The Big Sur coastline south of the Monterey
Peninsula is a must-see for any itinerary in central California.
This stretch of coastline is best accessed through a series of
California state parks, including Point Lobos State Reserve,
once described famously as the "greatest meeting of land
and water in the world." Unfortunately, dogs are not allowed
on any trails here. Most other parks are not welcoming to canine
hikers either. Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park bans dogs altogether
while others, Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park for example, condemn
dogs to paved surfaces only.
Big Sur is not a complete washout for
dog lovers however, thanks to Pfeiffer Beach. A short sandy trail
leads to one of the most beautiful public beaches in California.
In fact, if anyone has been to Pfeiffer Beach and knows of a
prettier beach to take your dog, please let me know!
The sand is wrapped in spectacular rock
formations making Pfeiffer Beach a very secluded place. The rocks
are sprinkled in the surf as well forming coves and making for
exciting play in the waves for dogs. For the less adventurous
canine swimmer, a small freshwater stream feeds into the beach.
There is also room to hike along the sand to the north for restless
canine hikers. And you won't be lacking for canine company at
Pfeiffer Beach - most everyone who makes the drive down the long,
narrow access road seems to have a dog in the back seat. This
will certainly be one of your most memorable trips to the beach
with your dog anywhere.
Trying to find Pfeiffer Beach can easily
lead to the conclusion that California really, really doesn't
want dogs on its Big Sur beaches. The sign is small and easily
missed but the entrance is at the crest of a hill sort of opposite
from the Ranger Station on Sycamore Canyon Road on Highway 1.
Rather than try and find it you may be better off just stopping
in the Ranger Station to ask.
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