The California coast offers one of the most stunning drives in the world. Yet if you search for the most photographed places within the breathtaking section of the route, Big Sur, look no further than these 7 locations.
Last updated: October 28, 2024
A Guide to the Most Photographed Places in Big Sur
The 90-mile-long Big Sur is the epitome of the natural splendor and magnificence. Its rugged shoreline along with sweeping hills have been objects for hundreds of thousands of photographic pursuits. People all over the world come to the central and northern part of California to explore its spectacular terrain and a handful of manmade structures.
The scenic drive never shies away from this excessive attention. Quite the opposite, Big Sur’s plentiful vantage points keep inspiring amateurs and professional photographers alike throughout the year.
During our two visits to Big Sur, I’ve collected a vast photo gallery. Some of my pictures depict the most sought-after landmarks. Many other destinations don’t have specific addresses. The unknown places in these photos, however, further dissect the extraordinary beauty of Big Sur.
Yet you haven’t come here to hear that you need to go with a flow and find your own treasured destinations to photograph along the California coast. Sometimes you do need specific locations. And I’m here to deliver to you the 7 most photographed places in the Big Sur area.
TOP 7 PLACES TO PHOTOGRAPH ALONG THE BIG SUR DRIVE
1. Bixby Creek Bridge
One of the symbols of Big Sur, the Bixby Creek Bridge is truly one of the most visited and photographed places along Highway 1. The man-made structure built in 1931-1932 sits 6.5 miles south of Garrapata State Park.
Direction: If you start your Big Sur photography journey in San Simeon and head north, keep the eyes peeled for the Bixby Creek Bridge 21 miles north of Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park.
The great Big Sur drive, however, can be tricky in the way that not all its destinations are properly marked. Relying on the road signs here may not alway help your photo endeavor. But you certainly can never miss the iconic Bixby Creek Bridge.
The 280-foot structure towers over the rugged coastline and is a part of Highway 1. Another now perpetual feature of the site is a huge crowd of spectators and photographers congregating on both sides of the main landmark of the Big Sur area.
TIP: If you look for unique vantage points to photograph the Big Sur area near the famous bridge, choose farther off-road lookouts. These areas are almost always empty. The Bixby Creek Bridge, however, looks even more spectacular, surrounded by the lush hills and untamed ocean waves.
Photography Tip: Be sure to bring a telephoto lens. With this, you can easily zoom in on the area that catches your eye and photograph away the oozing opulence of Big Sur without the maddening crowds around.
2. McWay Falls
The 80-foot drop in Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park has been one of the most intriguing places to photograph in Big Sur for decades. The single-legged waterfall plunges from a cliff covered with lush vegetation.
Instead of teasing photographers with a rainbow that would normally appear above the waterfall pool, McWay Falls spills directly into the Pacific Ocean. When the tide is low, the water lingers on the beach. Just long enough to create a tiny, temporary stream that transfers the water where it belongs – to the ocean.
The Best Time to Photograph: The professional photographers flock to this Big Sur’s attraction mostly during sunrise and sunset. Invigorated by subtle pink and purple hues from above, the site presents its most photogenic sides.
An overcast day, which Big Sur has in abundance especially in winter and early spring, also has its own charm and appeal for the photographers. It hides harsh sunlight, contributing to dreamy photos.
TIP: Regardless of the time and season you decide to photograph McWay Falls, be sure to bring along a zoom lens. The secluded waterfall enjoys a complete tranquility that must not be disturbed. A series of vantage points sit along the 0.5-mile McWay Falls Overlook Trail. Walking off the trail and getting closer to the waterfall is not allowed.
3. Soberanes Point Trail in Garrapata State Park
Ironically, the Soberanes Point and Whale Peak Trail is one of the most secluded photogenic places in Big Sur. The 2-mile loop is located in Garrapata State Park.
A lack of roadside signs and trail markers contributes to an often overlooked nature of the park. Yet those who know about the panoramic features of the Garrapata area regard it as a Big Sur’s photographer’s paradise.
The quest for the unique photo destinations starts a short walk away from Highway 1. Here, brightening up every photography journey, Big Sur bestows on its visitors panoramic views of towering bluffs that descend all the way to the water. The powerful ocean waves crush on these rocks and sporadic sandy beaches along the coast, adding texture and color to your best images.
The Best Time to Photograph: In spring, wildflowers adorn the Garrapata hills with vibrant red, yellow, and lilac hues. Capturing this visual overload becomes a high priority of every Big Sur’s photographer. Consequently, the area sees more visitors with cameras now than during the other three seasons.
4. Calla Lily Valley
Another member of the Garrapata State Park’s family, the Calla Lily Valley is flooded with Big Sur’s photographers from mid-February through April. During this time, wild calla lilies spring up.
Stretching their beautiful large heads to the sun, the flowers cluster along a bubbling stream. The tiny creek seems to talk to every white bloom before rushing through a sandy beach, nestled behind the valley, to the ocean.
TIP: The best time to photograph this secluded area of Big Sur is early in the morning or late in the afternoon. During the day, the valley often hosts way too many flower lovers that can’t wait to capture the natural beauty of one of the most charming California parks.
5. Pfeiffer Beach
Those who’ve been to Big Sur are fully aware of the photogenic appeal of Pfeiffer Beach. Famous for its purple sand scattered along a tiny creek, the area is a primary destination for local and visiting photographers alike.
Professionals and shutterbugs gather in the area normally during sunset or sunrise when the vibrant tones embrace distinctive rock formations towering over the beach. Winter months bring the most profound colors to the coastline.
The Best Time to Photograph: Whether you’re a professional photographer or hobbyist, make sure to shoot the splendid Keyhole Arch that gives a remarkable light show in this area of Big Sur any time from November through January.
Bonus Tip: A few years ago, I made my first ever photo book and had never looked back. In our digital world when you can take pictures of absolutely everything, from your breakfast to ugly stains on your favorite dress, it’s so easy to spam your storage space and “lose” those special moments. If you want to prolong your Big Sur experiences, think about creating a personally crafted photo book as soon as you edit your pictures and ready to share them with others.
6. China Cove
Point Lobos State Natural Reserve is home to several sites Big Sur’s photographers can’t ignore. The 0.8-mile Bird Island Trail with picturesque China Cove below is the most popular of them.
Embraced by towering cliffs, the cove entices with a white, sandy beach and turquoise waves. The surroundings already look unreal, offering a plentitude of vantage points to shoot from from the trail above. But if you look down at the cove long enough, you can even spot a female seal teaching her cute pup to swim.
TIP: You can photograph the irresistible duo enjoying one of the most beautiful places in Big Sur on your phone camera. Yet for those unbelievable close-up shots, you should bring along a telephoto lens. This gear will also be your dear friend when you reach a wooden deck that overlooks bird islands where a wide range of California’s wild feathered creatures like to congregate.
7. Sand Dollar Beach
Many travelers, including professional photographers, skip Sand Dollar Beach, one of a few places that portrait the natural beauty of Big Sur without requesting any hiking or detouring in exchange.
The longest beach in the area sits in southern Big Sur, 30.5 miles north of San Simeon. With its always reliable companions – the tireless ocean waves that crash on the beach in the chaotically organized manner and frequent surfers – Sand Dollar Beach offers a profusion of photo opportunities, rain or shine.
In early spring, the hills above the crescent sandy stretch decorate themselves with yellow and red wildflowers. The pop of color adds a delicate charm to the severe coastline. If you look for the ideal place and time to photograph the splendor of Big Sur, you find it right here and now.
The Most Photographed Places in Big Sur: Map
The 7 Most Photographed Places in Big Sur: Tips and Things You Need to Know
- Bring along a telephoto lens. Some places in Big Sur can be photographed only from a distance. The same goes for shooting wildlife along the scenic California coast. While you can get by without any expensive camera equipment, a zoom lens helps you capture the details and make your pictures look professional.
- Photograph Big Sur places at sunrise or sunset. The extra pop of color that invigorates the sky above the coast enhances your Big Sur photography tenfold.
- Overcast weather works wonders for your Big Sur photo gallery. While shooting during the sunrise or sunset is ideal, it’s not always possible. Furthermore, the first sunlight might have a hard time breaking through dense fog that is not a stranger to the coast. Use this overcast weather to your advantage. Instead of heading home, get out your camera and capture the moodiness of Big Sur and the nearby places. The region looks dreamy at this time. You definitely don’t want to miss it.
