For some of the best coastal scenery in the world, spend some time exploring Big Sur in California. If you’re lucky, you might spot some whales and sea otters as well. Check out the best views and whale watching in Big Sur, California.
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When is the best time of year to visit Big Sur to see whales?
For the best views and whale watching in Big Sur, California, I’d recommend visiting in the summer. In the summer months of June to October, you have the best chance of seeing Blue Whales and Humpback Whales as they travel along the coast on their annual migration. You can learn more about the whales along Big Sur here. The summer months also bring the best chance of good weather as well, so you’re most likely to get some beautiful sunny days for spectacular views.
The best viewpoints along Big Sur, California
You could easily spend days exploring Big Sur and still not see everything. However, if you’re short for time, you can still see some beautiful views not far from Monterey. You could drive along the coast as a day trip from Monterey, and just take regular stops at the many viewpoints. However, if you’re able to spend a few days and stay overnight on the coast, then even better.
I’d recommend buying this travel guide to the California coast (affiliate) ready for your trip. It gives some great recommendations of places to stay along the coast, as well as some useful maps.
Sea Otters at Point Lobos State Natural Reserve
Only about 20 minutes drive out of Monterey, this first viewpoint will be instantly memorable. The nearby beach gives beautiful views over the white sand and gorgeous blue sea. This area of the coast near Monterey and Carmel-by-the-Sea is also known for its sea otters. If you’re lucky, you might be able to spot some sea otters just off the coast, as they relax, play and hunt in the kelp. I love watching sea otters and it’s magical to be able to see them in the wild.
Whale watching near Granite Canyon Bridge
In the summer months, you can see whales at many of the stops along Highway 1. I was super lucky and managed to see Humpback Whales near Granite Canyon Bridge. It was completely unexpected – obviously I’d been looking out for whales the whole day, but when I stopped here I had no idea I’d see them. I was just taking some photos of the view when I saw some movement just beyond a patch of kelp in the sea. And then I realised there were three whales there!
The whales were staying around for ages, and must have found a good food source. They’d spend a bit of time near the surface before taking a deeper dive, and on some of their dives you could see their tail. It was completely magical to be able to stand on the edge of the cliff and just watch whales. There’s no guarantee to be able to spot whales along this coast, but make sure you look carefully at any viewpoint just in case.
Soberanes Canyon Trailhead
For one of the best views and whale watching in Big Sur, California, make sure you stop off at Soberanes Canyon Trailhead. If you’ve got time, it’s a great hike through the trees with beautiful views over the pacific ocean.
Castle Rock Viewpoint and Bixby Creek Bridge
Carry on a bit further down the coast to get to Castle Rock Viewpoint. From here, you can see another of the best views along Big Sur, California. Castle Rock Viewpoint is just before Bixby Creek Bridge, so you’ll be able to stop here to take some photos of the bridge.
The beaches below here are beautiful as well, and really capture the beauty of this area. There’s just no bad angle to taking photos, and on a sunny day the views are breathtaking.
Big Sur Sunsets
Wherever you are along Big Sur in the evening, make sure you take some time to stop and enjoy the changing views as the sun dips down. Sunsets along the California coast can be just beautiful, as the sun sets in the West just over the sea. Find yourself a viewpoint and just take a moment to watch the sunset and reflect on what an amazing coastline this is.
Enjoy the best views and whale watching in Big Sur in California! And remember to check out this great book about the California coast before your trip (affiliate). There’s so much more to do in California, so why not head to Monterey to explore the sights and see some more sea otters. Or you could head to Los Angeles, or travel further up the coast to fun-filled San Francisco or the mountains of Yosemite to continue your adventures.
Have been to Big Sur many times, but never for whale watching. Now I must go!
I hope you’re able to see some whales next time!
I loved California and Big Sur! But, I did not see any whales yet! So, with your great advice, I must come back and see some whales! Thanks for the detailed information and useful tips!
Seeing whales was a highlight of my trip, so I hope you’re able to see some when you next go.
Wow this looks absolutely stunning! So many great views. Thank you for sharing.
Thank you, the views were amazing!
Your pictures are absolutely gorgeous! Seeing whales is always an incredible experience, but those viewpoints are beautiful even without the luck of seeing whales.
Thanks for sharing such practical tips about whale watching in Big Sur. All these viewpoints look so beautiful, especially the one at Castle Rock. And I’d definitely love to see the sea otters as well!
Your pictures are great! They’re so cuteeee! I didn’t get to see much wildlife along the coastline of Big Sur on our trip, but I didn’t know to look for it! Saving this for later.
Awesome! I love experiencing nature in New places so I think I’d enjoy Big Sur, California
Wow wow wow what a magical experience seeing whales in the wild. I’ve never been to Big Sur but it’s on my list and your post has made me want to add it to my list. Thanks for sharing this experience. Also seeing otters-I’ve seen them in England many times but never abroad.
I would love to go whale watching and spot some sea otters in California. I think sea otters are so cute and I think I have only seen them at zoos so it would be really cool to see them in the wild.
I absolutely loved seeing the whales and sea otters in the wild, it was so much better than seeing them in a zoo. I hope you’re able to see some when you visit!
OMG the Castle Rock Viewpoint and Bixby Creek Bridge is sooo pretty! This is by far my favorite scenic outlook view in Big Sur!
Those were my favourite viewpoints as well!
Big Sur is such a beautiful area, what spectacular views and an amazing drive. California coast is great for whales. We had don our bit of whale watching off the coast of San Diego. Great post !
Thank you! I really loved this trip, it’s such an amazing area. I’d love to go whale watching in San Diego too.
Whales and sunsets! Wow! Such a cool experience. The coastline reminds me a little bit of the Great Ocean Road in Australia. We were also supposed to keep an eye out for whales but unfortunately I didn’t see any. Maybe I’ll have better luck in Big Sur!
Yeah it really was amazing! And yes there were similarities to the Great Ocean Road in Australia – another beautiful part of the world.
Oh my goodness! We get plenty of whales in Australia but don’t have otters, would love to see them!
Seeing the whales and otters was amazing, I hope you’re able to go to the USA to see some soon!
What a beautiful place, whales or not. I’d personally love to see a sea otter though. They’re so adorable. But seeing whales in the wild is always a magical experience
It’s so beautiful. And seeing whales and otters in the wild was so special. I hope you’re able to visit one day.