Locals know that the best time to experience the Big Sur/Central Coast area is from November to April. Average daytime temperatures typically range in the 60s with minor changes into the evenings. While the summer days are often overcast, wintertime offers sunny days and clear evening views that make you feel as though you could reach out and touch the stars. Additionally, campgrounds and beaches are un-crowded offering private getaways and excellent wildlife viewing opportunities.
You'll find six unique campgrounds in the Big Sur/Central Coast area including Botchers Gap, Kirk Creek, Ponderosa, Naciemiento, Plaskett Creek, and Cerro Alto. Experience five of the most beautiful day-use facilities in Big Sur, including Pfeiffer Beach, Mill Creek, Sand Dollar Beach and Willow Creek. Each facility has something unique to offer, from breathtaking ocean views to miles of hiking and biking trails, whale watching, sea otter preserve, fishing, surfing, rivers for swimming and so much more.
Wildlife is more abundant during the winter camping season. Whales can be seen migrating from November-March at Kirk Creek and Sand Dollar Beach campgrounds. Find foxes at Plaskett Creek, deer and bobcat at Naciemiento and Ponderosa, sea otters at Kirk Creek and Mill Creek and elephant and pacific seals from any coastal campground.
Within a short drive or hike from many of these facilities exist excellent excursion opportunities. While staying at Ponderosa or Naciemiento campgrounds visit historic San Antonio Mission - one of the first in California. From Plaskett Creek Campground you can walk to Sand Dollar Beach, the largest sandy beach on the southern Big Sur coastline, or to Jade Cove where you can hunt for this green rock prized by the Indians who used to inhabit the area. Hike the Vicente Trail to Cone Peak - one of the tallest mountains in the Los Padres National Forest. Or access the Ventana Wilderness with breathtaking views of the "Ventana" - the geographic formation for which so many other things in Big Sur are named.
Hike along the streams in cool, tree-lined valleys. Climb up to high ridges on the western slopes for spectacular views of the coastline and gaze into three million acres of wilderness in the Los Padres National Forest on the eastern slope. Big Sur is known for its peaceful atmosphere and tranquil setting.
