Big Sur, California Photowalks Travel Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival and Ragged Point

• Morning:
  • Arrive in Big Sur, California.
  • Check into your accommodation near Ragged Point.
• Afternoon:
  • Explore Ragged Point, the gateway to Big Sur.
  • Take key photos:
    • Welcome to Big Sur sign.
    • Round circle structure framing the north coast.
    • Basic coastal shots.
  • Optionally, hike down 400 feet to the water for stunning views.
• Evening:
  • Have dinner at the Ragged Point Inn or another nearby restaurant.
  • Rest and prepare for the next day’s adventure.

Day 2: Pfeiffer Beach and Nepenthe

• Morning:
  • Drive to Pfeiffer Beach, a must-visit spot in Big Sur.
  • Look for the unmarked road with the sign “Narrow Road No Pedestrians No RVs No Trailers” and drive two miles down.
  • Pay the fee to enter and find parking.
  • Take a long walk down to the beach.
• Afternoon:
  • Capture photos of Keyhole Rock and the purple sand.
  • Opt for a sunset visit to get the sun peering through Keyhole Rock.
  • Try a long exposure shot for a milky water effect.
• Evening:
  • Head to Nepenthe for dinner.
  • Enjoy the view from Nepenthe, capturing wide shots looking south.
  • Have a meal at the restaurant while taking in the scenic views.

Day 3: Bixby Creek Bridge and Scenic Drive

• Morning:
  • Drive to Bixby Creek Bridge, one of Big Sur’s iconic landmarks.
  • Capture various angles of the bridge:
    • Straight on from the parking lot.
    • From down the hill looking up.
    • From across the street up the hill.
    • For the best shot, drive up the dirt road to get a bird’s eye view with a telephoto lens or drone.
• Afternoon:
  • Continue driving north along Highway 1, stopping at Limekiln State Park and Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park to see McWay Falls.
  • Explore the parks and take photos of the scenic waterfalls and coastal views.
• Evening:
  • Return to your accommodation.
  • Have dinner at a local restaurant, enjoying the relaxed atmosphere of Big Sur.

Day 4: Departure and Final Exploration

• Morning:
  • Pack up and check out of your accommodation.
  • Take a final stroll around Big Sur, revisiting any favorite spots from the trip.
• Afternoon:
  • Head towards Monterey and Carmel, making stops along the way for any final photo opportunities.
• Evening:
  • Arrive in Monterey or Carmel for your next adventure or journey home.

Additional Tips:

• Ensure your vehicle has enough gas and make use of restrooms before starting your drive, as services are sparse along the route.
• Dress in layers as the weather can be cool and variable.
• Respect the natural environment and wildlife during your exploration.
• Carry enough food, water, and snacks, especially if you plan on hiking or spending extended time outdoors.
• Download maps or information in advance due to limited wireless reception in Big Sur.