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California Big Sur is magical. Its magic stems from the crashing waves, the jutting cliffs, the mysterious fog, and the towering redwood trees. It is a truly a beautiful place that everyone must visit once in their lifetime. Definitely worth it to travel to Big Sur once in your lifetime!

Where to Stay

We prefer to stay in Monterey or Carmel when we visit Big Sur because Big Sur can get pretty expensive. See our Monterey & Carmel Travel Guide for more info and tips on where to stay, things to do and place to eat. An alternative if you want to keep costs low and are looking for budget friendly accommodations in Big Sur, is to go camping (see our camping experience at Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park). If you are looking to book a hotel or motel in Big Sur, here are some of our favorites:

Big Sur River Inn: Charming accommodation right on the river. Great location close to multiple parks.

Fernwood Resort: Rustic, cozy vibes with forest and mountain views.

Glen Oaks Big Sur: Rustic modern accommodations along the Big Sur River with your choice of cottage, lodge or house.

Treebones Resort: Stay in a yurt along the coast. We stayed here in January and had a lovely time wandering the property and reading on our Adirondack chairs. It was peaceful and a great weekend getaway.

Post Ranch Inn: Exclusive nature retreat right along the coast with amazing ocean views.

Ventana Big Sur: After renovations and a rebranding, this luxury property has modern rooms with an incredible spa.

Here is what you shouldn’t miss and some of our favorite things to do when visiting Big Sur:

1) Hike the many beautiful trails along the coast or in the mountains.

We love the short hikes that are around a mile with nothing short of spectacular views. These are a must visit when in Big Sur!

• Limekiln Trail
• McWay Falls
• Pfeiffer Falls

Check out more hiking trails here. For a longer hike, the Ewolksen trail is on our list!

2) Cross the Bixby Bridge

An imposing bridge on the Highway 1 and a perfect stop through Big Sur. The best pictures can be taken when traveling south on Highway 1 and making a left at the turn out near Bixby Bridge. You’ll get a great shot of the bridge and the ocean in the background.

3) Float or swim in the Big Sur River

In the summer, it can be so refreshing to grab a tube and play in the Big Sur River by the Pfeiffer Big Sur Campground. If you can, book a camp site at Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park. We love camping there and enjoy having the river right in our backyard. Check out our post on our camping experience at this campground.

4) Pfeiffer Beach

A gorgeous beach and a photographer favorite! It’s not really a “set up a beach umbrella and hang out” kind of beach but it sure is fun to explore – purple sand, crashing waves, incredible rock formations. It can get windy a times so dress accordingly.

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4) Enjoy a retreat and spa right along the Big Sur coast

Enjoy peace via meditation, yoga and hot springs at Esalen right along the Big Sur coast.

5) Explore beyond Big Sur

There’s more to explore near and around Big Sur! Discover Monterey and Carmel, about 30-40 minutes north of Big Sur where you can find amazing coastal activities or charming downtowns. Or drive south to San Simeon to see the famous and historic Hearst Castle.

Our favorite restaurants in Big Sur

1) Coastal Café

We came upon this cafe on the way to McWay Falls. At first, you think it’s just an art gallery, but when you navigate your way through the art work and up the stairs, you discover this wonderful little food place that reminds you a little bit of a Hobbit house. The food here is simple but top notch, and there’s a nice patio overlooking Highway 1 and the ocean on a clear day.

2) Big Sur Bakery

This is a great little place for breakfast, lunch and dinner. The place is cozy and woodsy (very Big Sur) and the food is delicious.

3) Nepenthe

A great spot on a cloudless sunny day with a perfect view of the ocean. The bright colors and the people watching also make this spot fun. The food, however, leaves little to be desired. I would just come for the atmosphere, the views, and the drinks.

4) Sierra Mar at the Post Ranch Inn

If you really want to splurge in Big Sur, this is the place to go. Splendid views and amazing menu. This place is on our list for our next visit!

Toodaloo and happy exploring!