Big Sur Chamber of Commerce

Calendar of Events

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

Point Sur Lightstation

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

February

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

April

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.

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

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

State Parks Program

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.

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

Nepenthe

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

November 1-3

Big Sur Food & Wine Festival

Big Sur Harvest Faire
At the Big Sur Grange Hall

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

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.