Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
vation Corps (CCC), rustic Big Sur Lodge stands near the park entrance, about 13 miles
south of Bixby Bridge.
Pfeiffer Beach
BEACH
9am-8pm; )
This phenomenal, crescent-shaped and dog-friendly beach is known for its huge double
rock formation, through which waves crash with life-affirming power. It's often windy,
and the surf is too dangerous for swimming. But dig down into the wet sand - it's purple!
That's because manganese garnet washes down from the craggy hillsides above. To get
here from Hwy 1, make a sharp right onto Sycamore Canyon Rd, marked by a small yel-
low sign that says 'narrow road' at the top.
From the turnoff, which is a half-mile south of Big Sur Station on the ocean side of
Hwy 1, it's two narrow, twisting miles down to the beach (RVs and trailers prohibited).
Henry Miller Memorial Library
ARTS CENTER
'It was here in Big Sur I first learned to say Amen!' wrote novelist Henry Miller, a Big Sur
denizen from 1944 to 1962. More of a beatnik memorial, alt-cultural venue and bookshop,
this community gathering spot was never Miller's home. The house belonged to Miller's
friend, painter Emil White, until his death and is now run by a nonprofit group. Stop by to
browse and hang out on the front deck. It's about 0.4 miles south of Nepenthe restaurant.
Inside are copies of all of Miller's written works, many of his paintings and a collection
of Big Sur and Beat Generation material, including copies of the top 100 books Miller said
most influenced him. Check the online calendar for upcoming events.
Partington Cove
BEACH
(off Hwy 1)
It's a raw, breathtaking spot where crashing surf salts your skin. On the steep, half-mile dirt
hike down to the cove, you'll cross a cool bridge and go through an even cooler tunnel.
The cove's water is unbelievably aqua and within it grow tangled kelp forests. Look for the