Big Sur, CA

Travel Guide
Bixby Bridge showing general coastal views, a bridge and rugged coastline
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.

Carmel Mission Inn
Carmel Mission Inn
3.5 out of 5
3665 Rio Rd, Carmel, CA, 93923
The price is $159 per night from Apr 23 to Apr 24
$159
per night
Apr 23 - Apr 24
Stay at this 3.5-star hotel in Carmel. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast. Our guests praise the breakfast and the clean rooms in our reviews. Popular ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,083 reviews)
"Close to shopping center and only 1.5 miles to downtown Carmel."

Reviewed on Mar 21, 2023

Carmel Mission Inn
Big Sur Lodge
Big Sur Lodge
3 out of 5
47225 Highway One, Big Sur, CA, 93920
The price is $229 per night from Mar 26 to Mar 27
$229
per night
Mar 26 - Mar 27
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Big Sur. Enjoy free parking, an outdoor pool, and breakfast. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (790 reviews)
"The location was perfect. Lovely hikes right outside our door. The fireplace in the room was wonderful. The management was very helpful and kept us updated on logistics."

Reviewed on Mar 13, 2023

Big Sur Lodge
Alila Ventana Big Sur - Adults Only
Alila Ventana Big Sur - Adults Only
4.5 out of 5
48123 Highway One, Big Sur, CA, 93920
The price is $2,125 per night from Mar 27 to Mar 28
$2,125
per night
Mar 27 - Mar 28
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury resort in Big Sur. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the comfy rooms in our ...
9/10 Wonderful! (339 reviews)
"I loved everything from the time we arrived to the time we left, and the staff was so polite. We will definitely be visiting again."

Reviewed on Feb 4, 2023

Alila Ventana Big Sur - Adults Only
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.
Private Ranch with Hot Tub and Infinity Pool
Private Ranch with Hot Tub and Infinity Pool
Big Sur, CA
Stay at this family-friendly cabin in Big Sur. Enjoy free WiFi, private pools, and breakfast. Popular attractions New Camaldoli Hermitage and Limekiln State ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (69 reviews)
You’re renting the view, the house is just so-so
"The view, the pool, the hot tub and even the vibe, are just what you think you’re getting when you rent this property, and they’re all great. But the house is in need of some upkeep and the road, which is doable when it’s dry, is pretty scary when it’s wet. It is steep, narrow, and rutted with sharp ..."

Reviewed on Jan 9, 2023

Private Ranch with Hot Tub and Infinity Pool
Big Sur Blue Cottage with Ocean view
Big Sur Blue Cottage with Ocean view
Big Sur, CA
Stay at this cottage in Big Sur. Enjoy WiFi and 1 bedroom. Popular attractions Jade Cove and Sand Dollar Beach are located nearby. Discover genuine guest reviews ...
Big Sur Blue Cottage with Ocean view
The Garden Villa Carmel-by-the-Sea
The Garden Villa Carmel-by-the-Sea
Carmel-By-The-Sea, CA
Stay at this vacation home in Carmel. Enjoy free WiFi, onsite parking, and a garden. Our guests praise the comfy beds in our reviews. Popular attractions Folktale ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (22 reviews)
Good location 15 minute Uber ride to downtown Carmel, clean and comfortable
"Same"

Reviewed on Feb 20, 2023

The Garden Villa Carmel-by-the-Sea
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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