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Pfeiffer Big Sur State ParkvsMonterey Bay Aquarium
Both Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park and Monterey Bay Aquarium are highly recommended by professional reviewers. Overall, Monterey Bay Aquarium is preferred by most writers compared to Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park. Monterey Bay Aquarium comes in at #1 in Central California Coast with recommendations from 7 reviews including Frommer's, Where and Afar Magazine.
Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park
Fodor's
Travel + Leisure
Lonely Planet Lonely Planet
Afar Magazine Afar Magazine Afar Magazine Afar Magazine Travel + Leisure Travel + Leisure
47225 Highway 1, Big Sur, CA 93920
From $0/night
Fodor's "Among the many hiking trails at Pfeiffer Big Sur, a short route through a redwood-filled valley leads to a waterfall." Full review
Travel + Leisure "Deep within Los Padres National Forest, Pfeiffer Beach is a surreal mix of purple sand, giant redwoods, sycamores, and oaks." Full review
Lonely Planet "Best for novice campers and families with young kids, here over 200 campsites nestle in a redwood-shaded valley." Full review
Lonely Planet "Named after Big Sur’s first European settlers who arrived in 1869, this is Big Sur's largest state park, where hiking trails loop through stately redwood groves." Full review
Afar Magazine "Hikes in Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park lead you through redwoods, meadows, oak chaparral, to waterfalls and the sparkling Big Sur River." Full review
Afar Magazine "At the top, there were hundreds of pearly everlasting flowers with their distinctive scent of maple syrup." Full review
Afar Magazine "Despite what the signs say it is a good 13-14 mile hike out to the springs up and down over 1000 feet of elevation. But the struggle is well worth it. " Full review
Afar Magazine "In any season but particularly the spring, you can get drunk by the fragrance of flowers and trees. And have I mentioned you get to see a waterfall that goes into the ocean??" Full review
Travel + Leisure "There are myriad excellent hiking trails in Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park, where awe-inspiring views are plentiful. Inside the park, visitors can find towering sycamore and oak trees."
Big Sur Travel Guide
March 10, 2022
Travel + Leisure "This is the California coast of postcard fame, where arched bridges traverse corrugated river valleys. Endless ocean aligns along the left side of the vehicle, mountains soar skyward on the right."
Monterey Bay Aquarium
Frommer's
Michelin Guide Travel + Leisure Lonely Planet Afar Magazine Afar Magazine
Where
Atlas Obscura Afar Magazine
886 Cannery Row at David Avenue, Monterey, CA 93940
From $0/night
Frommer's "Ranked one of the nation's top family attractions, Monterey's aquarium draws nearly two million visitors a year." Full review
i
Tip: Avoid lines at the gate by ordering tickets in advance by calling tel.
Michelin Guide 2 Stars
"It features more than 250,000 animals and plants of nearly 550 species, representing the full spectrum of Monterey Bay habitats from coastal wetlands and tide pools to deep sea." Full review
Travel + Leisure "Start, of course, with the Monterey Bay Aquarium. Its Splash Zone, an interactive exhibit for kids, recently doubled in size—now you can walk “through” a giant kelp forest." Full review
Lonely PlanetTop choice
"Monterey’s most mesmerizing experience is its enormous aquarium, built on the former site of the city’s largest sardine cannery." Full review
i
To avoid long lines in summer and on weekends and holidays, buy tickets in advance.
Afar Magazine "The Monterey Bay Aquariums is arguably one of the best aquariums in the country." Full review
Afar Magazine "Fun and educational but crowded." Full review
Where "In a gorgeous seaside location, this world-class, nonprofit, family-friendly aquarium focuses on the conservation of the oceans." Full review
Atlas Obscura "One of the most elaborate displays of Jellyfish is on display at the aquarium. " Full review
Afar Magazine "When you stand on the Monterey bluffs and look at the bay, the vast expanse of marine protected areas may inspire you to learn more about conservation of the ocean and its creatures." Full review
