Big Sur Chamber of Commerce

Calendar of Events

January brings some of our nicest weather, although it does introduce the rainy season. The cool weather keeps the fog and haze away, offering up cool, yet clear blue skies in the daytime, and perfect weather for stargazing at night. Big Sur is known to astronomers as the best place in the country for observing the heavens because there is very little ambient light pollution.

Get a close up view of the California Gray whales as they make their annual southern journey from the frigid waters of the Bering and Chukchi Seas to the warm lagoons of Baja California. Each year the total population of the Gray Whales migrates twice along the coast of Big Sur. Once when going to Mexico (December-February) and once when returning to the Alaskan waters (March-May). Gray Whales are known to still have a few stragglers migrating up the coast throughout the summer months. Come see the California Gray Whale migration, easily visible from the roadside turnouts.

Ventana Wildlife Society has Condor Tours every 2nd Sunday of the month.

Female elephant seals continue to arrive on the shoreline in Southern Big Sur. Peak of births usually are the last half of the month.

Sea otter pups are born between January and March. Keep your eyes open for baby sea otters alongside their mothers. The male departs a few days after the mating and has no role in the upbringing of the pups.

Whale Watching
10:00 am - Noon

February is pretty quiet around here. To get a good idea of what life used to be during pioneer days and if you want the beaches or forests to yourself, this is the time to come. Bring your waders and fishing pole and explore the Big Sur River. Be sure to spend some time watching the Gray Whale migration. From most any roadside turnout you can see Gray Whales on their journey to the warm lagoons of Mexico. It may take a while to train your eyes to spot them. Watch for the spouts of water spraying in the air. They begin their return journey to the feeding grounds off the coast of Alaska as early as March and continue through spring.

Sea otter pups are born between January and March. Keep your eyes open for baby sea otters alongside their mothers. The male departs a few days after the mating and has no role in the upbringing of the pups.

Ventana Wildlife Society has Condor Tours every 2nd Sunday of the month.

Elephant seal births continue. The peak of mating is around Valentine's Day. More females leave.

Point Sur Lighthouse
10:00 AM for three to four hours.
$20
Hot drinks & use of binoculars provided.

We invite you to join us for the 2012 Big Sur Chanterelle Cook-Off and Festival on February 24 and 25 to celebrate the unique natural wonders of Big Sur, the extraordinary culinary skill of local chefs, world-class local vintners and brew masters, and the talent of local artists.  

With its remarkable bounty and beauty, Big Sur is the centerpiece of the extraordinary California Central Coast. And chanterelles, unlike any other mushroom anywhere, are the epitome of Big Sur's exquisite natural world.

This festival will be a special event for chanterelle and Syrah lovers, a community celebration honoring a tradition of protecting our natural resources, and a benefit for an important community cause.

All 12 celebrated Big Sur chefs will compete this year - and 10 of the extraordinary wine makers from our amazing Santa Lucia region - Carmel Valley to Paso Robles - will enchant you with their incredible wines and charm you with their wonderful stories. Big Sur artists, music makers and garment creators have many wonderful treats for this event.

Special lodging packages are available for Big Sur Lodge and Ventana Inn and Spa.  Add on hiking and wine country trips are available.
http://www.bigsurlodge.com
http://www.ventanainn.com

This year's event will raise funds to benefit health and wellness community programs at the Big Sur Health Center.
http://www.bigsurhealthcenter.org

Mother Gray whales and their calves swim close to shore on their return migration to the Arctic. Spring bulbs begin to blossom; willows and calla lillies bloom along the creeks and wild iris appear in the forest. The hills are emerald green.

Sea otter pups are born between January and March. Keep your eyes open for baby sea otters alongside their mothers. The male departs a few days after the mating and has no role in the upbringing of the pups.

Ventana Wildlife Society has Condor Tours every 2nd Sunday of the month.

Ventana Wildlife Society
Every Saturday & Sunday

Big Sur Historical Society
Sat & Sun.
11am - 3pm

October brings Indian summer days with bright blue skies. The forest comes alive with color as leaves of deciduous trees turn golden. Monarch butterflies return to their annual wintering grounds and can be seen by the hundreds at Andrew Molera State Park and throughout Big Sur.

Ventana Wildlife Society has Condor Tours every 2nd Sunday of the month.

Download our local Big Sur Visitors Guide in Adobe PDF. (2.7Mb)

Pacific Valley School
FREE!
Friday; noon - 6 pm
Sat & Sun 10am-5pm

November begins the Steelhead Salmon fishing season and the very early, most ambitious Gray Whales begin their migration to the lagoons of Mexico. Twice every year the total Gray Whale population migrates past the Big Sur coastline. Spectacular viewing is available from nearly any roadside turnout. Bring your binoculars and get up close and personal.

Ventana Wildlife Society has Condor Tours every 2nd Sunday of the month.

Elephant Seals begin coming on shore to mate in Southern Big Sur.

Download our local Big Sur Visitors Guide in Adobe PDF. (2.7Mb)

During the daytime hours one can while away the time watching the spectacular sights of the Gray Whale migration as they make their way to the lagoons of Mexico to have their babies. Overhead one can view the equally spectacular sight of the California Condor in flight. The Ventana Wildlife Society will be further adding to the growing population of California Condors who are now living in Big Sur. Learn more about the California Condor Reintroduction program by visiting our Condor information page. Elephant Seals come on shore to give birth, mate, and molt in southern Big Sur.

Ventana Wildlife Society has Condor Tours every 2nd Sunday of the month.

Elephant Seals begin coming on shore to mate in Southern Big Sur.

Download our local Big Sur Visitors Guide in Adobe PDF. (2.7Mb)