Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park
Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park
4.5
8:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Monday
8:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Tuesday
8:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Wednesday
8:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Thursday
8:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Friday
8:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Saturday
8:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Sunday
8:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Tours & experiences
Explore different ways to experience this place.
Full view
Top ways to experience Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park
The area
Address
Reach out directly
Best nearby
Restaurants
17 within 5 kms
Attractions
10 within 10 kms
Contribute
Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
738 reviews
Excellent
461
Very good
194
Average
61
Poor
12
Terrible
10
Thomas J
Fremont, CA5 contributions
Jul 2022
Review:
I hated every state parks because they cost money, but you can walk in trails with limited time for free. Limited parking time is enough for a small hiking trip with a picnic. The tall redwoods are amazing. A big quiet river flow slowly. There's tables for picnic. Blue birds will fly very close towards you. The park is a nice protected environment in the harsh Big Sur lands, I would pick this out of all the Big Sur state parks.
Useful Plans For You If You Want To Go There:
My family started the second day of SF-LA trip. We went from Monterey to Pismo Beach. I suggest you to buy lunch in Monterey and serve in the picnic tables. Hike the river trail. Pass the water. Have your lunch at the lunch tables. Hurry, or you can't reach San Luis Obispo by sunset. There's not a single campground or hotel for you after this park.
I hated every state parks because they cost money, but you can walk in trails with limited time for free. Limited parking time is enough for a small hiking trip with a picnic. The tall redwoods are amazing. A big quiet river flow slowly. There's tables for picnic. Blue birds will fly very close towards you. The park is a nice protected environment in the harsh Big Sur lands, I would pick this out of all the Big Sur state parks.
Useful Plans For You If You Want To Go There:
My family started the second day of SF-LA trip. We went from Monterey to Pismo Beach. I suggest you to buy lunch in Monterey and serve in the picnic tables. Hike the river trail. Pass the water. Have your lunch at the lunch tables. Hurry, or you can't reach San Luis Obispo by sunset. There's not a single campground or hotel for you after this park.
Written October 5, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
russianwulfgar
Milwaukee, WI1,760 contributions
Aug 2024 • Couples
The trail straight to the falls was closed, so we had to take the longer, roundabout trail to the falls. I wish we hadn't. I'm 60 with a heart condition and no stamina. I was assured the straight-to-the-falls trail was doable for a person in my condition. But the longer trail is not meant for the faint-of-heart. So long, so steeply uphill, I had to stop and take many breaks and contemplated turning back many, many times. But I was also assured these falls were worth the trip. NO WAY JOSE! Skip, skip, skip these falls unless you love long, tiring, difficult hikes. The lodge is pretty even if the food is way overpriced, but sit in there if you can and drink or eat something you packed with you. So I'd like to give this place a 4 star rating for scenery, and a 2 star rating for overpriced food and underwhelming waterfall for the hard trip you have to make to get to it, so I'll average it out and give it 3 stars.
Written September 8, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Laura S
Santa Ana, CA70 contributions
Jun 2021 • Family
Stunningly beautiful but so windy sand pelted skin! There's a narrow road in but cars were courteous to pull aside for passing. There's a $12 parking fee and the lot is small. It was a beautiful sunny, sheltered spot. Then you walk a small trail to the large beach. As soon as you get to the opening you are hit by galeforce winds. As we went back to the car I had felt bad for all the families with toddlers who were joyfully taking along their sand toys. Not gonna happen! I'm not sure hiw regularly its rhat windy, but the gate attendant should let you know as you pay to enter. Or maybe it would be helpful to post the beach windspeed.
Written June 13, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sharpinv
Sisters, OR7 contributions
May 2022
Amazing vistas with a color of ocean water I've never seen before. We came from the south and it's definitely a couple of hours of hard curvy slow driving so the passengers definitely get the most out of it. IF coming from the south, don't worry too much about trying to get into the little gravel turn outs for a view - the good views come later and have plenty of parking and much safer to enter/exit. For someone that had the choice and didn't want to make the entire drive, my opinion is that the top quarter is by far the prettiest and has the most "official" turn outs, etc. and if we had known that I wouldn't have stopped nearly as much on the southern three quarters. Still, glad we did it all but cherry picking the northern 20 miles gives you 90% of the experience with 25% of the hard driving.
Written May 27, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Christin L
Downey, CA16 contributions
Jul 2022 • Family
This was our first time staying in the campground. After the initial frustration of trying to reserve sites 6 months in advance with everything selling out in the first few minutes, the rest of the check in process was easy. The sites are large and easily accommodated the 3 tents we needed. There was a creek a short walk from the site which everyone enjoyed. The bathrooms are well-maintained with soap and toilet paper. The showers always have hot water. Something we didn’t prepare for was hold cold it got at night. Since it was July, we assumed a couple blankets would be sufficient. In the end, we slept in sweatpants, sweaters, socks, and an extra picnic blanket to stay warm enough. Planning to come back next year.
Written July 11, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
JBRetired
Apple Valley, CA485 contributions
Mar 2022 • Couples
This trail has been rebuilt all new stairs and wide path. A lot of steps but take your time it is worth it. First it takes you through a magical woods of huge trees. At the end is the falls I would guess 60’ and runs all year. No it’s not a wide falls but it’s a beautiful setting. So let’s go!
Written March 23, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Gardengel-IoW
West Sussex, UK1,014 contributions
Feb 2020
$10 to get in to park another 2 if you want a map of the paths.
4 small car parks all pretty close to each other, so cant see much of park by driving.
We didnt have much time anyway so parked as near we could to stream and did a very short walk along stream shore. Ok but not spectacular. Over the road a short path 'nature walk' was just a walk through some trees where you could still see the road and nothing outstanding to see.
Toilet facilities available once in car parks
Disappointing
4 small car parks all pretty close to each other, so cant see much of park by driving.
We didnt have much time anyway so parked as near we could to stream and did a very short walk along stream shore. Ok but not spectacular. Over the road a short path 'nature walk' was just a walk through some trees where you could still see the road and nothing outstanding to see.
Toilet facilities available once in car parks
Disappointing
Written February 21, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Naturelover
California314 contributions
Sept 2021 • Couples
As always parking was challenging even on a Fri at 10am.It was probably more busy thought because it was right before Labor Day.
We hiked Buzzard Trail,it’s a moderate hike with distance ocean views.
Loved all the Redwood Trees.
FYI some trails closed due to Dolan fire,most likely won’t be restored until 2026.
We hiked Buzzard Trail,it’s a moderate hike with distance ocean views.
Loved all the Redwood Trees.
FYI some trails closed due to Dolan fire,most likely won’t be restored until 2026.
Written September 17, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
GradingMachine
Oak Park, CA583 contributions
Jul 2021
My wife and I hiked to Pfeiffer Falls after parking at the lodge. We did NOT see any of the spectacular views on the state park website--mostly because the lodge offers 90-minute free parking for short hikes, all that we had time for. We weren't entirely prepared for the hike. It was more vertical and rigorous than we anticipated. White tennis shoes and Coach bags were not the best hiking attire/accessories although we received a few compliments. :) We made it! The falls are unimpressive due to the drought. The falls are more like a "trickle."
Written July 22, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Michael K
San Jose, CA1,107 contributions
Aug 2022
This park has a bit of everything: redwood trees, waterfalls, and scenic river for dipping in the water. At the Big Sur River Gorge, there are quiet and calm sections of the river that are quite scenic and there are rocky areas with plenty of visitors enjoying themselves in the pools of water. To get there, park at the Day Use Lot 3 and follow the sign to the gorge. The Pfeiffer Falls is about 60- foot tall reachable from a "moderate" 1.3-mile out and back trail with lots of stairs. To get there, park at the Day Use Lot 1 and follow the sign to the fall.
Written August 14, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Donald H
Houston, Texas
How late can we arrive if we have reservations for a cabin in Big Sur State Park? How do we access the cabins after hours?
Written May 18, 2023
Anyone have a rec for the best RIVER SITE that is the most secluded? Please share the site number, if you've been there. I've looked at the reservation site photos and it's hard to tell. Thanks!
Written July 8, 2020
Anyone been to the campground recently? With the ongoing drought, is there currently sufficient flow in the river to float down the river with float tubes? Thanks.
Written August 15, 2021
Is there a phone cell service or Wi-Fi at Pfeiffer Big Sur state park?
Written July 27, 2019
The person above is right? It also depends who your phone carrier is AT&T or Verizon. But it’s vey slow. It works at Pfeiffer Big Sur Lodge. We just didn’t bother to try, just enjoy the Park. Take lots of pictures, and went to other places so we could use our WiFi. Remember you are really camping and the the WiFi signals can’t reach the towers. You can also call the Rangers Station for more information.
Written July 28, 2019
Leslielovestotravel8
Redondo Beach, California
We have 3 cars (friends coming from all over CA)...looks like only 2 cars per site. Can anyone confirm if there are lots for multiple nights? All I see are day lots and en route overnight lots (one night only).
Written July 12, 2019
Call the Ranger Station up at Big Sur I’ve seen camp areas with a couple of cars. But maybe you can get to camp sites side by side. Pfeiffer Big Sur Here camping vehicles must park in the parking spur for their designated camp sites. If the vehicles will not fit at the campsite the must park in lots 3 or 4. The area where you park your extra cars are safe. And close to by your camp area. I know because if you see in the pictures I had to park my truck in Area 3.
Written July 12, 2019
Yes! You can! There’s and RV grounds there. Just make reservations 6 months ahead of time. My RV is Airstream and I seen a lot bigger then ours parked in the campground area like 28’
Written June 16, 2019
Does anyone know of any companies who will rent and also drop off trailers at this site?
Written May 7, 2019
I don’t know that you can camp of have a trailer dropped off here. Probably best to contact the park.
Written May 21, 2019
Hello!
Just wondering if there is a particular place with an easily accessed stand of redwoods?
Thanks for your help!
Written November 17, 2018
As the others have said the visitor area is a great place. We sat here and watched three deer, a mom and two young ones, just wandering slowly along the stream and into the woods. The area also attracts squirrels and birds. The trees are all around you here and the surface is fine for accessibility as are the nearby bathrooms.
Written November 18, 2018
Всем привет.Что нужно непременно посмотреть в Биг Суре? Где лучше остановиться на 2 дня?
Written September 9, 2018
…
Showing results 1-10 of 38
Is this your Tripadvisor listing?
Own or manage this property? Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more.
Claim your listing