Big Sur Intel
How to get there, where to stay, what to see
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Take a Look at your lodging options, start some travel plans and look into all that Big Sur has to offer.
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The simplest directions from the nearest major cities.
Directions from San Francisco Bay Area to Big Sur :
Take Highway 101 South to Highway 156 West. Connect to Highway 1 South. Continue through Monterey and Carmel to Big Sur. Total distance is about 150 miles.
Directions from Los Angeles Area to Big Sur :
Highway 1 is finally open! The drive is gorgeous, and highly recommend taking your time traveling up the 90 miles of the coast.
Travel up the 101 to San Luis Obispo and take the exit for Highway 1.
You pass through the lovely Cambria, Sand Dollar Beach, San Simon and Hearst Castle, the Elephant Seals as well as Ragged Point.
Take Highway 101 North to Salinas. Connect to Highway 68 West to Monterey where it meets Highway 1. Follow Highway 1 South to Big Sur. Total distance about 350 miles.Airports
San Francisco International Airport
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So Many Different Lodging Options :
From camping to luxury to historic, there are so many ways to experience and enjoy the beauty and tranquillity of Big Sur.
Personal Fav’s *
Glen Oaks Big Sur *
Our personal favorite stay. Mid century modern flare, restored old motor lodge. Nightly fireside s’moors included, the roadhouse coffee and breakfast, private cabins with tubs under towering redwoods outside, and just every little personal touch you’d like to experience at this spot for your Big Sur stay.
Located in the Pfeiffer State Park with trails right outside your door. Very centrally located in the 20 mile stretch of town.
Fun Fact! This is where Joy and Nate first stayed together and discovered the magic of Big Sur on their first Valentines Day trip :) This spot is right on the river with adirondack chairs ready for you to dip your feet - it also has a great Breakfast Lunch and Dinner spot on site, and a pool.
Everyone’s favorite rustic, historic stay, with the absolute best food on the road. A no wifi zone so if thats your speed, highly recommend.
Camping, cabin’s, redwoods, river - its a lovely stay along the coast.
Fernwood Campground and Resort
Cabins, hotel rooms, glamping, tent cabins and camping!
If you have had the pleasure of staying here - you have gotten the best experience one can get on the California coast. Every room is special, and uniquely situated for a view, with private pools, hot tubs, and incredible food and service.
Rustic standalone cabins, along the river and meadows.
5 Star resort. Ventana is the standard bearer for that ‘redwood retreat’ feeling. Gorgeous rooms, lots of amenities and the best spa on the coast. The ultimate inspiration for a luxury lover.
While a while down the road from Big Sur proper - a fav among many friends for this unique architectural gem. With some of the coolest rooms with windows to the sea.
Between Carmel and Big Sur - a lovely lux stay with very close access to beaches and point lobos state park.
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The beaches on the coat range from dramatic cliffs plunging into the sea - to sandy walks for miles. Most are Easy to see and explore!
Recognize that rock? That’s Pfeiffer beach. The sunsets are spectacular - but bring a light layer or two, for the evenings. It’s a lovely place to spend the afternoon or just take a walk. The drive to it begins on a sharp turn off from Highway 1 - down a narrow, winding road to the day use area parking lot. $15 per car - recommend having cash. A short walk from the parking area and your on the sand. Bring a towel, a beach chair and some snacks and enjoy the day!
Pfeiffer Beach, California 93920
State Natural Reserve containing headlands, coves, rolling meadows and Bird Rock! There are tons of hiking trails all over the windswept pristine area of the coast. It gets parked up so plan to park on Highway 1. Free to enter without parking inside the park. We loved doing the hike toward bird rock and then following the trail back north along the rocky coast. Bring layers, it’s a wild weather zone.
62 CA-1, Carmel-By-The-Sea, CA 93923
Wildflowers, succulents, diverse coastal vegetation and miles of easy trials run up and down the coast here. You’ll see many cars parked on Highway 1 just to stop and snap some pics. But, a mere 50 foot climb to a wonderful view of the coast on a clear day. Or there is stairs to the sand where there is a 2 mile stretch of beach to enjoy. Or on the east side of highway one you can hike into the redwood groves.
Gate 9 - Garrapata State Park, Carmel, CA 93923
Historic shipping cove for the coast. Park along Highway 1. The hike down is steep but worth every step. Travel through the tunnel in rock to the gorgeous cove where the water glistens with life. There is lots to enjoy in this quick-ish stop.
Between Mile Marker 37 - 38,CA-1, Big Sur, CA 93920
The largest state park on the Big Sur coast with a wide sandy beach. Or take the hike on the bluff to see wildflowers, meadows and unparalleled views of the coast. You may have to do a little creek walk on the Creamery Meadow Trail to get to the Bluff and Ridge Trails, or beach. But day parking is plentiful and $10 - again bring cash.
Mile Marker 51, turn towards beach for Parking lot, California 93920
If you’re traveling from Southern CA by car - highly recommend a stop at the gorgeous Sand Dollar Beach. Dramatic cliffs, tide pools, and a lagoon like beach. $10 day use for parking and exploring the coast at the southern tip of the Big Sur coast.
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As you can imagine - this place is ripe for a 8 mile hike into the tops of the peaks, or a quick 1 mile hike around redwood groves. Please take the time to get out your best hiking shoes and see Big Sur from a different perspective.
Creamery Meadow, Ridge, Panorama, and Bluffs Trail Loop
8.1mi. Length. 1,443ft. Elevation gain. 4–4.5hr. Estimated time Loop
Stunning scenery on the Creamery Meadow, Bluffs, Panorama, and Ridge Trail loop in Andrew Molera State Park. This area was once home to the Esselen and Rumsen Ohlone people and later became part of a historic ranch. Your journey begins by crossing the Big Sur River – a fun splash that leads to the Creamery Meadow Trail.
From there, the adventure climbs! The Panorama and Ridge Trails offer truly spectacular, wide-open views of the rugged coastline that Big Sur is famous for; you'll see why so many artists and writers have been inspired here. Along the Bluffs Trail, look for seabirds soaring overhead and keep an eye out for deer or bobcats amongst the coastal scrub. The park is a haven for wildlife, including the incredible California Condor, so you never know what you might spot. Remember to pack a towel for that initial river crossing!
Partington Cove Trail
1.2mi Length. 334ft Elevation gain. 0.5–1hr. Estimated time Out & back
This is a hike down a steep road that will take you over a wooden bridge and through a tunnel to a view of the protected Partington Cove. The hike back up the hill will be steep but short, so proper footwear is recommended. There is a lovely, quick side trip to a river if you take the path left of the wildlife sign before the bridge. It's peaceful and secluded, and you can take some time to enjoy the shade and the sound of the water.
Sykes Hot Springs via Pine Ridge Trail
20.6mi. Length 5,442ft. Elevation gain. 12–13hr. Estimated time Out & back
This is a rugged journey into the Ventana Wilderness of Big Sur with big climbs and steep sections to reach the Wild and Scenic Big Sur River corridor. You'll follow the historic Pine Ridge Trail past lush, tall stands of Coastal Redwoods and up onto open ridges for gorgeous views. Keep an eye on the sky, you might see a magnificent California Condor gliding overhead. Remember that multiple river crossings are required to reach the peaceful campsites and rustic hot springs, so pack a pair of water shoes.
To help maintain the trail and hot springs, please adhere to the regulations provided by the Ventana Wilderness Alliance. There are parking fees for this site, and they can vary depending on the length of your stay.
Keep groups to four or fewer; no campfires (a stove permit is required); use minimal-impact camping techniques; and complete a voluntary self-registration permit at the trailhead.
Pfeiffer Falls Trail
1.7mi Length. 433ft Elevation gain. 1–1.5hr. Estimated time Out & back
Begin by hiking through a stand of towering Redwood trees along the Pfeiffer Falls Trail. You will cross a bridge over a small creek to begin the Valley View Trail. As you climb up there are some nice viewpoints before arriving at the falls. You will follow the Pfeiffer Falls Trail again before you get to the base of the 60-foot-tall waterfall.
Big Sur River Gorge Trail
1.1mi Length 59ft Elevation gain. 0.5–1hr Estimated time Out & back
This route follows the Big Sur River upstream. During the summer months, there are countless spots to explore the river and swim. However, fishing, dogs, alcohol, fires, and camping are not permitted in the area around the river.
There is no established path. You will be walking upstream across rocky terrain, so sturdy, waterproof shoes are recommended.
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Generous views and delicious places await you all over Highway 1. From upscale to rustic, truly there isn’t a bad place along the road.
One of the most picturesque dining spots in California, this restaurant overlooks 50 miles of coastline. Family owned since 1949. And a favorite of Henry Miller and his crew, there is even a bar stool in his honor where he would sit and wax poetically to other travelers and friends. We absolutely love Nepenthe - with or without it being socked in. Open daily 11:30 AM - 10 PM
Fine dining in cozy, historic Big Sur. Rustic and chic, with a menu that changes with the seasons. The food is fresh, local and always so flavorful. Breakfast daily from 8am - Noon and Dinner from 6 - 9pm. Reservations recommended.
Breakfast, lunch & dinner are served daily by a huge stone fireplace or on a deck overlooking the Big Sur River. We love having a coffee and some cheesecake on the deck while watching the river roll by. Live entertainment on Sunday afternoons over looking the lawn.
The Burrito Bar at the Big Sur River Inn General Store, serving fresh burritos made to order and more, daily from 7:30 AM to 9 PM.
located at the renowned Post Ranch Inn, high atop the cliffs, offering breathtaking views is Sierra Mar, winner of Wine Spectator's prestigious Grand Award. Offering an unconventional fine dining experience, featuring ingredients highlighted by a sense of place and culture. Lunch, from noon to 3 p.m., offers a three-course prix fixe menu while dinner features a choice of a four-course menu that changes daily or a nine-course Taste of Big Sur tasting menu, from 5:30 to 9 p.m. Selections from the award-winning wine cellar enhance the innovative, inspired cuisine. Reservations are required for dinner.
The Sur House at Ventana Big Sur and other dining options
The Sur House restaurant rises high above the Pacific where the forest and sea converge. It's all inspired by the sustainable ingredients of California's Central Coast and the melting pot of America's culinary havens. The expansive terrace and bar offer incomparable views of Big Sur's rugged topography and famed coastline.
A wood-fired hearth restaurant and lounge focusing on hyper-local produce and sustainably caught seafood from Monterey Bay, offering both a tasting menu and à la carte items. Open Wednesday–Saturday from 5:30 PM – 8:30 PM, with Sunday brunch from 10:30 AM – 1:30 PM. The adjacent bodega offers grab and go.
