Big Sur
Big Sur, a 90 mile stretch of unforgettable coastline with a magical allure. Bordered by the St. Lucia Mountains and the Pacific Ocean, this sleepy town was meant for relaxation and mindfulness. To fully enjoy Big Sur, unplug and give yourself a break from reality. Take advantage of the lush forests, hiking trails, state parks, campgrounds, and picturesque beaches.
Before you go...
1. Check the road conditions! Big Sur is only accessible from Highway 1 and there seems to be constant mud and rock slides causing closures. Check before heading out since this could seriously delay your trip.
2. You won't have phone service for a majority of your trip. Enjoy being free of social media, phone calls, texts, and emails.
3. It's a very quaint town with only a handful of restaurants, lodges and gas stations. Map out where you're staying and the proximity to anything you want to see, do or might need.
4. The main road, Highway 1, is extremely twisty. Plan to arrive in Big Sur in the daytime to avoid driving in the pitch black.
5. It rains a lot, be prepared to do all the things you would want to do in the sunshine in the rain. Pack raincoats, umbrellas, and extra layers.
Where to...
|Eat & Drink|
The best coffee in town in a quaint cabin with a lovely ambiance and outdoor seating.
A 68-year-old upscale dining fixture perched on the St. Lucia mountain top serving rare steaks and local wines.
A homey setting with treats like homemade granola, smoked salmon bagels and huevos rancheros which earned them the “Best Place for Breakfast” title in Monterey County.
An unconventional fine dining experience with inquisitive food creations featuring ingredients highlighted by a sense of place and culture.
a family-owned deli that slices made-to-order sandwiches and makes killer breakfast burritos at reasonable prices.
An eight-person restaurant serving an elaborate, Omakase style tasting menu in a romantic and intimate ocean view setting.
If you need to grab a drink, head to the Fernwood Resort. It's the local watering hole.
|See & Do|
Lodge in yurts and explore the different nests, lounge areas, the organic garden, and pool. The resort overlooks the Pacific Ocean with panoramic views in all directions.
An award-winning luxury hotel perfect for a relaxing weekend or a romantic Big Sur getaway.
A chic hotel with vintage-style rooms, gas fireplaces, free Wi-Fi and optional private patios, kitchens and fire pits.
A must do while in Big Sur. With purple, shimmering sand and the occasional dolphin sighting, this beach is magical. The road in is marked with a yellow Narrow Road sign.
Pleasant hiking trails along the creeks completely shaded by coast redwoods. There are three short trails with a variety of lengths and great scenery.
This breezy spot serves as a bookstore, sculpture garden and library showcasing mostly local authors and artists.
A greenhouse next to the Big Sur Bakery that is now an intimated art gallery. You'll find one-of-a-kind arts-and-crafts pieces like jewelry, beauty products, prints and photography from local artisans.
An art gallery comprised of about twenty artists and features contemporary paintings, woodcarvings, metallurgy while a view of the Pacific serves as a backdrop.
The gallery showcases tons of handcrafted art pieces and has a small cafe to grab a coffee at. Find sculptures, paintings, photography, toys and more.
|Moto Spots|
Easy to park and set-up your stuff at this beautiful park. Don't forget to fill up on gas and reserve since gas stations are few and far between.
Motorcycle repair shop 30 miles north of Big Sur in Carmel. I never stopped there, but it has excellent reviews about professionalism, knowledge, and fair prices.
The gallery showcases tons of handcrafted art pieces and has a small cafe to grab a coffee at. Find sculptures, paintings, photography, toys and more.
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River Inn Valero, gas station and break area at River Inn Resort
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Chevron Big Sur, gas station
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Gas Station at Big Sur Bakery & Restaurant and the last one for 40 miles going south
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Ride down the 1, go north or south. You won't be disappointed.
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Big Sur to Carmel and Monterrey
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Big Sur to San Francisco
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Big Sur to Santa Barbara