Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park
Big Sur · Mixed / Open · Either
River canyon and redwood; filtered light, with open meadow areas receiving more direct sun.
See the standing Big Sur access note. This park closes with the highway and with fire in the corridor.
Highway 1 through Big Sur closes recurrently to slides and to fire, and the Big Sur parks close with it. The park's own page on parks.ca.gov carries the current status.
The site
Orientation
Mixed / Open
Tree cover
Heavy
Fog exposure
Inland
Best light
Either
The practical details
Capacity notes
Elopements of 10 or fewer. Events over 10 people by standard special event permit.
Permit conditions
Standard special event permits can be requested up to a year ahead for events over 10 people. Elopements of 10 or fewer up to six months ahead. Same seasonal and holiday-weekend blackout as Andrew Molera. Dogs on a leash in picnic areas, campgrounds and on paved roads only, not on trails.
Commercial photography
Paid photography through the California Film Commission at film.ca.gov, two weeks minimum.
Lead time
Events over 10 people: up to a year ahead. Elopements of 10 or fewer: up to six months ahead. Large or commercial events: sixty days minimum. Film permits: two weeks minimum.
Prohibited
Drones are prohibited across the Big Sur sector. Dogs not allowed on trails.
Parking
Open 8am to sunset, entrance station opens at 8am with self-registration when it is closed. Day use $10 per vehicle, $9 senior, $5 disabled, free with a Golden Bear or Distinguished Veteran pass. Two reservable group picnic areas. Temporary footbridges are typically in place from mid-June to late October. No tour buses or RVs in the lots.
Permit authority
California State Parks, Monterey District, Big Sur Sector. BigSurEvents@parks.ca.gov, (831) 667-0507.
See it on your wedding date
Set your date and this page fills in with the tides, what the weather is usually like, sunset, and where the sun will be.
Sunrise, sunset, and twilight computed for this location. The marine layer rating reflects the time of year on this coast. Orientation and cover recorded for this spot.