Limekiln State Park: Where Redwoods Meet the Sea

Limekiln State Park, nestled along the Big Sur coast, is a captivating destination where towering redwoods meet the rugged Pacific coastline. Established in 1994, this 711-acre park boasts a rich history and diverse landscape, offering visitors a chance to explore both natural wonders and remnants of California's industrial past.The park's namesake lime kilns stand as silent monuments to a bygone era. Constructed in the late 1880s by the Rockland Lime and Lumber Company, these four massive kilns were used to extract lime from locally quarried limestone. The extracted lime, a key ingredient in cement, was then shipped to Monterey and San Francisco for use in construction. The kilns are a short and easy walk from the parking area.Beyond the kilns, Limekiln State Park offers a variety of outdoor activities. Hiking trails wind through redwood forests, leading to Limekiln Falls, a 100-foot waterfall cascading down a limestone rock face. The Limekiln Trail to Pitkins Curve Trail and ocean view overlook is open.The park also provides access to a protected beach, perfect for sunbathing, beachcombing, and picnicking. Keep an eye out for marine life, including dolphins frolicking in the waves.Limekiln State Park is located two miles south of Lucia off Highway One. Due to storm damage in early 2024, access to the park is limited to travelers coming from the south via Highway 1.