Bite-Sized Guide to Big Sur
All the spots I tell my friends to stay, eat and see in one of the most magical places on the California coast
There are places you visit, and places that shift your pace.
Big Sur is firmly the latter.
And it also happens to be a spot that holds a very special place in my heart. Somehow, without meaning for it to, it’s become a place we return to again and again whenever we have something to celebrate- a birthday, an anniversary, a milestone. It’s just that kind of spot. And yet, it’s also the kind of place you go when you have nothing at all to celebrate, well, other than life itself (which, isn’t that always worth celebrating??!).
Big Sur is one of those places that no amount of pictures or prose will do it justice. It’s not just the cliffs or the coastline, though they are impossibly beautiful. But it’s the way time stretches here. The way a single stop along Pacific Coast Highway can turn into an hour without you even noticing. Dramatic cliffs drop into the Pacific, redwoods tower quietly overhead, and the pace of life softens almost instantly. A slower, wilder escape. A place that takes your breath away. A place so magical you have to see it, to truly believe it.
Between the scenery and the limited cell service (tbh, that’s reason enough to love anywhere these days!), Big Sur really is the perfect place to just slow down, be in nature and shut-off, relax and re-charge, which is exactly what I like to do when I’m here. It’s a place that doesn’t reward urgency. It’s a place that isn’t about finding the “best” spots. It’s about noticing the ones you almost drove past.
So, while I’ve never gone with the intention of creating a guide, many trips later, I’ve unintentionally acquired a list, not of the “best” spots, but of my favorite spots, the ones I notice again and again, which I’m sharing below in my bite-sized guide to Big Sur.
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THE BIG SUR GUIDE
STAY
For luxury: Post Ranch Inn, Ventana Big Sur
For boutique charm: Deetjen’s*
For nature immersion: Glen Oaks* cabins + Treebones for glamping stays
For more flexible options: Check nearby towns like Carmel or Monterey
*My personal favorites.
EAT
The food definitely isn’t the main event here. But that doesn’t mean there aren’t a few spots worth noting.
It’s also worth mentioning that more often than not, my favorite meals in Big Sur haven’t necessarily been the “best” ones, rather the ones enjoyed pulled over on the side of the road, sitting on a rock facing the water, after a long stretch of driving, or at the top of a hike, taking in the views. Side note-always have some snacks and provisions with you, food can be limited and you never know when hunger might strike during a day of exploring.
Besides picnics, roadside stops and car snacks, here are some of my favorite places to eat in Big Sur-
DEETJEN’S (brunch or dinner)
Comfort food in a cozy setting; we love coming for a leisurely breakfast, sitting by the fireplace and getting their infamous eggs benedict as well as an order of pancakes (with blueberries) to share before heading out on a hike or a day of exploring. They also do dinner, as well.
WILD COAST OMAKESE (dinner)
A truly unique and special experience and one of my all time favorite meals in Big Sur, omakese that highlights and incorporates local seafood, flower and fauna; seatings are limited and reservations required, but if you are a seafood and/or sushi lover, this is a must!
NEPENTHE (lunch, early dinner or a glass of wine)
Come for the view, stay for the burger; arrive early or go at off-peak hours as it tends to get quite busy; tbh I think the food is a bit overpriced for what it is, but it’s a great place to spend an afternoon sipping wine outside in the sunshine of Big Sur!
SIERRA MAR at POST RANCH INN (dinner)
For a incredible meal with incredible ocean views; dinner is a tasting menu with most things being locally sourced; beverages are quite pricey but they do allow you to bring your own wine with a corkage fee; definitely plan to make reservations, especially for dinner
FERNWOOD RESORT (drinks)
A fun spot to go for a drink, especially if they have live music
BIG SUR TAPHOUSE (drinks and casual dinner)
A local favorite, great for grabbing a beer or a casual bite to eat; we like to go after a day of hiking or exploring and order beers and a snack (like the nachos) and enjoy it on the upper deck
BIG SUR DELI (on-the-go breakfast and lunch and provisions)
A great spot for picking up provisions, they also have a deli counter where you can order sandwiches and breakfast burritos
Pro tip- Be sure to make reservations if possible and be aware of hours as they can be limited, especially during off season.
SEE, HIKE, DO
If I’m being honest, most of my time in Big Sur is usually spent on Highway 1, but not in a “getting somewhere” kind of way, more in a “it’s part of the journey” kind of way.
I pull over more times than I can count. Sometimes for a view, sometimes for no clear reason at all. The light shifts constantly here, and it changes everything.
If you can, go on the earlier side. Big Sur feels quieter, more ethereal, before all the other travelers hit the road.
SEE
MCWAY FALLS (An Iconic Coastal View)
A rare coastal waterfall that drops 80 feet onto an untouched pristine beach below, viewed from an easy overlook/overlook trail in Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park.
Pro-tip: for the best view, go in the afternoon when the sun is shining directly on the falls
BIXBY CREEK BRIDGE (Classic Highway 1 View)
One of the most iconic views along the coast, this bridge has become synonymous with Big Sur itself. It’s worth stopping for, even briefly, especially in the early morning or late afternoon light. To view it from my favorite angle, turn left, just before the bridge if you are headed south. If you are headed north, turn right, immediately after the bridge. This will take you to a road that goes up into the mountains. Follow the road up and look for parking. You should be perfectly angled so that you can see out towards the ocean and the bridge.
HIKE/BEACH
EWOLDSEN TRAIL- parking is $10 per car
Located in Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park, this loop gives you the full Big Sur experience: redwoods, ocean views, and quiet stretches that feel almost untouched.
PARTINGTON COVE
A short but rewarding hike leading to a hidden cove. You’ll walk through a narrow tunnel carved into the rock before it opens to the ocean and a small, almost hidden cove that feels removed from everything else. Fun Fact: this cove was once once used by smugglers and loggers.
PFEIFFER FALLS TRAIL- parking is $10 per car
A shorter, more accessible option that leads to a waterfall tucked within the forest- ideal if you’re looking for something less time-intensive.
ANDREW MOLERA STATE PARK- parking is $10 per car
There are two main attractions at Andrew Molera State Park, the trails and the long stretches of pristine beaches. We’ve done several of the hikes here and have loved them all, but my favorite is the creamery meadow loop.
WHALE PEAK
A short but steep hike with great views; to extend your hike, you can continue on the nearby Soberanes Point Trail or Soberanes Canyon Trail
LIMEKILN FALLS- parking is $10 per car
A short hike through the redwoods to a waterfall; don’t miss the historic limekilns while you’re in the park
SALMON CREEK FALLS
A quick hike to a great little waterfall where you can dip in and cool off in the warmer months
GARRAPATA STATE PARK
For beaches and hiking; also if you happen to be visiting between late January and April, be sure to check out Calla Lily Valley.
BEACHES
PFEIFFER BEACH (A bit of a journey to get to this beach, but well worth it; parking is $10 per car), JADE COVE (yes you can actually find genuine nephrite jade washed up on the shore), SAND DOLLAR BEACH (good for exploring and picnicking; parking is $10 per car)
*Friendly reminder to leave no trace and take nothing but photos while you’re in Big Sur.
DO
STOP AT THE HENRY MILLER LIBRARY
Part bookstore, part cultural space, this whimsical bookstore is the perfect place to slow down and flip through books, linger in the garden, or catch one of their events if timing aligns.
VISIT THE NEW CAMALDOLI HERMITAGE
A different perspective on Big Sur, one that’s quieter and more contemplative and definitely worth the long drive up. Visitors are welcome in designated areas, including a small chapel, peaceful grounds overlooking the ocean and a gift shop (be sure to get their homemade granola if they have it in stock).
TAKE A TOUR OF THE POINT SUR LIGHTHOUSE
Tours are three hours long and only offered on select days with limited availability, so be sure to check the website to plan accordingly. And get there early as the the tours only accommodate 40 people. Tours cost $20 per adult, $10 for ages 6-17 (or $30 and $15 for the moonlight tours) and are free for 5 and under. Be sure to take an extra layer or two as it can get quite windy and chilly, even in the summer.
EXPLORE THE MOLERA RANCH HOUSE MUSEUM
SHOP HANDCRAFTED GOODS AT MOTHER BOTANICAL SHOP
DRIVE THE OLD COAST ROAD
This 10.5-mile narrow dirt road was the original connection to the area before Highway 1. Running parallel to the highway between Bixby Bridge and Andrew Molera State Park, it offers a quieter, more rugged, inland perspective through redwood groves and high coastal ridges.
What to Pack for a Big Sur Weekend
A few thoughtful additions can make your time in Big Sur more comfortable:
Layers for changing coastal weather; always have a jacket or light sweater, yes, even in summer
Comfortable shoes for walking and hiking
A handsfree bag for easy hiking and exploring
A tote or small cooler for picnic stops
→ Shop my go-to travel essentials for Big Sur here
FOR EVEN MORE BIG SUR…
Check out my Ultimate Big Sur Guide for more in-depth resources
Follow this 2–3 day Big Sur itinerary
Discover where to eat in Big Sur
Explore the best hikes in Big Sur
Get my Big Sur packing list
THE MAP
To bring this guide to life, and make it as easy as possible for you to utilize, I’ve put everything I’ve mentioned here, along with lots of other favorites, over 90+ spots, into a Google map, available to paying subscribers only.
