The Golden State is packed with outdoor escapes perfect for a cool and memorable summer. From peaceful campgrounds and shady forests to coastal hideaways and mountain retreats. The best part? Many of these destinations are just a road trip away…
One of those gems is Limekiln State Park on the Big Sur coast, roughly four hours from L.A. After three long years of closures, the park’s campground officially reopened in April, giving travelers another chance to spend the night among redwoods, rugged coastline views, and peaceful natural surroundings.
With Highway 1 reopening at Regent’s Slide earlier this year and park facilities restored, overnight camping is once again available for visitors looking for a quiet coastal escape. Reservations are strongly recommended, as the campground’s small size makes it one of the more intimate places to camp in the region.
Limekiln State Park, Big Sur’s best-kept secret
Established in 1994 and spanning 711 acres, Limekiln State Park protects one of Big Sur’s most scenic coastal canyons while preserving the remains of a lime-producing operation that dates back to the late 1800s.
One of the park’s main highlights is Limekiln Falls, a nearly 100-foot waterfall hidden deep within the canyon. The trail to the falls winds through a shady redwood forest, making the hike just as memorable as the destination itself.
Another thing that sets Limekiln apart is its beach access. While much of Big Sur’s coastline is difficult to reach, visitors here can easily walk from the redwoods to the shore, where Limekiln Creek meets the Pacific.
