A rugged, picturesque resort region along the Pacific coast of California south of Carmel and Monterey. Scenic region along the Pacific coast of California, U.S. It comprises a ruggedly beautiful stretch of seacoast 100 mi (160 km) long. Popular with tourists and naturalists, it extends southward from Carmel to the Hearst Castle at San Simeon. A narrow, mountainous coastal road affords views of the Pacific Ocean and the wilderness areas of the Los Padres National Forest. The Pfeiffer-Big Sur State Park contains the town of Big Sur and borders the Big Sur River. The home of Robinson Jeffers is a local landmark