July/December...What to do and see when you vacation in Big Sur California, month by month description of what is going on in Big Sur plus area tourist activities and nearby visitors points of interest.
Some things to do and see in Big Sur Country:
• Junior Ranger Programs
• Hearst San Simeon State Park
• Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park
• Ventana Wildlife Society
• Natural History Discovery Center
• Ranger lead Nature Walks
• Big Sur River Inner-Tube Float
• Campfire Programs
• Andrew Molera State Park
• Natural Science Discovery Camp
• Monarch Butterflies
• Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park
• Blue Whales
• Humpback Whales
• California Condors
• Bird Watching
• Partington Cove, Partington Canyon
• Exploring
• Jade Hunting
• Scuba Diving for Jade
• Jade Festival
• Salmon Creek Trail
• Soda Springs Trail
• Backpacking and backcountry
• Christmas at Hearst Castle
• Whale Watching
• The Big Sur Contours
• Other Pacific Coast Wildlife:
sea otter, humpback whale, California Gray Whale, elephant seals, deer, bobcat, hawks, eagles, fox and more...
• The Los Padres National Forest
Click and Go Activities and Points of Interest List:
This page will help you plan your Big Sur visit and should enhance your Big Sur stay; it is not a constantly updated event calendar listing every small band that may have an engagement to play in Big Sur; there are listings and descriptions of all the annual major festivals, events and celebrations and it is a month by month general description what you might expect it to be like in Big Sur and some of things for you to do when you come.
July & August in Big Sur, Junior Ranger Programs, Campfire Meetings, Live Music and more...
JULY 2011 in Big Sur - In the summertime especially when it gets hot inland layer of thick fog will come cool, and wet the lower elevations of the coast; it can be beautiful to look down on but it can be an annoyance for some especially those who have come to enjoy the beautiful views of the Big Sur Coast. The fogs often lift during the middle of the day or you can venture inland or to higher ground to get out of it. If you happen to be roasting in the highlands or inland you might just want to come to the coast to cool off, many do. Personally I like the fog it’s part of the coastal experience, beautiful if you are above it and sometimes it can create a wonderful mystical kind of ambiance. Esalen Institute: For quite some time Esalen has been the happening place on the Big Sur coast 4th of July weekend, they sponsor special workshops and have the annual performance music & dance gala, the Esalen International Arts Festival (EIAF); now a collaborative celebration with the Big Sur Spirit Garden (www.bigsurspiritgarden.com). hxhxh Some Year Around Ongoing Attractions --guided Horseback Rides at 4,800 acre Andrew Molera State Park -- enjoy this coastal paradise from horseback, tours through flower-studded meadows, enduring Redwood groves, translucent streams and every ride includes the beach. Special Seasonal Offerings: During the summer there are numerous nature study programs and events designed for children and some for parents with their children and some for the adults as well. Both San Simeon State Park and Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park have a Junior Ranger Program, guided nature walks and a nightly campfire program with slide shows, singing, and nature discussions. These programs extend through Labor Day. Also the Ventana Wildlife Society has a full schedule of events called Natural Science Discovery Camp for ages 8-11 and 12-17 and some eco-outreach programs for family and adults too. Also Ventana Wildlife Society operates a Natural History / Nature Center with exhibits that are designed to acquaint visitors with Big Sur's plant and animal life. Located in the "Ranch House" next to Andrew Molera State Park and the Ventana Wildlife Society and at this same spot is the new Big Sur Cultural and Natural History Center.
The Ventana Wildlife Discovery Center at Andrew Molera State Park is open year round Friday, Saturday & Sunday year round. 9:00 am - 4:00 pm.
MUSIC FESTIVAL: For the second year Woodsist Records will showcase their music in concerts at Big Sur CA July 30-31 in Big Sur, CA; Woodsist Fest a Folk Yea! Presentation; Saturday's festivities happening at Fernwood Resort, and Sunday's at the Henry Miller Library. The Brooklyn NY record label, which focuses on psychedelic strains of rock and folk, will showcase its bands Real Estate (the band), Woods and the Fresh & Onlys, Thee Oh Sees, Sic Alps, Sun Araw, and White Fence at this two-day festival.
AUGUST 2011 in Big Sur - August can get hot, dry and dusty in the Big Sur back country; there can be morning and evening or even all day fogs on the lower coast but often perfect weather can be found in the Big Sur Valley and higher elevations of the coast. Why not have a dinner overlooking the soft white pillow coastal fog at Nepenthe Big Sur Restaurant or take the afternoon to float down the Big Sur River in an inner-tube? One of many events scheduled at the Henry Miller Memorial Library:
Wednesday, August 31: Poetry Night presented by Philip Glass
Thursday, September 1: DRACULA: Music by Philip Glass; string quartet and piano
Featuring: Philip Glass and the Philip Glass Ensemble. Michael Riesman - Music Director
The California Condors of Big Sur, watching the Big Big Sur Birds and tiny ones too...
Bird Watching on the California Central Pacific Coast
Amazing Photograph of a California Condor Flying Next to the Pacific Coast Highway 1!
Blue Jay Campsite Visitor
California condor in flight
The California Condor: Bird watching in Big Sur is a wonderful thing to do. The area has so many and a great variety of delightful birds to observe. One of my favorites is the little humming bird, they are so tiny and the only bird that can fly backwards, the Europeans aptly call them helicopter-birds. I also like the blue jays, wild turkeys and all the shore birds. My most favorite are the raptors, the seam to fly with such ease, hardly flapping their wings, just gliding on the updrafts. Big Sur has many kinds of hawks and eagles, they have turkey vultures too. But none are as impressive as the breathtaking California condor.
California condor in flight
Big Sur is one of only a handful of locations where the almost extinct birds have been released and are a common sight. They can be a traffic hazard when they fly close to the highway (as they often do) because awestruck tourists will stop their cars halfway off the road and jump out with their cameras. Interesting
Interesting California condor facts:
California Condors have the largest wingspan of any North American bird, 2.90 m (9.5 ft) or longer.
Overall length can range from 109–140 cm (43–55 in) with an average weight ranging from 8–9 kg (18–20 lb).
Individual birds have a huge range and often travel up to 250 km (160 mi) in search of carrion.
It is one of the world's longest-living birds, with a life span of up to 50 years.
As of November 2010 there are 381 California condors living, including 192 in the wild.
Condors can be easily identified by the white markings on the underneath of their wings and they have large identity tags with numbers.
October in Big Sur, Monarch Butterflies, Humming Birds, Jade and more things to do in the Autumn...
Video, California Condors In Flight - Big Sur (PCH 1)
SEPTEMBER 2011 in Big Sur - Labor Day Weekend brings the last summer tourist season hurrah to the Big Sur coast. It’s ironic that after this some of the area’s best weather comes just after this time and it’s mostly just the locals there to enjoy it.
On Labor Day Weekend because there are so many celebrations elsewhere the Big Sur Coast is comparatively quiet, don’t get me wrong don’t make a road trip without reservations motels of Big Sur do fill that weekend but down in Cambria it is the historic annual “Pinedorado Days” and Monterey County has their Monterey County Fair.
Late summer is the time of year when you can see the largest animal to have ever lived on earth and they are still commonly spotted from the Big Sur coast, the blue whale, the California coast is one the few places on earth where the blue whale is often sighted; soon they will be replace by the annual appearance of their cousins the Gray Whales.
Like ride your bike!!! here's your chance to ride the worlds most beautiful bicycle ride, the Pacific Coast Highway 1 Carmel to San Simeon with the Best Buddies Benefit; in mid-September Maria Shriver and hundreds of other bicyclists take to the starting line at Quail Lodge Golf Club for the majestic 100-mile ride down the Pacific Coast Highway from Carmel to San Simeon; the Challenge, which is open to participants of all ages: Audi annual Best Buddies Event link: www.hcchallenge2011.org/... Another nonprofit also takes advantage of the lack of traffic on the Pacific Coast Highway, the Arthritis Foundation holds an added annual mammoth bicycle tour benefit they call the California Coast Classic. So now that you warmed up with the Best Buddies Benefit from Monterey to San Simeon are you ready to ride your bicycle all the way from San Francisco to Santa Monica?
Also annually at the end of September is Art from here and there a awesome benefit for the Big Sur Med Center is usually at Ventana.
So if you want to enjoy the area’s best weather and a nice relaxed peaceful Big Sur ambiance without the crowds, Autumn is the best time to vacation on the Scenic Big Sur. The Big Sur beat goes on at many of the usual weekend live music and entertainment venues, they continue weekends through September and some Big Sur business save their best for last and have grand events in October. Another excuse to make a Big Sur Pacific Coast Highway 1 road-trip, Monterey has hosted the annual Monterey Jazz Festivalfor over 50 years now!
Maybe you will be lucky enough to spot the earths biggest animal on earth or even more likely to spot the giant California Condor which is equally as impressive if in flight up close. Wendsday September 19th, 2012 --10th Annual International Talk Like A Pirate Day Avast, me hearties! wherer ya be best be talkin pirate this day er get keelhauled!
OCTOBER 2011 in Big Sur - October often starts with Indian summer days with bright blue skies; the forest comes alive with color, the poison oak turns bright red and leaves of deciduous trees turn shades of bright yellow and amber. Monarch butterflies return to their annual wintering grounds and can be seen by the hundreds at Ragged Point, Andrew Molera State Park, further north at Pacific Grove and scattered throughout Big Sur.
Towards the end of the month often come the first of the seasons light rains. The 20th Annual Big Sur Jade Festival OCTOBER 7th, 8th and 9th, 2011 - The Big Sur Jade Festival is an annual October gala event now in its 20th year. Jade is one of Big Sur’s biggest natural resources but it goes beyond that, the local population has had a longtime love affair, attraction and admiration of the semi-precious mineral. Anyway they like to share the love and celebrate with the outside world with this event which features jade of every shape and form, plus music, good food and drink. This is a popular festival so be sure and make your, vending, camping and lodging reservations early.(www.bigsurjadefest.com) Like to Run? Join in the Fitness Fun the 31st annual Big Sur River Run at Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park, Saturday Oct 22. Would you rather drink tequila? Saturday October 22,Monterey Tequila and Mezcal Expo 2011 ¡Ándele! ¡Ándele! ¡Arriba! ¡Arriba! ¡Epa¡ ¡Epa! ¡Epa! Yeehaw!...a tribute to celebrate the rich and colorful history of Tequila and Mezcal and provide a matchless opportunity to learn more about these traditional spirits and tastings to experience the true essence of different tequilas, mescals, margaritas and other mixed tequila and mescal cocktails firsthand. October 22 & 29Halloween/Ghost Tours Point Sur Lightstation in Big Sur 5:15 PM to 8:15PM Big Sur evening of ghostly fun starts walking tour to the lighthouse for the sunset; followed by refreshments in the barn and Point Sur ghost stories told by professional actor/docent Kevin Hanstick; access to the spooky Triplex; and dessert and beverages in the Visitors' Center. Tours are limited so book early; $60 tax deductable donation per person. For reservations call (831) 649-7139 or email cclk@pointsur.org. No: pets, people or pets left in cars, motorhomes or campers, smoking, strollers or baby carriages, not suitable for younger children. Like to Dress up in costume, have big fun, support a good cause? Join in one of the biggest most fun events of the off-season. The Nepenthe Big Sur Restaurant's (831-667-2345) Halloween Bal Masque. Elaborate costumes & live music and frivolity are the highlights of this fun annual benefit for the awesome Big Sur Volunteer Fire Brigade.
October Monarch Butterflies Migrate to the Big Sur Coast:
a thick coat of Monarch butterflies on a tree
Monarch Butterflies on Pride of Madera Flowers
Great numbers of the monarch butterflies (Danaus plexippus) come to the Big Sur Coast starting in late October and most have left for inland to mate and return to their ancestor’s egg laying areas by January but a few stragglers are seen as late as February. They because of the mild winter weather and enjoy the sweet nectar from many flowers in bloom like the Pride of Madera. They have the amazing habit of gathering in mass on individual eucalyptus and Monterey cypress trees so heavily you can’t see the leaves, only butterflies.
Mating Monarch Butterflies
These tiny creatures weighing in at less than a gram accomplish amazing giant feats like completely covering huge trees and the Monarchs migration can cover three countries, Mexico, the U.S., and Canada and will take three generations to complete the 2 to 3 thousand mile journey. These most amazing creatures can travel 80 miles a day and single insects have been known to travel up to 2,000 miles. Monarch butterflies have also been seen flying up to 4,000 feet high. They can be seen all over the Big Sur Coast and gather anywhere their favorite flowers are found; I have seen theme so thick in the ornamental flower gardens at Ragged Point they fill the sky. Early in the morning and in the late afternoon they gather in mass on specific trees, there is one just north of Ragged Point and in Cooper Eucalyptus Grove of Andrew Molera State Park. Further north the town of Pacific Grove has a docent manned "Pacific Grove Monarch Sanctuary" associated with the Pacific Grove Museum of Natural History where you can have your questions answered as well as observe the butterflies gather by the thousands.
Cute Little Humming Birds, Sparks fly when the local Big Sur Anna's Humming Bird defends it's sweet nectar stash from a visitor:
Anna's Humming Bird in the Big Sur Sunset
Anna's Hummingbird on Pride of Madera Flowers
Another fall flower garden visitor which creates a fun event is the Rufus Humming Bird; they pass through migrating back south and like to stop in to Big Sur flower gardens to enjoy the bountiful nectar. This would all be well and good except that Big Sur has a local full time resident, the cute little Anna’s Humming Bird who doesn’t like to share. The Anna’s Humming Bird sits at some high vantage point and watches for the out of town thieves to show and attempt to steal a meal and when they do the amazing aerial acrobatics begin.
NOVEMBER & DECEMBER in Big Sur, watch for the rains, Hearst Castle Christmas Decorations...
NOVEMBER 2011 in Big Sur - (831) 667- 0241 So well received that it will no doubt become an annual November event the Big Sur Food and Wine Festival returns for the third year November 3- 6! A fun event to raise monies for Big Sur non-profit charities, the Big Sur Food and Wine Festival showcases the exceptional talents of local and a few highly skilled invited chefs, along with a selection of world-class wines and educational panels; feature wine maker dinners at private homes and more “Hiking With Stemware”! starting November 2nd, the date of “Dia de Los Muertos” and inplace for all November Day of the Dead Alter Installation at Carmel Art Association: beautiful time-honored colorful Mexican celebratory installation featuring traditional Mexican lights, cut paper and other decorations, wallet-sized photos of the departed artists and other small-scale items and mementos in remembrance and to honor of Carmel artists of late. Saturday Nov 19th, 9PM -- Jonah and the Whalewatchers at Fernwood Tavern: you can still be entertained now and year around with live music weekends in Big Sur, the 19th enjoy the band Jonah & the Whalewatchers; go early and have dinner at the Redwood Grill... November 20th a benefit for local charities the annual Big Sur Half Marathon; gently rolling fast course that winds through historic downtown Monterey, along Cannery Row, and proceeds along Pacific Grove's coastline with incredible views of the Monterey Bay. November 20th 2011 -- Monterey Bay Blues Festival Battle of the Blues Bands: If you should loose the above half marathon or if you are like me and can't even walk a eighth marathon maybe you would like to sing or listen to the blues...this year the fans will decide the winner of the Battle of the Blues Bands competition. The winner will have the opportunity to play the main stage.How DEEP is your BLUE?'... November 26th & 27th, 2011, Thanksgiving Weekend 10AM-5PM -- The annual Big Sur Fall Harvest Crafts Fair is held at the Big Sur Grange Hall. Get started Christmas shopping buy some beautiful hand made arts & crafts from local artisans for unique gifts.
There are often rains in the middle or towards the end of October but the "Rainy Season" Generally Runs from November - February in Central California plan your road trips and adjust accordingly and check weather and road conditions before you leave home. Always drive extra cautiously on Scenic Pacific Coast Highway 1!
DECEMBER 2011 in Big Sur - This is the month you should consider seriously taking advantage of Big Sur’s off-season rates and getting away from the hustle and bustle of your Christmas holiday routines and treating yourself to a Big Sur winter adventure; Plan a road trip up the Big Sur coast this December, the prices are down and the weather is often very pretty! (check individual business, there are many holiday vacation blackout dates on the seasonal rates and winter specials) Did you know William Randolph Hearst loved to entertain and every December he would deck the castle out lavishly for the season? And did you know that every December they still decorate Hearst Castle for Christmas like he did? You should include a tour of Hearst Castle into your Big Sur Scenic Highway 1 road trip! Ongoing Live Music & Entertainment – Both Fernwood Resort and Treebones have musicians scheduled through the winter; Fernwood is doing weekends and Treebones is Mondays? call or check their events calendars to see whats going on: Fernwood Resort (831-667-2422) Events Calendar – or – Treebones (877-424-4787) Event Calendar. December 2nd/4th, 2011 --Monterey Cowboy Poetry & Music Festival: Monterey Marriott, One Portola Plaza; the 13th Annual Monterey Cowboy Poetry & Music Festival and Christmas Art & Gear Sale & Show for all ages celebrates Monterey’s contribution to the cowboy heritage. Dec 2nd/18th 2011 --Every Christmas Story Ever Told: at the Circle Theatre in Carmel, CA, a wonderful catch-all stage play. Thursday December 8 & Saturday December 10, 2011, 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. -- Christmas in the Adobes:Stroll thought the streets of Historic Downtown Monterey for open house of 23 19th Century adobes, enjoy period dance lessons at Custom House, bagpipes and cookies at Robert Louis Stevenson House and more...refreshments, games history and fun await the entire family during Monterey's signature holiday historic event. Sunday December 25, 2012 –- Christmas Day: Most all of the Big Sur Restaurants are not only open holidays but they also usually have special menus to celebrate the day; why not load up the family in the car and take a scenic PCH 1 road-trip for a fun holiday experience to remember; check individual businesses, Nepenthe closes at 5PM Christmas Day. December 31, 2011First Night Monterey : Annual Monterey fun colorful celebration on Alvarado Street to support the arts. First Night Monterey is now in its nineteenth year as the premiere celebration of art, imagination, and creativity in Monterey County. December 31st, evening; HAPPY NEW YEAR!: Many of the Big Sur Lodgings have New Years celebratory events with parties, live music, package deals and such but I can personally speak for the New Year’s Party at the Ragged Point Inn, having myself kicked out many an old year there and tell you true Big Sur is the perfect place to wake up and begin a new year!
Good Books About Big Sur
Rent a Hybrid
Watching Whales on the Big Sur Coast, California Gray Whales, Giant Blue Whales, Orcas too...
Marine Biology & Oceanography Books
Whale Watching on the California Central Pacific Coast
The California Gray Whale(Eschrichtius robustus) migration is generally highest on the central Coast from December through April; although you can often see many as early as late October and November and some as late as May. December to February the Gray Whales are heading south. They are best viewed after late February when you will see them heading back north to Alaska. When they are migrating north they stay closer to shore and some females will be even slower moving slower and closer to the shore because they are accompanied by their calves. A mother with her calf seen close-in from a bluff-top can be impressive but the most amazing sight is to see the whales breach like the one in the photo above, the monsters can launch themselves completely out of the water. All the Gray Whales migrate past the Central Coast twice a year; once in late-fall early-winter headed south to warmer waters of the gulf of Mexico to calve, and again in the late-winter early-spring heading back to Alaska to feed in the fertile arctic.
A great way to observe the whales spouting is to cruise the scenic Pacific Coast Highway 1 and stop at the turnouts. Binoculars help but the very, very best way to enjoy and appreciate these amazing giants is up close and for that you need to take a boat excursion. The closest whale watching excursions are offered by Virg's Landing in Morro Bay 805-775-1222 and whale watching excursions are also offered out of Monterey Bay on the boat Princess Monterey (800) 979-3370 or (212) 209-3370 international.
Neat Illustration of a California Whale comparing it to a scuba diver!
A few interesting gray whale facts (the British spell it Grey whale): Once ardently hunted for their whale oil they once occupied both the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans but whole Atlantic population was hunted to extinction in the 18th century. Unlike most whales the Gray Whale feeds on animals that live on the ocean floor, it feeds by scooping up sediments from the sea floor, the huge creature then uses its baleen, or whalebone to filter the sediment and capture small sea animals. When it migrates the gray whale averages approximately 120 kilometers (75mi) per day at an average speed of 8 kilometers per hour (5mph). The round trip of 16,000–22,000 kilometers (9,900–14,000 mi) from Alaska to Mexico is believed to be the longest annual migration of any mammal. MORE Grey Gray Whale Information from Wikipedia...
The Blue Whale, the largest animal to have ever lived on earth. California is one of the few places where the Blue Whale is often spotted from the shore.In the summertime you may spot the blue whale as well as humpbacks and orcas from the Big Sur Coast, in the winter they are replaced by a parade of Grey whales. It is hard sometimes to differentiate whale species at a distance but when surfacing to breathe, the blue whale raises its shoulder and blowhole out of the water to a greater extent than other large whales; Observers can use this trait to separate it from other whale species at sea. When breathing, the whale emits a spectacular vertical single-column spout up to 12 meters (39ft), typically 9 metes (30 ft). MORE Blue Gray Whale Information from Wikipedia...
Amazing illustration of a Blue Whale, the giant is biggest animal to have ever lived on earth!
Traveling the Scenic Pacific Coast Highway 1, places to see and things to do at the end...
Scenic Pacific Coast Highway 1 - One of the most fun activities in the area is to drive the scenic Pacific Coast Highway 1; it’s a beautiful fun and interesting drive every mile from San Luis Obispo to Monterey; Popular Mechanics listed it at the top of it’s picks of the 20 Greatest Driving Roads in the World . It is often picked as the scenic alternative to quicker route inland via the 101 Freeway. For current California Highway conditions call 1-800-427-7623, or on the internet you can check California Highway Conditions:
PCH 1 and all California Highway Conditions at the California Department of Transportation website Mobile.So if you’re just passing through Big Sur on your way to Monterey or San Luis Obispo here are some event calendar links so you can see what’s going on wherever you are going…
http://www.fs.fed.us/r5/forestvisitormaps/lospadres/index.php Free Topo Map of the Los Padres National Forest near Big Sur. http://maps.google.com/maps/....Big Sur InternetAll the campgrounds in Big Sur California Big Sur Restaurants, best Places to Eat Near Big Sur CA - Map of all Big Sur California Restaurants, Pacific Ocean View Restaurants, Cafes, Snack Bars, Hamburger Stands and Espresso Coffee Bars; Big Sur California 93920, USA; best places to eat along the Scenic Pacific Coast Highway 1 close to Big Sur. Custom Google Map famous natural Big Sur California Waterfalls.Big Sur Waterfalls - Famous Waterfalls of Big Sur California Central Coast. Natural, beautiful Big Sur Waterfall trail hike locations and Big Sur waterfalls visitor tourist sightseer information about the famous Big Sur California Waterfalls, Black Swift Falls Ragged Point Inn Resort California, Salmon Creek Falls, Limekiln Falls, Limekiln Creek State Park, McWay Falls, Canyon Falls, Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park, Highbridge Waterfall, Andrew Molera State Park and Pfeiffer Falls, Pfeiffer Big Sur California State Park. Custom Google Map things to do near Ragged Point California. Things to Do Near Ragged Point CA - Visitor things to do, and see near the Ragged Point Inn and Resort; PCH 1 from Lucia to San Simeon CA; beach access, hikes, Pacific Valley Station , places to explore, picnic, hike, Sand Dollar, Jade Cove, Piedras Blancas Motel Beach, Piedras Blancas Lighthouse and Elephant Seal Rookery, Sebastian's Store, Hearst Castle San Simeon Calif and more... Custom Google Map Camp, Hike and Picnic Near Hearst Castle San Simeon California.Camp, Hike and Picnic Near Hearst Castle San Simeon California.- Map of all campgrounds, day use picnic areas, hiking trails, wheelchair accessible trails and State Parks near W.R. Hearst California State Historical Monument Visitor Center; best camping, hiking, picnicking San Simeon 93452, Cambria 93428, Cayucos 93430, Morro Bay 93442. Restaurants for San Simeon Ca, Places to eat near Hearst Castle-Hearst Castle San Simeon California Restaurants; map of all the eating and drinking establishments at or near Hearst Castle San Simeon California and some prime places to eat that offer a unique ocean view dining experience before or after your William Randolph Hearst Castle California State Historical Monument Tour. Custom Google Map San Simeon Bed and Breakfasts.San Simeon Bed and Breakfasts - All of the best Bed and Breakfast lodgings accommodations near San Simeon California and some other interesting lodging alternatives for Hearst Castle visitors and Central Coast vacationers.
More Big Sur Camping and Outdoor Recreation Links:
Go On an Adventure! Explore North of Big Sur; sightseer links: fun and interesting visitor activities and tourist points of interest! Follow these exciting links and start planning your Pacific Coast vacation today!
Google Search Central California Visitor Information Websites Including www.big-sur-lodging.com for the best Central California Coast tourist information, travel tips & tricks...
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I have provided this information on this web page to help you have wonderful vacation or trip. I have made this information current, complete and good to the best of my abilities but everything is subject to change at any time and I have to relieve myself of any responsibility for you, I have no control over how you use the provided camping information and accept no liability for anything that happens to you while you visit and camp on the Big Sur Coast or anywhere else.
Looking to head south to Hearst Castle Country after your Big Sur Coast Trek? Visit Hearst Castle Hotels Website:
A complete directory of lodging accommodations that
lists all resorts, motels, inns and hotels near Hearst Castle,
San Simeon, California. San Simeon Chamber of Commerce information;
visitor information and tourist guide for Hearst Castle,
San Simeon area activities and attractions.
I do my best to keep the Big Sur Camping Information here correct and current if you see anything that needs to be added or have some Big Sur Camping tricks or tips you would like to add please contact me, also for any:
Blue Jay Campsite Visitor
California condor in flight
California condor in flight
October Monarch Butterflies Migrate to the Big Sur Coast:
a thick coat of Monarch butterflies on a tree
Monarch Butterflies on Pride of Madera Flowers
Anna's Humming Bird in the Big Sur Sunset
Anna's Hummingbird on Pride of Madera Flowers
The 20th Annual Big Sur Jade Festival OCTOBER 7th, 8th and 9th, 2011 - The Big Sur Jade Festival is an annual October gala event now in its 20th year. Jade is one of Big Sur’s biggest natural resources but it goes beyond that, the local population has had a longtime love affair, attraction and admiration of the semi-precious mineral. Anyway they like to share the love and celebrate with the outside world with this event which features jade of every shape and form, plus music, good food and drink. This is a popular festival so be sure and make your, vending, camping and lodging reservations early.(
There are often rains in the middle or towards the end of October but the "Rainy Season" Generally Runs from November - February in Central California plan your road trips and adjust accordingly and check weather and road conditions before you leave home. Always drive extra cautiously on Scenic Pacific Coast Highway 1!