The stretch of California State Route 1 through Big Sur is one of the most photogenic coastal drives in the world. Dramatic cliffs, crashing waves, redwood forests, and iconic bridges make it a dream destination for landscape photographers.

But to truly make it a successful photography focused trip, you must plan ahead of time. Time of year, weather, equipment needed and places that will yield the best photos are just some of the things you need to consider before you set out.

When Should You Go?

When to do your trip depends on what you would like to capture. Is there a particular type of photo you wish to capture? Is it wildlife, flowers, water, big beautiful skies and winding roads? Each season presents different opportunities. Choose accordingly or do them all!

Spring (April–June): Wildflowers bloom and waterfalls are strongest.
Summer (July-August): Beautiful sunrises and sunsets but very busy.
Fall (September–November): Fewer crowds, clear skies.
Winter(December-March): Dramatic waves, but possible landslides, road closures, poor driving conditions.

Time of day also matters:

Just as important as choosing the season you wish to travel in for your photo trip, what time of day you choose to shoot should also be planned. Different times of day present differently in lighting and activity. For example, it may be beautiful to capture midday with the sun overhead, but you must consider exposure, shadows and way more people milling about in your shot.

Arrive early for dramatic sunrises or marine layer fog for moody shots.
Midday for big beautiful skies that span the horizon.
Stay out late for magical sunsets and early evening mist.
Golden hour (just before sunset) creates magical lighting on cliffs.
After dark, catch the stars!

Important Travel Tips

When planning any road trip, you need to figure out where to go, eat and sleep. Big Sur has some unique challenges and you don't want to get caught in the middle of nowhere. Trust me, that can happen! Especially when you are engrossed in your surroundings taking pictures.

Here are a few things to keep in mind:

Gas stations are limited — fill up in Carmel or San Simeon.
Cell service is spotty. Download offline maps.
Drive carefully — narrow lanes and sharp turns.
Respect nature — pack out all trash.
Summer turnouts are large - arrive early.
Never cross guardrails for shots.
Watch traffic when setting up near the road.
Respect closures and protect fragile cliff vegetation.
Always be aware of your surroundings and lock up gear you aren't using.

Recommended Photography Gear

You do not really need to have special equipment if you are just a beginner, even a smartphone will do. But if you are serious about photography, start with a Canon camera and get accessories as you gain experience. Add a tripod and don't forget a lens cloth for getting rid of salt spray.

Advanced Gear:

Mid-range zoom lens(24–70mm)
Wide-angle lenses (16–35mm)
Telephoto lenses (70–200mm or longer)
Polarizer
ND filter (6–10 stop)

Ready to plan the perfect photography focused trip on Big Sur Highway? Here's a 2 day itinerary and tips to be well prepared.

If you are a first time visitor to the Big Sur Highway, here’s a 2-day photography-optimized plan designed around lighting conditions, viewpoints, and crowd timing to get you going.

Day 1: North to Central Big Sur (Golden Coastlines)

Begin at Sunrise at Garrapata Bluffs

Photo Opportunities:

Soft morning light illuminates coastal cliffs.
Spring brings vibrant wildflowers.
Look for layered compositions with sea stacks and winding Highway 1.

Shot Tip: Use a mid-range zoom (24–70mm equivalent) to compress cliffs and ocean textures.

Early Morning – Bixby Creek Bridge

Bixby Creek Bridge is one of the most photographed bridges in California. Built in 1932, it’s an engineering marvel and a must-stop viewpoint.

Photo Opportunites:

Arrive before 9 AM to avoid crowds.
Morning light from the east highlights the bridge structure.
Classic elevated view on the south side.
North-facing view for ocean backdrop.

Pro Tip: A polarizer enhances sky contrast but avoid over-darkening the ocean.

Midday – Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park

Capture the glorious redwoods and beautiful flowing rivers.

Photo Opportunites:

If you have harsh coastal light, head inland.
Diffused light under redwoods works beautifully even mid-day.
Capture long exposures along the Big Sur River.

Gear: Tripod + ND filter for silky water effects.

Sunset – McWay Falls

McWay Falls is inside Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park. An 80-foot waterfall flowing directly onto a secluded beach.

Photo Opportunities:

Face west — ideal for sunset.
Waves catch golden tones.
Afterglow (20–30 min post-sunset) often produces pastel skies.

Composition Tip: Use cliff edges to frame the waterfall.

Day 2: Southern Big Sur & Wildlife

Begin at Sunrise – Sand Dollar Beach

Sand Dollar Beach is the largest sandy beach in Big Sur.

Photo Opportunities:

Arrive at low tide to capture shells on the shore.
Catch the reflections of pastel pink and blue morning light in the water.
Use long exposures to catch wave patterns.
Look for leading lines in retreating tide water.

Settings Idea: ISO 100, f/11, 10–20 sec exposure with ND filter.

Late Morning – Limekiln Falls

Take a short hike in Limekiln State Park to reach the waterfall.

Photo Opportunities:

Best shots after rainfall in spring.
Mossy rocks and the forest canopy create soft light.
Catch the sun through the redwood canopy.

Midday Wildlife – Piedras Blancas Elephant Seal Rookery

Time to capture some action with wildlife! Watch massive elephant seals lounging and sparring along the shoreline.

Photo Opportunites:

Peak activity: December–March (breeding season).
Bring a telephoto lens (200mm+).
Capture behavioral moments — sparring males, mothers with pups.

Sunset – Coastal Cliffs Overlook

Drive north slightly from San Simeon and find elevated cliff pullouts for dramatic final light along the Pacific.

Photo Opportunities:

Capture fairytale sunsets with fiery orange and yellow skies.
Utilize the natural, dramatic, and rugged cliff lines as a frame for the ocean.
Use a faster shutter speed and slightly underexpose to create dramatic silhouettes and rich, defined colors.

Optional addition or substitution:

Hearst Castle

A grand estate built by media magnate William Randolph Hearst. For the perfect picture at Hearst Castle, focus on the iconic, sprawling Neptune Pool, the opulent indoor Roman Pool, and the panoramic coastal views from the terraces. Personal photography is allowed, but flash is restricted to outdoor areas only. Visit during daytime tours for the best lighting, or check for evening tours for a unique, moody atmosphere.