John Little State Natural Reserve
A stunning coastal overlook on Highway 1, offering breathtaking Pacific Ocean vistas and a glimpse of the historic Livermore Cabin.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Best visibility for views
John Little State Natural Reserve
Best Time
Best visibility for views
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A stunning coastal overlook on Highway 1, offering breathtaking Pacific Ocean vistas and a glimpse of the historic Livermore Cabin.
"Simply Beautiful and breathtaking. On a clear day the drive, the views and the trip is picturesque."
🚗 Check Road Status First
Highway 1 can close due to landslides. Always check Caltrans for updates before your trip. :warning:
📶 No Cell Service Here
Download offline maps and important info. Service is unreliable in this remote area. :iphone:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Pacific Ocean Vistas
Coastal bluffs
Breathtaking panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean. Perfect for soaking in the coastal beauty.
Livermore Cabin
Overlooking the Pacific
Historic cabin on a bluff, offering a glimpse into Big Sur's past and stunning ocean panoramas.
Coastal Drive Scenery
Highway 1
The drive itself is picturesque, with dramatic cliffs and ocean vistas. A must-visit for Bay Area residents.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Access & Road Conditions
What to Expect: Minimal Amenities
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Check Road Status First
Highway 1 can close due to landslides. Always check Caltrans for updates before your trip. :warning:
📶 No Cell Service Here
Download offline maps and important info. Service is unreliable in this remote area. :iphone:
Big Sur road trip with closures?
🚰 Pack Your Own Supplies
There are no restrooms or amenities. Bring water, snacks, and anything else you might need. :water_wave:
📸 Capture the Views
The scenic outlooks are perfect for photos. Don't forget your camera! :camerawithflash:
Camping and Hiking in Big Sur
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Check Road Status First
Highway 1 can close due to landslides. Always check Caltrans for updates before your trip. :warning:
📶 No Cell Service Here
Download offline maps and important info. Service is unreliable in this remote area. :iphone:
🚰 Pack Your Own Supplies
There are no restrooms or amenities. Bring water, snacks, and anything else you might need. :water_wave:
📸 Capture the Views
The scenic outlooks are perfect for photos. Don't forget your camera! :camerawithflash:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the absolutely breathtaking and picturesque ocean views, making it a must-visit for its scenic beauty. The drive along Highway 1 is also highlighted as a significant part of the experience. However, some note the lack of amenities and the potential for limited access due to road conditions.
"This is currently as far south as you can go on the PCH with the rockslide. It’s a very nice spot and with the dead end here there was no one else at this spot to disturb the sounds of the sea."
Daniel Smith
"Simply Beautiful and breathtaking. On a clear day the drive, the views and the trip is picturesque. Must visit for bay area residents and visitors."
Varun Kumar Jayanti
"Beautiful atmosphere and great safe observation area!"
Daniel Chaffin
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The reserve is located along Highway 1 in Big Sur, California. It's accessible by car. Be aware that Highway 1 can experience closures due to landslides, so always check Caltrans for current road conditions before you travel.
Parking is typically available along the highway shoulder, but it can be limited, especially during peak times.
John Little State Natural Reserve is a scenic overlook and natural area along Highway 1. You drive to it, but it's not a drive-through park. The road itself offers the scenic journey.
Using a GPS with offline map capabilities is highly recommended, as cell service is very spotty in Big Sur.
Public transportation is extremely limited in this remote area of Big Sur. Driving your own vehicle is the most practical way to visit.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, there are no admission fees or tickets required to visit John Little State Natural Reserve. It's a public natural reserve.
As a natural reserve along a public highway, there are no set opening or closing hours. It's accessible whenever Highway 1 is open.
There is no entrance fee to access John Little State Natural Reserve.
While there are no official hours, visiting at night might be challenging due to limited lighting and potential safety concerns on the highway.
No reservations are needed for John Little State Natural Reserve, as it's a natural overlook and not a developed park with limited capacity.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
The primary activity is enjoying the stunning coastal scenery, taking photos, and appreciating the natural beauty of the Pacific Ocean.
No, there are no restrooms, picnic tables, or other amenities available at John Little State Natural Reserve.
While there are no designated hiking trails within the reserve itself, you can explore the immediate surroundings along the highway shoulder for viewpoints.
You might spot marine life like sea otters or whales from the bluffs, as well as various seabirds.
Always exercise caution and stay a safe distance from the cliff edges, as they can be unstable.
📸 📸 Photography
The scenic outlooks along Highway 1 offer the best vantage points for capturing the dramatic coastline and ocean.
Early mornings and late afternoons offer beautiful light, with golden hour providing stunning colors for photography.
Drone usage may be restricted in state natural reserves and coastal areas. It's best to check local regulations before flying.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive ocean views, and a telephoto lens can be useful for spotting wildlife.
The Livermore Cabin, perched on the bluff, offers a unique photographic subject with the ocean as a backdrop.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🚗 Road Trippers & Photographers
🌿 Nature Enthusiasts
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating Big Sur's Coastal Roads
The reserve itself is a scenic overlook, meaning you'll likely be parking on the shoulder of Highway 1. While this offers immediate access to the views, be mindful of traffic and park safely.
Remember that this is a natural reserve, not a developed park. This means you won't find amenities like restrooms or picnic areas.
The Historic Livermore Cabin
This historic structure offers a tangible connection to the past, hinting at the lives of those who once inhabited this rugged coastline. Beth Livermore, daughter of a prominent California tycoon, was associated with this area, adding a layer of historical intrigue. While the cabin itself may not be open for tours, its presence adds a unique element to the landscape. It serves as a picturesque backdrop for photographs, contrasting the man-made structure with the raw, natural beauty of the Big Sur coast.
Visitors often find it a compelling spot to pause and reflect on the history and enduring allure of this region.The cabin's location on the bluff provides exceptional vantage points for observing the ocean. It’s a place where you can imagine the past while being captivated by the present-day splendor of the sea.
For those interested in local history or simply seeking a unique photo opportunity, the Livermore Cabin is a must-see within the reserve. 
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit