Essential Travel Guide to Big Sur

Things to Know Before Visiting Big Sur

Location

Big Sur is not a single city or park, but rather a patchwork of public and private lands stretching ninety miles down the ragged coastline from Carmel to San Simeon.

The closest major airports fo Big Sur are Monterey (10 miles), San Jose (80 miles), and San Francisco (110 miles).

Best Time to Visit

The summer months in Big Sur are warm and busy, usually booking out months in advance. Winters can be rainy with unpredictable roadways and closures.

My favourite time to visit is either in the early autumn, which has the best weather with crisp but sunny days and less traffic, or in the late spring when the canyons fill with cala lilies and the bluffs are carpeted with wildflowers.

Where to Stay in Big Sur

Deetjen’s Big Sur Inn

This historic inn tucked just off the busy Highway One is perfect for when you are craving a simple escape. There is no cell phone service or wifi here, and all the meals are served by candlelight.

Read more about my stay at Deetjen’s.

Alila Ventana Big Sur

Dog-friendly, design-forward hotel with all the modern amenities and conveniences you could ask for with miles of private redwood trails to explore.

In addition the the main hotel property, Alila also offers several glamping tents and campsites.

Where to Eat in Big Sur

Coast

This design forward cafe is place I most look forward to on each visit down. Grab a chai and enjoy the views from the top deck on a sunny afternoon, or cosy up to their fireplace when the fog rolls in.

Big Sur Bakery

A notoriously good bakery that tends to have lengthy lines even in the off season.

Deetjen’s

The very essence of Big Sur. Think elevated homestyle dinners illuminated by candlelight and hearty breakfasts with endless hot pots of coffee.

Sushi Jawn

This mobile food truck is the latest addition to the food scene in Big Sur, driving down from the harbor each day with a great selection of fresh sushi and poke bowls.

Big Sur Deli

Local’s favourite located just next to the post office, with shockingly affordable breakfast and lunch options. This is a particularly great stop for picking up a little picnic lunch.

Sierra Mar

A truly special restaurant that seems to float endlessly over the coastline. Reservations are required here well in advance, with both lunch and dinner featuring a prix-fixe menu and ten page wine list.

Best Things to Do in Big Sur

Stop at Bixby Bridge

This spot is a classic for a reason – as many times as I’ve been here, it still takes my breath away. For the best views, head up the hill a bit on Old Coast Road.

Visit McWay Falls

Just a short half mile trail from the parking lot for Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park, you’ll go through a little tunnel and emerge with one of the most stunning panoramas on the coast. It’s a great spot to watch the sunset, especially if you manage to snag the bench at the end.

Visit Pfeiffer Beach

One of the most photographed spots in Big Sur, famous for its purple sand beaches from the high concentration of garnets in the area. Photos online are usually photoshopped beyond reality, but the purple sand is most dramatically visible just after a good rain.

Henry Miller Memorial Library

Founded by one of the great pillars of the Bay Area’s beat generation, this funky little bookstore and arts venue tucked into the redwoods is possibly the last true hippy outpost in Big Sur.

The have a consistently great selection of books to peruse, and often have events like live music and movie nights. You can check the schedule ahead of their website for specifics, but it’s always worth stopping by even if there isn’t anything in particular happening.

Pull Off at the Overlooks

Each twist and turn heading down Highway One seems to be just as beautiful as the rest, and I’d recommend leaving time in your schedule to stop off at every one that catches your eye.

If you have a sharp eye you can often spot whales in the distance, or hear the sound of seals echo up from the shore if the wind is right.

Hang out in a Creek

Bring a book, grab a drink, and disconnect for a while. To be honest, this is the part of Big Sur I most look forward to when visiting, especially if you catch a warm sunny day.

The Big Sur River Inn has the complete setup with adirondack chairs and a full menu, often with live music from late spring through early autumn.

Otherwise, head down the road to Big Sur Deli to pick up your own provisions and find a secluded spot. My personal favourite, recommended by a park ranger years ago, is along the Big Sur River Gorge trail.

My Favourite Hikes in Big Sur

Pfeiffer Falls + Valley View Overlook

This is a great hike for getting a quick sweat in. Start by going left at the first fork in the trail to ascend Valley View first before doubling back and continuing on the more gentle loop trail to Pfeiffer Falls.

For more information, check out the Alltrails.

Partington Cove

Another short and sweet hike with stunning views at the end. One mile out-and-back trail with decently strenuous elevation. This is a great spot for a sunset picnic!

For more information, check out the Alltrails.

Practical Tips for Big Sur

Mudslides

Big Sur has a long history of mudslides and road closures. Always make sure to double check the CalTrans Map before you leave, especially in the wet winter months when conditions quickly change.

Cell Service

You’ll seldom find cell service while traveling through Big Sur. Make sure to have address written down and maps downloaded before you depart.

Gas Stations

There are only four gas stations in all of Big Sur – two in the northern end, and two in the south. Plan your route carefully and top up whenever you can!

EV Charging

There still isn’t great charging infrastructure throughout Big Sur, so you’ll need to carefully plan your trip if you’re in an EV.

There are currently 17 charging ports throughout Big Sur, all of which are located at private luxury hotels. Currently, there are only Tesla chargers installed, and the Post Ranch Inn has two Tesla Superchargers available for guest use.