~1.5 Hrs North
Monterey Bay Aquarium
One of the world's great aquariums, set right on Monterey Bay — a full day trip north along scenic Highway 1.
Activities & Links
Adventure Along the Big Sur Coast
Big Sur, Right Outside Your Door
Numerous Hiking Trails Wind Through the Santa Lucia Mountains
Traveling either north or south from Lucia Lodge, less strenuous but equally rewarding options are available for visitors of all ages and skill levels. Highway 1 itself has been ranked among the most scenic drives in the country — the activities below are grouped into three categories: beach access, hiking, and day trips.
Beach Access
Three Beaches, All South of Lucia
Several beaches are tucked in all along the Big Sur coast. These beaches vary depending on time of year and can offer everything from sunbathing to tide pool exploration.
9.3 Miles South of Lucia
Sand Dollar Beach
The largest beach on the south coast of Big Sur, sitting at the base of cliffs beside the Pacific Valley fields — a rare stretch of horizontal land once occupied by the Salinan people. The crescent-shaped beach takes its name from the sand dollars that regularly wash ashore. A stairway of 98 steps leads down to the sand.
Getting ThereDrive approximately 9.2 miles south from Lucia on Highway 1; look for the sign on the right side of the road before the beach comes into view. A $5 day-use fee is collected on-site (Los Padres National Forest).
Beach AccessSwimming (No Lifeguard)SurfingPicnic TablesBluff Trails
9.8 Miles South of Lucia
Jade Cove
The single most famous spot on the coast for finding jade, prized for its variety of shapes, sizes, and colors — Big Sur jade ranks among the finest in the world. Native Californians used jade from this cove for tools and ornaments long before it drew rockhounds from around the globe. Jade is replenished after winter storms break loose new material from the shore and seabed; note that jade may only legally be collected below the high-tide line.
Getting ThereDrive approximately 9.8 miles south from Lucia on Highway 1 and look for the Jade Cove sign on the mountain side of the road; park along the shoulder just past the highway crossing. No entrance fee (Los Padres National Forest).
Beach AccessJade Hunting
11.5 Miles South of Lucia
Willow Creek
A popular spot to find jade, fed by a creek that drains an area of Big Sur once famous for gold discovered during the Gold Rush. Willow Creek is unique for offering a drive right down to the beach, with a lower parking lot next to the ocean and the creek itself.
Getting ThereDrive approximately 11.5 miles south from Lucia on Highway 1 and look for the Willow Creek sign on the right. Park just past the bridge for splendid views, or drive down the hill to the lower parking lot beside the creek.
Beach AccessSwimming (No Lifeguard)SurfingJade HuntingFishingWheelchair Accessible
Hiking
Trails for Every Level, Mostly South of Lucia
Most hiking spots near Lucia Lodge sit on U.S. Forest Service land within the Los Padres National Forest. Trails are free to hike, dogs must stay leashed, and it's worth watching for poison oak along the way.
0.5 Miles South of Lucia · 1.5–3 Hour Hike
Hike to the Hermitage
The closest hike to Lucia Lodge, this 2-mile paved road climbs to the New Camaldoli Hermitage, a working Benedictine monastery. Stunning water and land views open up as the road switches back toward the top. Once there, visit the Hermitage gift shop or sit in on one of the four daily services, held at 5:30 AM, 7 AM, 11:30 AM (Mass), and 6:30 PM. Benches line the route where you can sit and enjoy the view.
Getting ThereDrive or carefully walk 0.5 miles south from Lucia via Highway 1. A sign marks Monastery Road; park at the open area near the bottom of the trail.
ModeratePaved RoadOcean Views
2 Miles South of Lucia · 20 minute Hike
Hike to the Kilns at Limekiln State Park
Historically, limestone (calcium carbonate) was mined in the area and then reduced to Quicklime (calcium oxide) by burning in the 1600° kilns. The quicklime was then loaded on ships docked at Partington cove.
Getting ThereDrive 2 miles south from Lucia via Highway 1 to Limekiln State Park.
Moderate hikeHistoricalBeautiful campground with beach access
South of Lucia · 4-Mile Corridor
The Bluffs Trail
The ocean bluffs above the Pacific Valley fields are laced with trails running roughly north to south. Pull off nearly anywhere along the road, cross through a fence ladder, and meander down to the bluffs for open coastal scenery. The trail eventually leads to the bluffs above Sand Dollar Beach.
Getting ThereAbout 8 miles south of Lucia the terrain opens into the Pacific Valley. Watch for fields on the ocean side of the highway, drive slowly, and pull over anywhere along the fence line to walk down to the bluffs.
EasyOcean ViewsDog Friendly (Leashed)
About 8.5 Miles South of Lucia · 30 Min – All Day
Prewitt Loop Trail
The next-closest hike south of Lucia, on the inland side of the highway. Though the full loop runs 12 miles and should only be attempted by experienced hikers in good trail conditions, most visitors enjoy the scenic round-trip hike from the north entrance — a canyon trail that follows a creek past a waterfall, with switchbacks revealing ever-expanding coastal views. Continue further and the trail opens into a young redwood grove, the shaded forest floor a welcome contrast to the exposed switchbacks below.
Getting ThereThe north trailhead is 17.7 miles south of Lucia Lodge off Highway 1, with a small dirt pull-off on the mountain side of the road. Check current conditions at the nearby ranger station before attempting the full loop.
Moderate–StrenuousWaterfallRedwood Grove
17.8 Miles South of Lucia · Short Walk
Redwood Creek Trail
A short, easy walk to a memorial redwood grove — the southernmost grove of coastal redwoods (Sequoia sempervirens) on the West Coast. Ferns line the edges of the creek, and there's room to wander among the trees at a relaxed pace.
Getting There17.8 miles south of Lucia Lodge on Highway 1; a small pullout marks the trailhead.
EasyRedwood GroveFamily Friendly
22.2 Miles South of Lucia
Salmon Creek Falls Trail
A very popular short hike, good year-round. Salmon Creek is a State Wildlife Preserve, and the falls drop roughly 100 feet. As with most well-known Big Sur hikes, expect company — especially on weekends.
Getting There22.2 miles south of Lucia Lodge on Highway 1; roadside parking is available near the trailhead.
Easy–ModerateWaterfallPopular
Day Trips
Worth the Extra Drive
A number of destinations up and down Highway 1 make for a memorable full-day excursion.
~35 Miles South
Hearst Castle
The historic Hearst estate offers guided tours of its opulent rooms, grounds, and pools — a striking contrast to Big Sur's wild coastline.
34.7 Miles South
Piedras Blancas Elephant Seals
Home to roughly 6,000 elephant seals year-round, swelling to as many as 17,000 during breeding and molting season. A boardwalk and interpretive signs lead to close-up viewing areas.
Plan Your Days
Base Camp for the Whole South Coast
Wake up minutes from the trailheads, beaches, and views above — book direct for the best available rate.