Big Sur Parks & Gardens
• A WorldWeb.com Travel Guide to Parks & Gardens in Big Sur, California.
Located 21 mi south of Carmel, this state park offers camping, hiking and biking access. Molera park is 7.5 sq mi of wilderness along the ocean and is a popular place for outdoor enthusiasts.
The park is named after a respected Big Sur pioneer woman and is located 37 miles south of Carmel. Whale watching, scuba diving with a permit, hiking trails and environmental camping are features of the park.
This park has both beach access and a stream flowing through a redwood forest. The beach is popular area for local birds as it is a meeting place of the fresh water and the ocean. Campsites and trails are available in this park.
Running 220 mi (350 km) from Big Sur, the western edge of Los Angeles County, Los Padres National Forest boasts a wealth of recreational activities for visitors to enjoy. Comprised of streams, beaches, rivers and plenty of wooded area, this two million-acre (809,000-ha) area contains campgrounds, day-use sections, trails for biking, hiking and horse riding, off-road trails and much more.
Located only 7 mi south of Carmel, Garrapata State Park features 2879 acres of trails, beaches and forests. Visit Soberanes Point, a favorite spot for its panoramic views. Another popular place is the rocks at the south end of the beach, an area designated for rock climbing.
Gray Whale Migrations
From December to early February, California gray whales can be seen heading south from highway locations along the Big Sur coast. Beginning in February, the whales migrate back to Alaska with their newborn babies. They swim close to shore on the northern migration to protect the babies from ocean predators. The pace is slow to accommodate the young and because they are also swimming against the current.
Scenic Tours
