Spend the day exploring Santa Monica Pier, featuring an amusement park with a ferris wheel, roller coaster, and arcade games - all overlooking the beach. Experience the Pacific Park, the aquarium, and sampling some seafood at the many restaurants.
One of Hollywood's famous location for movies and TV shows, Malibu Creek State Park offers exciting outdoor activities such as hiking, rock climbing, and camping - as well as a variety of wildlife and flora. Don’t miss out the stunning Rock Pool and MASH set hike and witness nature’s beauty.
Visit the palatial estate of William Randolph Hearst located in San Simeon. The property is home to 165 rooms, gardens, terraces, pools, and the largest private zoo. Take the Grand Rooms tour or to gain more personal knowledge of the castle, consider taking The Upstairs Suites Tour.
Big Sur is a scenic rugged coastline of California, with breathtaking views all around. Spend time near the Pacific Ocean, swimming, surfing, and watching sea otters. Later, head to Pfeiffer Beach to see the magnificent Keyhole Arch, purple sand beach, and frequent dolphin sightings
The Monterey Bay Aquarium is perennially named one of the top aquariums in the world, with a huge range of species and habitats to explore. Sea Otters, jellyfish, and penguins are just a few examples of the diverse range of flora and fauna on display. Don't miss the 360-degree ocean tunnel and interactive exhibits.
If you have more time, you can visit more state parks near Big Sur such as Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park or Point Lobos State Natural Reserve. If you have less time, skip Malibu Creek State Park and spend an extra day hiking in Big Sur. Remember, parking fees can be avoided by arriving early in the morning or parking outside the state parks.