Big Sur Beach Activities

Andrew Molera SP Beach &
Pfeiffer Beach

Pfeiffer Beach, Big Sur, California
Pfeiffer Beach, Big Sur, California

Big Sur Beach Activities

Andrew Molera SP Beach &
Pfeiffer Beach


Molera Ranch House Museum

The Molera Ranch House Museum was the home of the ranch foreman. Inside the museum are display and artifacts about the area's flora and fauna, local authors and artists, and artifacts from Big Sur pioneers. During the summer the museum is open on Saturdays and Sundays from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM. During the off-season it is open on the same days and times when a volunteer is available.

Molera Ranch House Museum

Andrew Molera State Park, Big Sur, CA

Andrew Molera State Park


Ventana Wildlife Society

The Ventana Wildlife Society's California condor exhibit - Bringing the Condors Home - is based in the Discovery Center at Andrew Molera State Park. The Ventana Wildlife Society (VWS) is committed to conserving native wildlife and their habitats. The VWS works to rehabilitate and release wildlife in the Ventana Wilderness. For more than 30 years they have been helping to re-establish and protect prairie and peregrine falcons, bald eagles, and California condors.

At the Discovery Center in Andrew Molera State Park, you can learn about the efforts being made to return California condors to their native habitat. Biologists and naturalists are on hand to answer questions. The Discovery Center is open to the public on Saturdays and Sundays from Memorial Day through Labor Day. Their hours are 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Admission is free.

California Condor, Big Sur, CA

California Condor

Condor Viewing Tours were cancelled through 2021 but are expected to return in 2022. Contact Alena Porte (831) 800-7421 to book a tour for 10 or more people.

Education Programs

VWS offers in-person programs for children at various locations around the Monterey area. For more information, or to sign up, call (831) 455-9514, or email Alena Porte at AlenaPorte@ventanaws.org
Ventana Wildlife Society

Nearby Activities and Events

Point Sur Lighthouse

Located 19 miles south of Carmel, standing 361 above the ocean, opened in 1889. Weekend tours offered most of the year. (831) 625-4419
Admission $15 for adults, $5 for ages 6-17
Point Sur Lighthouse

Jade Festival

October TBA, 2024
Pacific Valley School (new venue to be announced for 2024)
Admission free
Big Sur Jade Festival

Big Sur International Marathon

April 28, 2024
26135 Carmel Rancho Blvd.
Carmel, CA
The course extends from Big Sur to Carmel.
Big Sur Marathon Events

Henry Miller Library

48603 Highway 1, Big Sur, CA
A non-profit book store and arts center featuring writer and artist Henry Miller
Summer events include theater, lectures, art shows, and music.
Henry Miller Memorial Library

Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park

26 miles south of Carmel on Highway 1
(831) 667-2315
Pfeiffer Big Sur SP
Campsites and Big Sur Lodge with 61 guest rooms
Facilities: conference center, cafe, grocery store, redwoods, trails
Fees: $10 for day use

Bixby Bridge

This famous Big Sur bridge is located 13 miles south of Carmel. The reinforced concrete arch is 714 feet long and 280 feet high, constructed in 1931. It is one of the most photographed landmarks in California. Use the turnout north of the bridge for the best viewing.

Pfeiffer Beach, Big sur, CA

Pfeiffer Beach



Wildlife along the Big Sur Coast

Beach visitors are likely to spot gray whales in their annual migration during the winter months. January is considered the peak of the migration, but sightings are common into April. Blue whales and humpbacks are also seen just off the coast. Other marine mammals common to the area are sea otters, harbor seals, and sea lions.

Roaming the forest and grasslands along the coast visitors may encounter bobcats. Often they show little fear of humans, but should be given a wide berth. Mule deer may be seen in the meadows. Other animals such as gray fox, wild boar, and mountain lions are rarely seen.

Birders will enjoy spotting a variety of hawks, woodpeckers, owls, and swallows. The prize sighting is a California condor soaring high above on the air currents. Along the shore expect to encounter gulls, sandpipers, cormorants, and guillemots.


Pfeiffer Beach Rocks and Tide Pools

Caution: Check with rangers or lifeguards that conditions are safe for your planned activities.

A massive sandstone rocks stands just offshore at Pfeiffer Beach, sheltering it from the heavy waves that pound the Pacific coast. In places the waves have broken through the rocks along the shore, creating tunnels and windows.

Protected by the rocks are wonderful tide pools worth exploring. Visitors will spot sea stars, anemones, and other marine creatures.

The sandstone slabs that form the bluffs along Pfeiffer Beach are part of the Franciscan complex, the major component of the Pacific Coast Ranges. Geologists note that the rock at Pfeiffer Beach is relatively unchanged by movement of the earth and only slightly metamorphosed.

Big Sur Surfing

Surfers along the Big Sur coast head to the beach at Andrew Molera State Park for the most dependable waves. A few experienced surfers venture out at Pfeiffer Beach, but the surf there is very dangerous.

Fishing

Anglers at Pfeiffer Beach and Molera Beach are usually after surfperch, striped bass, halibut, lingcod and rockfish.

  TOP


Ocean Safety

California State Parks and Recreation cautions that "large surf, cold water temperatures, backwash, sudden drop-offs, pounding shorebreak, and dangerous rip currents can turn what seem like safe activities such as playing near the surf line, wading, or climbing on rock outcroppings, deadly." Learn more about ocean safety at CA State Parks: Ocean Safety