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Pfeiffer Big Sur State ParkvsJulia Pfeiffer Burns State Park
Both are rated highly by expert writers. On balance, Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park ranks marginally higher than Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park. Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park scores 81 with recommendations from 8 reviewers including Lonely Planet, Afar Magazine and Afar Magazine.
Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park
Fodor's
Travel + Leisure
Lonely Planet Lonely Planet
Afar Magazine Afar Magazine Afar Magazine Afar Magazine Travel + Leisure Travel + Leisure
47225 Highway 1, Big Sur, CA 93920
From $0/night
Fodor's "Among the many hiking trails at Pfeiffer Big Sur, a short route through a redwood-filled valley leads to a waterfall." Full review
Travel + Leisure "Deep within Los Padres National Forest, Pfeiffer Beach is a surreal mix of purple sand, giant redwoods, sycamores, and oaks." Full review
Lonely Planet "Best for novice campers and families with young kids, here over 200 campsites nestle in a redwood-shaded valley." Full review
Lonely Planet "Named after Big Sur’s first European settlers who arrived in 1869, this is Big Sur's largest state park, where hiking trails loop through stately redwood groves." Full review
Afar Magazine "Hikes in Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park lead you through redwoods, meadows, oak chaparral, to waterfalls and the sparkling Big Sur River." Full review
Afar Magazine "At the top, there were hundreds of pearly everlasting flowers with their distinctive scent of maple syrup." Full review
Afar Magazine "Despite what the signs say it is a good 13-14 mile hike out to the springs up and down over 1000 feet of elevation. But the struggle is well worth it. " Full review
Afar Magazine "In any season but particularly the spring, you can get drunk by the fragrance of flowers and trees. And have I mentioned you get to see a waterfall that goes into the ocean??" Full review
Travel + Leisure "There are myriad excellent hiking trails in Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park, where awe-inspiring views are plentiful. Inside the park, visitors can find towering sycamore and oak trees."
Big Sur Travel Guide
March 10, 2022
Travel + Leisure "This is the California coast of postcard fame, where arched bridges traverse corrugated river valleys. Endless ocean aligns along the left side of the vehicle, mountains soar skyward on the right."
Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park Fodor's Travel + Leisure Lonely Planet Afar Magazine Afar Magazine Travel + Leisure
State Route 1, Milepost 37 south (52.7 north), Big Sur, CA 93920
From $0/night
Fodor's "The park provides fine hiking, from an easy ½-mile stroll with marvelous coastal views to a strenuous 6-mile trek through redwoods." Full review
Travel + Leisure "Deep within Los Padres National Forest, Pfeiffer Beach is a surreal mix of purple sand, giant redwoods, sycamores, and oaks." Full review
Lonely PlanetTop choice
"If you're chasing waterfalls, swing into this state park named for a Big Sur pioneer." Full review
Afar Magazine "We parked on the side of the highway in Big Sur and took a short hike to the overview in Julia Pfeiffer Park. Waterfalls, alcoves and ocean, oh my!" Full review
Afar Magazine "The water's color is an unreal sea blue/green that I have never seen before. The best part- the hike and view is free. " Full review
Travel + Leisure "Similarly named Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park is another beautiful site with plenty of tall trees and a famous 80-foot waterfall that flows directly into the Pacific Ocean below"
Big Sur Travel Guide
March 10, 2022
