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.

Alila Ventana Big Sur

Alila Ventana Big Sur

4.5 out of 5
48123 Highway One Big Sur CA
The price is AU$3,536 per night from 27 July to 28 July
AU$3,536
27 July - 28 July
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this luxury resort in Big Sur. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and 2 outdoor pools. Popular attractions Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park and Pfeiffer Beach ...
9/10 Wonderful! (343 reviews)
"We really loved our stay with one exception. A woodpecker would wake us up daily between 6am-6:30am pecking loudly on the outside of our suite (#58). We asked if anything could be done but there wasn’t and it was a common occurrence. We would love to go back if we can be sure we could sleep in."

Reviewed on 17 May 2026

Alila Ventana Big Sur
Post Ranch Inn

Post Ranch Inn

5 out of 5
47900 Highway 1 Big Sur CA
The price is AU$4,020 per night from 3 Aug to 4 Aug
AU$4,020
3 Aug - 4 Aug
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 ...
10/10 Exceptional! (43 reviews)
"Amazing experience. Best we've ever hsf"

Reviewed on 11 July 2026

Post Ranch Inn
Lucia Lodge

Lucia Lodge

2.5 out of 5
62400 California 1 Big Sur CA
The price is AU$609 per night from 26 July to 27 July
AU$609
26 July - 27 July
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! (183 reviews)
"The location was amazing! Fantastic view!"

Reviewed on 14 July 2026

Lucia 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.
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 Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park and Pfeiffer ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (105 reviews)
"Location location location!!! Incredible views"

Reviewed on 25 June 2026

Premium Central Big Sur location, pool & spa, spectacular south views, 5 acres
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 Fisherman's Wharf ...
Single Queen Cottage
Lovely Cottage just above Moonstone Beach in the Pines and Oak Trees.

Lovely Cottage just above Moonstone Beach in the Pines and Oak Trees.

Cambria CA
Stay at this cottage in Cambria. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, laundry facilities and patios. Popular attractions Moonstone Beach and Moonstone Beach Park are located ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (122 reviews)
"A very comfortable cottage with all the necessary amenities. TV in the bedroom would have made the stay perfect for my wife. Overall very pleased and would recommend."

Reviewed on 30 June 2026

Lovely Cottage just above Moonstone Beach in the Pines and Oak Trees.
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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