Big Sur – Where The Reality Beats The Movie

What to do in Big Sur

Big Sur is an absolute nirvana for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts, photographers, hikers and campers, and anyone who’s looking for majestic nature and unforgettable experiences. You can go hiking, camping, beachcombing, watching migrating whales, sea otters and endangered California condors, (the largest birds in North America). You also must go visit Henry Miller’s house, (which now is a memorial library & a bookstore). Have a bite on the lofty patio at Nepenthe and take in the breathtaking views. Another great place for a bite & some local art is Coast Big Sur. Make sure you stop by for coffee and lunch on the terrace while gazing out at the ocean, and check their art gallery inside. This place is a truly unique destination for fine art lovers, one-of-a-kind gifts and elevated casual cuisine. For more art galleries check out https://www.bigsurcalifornia.org/galleries.html. For more things to do in Big Sur checkout https://www.bigsurcalifornia.org.

Where to stay in Big Sur

Lodging options are limited and very pricey here. Options range from campground, inns and rustic cabins, to a couple of luxury resorts where rooms are thousands of dollars a night. Check out the Big Sur’s website for more on lodging. Our favorite place to stay here is the Deetjen’s Inn. Tucked-away on the edge of a redwood forest, this cozy inn has been welcoming guests since 1930. The property was built by Helmuth Deetjen and his wife Helen, using traditional Norwegian techniques. The inn is now on the U.S’s National Register of Historic Places.

We also love Ragged Point Inn and Resort because of its exceptional location right by the ocean. Rooms start at $239/ night, and the views are breathtaking. Another incredible place is Esalen Hot Springs if you are into yoga and meditation. This retreat has hot springs with jaw-dropping views, so just soak in the mineral-rich waters and contemplate the beauty around you. You’ll reach a zen state of mind as soon as you put your foot inside this place. If you drive from LA and need a break, the best place to stop for a night is at the

Cavalier Oceanfront Resort, the only oceanfront resort in San Simeon and Cambria. This is the ideal stopover for travelers exploring the California coast: just three miles from Hearst Castle, seven miles from the Elephant Seal Habitat (Rookery), and 10 miles from the Piedras Blancas Lighthouse. Rooms start at $289/ night, and depending on when you plan your trip, the price can be double or even triple.

If money is not a problem and you wanna experience top of the line, then you might wanna stay at Post Ranch Inn, (rooms range from $1,500 to 2,000), or Ventana, (where a room is approximately $3,500 – 4,000/ night. Yep, you got that right, it’s not a typo).

When to visit Big Sur

Weather in Big Sur is mostly sunny and chilly, so it’s best to pack a jacket and a couple of sweaters any time of year you plan to visit. Summer days are warm and pleasant, with foggy mornings and chilly evenings. But this is the most expensive time to travel, so if you’re on a budget you might wanna hold ‘til late September, October. The weather is still nice, summer crowds start to disperse, and lodging prices go significantly down. Winter is the best time to visit Big Sur if you’re looking to snag a deal on lodging. But this is when it rains a lot in Big Sur, and often the roads are closed, so you might end up locked inside the hotel most of the time. Spring is when Big Sur is blooming, figuratively and literally, so if you’re into beautiful wildflowers this is the best time for you.