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Preserve Big Sur Scenic Beauty For Generations To Come
Big Sur is a special place to many people. To help keep it as pristine as possible and to ensure your own safety, please observe these sustainable practices and follow these rules of the road and basic safety tips.

JANUARY 2024

January brings some of our nicest weather, although it does introduce the rainy season. The cool weather keeps the fog and haze away, offering up cool, yet clear blue skies in the daytime, and perfect weather for stargazing at night. Big Sur is known to astronomers as the best place in the country for observing the heavens because there is very little ambient light pollution.

Get a close up view of the California Gray whales as they make their annual southern journey from the frigid waters of the Bering and Chukchi Seas to the warm lagoons of Baja California. Each year the total population of the Gray Whales migrates twice along the coast of Big Sur. Once when going to Mexico (December-February) and once when returning to the Alaskan waters (March-May). Gray Whales are known to still have a few stragglers migrating up the coast throughout the summer months. Come see the California Gray Whale migration, easily visible from the roadside turnouts.


Female elephant seals continue to arrive on the shoreline in Southern Big Sur. Peak of births usually are the last half of the month.

Sea otter pups are born between January and March. Keep your eyes open for baby sea otters alongside their mothers. The male departs a few days after the mating and has no role in the upbringing of the pups.

January (Weekends)

Whale Watching & Condor Spotting
Saturdays: 10:00 am - Noon

(831) 667-2315 California State Parks is proud to present Ranger guided whale watching and California condor spotting. Come celebrate with us the migration of the California Gray Whales off the Big Sur Coast and keep an eye on the sky for soaring condors. Meet at the Vista Turnout located at Mile Marker 37, one mile north of Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park. Drop in. Rangers will be available with binoculars. Weather permitting.
January

Point Sur Lightstation

Point Sur Lightstation Tours
For the first time ever the Point Sur Naval Facility is now open for walking tours. It is the only remaining complete, stand alone (SOSUS) Naval Facility (from the Cold War) on the west coast. As part of the Point Sur State Historic Park, restoration is beginning and limited access is possible.
January 20, 2024 Big Sur Foragers Festival The Big Sur Foragers Festival brings back its popular "Wild Foraging Walk and Talk" and more this year.
January Fernwood Campground and Resort 1/6 The Ouchi Boo Boos
1/13 Flat Sun Society
1/19-20 Forrest Day
1/27 Levi Thomas

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Big Sur California Calendar of Events Big Sur

FEBRUARY 2024

February is pretty quiet around here. To get a good idea of what life used to be during pioneer days and if you want the beaches or forests to yourself, this is the time to come. Bring your waders and fishing pole and explore the Big Sur River. Be sure to spend some time watching the Gray Whale migration. From most any roadside turnout you can see Gray Whales on their journey to the warm lagoons of Mexico. It may take a while to train your eyes to spot them. Watch for the spouts of water spraying in the air. They begin their return journey to the feeding grounds off the coast of Alaska as early as March and continue through spring.

Sea otter pups are born between January and March. Keep your eyes open for baby sea otters alongside their mothers. The male departs a few days after the mating and has no role in the upbringing of the pups.


Elephant seal births continue. The peak of mating is around Valentine's Day. More females leave.


February Weekends

Whale Watching & Condor Spotting
Saturdays:
10:00 am - Noon
(831) 667-2315 California State Parks is proud to present Ranger guided whale watching and California condor spotting. Come celebrate with us the migration of the California Gray Whales off the Big Sur Coast and keep an eye on the sky for soaring condors. Meet at the Vista Turnout located at Mile Marker 37, one mile north of Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park. Drop in. Rangers will be available with binoculars. Weather permitting.

February

Point Sur Lightstation Point Sur Lightstation Tours
For the first time ever the Point Sur Naval Facility is now open for walking tours. It is the only remaining complete, stand alone (SOSUS) Naval Facility (from the Cold War) on the west coast. As part of the Point Sur State Historic Park, restoration is beginning and limited access is possible.
February Fernwood Campground and Resort 2/3 Pfeiffer Beach Hotel
2/10 Ismay and Kelly McFarling
2/17 TBA
2/23-24 Mapache Weekend

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Big Sur California Calendar of Events Big Sur

MARCH 2024

Mother Gray whales and their calves swim close to shore on their return migration to the Arctic. Spring bulbs begin to blossom; willows and calla lillies bloom along the creeks and wild iris appear in the forest. The hills are emerald green.

Sea otter pups are born between January and March. Keep your eyes open for baby sea otters alongside their mothers. The male departs a few days after the mating and has no role in the upbringing of the pups.

March

Point Sur Lightstation Point Sur Lightstation Tours
For the first time ever the Point Sur Naval Facility is now open for walking tours. It is the only remaining complete, stand alone (SOSUS) Naval Facility (from the Cold War) on the west coast. As part of the Point Sur State Historic Park, restoration is beginning and limited access is possible.
March Fernwood Campground and Resort 3/2 Windows
3/9 Forest Ray & the Derls
3/16 TBA
3/17 The Shenanigans
3/23 TBA
3/30 Meez
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APRIL 2024
April is springtime in the gardens of the northern hemisphere and Big Sur is no different. The hillsides come alive with California Poppies and wildflowers and the streams are still running clear and deep.

April

Point Sur Lightstation Point Sur Lightstation Tours
Saturdays & Sundays: 10:00 AM

For the first time ever the Point Sur Naval Facility is now open for walking tours. It is the only remaining complete, stand alone (SOSUS) Naval Facility (from the Cold War) on the west coast. As part of the Point Sur State Historic Park, restoration is beginning and limited access is possible.
April 28 Big Sur International Marathon Once again the Big Sur Marathon has been voted the BEST MARATHON in North America by the Ultimate Guide to Marathons. Join us in Big Sur for the most spectacular run in America.
April Fernwood Campground and Resort 4/5 Laetitia Saider
4/13 Richard Gans
4/20 Casual Country

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Big Sur California Calendar of Events Big Sur Concerts 
MAY 2024

In May, the emerald green hillsides begin fading to the golden color of a lion's back and are covered in California Poppies, Lupine, and a variety of other wildflowers. The perfect month for a hike and a picnic. For information on hiking in the Ventana Wilderness call the Big Sur Station (831) 667-2315

Campfire Program presented by Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park

The Ventana Wilderness Alliance maintains an On-Line Trail Conditions Report
of most, if not all, trails in the Ventana Wilderness Area. This is the place to check for the most current online information about trails.

May Point Sur Lightstation

Point Sur Lightstation Tours
Saturdays & Sundays: 10:00 AM


For the first time ever the Point Sur Naval Facility is now open for walking tours. It is the only remaining complete, stand alone (SOSUS) Naval Facility (from the Cold War) on the west coast. As part of the Point Sur State Historic Park, restoration is beginning and limited access is possible.

May Weekends Big Sur Historical Society
Sat & Sun.
11am - 3pm
Molera Ranch House
The Big Sur Cultural and Natural History Center in the Molera Ranch House showcases the rich heritage and diverse natural habitats of the coast. Located within Andrew Molera State Park.
May Fernwood Campground and Resort 5/4 Scarlet
5/11 TBA
5/17-19 HIPNIC XV
5/25 Songs Hotbox Harry Taught Us

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Big Sur California Calendar of Events Big Sur jazz festival 

JUNE 2024

The Junior Ranger Program, guided nature walks and nature discussions begin in Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park. These programs extend through Labor Day. Click Here to view the schedule.

Discovery Center - Ventana Wildlife Society Discovery Center located at Andrew Molera State Park. Open Saturday & Sunday 10:00 am - 4:00 pm from Memorial Day to Labor Day.

Download our local Big Sur Visitors Guide in Adobe PDF.

June Point Sur Lightstation Point Sur Lightstation Tours
Saturdays and Sundays: 10:00 AM


For the first time ever the Point Sur Naval Facility is now open for walking tours. It is the only remaining complete, stand alone (SOSUS) Naval Facility (from the Cold War) on the west coast. As part of the Point Sur State Historic Park, restoration is beginning and limited access is possible.
June Weekends

Big Sur Historical Society
Sat & Sun.
11am - 3pm

(831) 620-0541 Molera Ranch House
The Big Sur Cultural and Natural History Center in the Molera Ranch House showcases the rich heritage and diverse natural habitats of the coast. Located within Andrew Molera State Park.

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Big Sur California Calendar of Events Big Sur Blues festival 

JULY 2024

The Junior Ranger Program, guided nature walks and a nightly campfire program with slide shows, singing, and nature discussions begin in Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park.

Ventana Wildlife Society Discovery Center located at Andrew Molera State Park. Open Saturday & Sunday 10:00 am - 4:00 pm from Memorial Day to Labor Day.


Download our local Big Sur Visitors Guide in Adobe PDF.

July

Point Sur Lightstation Point Sur Lightstation Tours
Saturdays and Sundays: 10:00 AM

For the first time ever the Point Sur Naval Facility is now open for walking tours. It is the only remaining complete, stand alone (SOSUS) Naval Facility (from the Cold War) on the west coast. As part of the Point Sur State Historic Park, restoration is beginning and limited access is possible.
July

State Parks Program

Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park has an active guided hikes, Junior Rangers, and Ranger Cubs programs through the summer months; Memorial Day through Labor Day. A series of activities for the whole family. Park day use fees apply for Nature Walks and daytime activities.
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Big Sur California Calendar of Events Big Sur Ventana Wildlife Society

AUGUST 2024

August is a good month for family activities, tubing down the Big Sur River, exploring tide pools along the Big Sur beaches, having a barbecue in one of Big Sur's State Parks. Simply a beautiful time of year to be here. In the winter Big Sur is blessed with the Gray Whale migration. Summer brings us the largest mammals on earth, the Blue Whales. In addition the Humpback Whales , and Orcas are in town. Enjoy these giants from the roadside turnouts. Remember to bring your binoculars.

The Junior Ranger Program, guided nature walks and a nightly campfire program with slide shows, singing, and nature discussions in Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park.

Ventana Wildlife Society Discovery Center located at Andrew Molera State Park. Open Saturday & Sunday 10:00 am - 4:00 pm from Memorial Day to Labor Day.

Download our local Big Sur Visitors Guide in Adobe PDF.

August Point Sur Lightstation Point Sur Lightstation Tours
Saturdays & Sundays: 10:00 AM

For the first time ever the Point Sur Naval Facility is now open for walking tours. It is the only remaining complete, stand alone (SOSUS) Naval Facility (from the Cold War) on the west coast. As part of the Point Sur State Historic Park, restoration is beginning and limited access is possible.
August State Parks Program Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park has an active guided hikes, Junior Rangers, and Ranger Cubs programs through the summer months; Memorial Day through Labor Day. A series of activities for the whole family. Park day use fees apply for Nature Walks and daytime activities.

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Big Sur California Calendar of Events Big Sur Ventana Wildlife Society

SEPTEMBER 2024

September winds down the tourist season in Big Sur yet the weather is still some of the best of the year. Summer and Fall bring us the largest mammals on earth, the Blue Whales. In addition, the Humpback Whales and Orcas are swimming in our coastal waters at this time of the year. Soon to be replaced by the spectacular annual migration of Gray Whales whose total population swims by our coastline twice every year; once when going to the lagoons of Mexico to birth and breed, and once when returning to the Alaskan waters to feed for the summer. Enjoy these amazing adaptations to life on the blue, watery planet conveniently from the roadside turnouts. Bring binoculars. Some of the best theater in town!

Download our local Big Sur Visitors Guide in Adobe PDF.

September

Point Sur Lightstation

Point Sur Lightstation Tours
Saturdays & Sundays: 10:00 AM


For the first time ever the Point Sur Naval Facility is now open for walking tours. It is the only remaining complete, stand alone (SOSUS) Naval Facility (from the Cold War) on the west coast. As part of the Point Sur State Historic Park, restoration is beginning and limited access is possible.

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Big Sur California Calendar of Events Big Sur Blues Festival

OCTOBER 2024

State Parks Campfire Program 
Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park has an active guided hikes, Junior Rangers, and Ranger Cubs programs through the summer months; Memorial Day through Labor Day. A series of activities for the whole family. Park day use fees apply for Nature Walks and daytime activities.

October brings Indian summer days with bright blue skies. The forest comes alive with color as leaves of deciduous trees turn golden. Monarch butterflies return to their annual wintering grounds and can be seen by the hundreds at Andrew Molera State Park and throughout Big Sur.

Download our local Big Sur Visitors Guide in Adobe PDF.

October

Point Sur Lightstation

Point Sur Lightstation Tours
Saturdays: 10:00 AM
Wednesdays: 1:00 PM

For the first time ever the Point Sur Naval Facility is now open for walking tours. It is the only remaining complete, stand alone (SOSUS) Naval Facility (from the Cold War) on the west coast. As part of the Point Sur State Historic Park, restoration is beginning and limited access is possible.

October

29th Annual Big Sur Jade Festival

(831) 659-3857 Each year the Jade Festival brings musicians, artists, crafts people, and rockhounds together in an annual fundraiser for the South Coast Community Land Trust.
FREE! Call for more information. Vender Information:
(831) 402-1143
e-mail:
surjade@hotmail.com

October Big Sur River Run "The most beautiful 10k in the world!" Held annually in Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park. All flat, black-top road loop alongside the Big Sur River through redwood and oak groves. The 10k Run and 5k Walk benefit the Big Sur Health Center and the Big Sur Volunteer Fire Brigade."
October 31

Nepenthe

Halloween Bal Masque. Every year Nepenthe sponsors a benefit for the Big Sur Volunteer Fire Brigade. Considered one of the big events of the season with elaborate costumes, live music.

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Big Sur California Calendar of Events Big Sur Blues Festival

NOVEMBER 2024

November begins the Steelhead Salmon fishing season and the very early, most ambitious Gray Whales begin their migration to the lagoons of Mexico. Twice every year the total Gray Whale population migrates past the Big Sur coastline. Spectacular viewing is available from nearly any roadside turnout. Bring your binoculars and get up close and personal.

Elephant Seals begin coming on shore to mate in Southern Big Sur.

Download our local Big Sur Visitors Guide in Adobe PDF.

November

Point Sur Lightstation (831) 625-4419 Point Sur Lightstation Tours
Saturdays: 10:00 AM
Wednesdays: 1:00 PM

For the first time ever the Point Sur Naval Facility is now open for walking tours. It is the only remaining complete, stand alone (SOSUS) Naval Facility (from the Cold War) on the west coast. As part of the Point Sur State Historic Park, restoration is beginning and limited access is possible.

November 1-3

Big Sur Food & Wine Festival

The Big Sur Food & Wine Festival features dozens of acclaimed wineries, some of the best and brightest stars in California, in a three-day epicurean event set along one of the most rugged and pristinely beautiful coastlines in the world. We are honored and grateful to have a stellar Sommelier team to provide not only wine education, but to help showcase these spectacular producers.
November 8-10 Monterey Bay Half Marathon Monterey Bay Half Marathon is held in Monterey. Includes a 5k, 3k and Ocean View Challenge.
November

Big Sur Harvest Faire
At the Big Sur Grange Hall

Pre-show Fri 2-5pm
Sat 10-5pm
Sun 10-4pm

The annual Big Sur Grange Fall Harvest Fair has beautiful handmade crafts from local artisans!
Jewelry, knitted garments, clothing, lotions & potions, art and much much more!

Thanksgiving Weekend
Saturday & Sunday 10am-5pm

At the Grange in Big Sur
on the West side of Highway 1
26 miles South of Rio Road Carmel
1 mile South of Big Sur River Inn

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Big Sur California Calendar of Events Big Sur Blues Festival

DECEMBER 2023

The clear December skies make the night time star gazing spectacular and the day time sight seeing down the coast is equally amazing. Big Sur is known to astronomers as the best place in the country for viewing the heavens because there is so little "light pollution."

Special end of year State Parks Campfire Programs

During the daytime hours one can while away the time watching the spectacular sights of the Gray Whale migration as they make their way to the lagoons of Mexico to have their babies. Overhead one can view the equally spectacular sight of the California Condor in flight. The Ventana Wildlife Society will be further adding to the growing population of California Condors who are now living in Big Sur. Learn more about the California Condor Reintroduction program by visiting our Condor information page. Elephant Seals come on shore to give birth, mate, and molt in southern Big Sur.

Elephant Seals begin coming on shore to mate in Southern Big Sur.

Download our local Big Sur Visitors Guide in Adobe PDF.

December Point Sur Lightstation Point Sur Lightstation Tours
For the first time ever the Point Sur Naval Facility is now open for walking tours. It is the only remaining complete, stand alone (SOSUS) Naval Facility (from the Cold War) on the west coast. As part of the Point Sur State Historic Park, restoration is beginning and limited access is possible.
December Fernwood Campground and Resort 12/31 Harry & the Hitmen

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PDF
Download our local Big Sur Visitors Guide in Adobe PDF.



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Big Sur Chamber of Commerce - http://www.bigsurcalifornia.org (831) 667-2100