Big Sur is no doubt a spot with one of the most romantic places to go. With the combination of the scenic Pacific coastline paired with the endless activities to explore, Big Sur is definitely a place you can plan many dates. Whether you’re looking for a Big Sur romantic getaway, an anniversary celebration, a day trip, or just here on a road trip, there’s something for every kind of couple to do here. We’ve accumulated the best things to do in Big Sur for dates and they’re definitely not to miss.
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Romantic Things To Do In Big Sur
1. McWay Falls
McWay Falls is a true gem in Big Sur. It’s located right on the winding roads along the pacific coast Highway 1.
The views at McWay Falls are absolutely stunning. You can see an 80-foot waterfall cascading down the rocky cliff with waves crashing against the beach.
It’s part of Julia Pfeiffer Burn State Park. If you’re there, you can also explore a variety of hiking trails, scenic views, and natural attractions. There is McWay Falls Trail which is one of the easiest hikes in Big Sur.
2. Stay a Night at a Romantic Inn
Big Sur is known for some really nice romantic inns that feature spectacular views and a very cozy living space. There are several romantic inns in the area, but one that stands out is the Post Ranch Inn.
The Post Ranch Inn is a luxury resort that sits atop a cliff overlooking the Pacific Ocean, providing stunning views of the California coastline. The property is surrounded by nature, with beautiful trees, gardens, and even a private beach accessible only to guests.
The rooms at the Post Ranch Inn are decorated with cozy fireplaces, private decks or patios, and luxurious amenities such as soaking tubs and plush robes. Each room is uniquely designed and has amazing views of the ocean and mountains.
Inside Post Ranch, you can also have massages, stargazing, and private yoga sessions. There’s also an award-winning restaurant, Sierra Mar, which offers delicious cuisine made from locally-sourced ingredients.
Whether you’re celebrating an anniversary, a honeymoon, or just need some quality time with your loved one, this inn will definitely give you an unforgettable experience.
Other romantic inns to check out are Ventana Big Sur and Big Sur River Inn.
3. Go whale watching
If you love an adventurous and thrilling activity, you should definitely do whale watching at Big Sur! The area is home to a diverse range of marine life including whales, dolphins, and more. There are quite a few whale-watching tours to choose from. The tour guides will provide you with interesting information about marine life. Seeing these creatures up close is really an unreal and ecstatic experience.
4. Watch the sunset at Pfeiffer Beach
One of the most romantic things to do in Big Sur is to watch the sunset at Pfeiffer Beach. The beach is known for its purple sand that is occasionally visible, especially after rain. It’s caused by Maganese garnett from the erosion from the sloping hills.
As the sun goes down, you can see the beautiful blend of colors in the sky. Enjoy this view while sitting on the sand or taking a walk along the shore. Pfeiffer Beach is also really popular for its unique and beautiful rock formations with waves crashing against them.
5. Hike on Pfeiffer Falls Trail
If you and your date enjoy hikes, you cannot miss out on the hike at Pfeiffer Falls Trail. It’s a popular hiking trail that is 2.5 miles long and it’s considered moderate difficulty. This hike is a great trail to see the natural beauty of Big Sur. You can see beautiful redwood trees, lots of greenery, and nice scenic views. Near the end of this hike, you’ll reach the Pfeiffer Falls which is a 60-foot waterfall.
This is a great choice for both tourists and locals because there’s so much to see on this hike.
6. Point Lobos State Natural Reserve
Point Lobos State Natural Reserve has one of the richest marine habitats in California with animals including dolphins, elephant seals, sea lions, turtles, whales, and so much more. Check out the marine habitats at Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary. Inside this park, there are quite a few hiking trails including Point Lobos Loop Trail and Cypress Grove Trail. The sea nearby is also known as a great place to go scuba diving. Other activities you can do here are kayaking, snorkeling, and diving.
7. Views at Bixby Bridge
The Bixby Creek Bridge is an incredibly famous landmark in Big Sur and is one of the most iconic bridges in the world. On this bridge, you can spot stunning views of the Pacific Ocean. This bridge was built at the height of the Great Depression. It’s been photographed many times and admired by many for its incredible architecture. The bridge can be accessed via pacific coast Highway 1 and you can see the nicest views on that scenic drive.
8. Self-Driving Audio Tour
One of the most romantic things to do in Big Sur, in my personal opinion, is to just take a slow drive along Highway 1 to enjoy incredibly scenic views of the Pacific Coast and stop at every location for a little while. If you’re like me and sometimes get a little lazy trying to map out where all the attractions are, then a self-driving tour is great. This specific self-guided tour has all the popular attractions already mapped out and you just simply need to follow it. It’s much more affordable than a bus tour and it’s even better because you can go at your own pace.
9. Do a Private Tour of Big Sur
If you are the type of person who doesn’t like to plan your trip at all and want to just get to your destinations without any work, you might enjoy a one-day private tour of Big Sur. This private tour comes with a personal driver and they’ll pick you up in the morning and take you to all the most romantic things to do in Big Sur like the beautiful beaches, Monterey Bay, parks, and more. They have a guide already set for you but you can tweak the itinerary to your preference.
10. Point Sur Lighthouse
The lighthouse was built in 1889 for the purpose of guiding ships that travel along the California coastline. It’s now one of the most recognizable landmarks in Big Sur. One unique fact is that it’s situated on top of a volcanic rock. To go inside the lighthouse, you’ll need to join a tour. It’s first come first serve and they don’t have tours all the time. Check the schedule to plan out when to visit. At the top, you can see the view of the Pacific Ocean, the Big Sur coast, and many species of marine wildlife and it’s just beautiful.
11. Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park
This California State Park is named after Julia Pfeiffer Burns, a pioneer woman in the Big Sur area. The historic park is over 3000 acres and has redwood forests, waterfalls, and a coastline. Some popular attractions here include McWay Falls and Parington Cove Trail, a popular hiking trail that leads to a secluded cove and a tunnel. This park also has a diverse range of wildlife like sea otters, seals, and condors.
12. Henry Miller Memorial Library
This is a cultural center and bookstore and is named after writer Henry Miller, who lived in Big Sur for many years. The library is the center of many events including music concerts, film screenings, and art exhibitions. The venue has an outdoor area with a stage and a cozy environment full of redwood trees.
Not only is the library popular for events but it’s also popular for the large collection of books featured that are by and about Henry Miller. There are also other books about contemporary literature, poetry, and philosophy.
If you and your date are into books or into the events that they host, it’s so worth it to check out this place.
13. Take a Soak in the Hot Springs
Did you know Big Sur has quite a few natural hot springs? Hot springs are actually really good for your skin and are very effective at easing sore muscles. Some of these hot springs overlook the beautiful view of the Pacific Ocean and it’s truly a very relaxing experience.
Some of the most popular hot springs to check out are:
Esalen Institute and Sykes Hot Springs: Located on the cliffs and overlooks the ocean.
Tassajara Hot Springs: Located in the Tassajara Zen Mountain Center and only open during the summer months.
And that’s a wrap on the most romantic things to do in Big Sur! Hope you found some activities that match your interests and have the most amazing time there!
Read more: A bit further south of Big Sur is Pismo Beach and it’s also another incredibly romantic spot. Check out what are our top picks for things to do in Pismo Beach here!
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