The Atlas Obscura Guide To

Hidden
Big Sur

Discover 3 Cool and Unusual Things to Do in Big Sur, California

Unusual
Attractions
in Big Sur

Community Picks Recently Added

McWay Falls is an 80-foot drop into the Pacific Ocean

Big Sur, California

McWay Falls and Waterfall House Ruins

This Big Sur waterfall drops 80 feet directly into the Pacific Ocean, and inspired the hillside house up top.

36.1601, -121.6732

Added by kjmoore12

Big Sur, California

The Henry Miller Memorial Library

It's not your typical library, memorial, or book store.

36.1398, -121.6469

Added by theamarant

Not a bad spread

Big Sur, California

Nepenthe

Offering commanding views of the California coastline, this restaurant was a hub for the artists and bohemians of Big Sur.

36.2218, -121.7592

Added by Zach Rapport

Are we missing something unusual in Big Sur?

Point Sur Lighthouse

Monterey, California

Point Sur Lightstation

Life in this isolated, hilltop lighthouse was lonely, but it sure was lovely.

36.3063, -121.9016

Added by cxhrndz

5 MILEs FROM Big Sur

Carmel-by-the-Sea, California

Tor House and Hawk Tower

One poet's handmade, anachronistic home.

36.5421, -121.9323

Added by rebeccaclara

20 MILEs FROM Big Sur

Del Monte Forest, California

Ghost Trees of Pescadero Point

Haunting and beautiful trees, doomed to die.

36.5608, -121.9516

Added by Facebook_1513682660

21 MILEs FROM Big Sur

A statue of Mary stands in a grotto to the left of the church

Monterey, California

San Carlos Cathedral

The oldest continuously operating church in California.

36.5957, -121.8903

Added by Martin

22 MILEs FROM Big Sur

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