Big Sur, a complete history and guide

Tips for Visiting Big Sur

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Big Sur Publications

Big Sur, CA 93920

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Big Sur Coastline, seen from above
Photo courtesy of Air Photo Co.

Travelers on Highway 1:

Please use the abundant turnouts on the sides of the highway for pulling over to let faster traffic go by, and for stopping to have a closer and safer look at the scenery.

Weather in Big Sur:

Big Sur's mild climate is profoundly affected by the insulating qualities of the Pacific Ocean, which cools the air in the summer months and warms it in the cooler times. The seasons are not as pronounced as other geographic sections of the American country. The mountain range geographically influences the winds and weather. No two successive days are the same here.

The rainy season, November through April is thought of as winter, although mild temperatures of 40 to 60 degrees predominate. Between rain storms, Big Sur gets some of its nicest, sunniest days. Rains may be weeks apart, yet the average annual rainfall along the coast often reaches 40 to 60 inches. The mountain's higher elevations receive 50 to 100 inches.

The dry season from May to October, rarely brings rain. Spring and fall often display the most pleasant weather. Nights and mornings at any time of year suggest sweaters.

Photographing Big Sur:

A polarizing filter on a 35 mm camera lens reduces glare and atmospheric haze, enhancing the color of photos.
For best results when photographing land and seascapes: Aim the camera northward from early morning to midday. Aim the camera southward in the afternoon. As a general rule in the northern hemisphere, the bluest skies are photographed shooting northward.
Photograph the forest and redwoods when the sun is high and filtering through the trees, usually around midday.

Transportation to and from Big Sur, California

Los Angeles Airport:
Six hours by car south of the Big Sur valley.

Oakland, San Francisco, and San Jose Airports
Three hours plus or minus by car north of the Big Sur valley.

Monterey Peninsula Airport
45 plus minutes north of Big Sur valley.
Travel north for 30 miles on Highway 1 to Highway 68 (Monterey-Salinas Highway). Go east for two miles, turn left at light into airport. (831) 648-7000.

Rental Car Agencies (Avis, Budget, Hertz, National) are located at Monterey Peninsula Airport and other locations.

Carmel Taxi (831) 626-3333

Monterey-Salinas Transit - from April to October, this bus makes two daily round trips between Big Sur businesses and various Carmel and Monterey locations.
(831) 899-2555, (www.mst.org)