7 Coastal Destinations Around the World That Rival Big Sur

The allure of the edge of the world is hard to shake once you’ve stood on a cliffside with the Pacific salt spray on your face. For those who find solace in the rugged, winding curves of Highway 1, Big Sur isn’t just a location; it is the gold standard of coastal majesty. But the world is vast, and the intersection of towering cliffs, turquoise waters, and ancient forests exists in pockets far beyond the California coastline.

If you are looking to capture that same sense of wonder, that feeling of being very small against a very large, very beautiful horizon, here are seven coastal destinations that rival the spirit of the Big Sur coast.

1. The Na Pali Coast, Kauai, Hawaii

If Big Sur is the king of the mainland, Na Pali is the emerald crown of the Pacific. Accessible only by foot, boat, or helicopter, these 17 miles of cathedral cliffs rise 4,000 feet straight out of the ocean. Much like the Santa Lucia Mountains, the Na Pali coast offers a dramatic verticality that feels prehistoric. Hiking the Kalalau Trail provides that same heart-in-throat sensation as the precipitous drops of the Ventana Wilderness, replacing redwoods with lush tropical canopies and hidden sea caves.

2. The Wild Coast, South Africa

The Wild Coast runs from East London to the Mtamvuna River, making the name of the region apt. This is where you can experience wild landscapes reminding you of those along the Pacific Coast Highway. Here, the cliffs are rugged, shipwrecks abound, and the hiking trails lead up and down the rugged terrain of the green hills, which eventually plunge straight into the Indian Ocean. 

It captures that specific end-of-the-road loneliness that makes the California coast so restorative for the soul.

3. The Great Ocean Road, Australia

There are a few rock formations other than the Twelve Apostles that can rival the harsh beauty of the scenery in the background of Bixby Bridge. It is easy to imagine that driving through this section of the Victorian coastline is almost identical to driving on the California coastline of Big Sur. Think curving roads, limestone columns protruding out of the waves, and immense tracts of national parks. 

The air is crisp, the Southern Ocean is fierce, and the sense of scale is truly humbling.

4. Phuket’s West Coast, Thailand

When we think of coastal drama, we often forget that the Andaman Sea holds some of the most striking limestone karsts on the planet. While much of Thailand is known for its vibrant energy, the secluded western edges of Phuket offer a sophisticated serenity. Here, the jungle-clad cliffs meet the sea in a way that feels both ancient and curated.

This region has evolved into one of the premier luxury travel destinations globally, offering a unique East-meets-West version of the coastal escape. You can spend an entire morning exploring the hills of the Sirinat National Park with landscapes that resemble the boundless expanse of the Pacific Ocean and end up spending an evening at a private villa perched on top of a cliff, where one hears nothing but the roaring waves. It combines luxury living with the awesome force of nature.

5. The Causeway Coastal Route, Northern Ireland

For those who love the moody, fog-drenched mornings of the Central Coast, Northern Ireland’s northern rim is a revelation. The Giant’s Causeway provides an example of geometric basalt columns as well as a walk through a narrow cliff path called the Gobbins along the seashore. This is a place where one can find plenty of mysteries and lush greenery, but above all else, it boasts the roaring Atlantic Ocean against the backdrop of white limestone cliffs.

6. The Atlantic Ocean Road, Norway

If your favorite part of a coastal trip is the engineering marvel of the road itself, Norway’s Atlantic Road is a must-see. It consists of eight bridges hopping across an archipelago, frequently battered by the Norwegian Sea. It is shorter than the California coast, but the intensity is concentrated. In a storm, the waves crash over the tarmac, reminding you, just as a mudslide on the PCH might, that we are merely guests in these wild spaces.

7. The Algarve, Portugal

Portugal’s southern coast is a labyrinth of golden sandstone cliffs, hidden grottos, and turquoise sinkholes. The Seven Hanging Valleys Trail is a coastal walk that rivals any bluff-side hike in California. The contrast between the orange rock and the deep blue water is a photographer’s dream. Like the hidden coves around Pfeiffer Beach, the Algarve is full of secret spots accessible only through narrow stone staircases or by swimming through sea arches at low tide.

Finding the Edge

There is something transformative about where the land ends. Whether it is the redwood-scented air of California or the tropical humidity of the Andaman, these places remind us to look up and look out. They challenge us with their terrain and reward us with their silence.

While Big Sur will always be a spiritual home for many of us, the world is full of these edges. Places where the geography demands your full attention and the horizon offers a much-needed perspective. 

So, pack your boots, keep your eyes on the waterline, and start exploring. The next great view is always just around the bend.