Taking the Road Less Traveled: An Adventure in Big Sur
Big Sur is a rugged and stunningly beautiful stretch of California coastline located between Carmel and San Simeon. It is one of my favorite places on earth and a popular destination for travelers who seek adventure, natural beauty, and a break from the hustle and bustle of city life. In this travel guide, we will explore the best ways to get to Big Sur, where to stay, where to eat, the best things to see and do, the expected cost.
How to Get There
Big Sur is located on the central coast of California, approximately 150 miles south of San Francisco and 300 miles north of Los Angeles. There are a few ways to get to Big Sur:
By car: The most popular way to get to Big Sur is by car. If you're driving from San Francisco, take the scenic Highway 1 south. If you're driving from Los Angeles, take Highway 101 north, then connect to Highway 1 at San Luis Obispo. Be aware that the road can be narrow and winding, so drive carefully.
By plane: The closest airports to Big Sur are Monterey Regional Airport and San Jose International Airport. From there, you can rent a car or take a shuttle to Big Sur.
By bus: There are several bus companies that offer service to Big Sur, including Greyhound and Monterey-Salinas Transit. However, be aware that public transportation in Big Sur is limited.
when to Go
Big Sur can be visited year-round, but the best time to go depends on your interests and preferences. Here's a breakdown of the different seasons in Big Sur:
Summer (June-August): Summer is the peak season in Big Sur, with warm temperatures and long days perfect for hiking and exploring. However, prices can be higher and popular destinations can be crowded.
Fall (September-November): Fall is a great time to visit Big Sur, with cooler temperatures and fewer crowds. The fall foliage can also be beautiful, especially in the redwood forests.
Winter (December-February): Winter can be a quieter time to visit Big Sur, with fewer crowds and cooler temperatures. Whale watching is also a popular activity during this time.
Spring (March-May): Spring is a beautiful time to visit Big Sur, with wildflowers blooming and warmer temperatures. However, spring can also bring rain, so be sure to check the weather forecast before your trip.
Overall, the best time to go to Big Sur depends on your preferences and interests. If you're looking for warm weather and long days, summer may be the best time for you. If you prefer cooler temperatures and fewer crowds, fall or winter may be better. Be sure to check the weather and plan accordingly to make the most of your trip.
Where to stay
Big Sur has a variety of accommodations to suit different budgets and preferences. Here are some of the best places to stay:
Ventana Big Sur: This luxury resort offers stunning views of the coast, as well as amenities like hot springs and an award-winning restaurant. Rooms start at around $800 per night.
Post Ranch Inn: This adults-only resort offers private suites with breathtaking views of the ocean and the mountains. Rooms start at around $1500 per night.
Treebones Resort: This eco-resort offers unique lodging options like yurts and treehouses, as well as stunning ocean views. Rooms start at around $300 per night.
Big Sur Lodge: This rustic lodge is located in Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park and offers cabins and cottages nestled in the redwoods. Rooms start at around $250 per night.
Glen Oaks Big Sur: This retro-chic motel offers stylish rooms and cabins, as well as a restaurant and a coffee shop. Rooms start at around $200 per night.
Where to Eat
Big Sur has a thriving food scene, with many restaurants offering farm-to-table cuisine and locally sourced ingredients. Here are some of the best places to eat:
Big Sur Bakery: This cozy bakery serves up delicious pastries, sandwiches, and wood-fired pizzas. Be sure to try their famous sticky buns.
Nepenthe: This iconic restaurant offers breathtaking views of the coast and delicious American cuisine. Be sure to try their Ambrosia Burger and their famous cocktails.
Sierra Mar: This upscale restaurant at Post Ranch Inn offers stunning views of the coast and a prix fixe menu featuring local ingredients. Be sure to make a reservation in advance.
Deetjen's Big Sur Inn: This historic inn offers a cozy restaurant serving up comfort food like pot roast and shepherd's pie. Be sure to try their homemade bread.
River Inn Grill: This casual grill serves up delicious burgers and sandwiches, as well as cocktails and local beer. Be sure to sit outside by the river.
what to see
Big Sur offers some of the most breathtaking and unforgettable views in the country. There are many great sites to see while visiting Big Sur, but here are a few that you should definitely check out:
McWay Falls – This beautiful waterfall is one of the most photographed places in Big Sur and is located near Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park. This stunning 80-foot waterfall cascades into the ocean, creating a breathtaking view.
Bixby Creek Bridge – This iconic bridge is one of the most spectacular sights in Big Sur and is located on California State Route 1. The bridge is 828 feet long and spans a breathtaking canyon.
Point Sur Lightstation – This historic site is the oldest lighthouse on the West Coast and was built in 1889. It offers gorgeous views of the Pacific Ocean and is located atop a rocky headland.
Pfeiffer Beach – This stunning beach provides some of the most breathtaking views in Big Sur. It’s a great spot for swimming, sunbathing, and exploring its many coves, tide pools, and sea caves.
Garrapata State Park – This nature reserve is a great place for hiking, with its many miles of trails winding through the redwoods. It’s also home to a stunning beach and a great spot for whale watching.
Point Lobos State Natural Reserve – Just south of Carmel-by-the-Sea, Point Lobos State Reserve is a must-see for those visiting Big Sur. The reserve includes a variety of beautiful landscapes, from sandy beaches to rugged cliffs.
Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park – This state park is home to some of the most spectacular views of Big Sur's stunning coastline. It's also home to the iconic McWay Falls, making it a must-see attraction.
Andrew Molera State Park – Located on the Big Sur coastline, Andrew Molera State Park is home to some of the most stunning scenery in all of California. This park offers incredible hiking, biking, and horseback riding trails.
Where to hike
Big Sur is a hiker's paradise, with many trails offering stunning views of the coast and the redwoods. Here are some of the best hikes:
McWay Falls Trail: his easy trail offers stunning views of McWay Falls, an 80-foot waterfall that flows into the ocean. The trail is just under a mile long.
Ewoldsen Trail: This moderate 4.5-mile hike takes you through redwood groves and offers stunning views of the coast.
Pfeiffer Falls Trail: This easy 1.5-mile hike leads to a beautiful waterfall and is perfect for families.
Partington Cove Trail: This moderate 2-mile hike takes you through a tunnel and down to a secluded cove with a waterfall and tide pools.
Tanbark Trail: This strenuous 5-mile hike takes you up to the top of a ridge for breathtaking views of the coast and the redwoods.
Popular Activities
Big Sur offers a range of activities for travelers of all interests. Here are some of the most popular activities:
Whale Watching: Big Sur is a great place to spot whales, especially during the migration season from December to April.
Beaches: Big Sur has many beautiful beaches to explore, including Pfeiffer Beach and Garrapata State Beach.
Camping: From primitive campgrounds to RV parks, there are a variety of camping spots in Big Sur where visitors can stay and enjoy the area's stunning scenery.
Hot Springs: Big Sur has several natural hot springs, including the popular Esalen Hot Springs. Be sure to make a reservation in advance.
Art Galleries: Big Sur has a thriving art scene, with many galleries showcasing the work of local artists.
Road Trip: Driving along Highway 1 through Big Sur is a bucket list experience, with stunning views at every turn.
Expected Cost
Big Sur can be a pricey destination, with luxury accommodations and high-end restaurants. However, there are also more affordable options available. Here are some expected costs:
Accommodations: Rooms can range from $200 per night at a motel to over $1500 per night at a luxury resort.
Food: Meals can range from $10 for a sandwich at a casual restaurant to over $100 for a prix fixe menu at an upscale restaurant.
Activities: Many hikes and beaches are free, but activities like whale watching and hot springs can cost upwards of $100.
Additional Tips
To help make your trip to Big Sur even more enjoyable, here are some additional tips:
Book your accommodations in advance: Big Sur is a popular destination and accommodations can fill up quickly, especially during peak season. It's recommended to book your accommodations several months in advance.
Pack layers: Big Sur can have variable weather, even during the summer months. Be sure to bring layers so you can adjust to changing temperatures.
Bring cash: Many businesses in Big Sur are cash-only, including some restaurants and campgrounds. Be sure to bring enough cash to cover any expenses that may not accept credit cards.
Respect nature: Big Sur is a natural wonder and it's important to treat it with respect. Follow Leave No Trace principles by packing out all trash and minimizing your impact on the environment.
Drive carefully: The roads in Big Sur can be narrow and winding, with steep drop-offs. Be sure to drive cautiously and watch for oncoming traffic.
Off-the-Beaten-Path Destinations
While Big Sur is known for its popular destinations like McWay Falls and Pfeiffer Beach, there are also many hidden gems to discover. Here are some off-the-beaten-path destinations to check out:
Limekiln State Park: This park offers hiking trails, a beach, and historic limekilns used in the 1800s.
Point Sur State Historic Park: This park offers tours of a historic lighthouse and stunning views of the coast.
Nacimiento-Fergusson Road: This scenic drive offers breathtaking views of the coastline and is a popular spot for stargazing.
Big Sur is a stunning destination that offers natural beauty, adventure, and relaxation. With this travel guide, you'll be able to plan a memorable trip that fits your budget and interests. Don't forget to bring your camera to capture the breathtaking views!