Did you know that Limekiln State Park houses some of the oldest redwoods in Monterey County, with trees dating back over 900 years? This hidden gem along California’s breathtaking Big Sur coastline packs remarkable diversity into its modest 716 acres (290 hectares). Visitors can explore ancient redwood groves, marvel at historic industrial ruins, chase waterfalls, and relax on a secluded beach—all within a single afternoon. The park’s unique combination of natural beauty and historical significance makes it an essential stop on any Big Sur journey.
Getting There & Planning Your Journey
Limekiln State Park is nestled along Highway 1 in the heart of Big Sur, approximately 90 km (56 miles) south of Monterey and 72 km (45 miles) north of Cambria. The park entrance appears suddenly on the east side of the highway, marked by a modest sign that requires vigilance to spot while navigating the winding coastal road. The parking area is limited, so arriving early, especially during summer weekends, is highly recommended.
The nearest airports serving Limekiln State Park include:
- Monterey Regional Airport (MRY) – 93 km (58 miles)
- San Jose International Airport (SJC) – 185 km (115 miles)
- San Francisco International Airport (SFO) – 241 km (150 miles)
A personal vehicle is essential for reaching the park, as public transportation options are virtually nonexistent in this remote stretch of coastline. The journey along Highway 1 is itself a spectacular experience, with countless vista points where you can pause to admire the rugged Pacific shoreline. Allow extra travel time to accommodate these scenic stops and the highway’s meandering nature.
Start Your Limekiln Adventure
Book your flights and secure a rental car early to ensure availability for your Big Sur journey.
Best Time to Visit Limekiln State Park
The prime season for exploring Limekiln State Park spans from late April through October when the weather is most reliable and trail conditions are optimal. During these months, temperatures typically hover between 15-21°C (60-70°F), creating ideal conditions for hiking through the redwoods and enjoying the beach. The park is open daily from 8:00 AM until sunset, with a day-use fee of $10 per vehicle (cash only).
| Season | Advantages | Considerations |
| Spring (Apr-May) | Vibrant wildflowers, robust waterfall flow, fewer visitors | Possible lingering rain showers, creek crossings may be challenging |
| Summer (Jun-Aug) | Consistent sunny weather, extended daylight hours | Peak crowds, limited parking availability, advance camping reservations essential |
| Fall (Sep-Oct) | Pleasant temperatures, diminished crowds, clearer coastal views | Waterfall may have reduced flow, fog can appear suddenly |
| Winter (Nov-Mar) | Solitude, dramatic storm watching, lush forest conditions | Frequent rain, potential trail closures, muddy conditions, possible highway closures |
Weekday visits, particularly in the morning hours, offer the most tranquil experience. The park’s modest size means it can feel crowded during summer weekends and holidays. Remember to bring exact change for the entrance fee, as the unmanned kiosk doesn’t provide change, and credit cards aren’t accepted.
Getting Around Locally
Limekiln State Park’s compact 716-acre (290-hectare) footprint makes it easily explorable on foot. The park features three primary trails that branch from a central hub near the entrance and campground:
- Hare Creek Trail (0.5 km/0.3 miles one-way) – Gentle path alongside a creek through redwoods
- Limekiln Trail (0.8 km/0.5 miles one-way) – Moderate hike to the historic kilns
- Falls Trail (0.8 km/0.5 miles one-way) – Moderately challenging route to the waterfall
All trails are well-marked and begin near the campground area. Waterproof hiking shoes are strongly recommended, particularly for the Falls Trail which requires multiple creek crossings. During the rainy season or after heavy precipitation, hikers should be prepared to wade through ankle-deep water to reach the waterfall. The entire trail system can be comfortably explored in 2-3 hours at a leisurely pace.
Where to Stay
Limekiln Campground
Experience the magic of sleeping beneath ancient redwoods at Limekiln’s intimate campground. The park offers 29 campsites divided between a redwood forest section and an oceanview area. Each site includes a fire ring, picnic table, and food storage locker, with access to restrooms featuring flush toilets and coin-operated hot showers.
- Nightly rate: $35
- Maximum stay: 7 consecutive nights
- Vehicle restrictions: 24 feet (7.3 m) maximum length
Nearby Accommodations
For those seeking alternatives to camping, several distinctive lodging options exist within a short drive:
- Treebones Resort (14 km/9 miles south) – Eco-luxury yurts with panoramic ocean views
- Lucia Lodge (5 km/3 miles north) – Historic cliffside cabins with restaurant
- Kirk Creek Campground (10 km/6 miles south) – Dramatic blufftop camping with ocean vistas
Big Sur Area Lodging
For more amenities and dining options, consider staying in the broader Big Sur region, approximately 30-45 minutes north:
- Big Sur Lodge – Comfortable rooms within Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park
- Post Ranch Inn – Luxury cliffside resort with acclaimed restaurant
- Glen Oaks Big Sur – Modernized motor lodge with riverside cabins
Dining & Local Cuisine
Limekiln State Park doesn’t offer food services, so visitors should come prepared with their own provisions. The park provides several picnic areas with tables near the beach and campground, creating perfect settings for enjoying meals amid natural splendor.
Dining Options Near Limekiln
The remote location means restaurant choices are limited but distinctive:
- Lucia Lodge Restaurant (5 km/3 miles north) – Historic cliffside eatery serving fresh seafood with spectacular ocean views
- Treebones Wild Coast Restaurant (14 km/9 miles south) – Organic, garden-to-table cuisine featuring ingredients grown on-site
- Whale Watchers Café at Gorda Springs (19 km/12 miles south) – Casual roadside stop for burgers and comfort food
Picnic Pro Tip: Before your visit, stock up on provisions in Carmel or Cambria, depending on your approach direction. The Big Sur General Store (48 km/30 miles north) offers limited groceries at premium prices if you need last-minute supplies.
Attractions, Sightseeing & Activities
Historic Lime Kilns
The park’s namesake industrial relics stand as impressive monuments to 19th-century innovation. These four massive stone furnaces, constructed in 1887-1888, once transformed limestone into lime for construction materials throughout California. The Rockland Lime and Lumber Company operated these kilns intensively for just three years before depleting local limestone and redwood resources.
The moderate 0.8 km (0.5 mile) Limekiln Trail leads visitors directly to these remarkably preserved structures. Standing beside these towering kilns offers a fascinating glimpse into California’s industrial heritage amid an unlikely forest setting.
Limekiln Falls
The park’s signature waterfall drops an impressive 30 meters (100 feet) down a dramatic limestone face. The cascade splits into a distinctive fan shape as it descends, creating a mesmerizing visual effect. The falls maintain some flow year-round but are most spectacular in spring following winter rains.
Reaching this natural wonder requires a moderate 0.8 km (0.5 mile) hike along the Falls Trail, involving several creek crossings that add to the adventure. The journey culminates at a viewing area where visitors can feel the refreshing mist while surrounded by ferns, moss-covered rocks, and the sound of rushing water echoing through the redwood canyon.
Limekiln Beach
Where Limekiln Creek meets the Pacific Ocean lies a small but captivating beach that offers a quintessential Big Sur coastal experience. This often-overlooked gem provides a perfect setting for beachcombing, photography, and peaceful contemplation of the meeting between fresh and salt waters.
The beach sits beneath the Highway 1 bridge and features fascinating rock formations and tide pools that reveal themselves during low tide. While swimming isn’t recommended due to unpredictable currents and cold water temperatures, visitors can wade in the creek’s refreshing waters where it flows across the sand before joining the vast Pacific.
Museums, Cultural Spots & Festivals
While Limekiln State Park itself doesn’t house formal museums or host regular cultural events, the surrounding Big Sur region offers several enriching cultural experiences worth incorporating into your visit:
Henry Miller Memorial Library
Located 40 km (25 miles) north of Limekiln, this bohemian cultural center honors author Henry Miller who lived in Big Sur from 1944-1962. The library hosts literary events, art exhibitions, and intimate concerts in a magical forest setting. Browse the eclectic bookstore featuring works by Miller and other writers inspired by Big Sur’s dramatic landscape.
Phoenix Shop at Nepenthe
This iconic retail space 37 km (23 miles) north showcases local artisans’ work alongside carefully curated goods that reflect Big Sur’s artistic heritage. The adjacent Nepenthe restaurant offers legendary views and has been a gathering place for artists, writers, and travelers since 1949.
Seasonal Events
- Big Sur International Marathon (April) – World-famous race along Highway 1
- Big Sur Food & Wine Festival (November) – Celebration of regional cuisine and wines
- Big Sur Jade Festival (October) – Showcasing locally harvested jade and artisan crafts in nearby Pacific Valley
Discover Big Sur’s Cultural Side
Enhance your Limekiln visit with guided cultural experiences that reveal the rich artistic heritage of the Big Sur region.
Sports, Nature & Outdoor Experiences
Hiking
Limekiln’s trail system offers three distinct hiking experiences that showcase the park’s remarkable diversity:
- Hare Creek Trail: This gentle 0.5 km (0.3 mile) path follows a crystal-clear stream through a lush redwood grove, perfect for forest bathing and quiet contemplation.
- Limekiln Trail: A moderate 0.8 km (0.5 mile) route leading to the historic kilns, combining natural beauty with industrial history.
- Falls Trail: This moderately challenging 0.8 km (0.5 mile) adventure involves multiple creek crossings to reach the spectacular waterfall.
All trails interconnect, allowing visitors to experience the park’s complete offerings in a single 2-3 hour excursion. Early morning hikes offer the best lighting for photography and wildlife viewing.
Coastal Activities
While swimming is not recommended due to strong currents and cold water temperatures, Limekiln’s beach area offers numerous recreational opportunities:
- Tide pooling during low tide reveals fascinating marine ecosystems
- Beachcombing along the shoreline often yields interesting driftwood and stones
- Creek wading where Limekiln Creek crosses the beach provides refreshing relaxation
- Photography opportunities abound where the creek meets the ocean
For those seeking more adventurous coastal experiences, kayak tours of the Big Sur coastline can be arranged through outfitters in nearby communities, offering a unique perspective of this dramatic shoreline.
Wildlife Observation
Limekiln State Park hosts diverse wildlife across its varied ecosystems:
- Black-tailed deer frequently appear in forest clearings, especially at dawn and dusk
- Banana slugs, bright yellow forest dwellers, emerge after rainfall
- Stellar’s jays, acorn woodpeckers, and Wilson’s warblers populate the forest canopy
- Harbor seals and sea otters occasionally visible from the beach
Morning and evening hours offer optimal wildlife viewing opportunities. Bring binoculars for spotting marine mammals from the coastline and birds in the forest canopy. Remember to maintain a respectful distance from all wildlife and never feed wild animals.
Safety, Etiquette & Local Customs
Safety Considerations
- Creek Crossings: The Falls Trail requires multiple water crossings that can become challenging after heavy rain. Wear appropriate footwear and use caution on slippery rocks.
- Poison Oak: This irritating plant grows abundantly throughout the park. Learn to recognize its “leaves of three” pattern and stay on established trails to avoid contact.
- Marine Hazards: Strong currents, cold water temperatures, and submerged rocks make ocean swimming dangerous. Enjoy the beach but respect the powerful Pacific.
- Communication: Cell service is nonexistent within the park and spotty throughout Big Sur. Download maps offline and inform someone of your plans before visiting.
- Wildlife: Store food securely when camping to avoid attracting animals. Never approach or feed wildlife, including seemingly friendly raccoons and jays.
Fire Safety Alert: Due to extreme wildfire risk in the region, campfires are strictly regulated and may be prohibited during dry periods. Always check current fire restrictions before your visit, never leave fires unattended, and ensure they are completely extinguished before departing.
Park Etiquette
- Leave No Trace: Pack out all trash and leave natural and historical features undisturbed for future visitors to enjoy.
- Historical Preservation: The lime kilns are irreplaceable historical artifacts. Never climb on, remove material from, or damage these structures.
- Trail Courtesy: Yield to uphill hikers, maintain appropriate noise levels, and stay on established paths to prevent erosion and habitat damage.
- Camping Etiquette: Observe quiet hours from 10 PM to 6 AM, keep your campsite clean, and respect the privacy of neighboring campers.
- Photography: Drones are prohibited in California State Parks. Capture memories respectfully without disturbing wildlife or other visitors’ experiences.
Visitor Comments About Limekiln State Park
“The convergence of history and nature at Limekiln State Park created an unforgettable experience. The short but rewarding hikes led us through magnificent redwoods to both the impressive lime kilns and the stunning waterfall. The multiple creek crossings added a sense of adventure that our whole family enjoyed. Definitely wear water shoes for the falls trail!”
“We almost drove past this hidden gem on our Big Sur road trip! So glad we stopped. The historic kilns were much larger and more fascinating than expected, and the beach area where the creek meets the ocean was a perfect lunch spot. The campground was peaceful with the soothing sounds of the creek nearby. Bring cash for entry and arrive early to secure parking.”
“Limekiln offers the perfect Big Sur sampler platter—redwoods, waterfall, history, and beach all in one compact park. We spent two nights camping under the redwoods and loved every minute. The short trails meant we could explore everything thoroughly and still have time to relax at our campsite. The sound of the creek lulled us to sleep each night. A magical experience!”
Practical Travel Tips
What should I pack for Limekiln State Park?
- $10 cash for entrance fee (exact amount recommended)
- Water-friendly hiking shoes or sandals for creek crossings
- Layered clothing (coastal temperatures can fluctuate rapidly)
- Water bottles and snacks/picnic supplies
- Sunscreen, hat, and sunglasses
- Insect repellent (especially in warmer months)
- Binoculars for wildlife viewing
- Camera for capturing the diverse scenery
How much time should I allocate for visiting?
A minimum of 3-4 hours allows for exploring all three trails and spending time at the beach. For a more immersive experience, consider camping for 1-2 nights. If you’re just passing through on a Big Sur road trip, even a 2-hour stop will provide time to hike to either the waterfall or the kilns and briefly visit the beach.
Are pets allowed in Limekiln State Park?
Dogs are permitted in the campground, day-use areas, and beach but must remain on a leash no longer than 1.8 m (6 feet) at all times. Pets are not allowed on the hiking trails. Remember to bring waste bags and properly dispose of pet waste in designated trash receptacles.
Plan Your Limekiln State Park Adventure
Secure your accommodations, transportation, and activities now to ensure availability for your Big Sur journey.
Your Perfect Big Sur Microadventure Awaits
Limekiln State Park embodies the essence of Big Sur in a remarkably compact package. Where else can you wander through ancient redwoods, marvel at industrial history, chase a waterfall, and relax on a beach—all within a single afternoon? This hidden gem along California’s most dramatic coastline offers a perfect introduction to the region’s diverse ecosystems and rich heritage. Whether you’re making a brief stop during a Highway 1 road trip or settling in for a few days of camping beneath the redwoods, Limekiln delivers an authentic Big Sur experience that connects visitors to both natural wonders and human history. As you plan your visit to this special place where forest meets sea, prepare to be captivated by its intimate scale and outsized beauty—a reminder that sometimes the most meaningful adventures come in smaller packages.
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