Big Sur Intel
You have questions, we have answers - well, some
How do I get there ?
The simplest directions from the nearest major cities:
Directions from San Francisco 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 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.
From Los Angeles, 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.
Where should I stay?
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.
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.
What to See in Big Sur?
From dramatic cliff views of the sea, to some of the oldest tallest trees on the planet, beaches, to quite babbling streams - there is so much to enjoy about our Big Sur.
Big Sur Beaches
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.
