and every state park, you will need a week to complete the trip.
After completing the coastal drive three times now, I am confident I can create a visual guide listing the key places to visit and photograph, with many of them hidden or not too obvious, while some are just too beautiful to omit.
1. Montaña Oro State Park
One of the largest state parks in California, it offers an extensive variety of natural attractions, including rugged cliffs, endless sandy beaches, coastal plains, canyons, mountains, and breathtaking views of Morro Rock.
Location: 35.2974, -120.8688
2. Spooner’s Cove
Spooner’s Cove, located just a few kilometers off California Route 1, is an unexpected discovery along the way. You might take a wrong turn or get lost, leading you to uncover new, lesser-known locations.
Location: 35.27488, -120.8883
3. Morro Bay
I love visiting the town of Morro Bay for its main attraction, the 180-meter tall volcanic plug Morro Rock. The Rock serves as an amazing subject for travel photos, making any composition distinctive and unique. My favorite spot in Morro Bay is Morro Creek beach, where you can enjoy a picnic while watching surfers ride the waves with the Rock as a backdrop.
Location: 35.3862, -120.8639
4. Moonstone Beach
Moonstone Beach is typically where I stay overnight in Big Sur. I plan my schedule to check in to the motel an hour before sunset. I then take only my tripod and camera and walk along Moonstone Drive as the sun sets. This spot serves as the final point of my sunset hike, where I remain until the sun completely sinks into the ocean. Moonstone Beach is one of the best spots to capture sunset photos in Big Sur.
Location: 35.355, -121.721
5. From Plains to the Mountains
The Big Sur coastal drive consists of two distinct sections: one flat, featuring beautiful dune beaches and wide coastal plains, and the other mountainous, showcasing twisted roads and picturesque shorelines. This final stretch of the flat section on Route 1 just before entering the mountains provides a perfect vista to capture pictures.
Location: 35.7300, -121.3144
6. Ragged Point
Ragged Point marks the first vista point in the mountainous region of the coastal drive. After hours spent on flat roads, enjoying views of expansive plains and endless beaches, the road finally ascends into the mountains. A few twists and turns later, you reach Ragged Point. Although the view to the north is obstructed by mountains and trees, you can enjoy an open view to the south. This spot is also excellent for observing whales and dolphins in the open ocean.
Location: 35.775716, -121.32746
7. McWay Falls
McWay Creek, located in Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park, is a must-visit while driving along California State Route 1. This creek is famous for its stunning 80-foot waterfall and beautiful sandy beach, making it an ideal location for travel photography.
An interesting fact: the beach itself is only a few decades old. Previously, it was a rocky shore, but a massive landslide in 1985 that closed State Route 1 for a year led to the formation of the sandy beach.
Location: 36.15775, -121.67209
8. Pfeiffer Beach
Pfeiffer Beach is quite special. It’s arguably the most beautiful beach along the drive, yet it is also one of the most secluded. To access the beach, you must drive 5km through the mountains on a one-lane road. If you travel during high season, it can be a long and challenging adventure. This stunning location is well worth spending extra time at, whether to relax or enjoy a picnic with breathtaking views.
Location: 36.23815, -121.81489
9. Bixby Bridge
The iconic Bixby Bridge is impossible to miss when driving to Big Sur, as there is no alternative route. You will find a sizeable parking lot next to the bridge, but up close, it may lack impressiveness. The best view of the bridge is from a vista point located about 2km south of it.
Location: 36.35747, -121.90265
10. Little Sur River Beach
Little Sur River Beach is among my favorite spots along the drive. Located where the Little Sur River meets the Pacific Ocean, it is just a few miles from Carmel and Monterey. Despite being a fenced private beach with no parking nearby, it’s worth stopping at the roadside, even if only for a few minutes.
Location: 36.331944, -121.889722
11. Garrapata State Park
Garrapata is located just 10km from the end of the drive (when traveling from south to north) and is another essential destination along Highway 1 of the California Coastal Route. Due to the undeveloped nature of the coastal part of the park, many tourists simply drive past it, unaware they’ve missed one of the most scenic coastal hikes. Plan to spend at least an hour in the park to complete the 3 km hike along the rugged coastal cliffs.
Location: 36.45381, -121.92597
12. Point Lobos State Reserve
If I had to choose only one location to visit between Los Angeles and San Francisco along the scenic Coastal Highway 1, I would undoubtedly pick Point Lobos. It stands out as the crown jewel of the entire drive.
Point Lobos encompasses several sections spread across a vast coastal area. On my first drive, due to poor planning, I had only 2 hours to spend in the park and missed most of its beauty.
Location: 36.52185, -121.95099
For those planning a Big Sur coastal drive, dedicate an entire day to exploring Point Lobos, which features an extensive network of hiking trails, most of which run adjacent to the ocean. If you’re interested in photography, Point Lobos is the ultimate destination for stunning seascapes.
