Big Sur, CA

Travel Guide
McWay Falls featuring rocky coastline, a beach and a bay or harbor
Drive along one of the nation’s most scenic byways, stopping often to view and photograph gorgeous panoramas, wildlife and vegetation.

Winding, narrow California 1 Highway cuts into cliffs and overlooks the ocean, offering outstanding displays of Big Sur’s famous scenery. Be mesmerized by tall rocks and breaking waves, with new views after every turn.

As you drive south from Carmel Highlands, appreciate the change from city to oceanside setting, breathing in salty air and seeing crashing white waves over blue-green waters. Park at a vista point to take the first of many photos. After 10 miles (16 kilometers), you’ll see Bixby Creek Bridge, an arched span 260 feet (80 meters) in the air, stretching across a small creek. Stop at the south end after crossing the bridge for amazing sunset views.

Join a guided tour at Point Sur State Historic Park with a hike to the the 1889 Point Sur Lighthouse, standing guard over the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary. Continue on to Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park. Camp or stay in the Big Sur Lodge and watch for wildlife while walking along the Big Sur River. Drive to the ocean’s edge to relax on the sands of Pfeiffer Beach, another great sunset destination.

Bring binoculars to view marine animals. Gray whales migrate past in December, January, March and April. Even without binoculars you can see and hear the elephant seals at Seal Beach Overlook. Often they’ll be resting, looking like smooth elongated rocks on the sand.

Hike with little risk of crowds from marked trailheads with roadside parking. Follow serpentine paths up into the Santa Lucia Mountains or down to the Pacific Ocean. Walk to the rocks in Partington Cove in Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park. View the narrow cascade of McWay Falls dropping from a granite cliff to the beach.

Drive south from Monterey, reaching the Big Sur highway within 30 minutes, near Malpaso Creek. Continue to San Simeon and Hearst Castle, the hilltop estate built by William Randolph Hearst. Check travel conditions before starting your drive because landslides occasionally cause road closures. Note that parks charge access fees.

Alila Ventana Big Sur, All Inclusive Adults Only
Alila Ventana Big Sur, All Inclusive Adults Only
4.5 out of 5
48123 Highway One, Big Sur, CA
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury resort in Big Sur. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 2 outdoor pools. Popular attractions Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park and Big Sur ...
9/10 Wonderful! (333 reviews)
"-"

Reviewed on 3 Jun, 2024

Alila Ventana Big Sur, All Inclusive Adults Only
Big Sur Lodge
Big Sur Lodge
3 out of 5
47225 Highway One, Big Sur, CA
Stay at this hotel in Big Sur. Enjoy free parking, an outdoor pool, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (998 reviews)
"First time staying at Big Sur Lodge and we loved it! Great location and service. Cute cabins, our room had a kitchen and seating area."

Reviewed on 26 Oct, 2024

Big Sur Lodge
Portola Hotel & Spa at Monterey Bay
Portola Hotel & Spa at Monterey Bay
4 out of 5
Two Portola Plaza, Monterey, CA
Book a stay at this spa resort in Monterey. Enjoy a full-service spa, 2 restaurants, and 2 bars/lounges. Our guests praise the bar and the helpful staff in our ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (2,301 reviews)
Great hotel
"Really nice hotel in Monterey with lots of restaurants and shops nearby"

Reviewed on 29 Oct, 2024

Portola Hotel & Spa at Monterey Bay
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Little European Lodge
Little European Lodge
3.5 out of 5
45 W Carmel Valley Rd, Carmel Valley, CA
Stay at this 3.5-star aparthotel in Carmel Valley. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and an outdoor pool. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (40 reviews)
"Corola the property manager was amazing. The power had gone out in the area right before we got there, she was going to get us lanterns but it came back on so we called and let her know. Unfortunately the power only stayed on for 15 mins and then went back out the rest of the night. We disnt want ..."

Reviewed on 26 Oct, 2024

Little European Lodge
Monterey Co. Bungalow Near the Ocean - 2 Free Aquarium Passes Included!
Monterey Co. Bungalow Near the Ocean - 2 Free Aquarium Passes Included!
Seaside
Book a stay at this golf vacation home in Seaside. Enjoy free WiFi, patios, and cable/satellite TV service. Popular attractions Monterey Bay Aquarium and Fisherman's ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (253 reviews)
Perfect Place for Girls week away
"We needed a place near our friend taking care of her Great Aunt so we could get together and visit. This place was perfect. Very well stocked with what is needed, clean, and perfect size for us."

Reviewed on 20 Sep, 2024

Monterey Co. Bungalow Near the Ocean - 2 Free Aquarium Passes Included!
One Bedroom Suite Cottage
One Bedroom Suite Cottage
Carmel-by-the-Sea
Stay at this cottage in Carmel. Enjoy private pools, cable/satellite TV service, and an in-room coffeemaker. Popular attractions Monterey Bay Aquarium and Carmel ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (9 reviews)
Basic, but just right!
"The cottage had the basic necessities and that's all we needed. We were there to explore and our lodging was for nothing more than to bathe, sleep, use the fridge for leftovers, use the microwave for leftovers and enjoy the bliss of being so close to all the sights and the beach within a decent budget! ..."

Reviewed on 15 Oct, 2024

One Bedroom Suite Cottage
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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Reviews of Big Sur

4.7
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
40
" "5 - Excellent 75.47169811320755%
4 - Good
11
" "4 - Good 20.754716981132077%
3 - Okay
1
" "3 - Okay 1.8867924528301887%
2 - Disappointing
1
" "2 - Disappointing 1.8867924528301887%
1 - Terrible
0
" "1 - Terrible 0%

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler

Big Sur is a beautiul place to visit and stay, but Ventana was way too expensive! Do to this reason, probably won't return.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

The place is beautiful. Even with the bumps in the road I am happy that I went.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Your cellphone coverage fluctuates : plan ahead !

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

I have anyways wanted to visit Big Sur and it did not disappoint. Truly magical!

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler

Thought Big Sur was a great place over all but was diluted through my bad experience at Big Sur Lodge

4/5 - Good

Traveler

Great place if your looking to go off the grid. If your a person that values your wifi, might not be for you?

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