Big Sur Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

McWay Falls featuring a bay or harbour, a sandy beach and rocky coastline
McWay Falls featuring a bay or harbour, a sandy beach and rocky coastline
Bixby Bridge featuring rocky coastline, a bridge and general coastal views
Big Sur showing rugged coastline, a sandy beach and general coastal views
Bixby Bridge which includes a bridge

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.

Where to stay in Big Sur

Awesome ride through the PCH above the clouds!

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.

Lucia
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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.

Big Sur Village
View of the coast along part of Big Sur on a clear day

Posts

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

Posts
Alila Ventana Big Sur - Inclusive Resort

Alila Ventana Big Sur - Inclusive Resort

4.5 out of 5
48123 Highway One Big Sur CA
The price is AU$2,703 per night from 22 Jan to 23 Jan
AU$2,703
22 Jan - 23 Jan
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this luxury resort in Big Sur. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and 2 outdoor pools. Popular attractions The Henry Miller Memorial Library and Big Sur ...
9/10 Wonderful! (338 reviews)
Alway a beautiful place to stay at. The staff is exceptional in all areas.

Reviewed on 9 Apr 2025

Alila Ventana Big Sur - Inclusive Resort
Big Sur Lodge

Big Sur Lodge

3 out of 5
47225 Highway One Big Sur CA
The price is AU$206 per night from 21 Jan to 22 Jan
AU$206
21 Jan - 22 Jan
includes taxes & fees
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! (1,001 reviews)
Excellent location, close to trails, great pool, fireplace and dining on site.

Reviewed on 29 Dec 2025

Big Sur Lodge
Post Ranch Inn

Post Ranch Inn

5 out of 5
47900 Highway 1 Big Sur CA
The price is AU$3,615 per night from 16 Jan to 17 Jan
AU$3,615
16 Jan - 17 Jan
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this luxury hotel in Big Sur. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Popular attractions Big Sur Spirit Garden and The Henry Miller Memorial ...
10/10 Exceptional! (30 reviews)
Heaven on earth. Everything was incredible from the gorgeous room, grounds and view to the delicious food at the restaurant and in the room. Star gazing was so fun and the falconry another experience of a lifetime. Thank you to the staff to making our stay so comfortable. It was such a treat.

Reviewed on 14 Dec 2025

Post Ranch Inn
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.
Premium Central Big Sur location, pool & spa, spectacular south views, 5 acres

Premium Central Big Sur location, pool & spa, spectacular south views, 5 acres

Big Sur CA
Stay at this beach holiday home in Big Sur. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, private pools and a beach locale. Popular attractions The Henry Miller Memorial Library and Big ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (97 reviews)
everything first-rate

Reviewed on 25 Dec 2025

Premium Central Big Sur location, pool & spa, spectacular south views, 5 acres
Monterey Bay Ocean Peak Home Near Carmel & Pebble Beach 4 Bed 3.5 Bath & AC

Monterey Bay Ocean Peak Home Near Carmel & Pebble Beach 4 Bed 3.5 Bath & AC

2 out of 5
Del Rey Oaks CA
Stay at this family-friendly holiday home in Monterey. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, laundry facilities and patios. Popular attractions Monterey Bay Aquarium and Fisherman's ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (91 reviews)
Vincent the host, was awesome. The house was perfect for our group. Will definitely stay again

Reviewed on 6 Jan 2026

Monterey Bay Ocean Peak Home Near Carmel & Pebble Beach 4 Bed 3.5 Bath & AC
Oceanview Designer Beach House 2 Free Movie Passes license #0366

Oceanview Designer Beach House 2 Free Movie Passes license #0366

Pacific Grove CA
Stay at this beach condo in Pacific Grove. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a beach locale and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Monterey Bay Aquarium and Cannery Row ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (248 reviews)
Great location. Enjoyed having breakfast on the patio overlooking the ocean. Close to everything in Monterey and Carmel.

Reviewed on 18 Dec 2025

Oceanview Designer Beach House 2 Free Movie Passes license #0366
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.

Popular places to visit

Activities

Cities near Big Sur

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