Sunset at Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park

Indulge in amazing coastal views as the sun goes down.

Lose yourself in a sunset at Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park , 26 miles south of Carmel on State 1. With its dramatic ridgelines that soar to 3,000 feet above the Pacific, the always breathtakiing Big Sur coastline takes on even more drama and beauty when lit by the setting sun. Before the light fades, explore the park's trails to discover waterfalls dropping into the sea, towering coast redwoods, and self-guided nature trails. Keep your eyes peeled for resident birds, including comical water ouzels (also called "dippers" for their habit of dunking into creeks to tip over stones in search of food), as well as raucous belted kingfishers (their rattling call sounds like a mini-machine gun).