Stretching along one of the most spectacular coastlines in America, Big Sur is rugged, cinematic, and steeped in cultural significance. Located on the central coast of California, Big Sur lies between the Santa Lucia Mountains and the vast Pacific Ocean, where towering cliffs plunge into the crashing waves and winding roads reveal breath-taking beauty at every turn.
Big Sur is not a single town but a sparsely populated expanse of coastline that’s roughly 90 miles long, running from Carmel south to near San Simeon. The picturesque landscapes have a remarkable sense of natural serenity, with its dense redwood forests, mist-covered headlands, hidden beaches and cascading waterfalls – all waiting to be discovered.
For decades Big Sur has attracted artists, writers, and travelers seeking inspiration, solitude and the chance to leave the hustle and bustle of the world far behind. Iconic American cultural giants such as Jack Kerouac, Joan Baez, Joni Mitchell, and Henry Miller all found creative refuge in Big Sur, captivated by the enchanting vistas of the Pacific coastline. And today, the region still provides that same sense of escape for visitors from around the world, where luxury cliffside resorts, quiet log cabins, and remote hiking trails provide a captivating backdrop for a coastal getaway.
An ever popular destination for a classic American experience, Big Sur is frequently described as one of the world’s best road trip journeys. The famous California State Route 1 weaves along the Pacific Coast of Big Sur, snaking along cliffs, through ancient forests, and protected state parks, with a never ending sequence of awe-inspiring viewpoints across the horizon of the ocean.
And so whether you’re looking for hiking adventure, an artistic retreat, or to simply disconnect from modern life and lose yourself amongst the Californian wilderness, Big Sur offers an unforgettable experience and the ideal coastal retreat. A vibrant destination for couples, families, solo travelers, and road trippers of every stripe, Big Sur is like an open book that’s just waiting for you to turn the page.
How To Get To Big Sur, California?
Despite feeling remote and untouched, it’s fairly easy for international travelers to reach Big Sur. The best way to get to Big Sur is to fly into San Francisco International Airport (SFO) and then drive down the coast. It’s worth noting that public transport along California’s coast is extremely limited, so for most visitors the only practical way to explore Big Sur is by hiring a car.
San Francisco International Airport (SFO) services frequent flights from all major global travel hubs. Flights from Europe usually take about 10 to 12 hours, while flights from London typically take about 11 hours. Meanwhile, flights from Asia range between 11 to 14 hours, and from Australia will take between 13 to 15 hours, depending on the connections en route.
After you arrive in San Francisco, the best way to reach Big Sur is by car. You can easily rent a car from the airport, or from within San Francisco city, and then drive out along the Pacific Coast. The drive from San Francisco to Big Sur should take about 3 to 4 hours – although you’ll definitely want to stop along the way to snap some photos or grab a bite to eat!
Big Sur is not a specific town, and so there’s a whole range of places that you can choose to stay along the route. However, the Big Sur Village is a 5 mile stretch of road where you’ll find lots of restaurants, shops, and other amenities. As a result, it’s pretty convenient to stay near the Big Sur Village. Even so, one of the reasons why it helps to hire a car is because everything is quite spread out – so getting from place to place without a car is very difficult.
What’s the Best Time to Visit Big Sur, California?
Big Sur is definitely a year-round destination, but the experience will vary from season to season. The weather along the coast can often be unpredictable, with ocean fog, coastal winds, and shifting temperatures as weather fronts move in from the Pacific ocean. Even so, each season has its own merits for visitors.
During the spring, between March and May, day time temperatures range from about 12 to 20 Degrees Celsius, and the landscape is bright with wild flowers and lush greenery following the winter rains. Waterfalls are overflowing, and with the flowers and greenery it’s a great time to visit for hiking and photography.
The most popular season to visit Big Sur is during the summer. Daytime temperatures range from 16 to 24 Degrees Celsius and daylight hours are longer – which means you can enjoy long evenings on the beach or hiking along woodland trails. However, because of the coastal fog, often called the ‘June Gloom’, parts of the coast can be covered with fog for most of the morning. This can make for dramatic photography, but it’s not always ideal for explorations. Luckily, the fog clears up by midday leaving you the rest of day with clear blue skies.
Autumn and winter are also good times to visit. During the autumn temperatures range from about 15 to 23 Degrees celsius, and the summer crowds are largely dispersed. Temperatures cool considerably during the winter, and usually hover between 10 to 15 Degrees. However, the winter brings heavy rains and can sometimes cause temporary road closures or dangerous hiking and driving conditions.
Essentially, the best time to visit Big Sur for most visitors is either in the spring or the summer; while the early autumn is good for avoiding the crowds and grabbing some bargains on accommodation prices.
What To Do At Big Sur, California?
Stay at the Alila Ventana Resort
Situated on 160 acres of secluded redwood forests, wildflower meadows, and coastal cliffs, the Alila Ventana provides guests with a luxurious retreat in the midst of Big Sur’s enchanting landscapes. A dreamy combination of pristine wilderness and refined opulence, the Alila Ventara resort creates an immersive environment in which guests can rest, relax, and unwind; or enjoy a wide programme of carefully curated activities including guided hikes, meditation, whale-watching, and arts workshops.
The resort’s extensive amenities include two large outdoor swimming pools, on-site restaurants and cafes, a fitness center, spa and Japanese hot baths, concierge services, a games room, and free WiFi throughout. Meanwhile, the accommodation on the resort consists of 54 luxurious guest rooms and suites, each ensuring complete privacy and lots of space. Each room features an ensuite bathroom, air-conditioning, a flatscreen TV, safe, an indoor fire, a private balcony, delightful interior furnishings, and attentive room service.
A magical home from home in the depths of Big Sur, the Alila Ventana also welcomes dogs and pets, and makes the perfect option for couples and small group tours. And for guests who haven’t hired a car, the resort provides a free shuttle and taxi service.
You can find out more about the Alila Ventana, and book your rooms, here.
Immerse Yourself in the Activities Programme at Alila Ventana Resort
With such a wonderful range of activities to suit all dispositions at the Alila Ventana there’s literally no need to leave the boundaries of the resort! Of course, guests can come and go as they please, but there’s lots to keep you entertained on-site. There are three main types of activities at the resort – wellness and nature experiences, creative workshops, and cultural activities.
Guests can join guided hikes through the redwood forests, go whale-watching, practise yoga, Tai Chi, or meditation, and destress by joining guided mindfulness experiences to deepen your connection with the landscape. One of the most popular activities, called ‘Coldstream Bliss’, involves a coastal drive followed by a forest hike, and then a cold-water plunge in a secluded river beneath the redwood trees.
The programme of creative workshops include candle making, cold-process soap making, knife making, and other interesting crafts. During the workshops you’ll also learn stories about the land and the natural world around you. Community based activities include poetry writing and the Harvest and Share activity in which guests help to gather produce from the resort’s gardens to support a local food initiative.
All of these activities, and more, create a wonderful environment in which guests can take part as much or as little as they wish. You can find out more about the activities at the Alila Vantana, or book your spot on an upcoming activity, here. Alternatively, if you’re already staying at the resort, then you can book or find out more at the front desk for more info.
Feel the Wind in Your Hair with a Self-Guided Smartphone Audio Tour of Big Sur
If you want to let loose and follow the open road, then why not make use of a self guided smartphone audio tour? This convenient, super helpful app will make sure you don’t get lost while pointing out all the interesting sights along the way. You can start and stop at any time – so if you want to explore a beach, have a bite to eat, or wander in the forests for a while, then it’s no problem.
Ideal for anyone who doesn’t want to be restricted by a pre-planned tour, this self-guided tour is an extremely affordable way to travel the coastal highway at your own pace, without missing out on any of the must-see sights along the way.
You can find out more about the self-guided road trip app, or download yours, here.
Visit the Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park and the McWay Falls
This sensational state park is one of Big Sur’s top attractions and makes for a leisurely day trip. So why not take along a picnic, and immerse yourself in the natural wonder of the Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park? Located right on the Pacific coastline, the park’s forested ridges rise up to over 3000 feet and are criss-crossed with hiking trails and secluded spots that are ideal for a quiet picnic.
One of the highlights of the park is the McWay Falls, an 80 foot waterfall that cascades down over the granite cliffs into the turquoise waters of the ocean below. In fact, McWay Falls is one of the very few waterfalls in America that directly meets the ocean! Around the ocean cove the sandy beach is great for paddling, sunbathing, or strolling along the shoreline. What’s more, you might spot some of the local inhabitants, including sea otters, seals, migrating whales, and dozens of species of coastal birds.
This oasis in the midst of the Big Sur is an absolute must-visit, and should certainly be on your itinerary. It’s always a good idea to look at the official park website before you visit to check trail conditions in advance. It’s also wise to arrive early to ensure you get a good parking spot – preferably in the shade so your car doesn’t overheat during the day.
You can find out more about the park at the official website, here.
Indulge Yourself at the Legendary Nepenthe Restaurant for a Relaxed Evening Meal
There are few places along the coastal road of Big Sur that have such a good reputation as the Nepenthe. Built on a cliff with fantastic views of the Pacific, the Nepenthe complex combines a vibrant restaurant and cafe with an eclectic gift shop.
The menu emphasizes fresh, locally sourced ingredients, including classic comfort and health food, international favourites, and fusion dishes with a Californian twist. Some of the signature dishes highlight the best of fresh-caught seafood and seasonal vegetables, while the open-air terrace allows you to gaze out over the dramatic cliffs as you savour your meal in the extraordinary surroundings.
After dining, you can stroll to the Phoenix Shop to browse the ever-changing collection of artisan goods – from hand-made jewelry and textiles to rare books and ceramics. Each of the precious items on offer make a unique memento of your time in Big Sur, or a thoughtful gift for someone at home.
You can find out what’s on the menu, and reserve your table at the Nepenthe, on their official website, here.
