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Pfeiffer Big Sur State ParkvsPoint Lobos
Both Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park and Point Lobos are highly recommended by those who travel for a living. On balance, Point Lobos is the choice of most writers compared to Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park. Point Lobos comes in at #3 in Central California Coast with positive reviews from 7 reviews including Michelin Guide, Lonely Planet 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."
Point Lobos
Michelin Guide Lonely Planet Afar Magazine Afar Magazine Afar Magazine Afar Magazine Michelin Guide
Route 1, Box 62, Carmel, CA 93923
From $0/night
Michelin Guide 2 Stars
"This small but dramatic peninsula defines the southern end of Carmel Bay." Full review
Lonely Planet Top Choice
"The full perimeter hike is 6 miles, but shorter walks take in wild scenery too, including Bird Island, shady cypress groves, the historical Whaler’s Cabin and the Devil’s Cauldron." Full review
Afar Magazine "I've been all over the California coast and Point Lobos is my favorite place to hike." Full review
Afar Magazine "If you're taking a trip down the Pacific Coast Highway, make sure to stop at Point Lobos just outside of Carmel." Full review
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If you're taking a trip down the Pacific Coast Highway, make sure to stop at Point Lobos just outside of Carmel.
Afar Magazine "This state natural reserve is a perfect highlight of Northern California's coast." Full review
Afar Magazine "A beautiful day on the Central Coast along Hwy 1 - seemed like a beautiful omen for the new year." Full review
Michelin Guide 2 Stars
"By the coastal road, Point Lobos peninsula is named after the resident sealions, whose barking reminded the Spanish explorers of the howling of wolves (lobos)." Full review
