Itinerary - Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park

Day 1

The excursion begins at 2pm at our secluded base camp in the beautifully wooded Big Sur Campground. After everyone has settled in, we will enjoy ocean view dining at one of Big Sur's most popular restaurant, the Nepenthe.

After dinner, we will hike down to beautiful Pfeiffer Beach to watch the sun set into the glowing pacific. We'll return to our base camp to gather around the evening campfire and savor warm drinks as we discuss our schedule of activities for the week.

Day 2

After waking up and preparing for our day in the field, we will head to the Big Sur lodge for a hearty breakfast buffet. Once we arrive at the project site, park biologists will provide further information and direct us on this important conservation effort to restore Big Sur's unique ecosystems. The project will wrap up by early afternoon at which time we will leave for Partington Cove, a little visited area but very beautiful section of Big Sur. The water in the cove is unbelievably aqua and within it grows incredible kelp forests. From there we will drive further south the highway to photograph beautiful McWay Falls, the only waterfall in Big Sur that spills into the Pacific. That evening we will head to Big Sur River Inn for a sunset dinner and return to our base camp for a time of relaxation around the campfire.

Day 3

Today we will be volunteering on our project again.

After our volunteer work, we will head north on world famous Highway One to visit Andrew Molera State Beach and the historic Big Sur Lighthouse. There will also be an opportunity to take a horseback tour of this beautiful coastal area.

After dinner at the quaint but popular Big Sur Roadhouse we will enjoy musical entertainment at this casual gathering spot.

Day 4

This morning we will head north to visit beautiful Carmel by the Seas. On the way we'll stop to photograph the famous Bixby Bridge and hike along the beach at Garrapata State Park. We will gather at the quaint town of Carmel for lunch and visit a number of the local shops. From there we will drive up the coast to visit the fascinating shark displays and other marine wildlife areas at the Monterey Bay Aquirium. Once we have concluded the tour we will celebrate a wonderful day with dinner at one of the areas fine restaurants.

Day 5

After breakfast we will break camp and head out to hike the spectacular cliffs and coastlines of Big Sur. There are amazing coastal features and beautiful beaches where we can relax and take in the sites. After enjoying our last hike together we'll gather for a Farewell Ceremony and reflect upon our shared experiences on this extraordinary volunteer vacation.

Check the Big Sur dates and rates.

Thank you for helping to preserve the remarkable Big Sur wilderness.