Big Sur Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

A coastal landscape with turquoise waters, rocky cliffs, and a waterfall.
A coastal highway with a bridge over the ocean, surrounded by cliffs and greenery.
A coastal landscape with a waterfall, rocky cliffs, and a sandy beach.
A large concrete bridge with arches spanning a deep gorge.
A coastal landscape with a rocky cliff, a beach, and turquoise waters.

If a place has one of the “best drives on earth”, you’d be mad not to check it out.

Big Sur is a 137-kilometre stretch of Californian coastline. It’s rugged, wild and spectacular — bucket list material. Take a car or motorbike around its winding route, or hike along streams in the valleys and wildflower fields, scanning for the best mountain vistas. If you’re patient, you might get a glimpse of some migrating sea life or birds of prey. Big Sur has cast its spell on many a big name (Jack Kerouac and Clint Eastwood for starters) let it work its magic on you.

Our guide on where to stay in Big Sur

Find the best Big Sur areas for the activities you enjoy most. Learn more about Big Sur
Learn more about Big Sur

Lucia

You'll enjoy the mountain views and seaside views in Lucia. You might want to make time for a stop at Limekiln State Park or New Camaldoli Hermitage.

Big Sur Village

If you're spending some time in Big Sur Village, Andrew Molera State Park and Los Padres National Forest are top sights worth seeing.

Posts

While visiting Posts, you might make a stop by sights like Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park and Los Padres National Forest.

Lucia Lodge

Lucia Lodge

2.5 out of 5
62400 California 1 Big Sur CA
The price is AU$507 per night from 30 Aug to 31 Aug
AU$507
30 Aug - 31 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this lodge in Big Sur. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Popular attractions New Camaldoli Hermitage and Limekiln State Wilderness are ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (208 reviews)
"Parking was great, view was great, room was clean. Can’t ask for much more"

Reviewed on 24 Aug 2026

Lucia Lodge
Post Ranch Inn

Post Ranch Inn

5 out of 5
47900 Highway 1 Big Sur CA
The price is AU$3,896 per night from 14 Sept to 15 Sept
AU$3,896
14 Sept - 15 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this luxury hotel in Big Sur. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Popular attractions Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park and Pfeiffer Beach are ...
Post Ranch Inn
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 their reviews. Popular attractions ...
8.4/10 Very good! (1,000 reviews)
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Reviewed on 22 Aug 2026

Big Sur Lodge
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.
Oceanfront Retreats Big Sur Central

Oceanfront Retreats Big Sur Central

Big Sur CA
Stay at this beach holiday home in Big Sur. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, private pools and a beach locale. Popular attractions Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park and Pfeiffer ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (109 reviews)
"Truly impressive place. Small issues but immediate help from host was provided."

Reviewed on 6 Aug 2026

Oceanfront Retreats Big Sur Central
Single Queen Cottage

Single Queen Cottage

Carmel-by-the-Sea CA
Stay at this cottage in Carmel. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, cable/satellite TV service and an in-room coffee maker. Popular attractions Carmel Beach and 17-Mile Drive ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (54 reviews)
"Place is dingy and run down, loud neighbors and overall a cheap experience"

Reviewed on 11 Aug 2026

Single Queen Cottage
The perfect Monterey Bay vacation home

The perfect Monterey Bay vacation home

Seaside CA
Stay at this golf holiday home in Seaside. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, laundry facilities and patios. Popular attractions Cannery Row and Monterey Bay Aquarium are located ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (213 reviews)
"Comfortable and clean house. Easy and convenient location."

Reviewed on 26 Aug 2026

The perfect Monterey Bay vacation home
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.

Stay near popular Big Sur attractions

Activities

Cities near Big Sur

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