Garrapata Beach
Garrapata Beach is a rugged stretch of Big Sur coastline where sea stacks, crashing surf, and rocky coves come together to create one of the most dramatic shoreline scenes in California. You can explore multiple vantage points here, from the blufftop trail that gives you sweeping elevated views down the coast to the beach level where waves surge through narrow channels between the rocks. The sea stacks are your main subjects; try positioning them against a colorful sky or using long exposure to smooth out the water rushing around their bases. Sunset is the prime time to shoot, with warm golden light raking across the cliffs and reflecting off wet sand, but overcast days also work well for dramatic, moody coastal images. A wide angle lens handles the expansive seascape, while a telephoto lets you isolate the stacks and wave details. Parking is along Highway 1 and the trails down to the shore are short but can be steep. (Big Sur, California, United States)
