The main reason to come to Big Sur [1] is to hike its beaches and forests. As you cruise Highway 1, the parks line up for you.
Links:
[1] http://www.moon.com/destinations/california/central-coast/big-sur
[2] http://www.moon.com/destinations/california/central-coast/big-sur/hiking/garrapata-state-park
[3] http://www.moon.com/destinations/california/central-coast/big-sur/hiking/andrew-molera-state-park
[4] http://www.moon.com/destinations/california/central-coast/big-sur/hiking/pfeiffer-big-sur-state-park
[5] http://www.moon.com/destinations/california/central-coast/big-sur/hiking/julia-pfeiffer-burns-state-park
[6] http://www.moon.com/destinations/california/central-coast/big-sur/hiking/jade-cove-recreation-area