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 New Camaldoli Hermitage or Limekiln State Park.

Posts

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

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.

Post Ranch Inn

Post Ranch Inn

5 out of 5
47900 Highway 1 Big Sur CA
The price is AU$3,142 per night from 12 Nov to 13 Nov
AU$3,142
12 Nov - 13 Nov
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this luxury hotel in Big Sur. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free valet parking. Popular attractions Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park and The Henry ...
10/10 Exceptional! (46 reviews)
"would prefer not to give details"

Reviewed on 14 Sept 2026

Post Ranch Inn
Lucia Lodge

Lucia Lodge

3 out of 5
62400 California 1 Big Sur CA
The price is AU$388 per night from 14 Oct to 15 Oct
AU$388
14 Oct - 15 Oct
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! (225 reviews)
"Very overpriced for this "lodge" which is actually a dated motel complete with traffic noise and paper-thin walls so you can hear everything your neighbors say and do. I've had better "continental breakfast" at Motel 6. The rooms are decently appointed albeit a mini fridge would be amazing as there ..."

Reviewed on 12 Oct 2026

Lucia Lodge
Portola Hotel & Spa at Monterey Bay

Portola Hotel & Spa at Monterey Bay

4 out of 5
Two Portola Plaza Monterey CA
The price is AU$366 per night from 11 Nov to 12 Nov
AU$366
11 Nov - 12 Nov
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this spa resort in Monterey. Enjoy a full-service spa, 2 restaurants and 2 bars/lounges. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in their ...
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.
Central Big Sur Retreat - Pool, Spa, Guest House + 5 Acres

Central Big Sur Retreat - Pool, Spa, Guest House + 5 Acres

Big Sur CA
Stay at this holiday home in Big Sur. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, private pools and a garden. Popular attractions Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park and The Henry Miller Memorial ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (110 reviews)
"Truly impressive place. Small issues but immediate help from host was provided."

Reviewed on 6 Aug 2026

Central Big Sur Retreat - Pool, Spa, Guest House + 5 Acres
Unique Off-Grid experience with Stunning Views Close to Wine Tasting

Unique Off-Grid experience with Stunning Views Close to Wine Tasting

Carmel Valley CA
Enjoy free Wi-Fi, an in-room coffee maker and air conditioning. Popular attractions Bernardus Winery and Bernardus Winery Tasting Room are located nearby.
9/10 Wonderful! (40 reviews)
"This property was extremely disappointing. The drive up was unlit and ran along the edge of a mountain, making access feel dangerous. Arriving in a large truck made maneuvering and parking difficult, and at times we felt unsafe. The property was outdated and poorly maintained. The hot tub was worn ..."

Reviewed on 11 Oct 2026

Unique Off-Grid experience with Stunning Views Close to Wine Tasting
Great Relaxing 3-bedroom house in charming Carmel-by-the-Sea

Great Relaxing 3-bedroom house in charming Carmel-by-the-Sea

Carmel-by-the-Sea CA
Stay at this holiday home in Carmel. Enjoy laundry facilities, patios and cable/satellite TV service. Popular attractions Monterey Bay Aquarium and Carmel Beach ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (3 reviews)
"We enjoyed our stay in Carmel. Host is accommodating and responsive. Pros: Lots of space and do your own meal prep. All inclusive option made it easy to plan the trip.Host was very helpful and quick to respond.Cons: I was wish there was an easy way to unload and load luggage to and from the house. ..."

Reviewed on 8 Oct 2026

Great Relaxing 3-bedroom house in charming 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.

Stay near popular Big Sur attractions

Activities

Cities near Big Sur

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