The ultimate California road trip is taking the scenic drive along Pacific Coast Highway to Big Sur. The winding road offers unobstructed ocean views as you journey along California's central coastline to this iconic destination.
The view of Bixby Bridge from Hurricane Point in Big Sur.
Nestled between Carmel and San Simeon, you will find one of California's most beautiful coastal destinations, Big Sur. Known for it's rugged coastlines and majestic redwoods, this area is the perfect location to unplug and experience nature. The drive alone is worth the trip with so many stops featuring picturesque ocean views from the cliffs of the Santa Lucia Mountains.
Big Sur offers a quiet, serene escape from the hectic pace of modern life. If you are looking for a luxury retreat surrounded by rustic beauty, come with me on the ultimate weekend getaway to Big Sur.
Fun Fact: The Bixby Bridge serves as the unofficial gateway to Big Sur. It was built in 1932 and is one of the most photographed bridges in California. At the time of construction, the bridge was the highest single-span archway in the world and was completed five years prior to the mountain road surrounding it.
Getting to Big Sur
Big Sur does not have an airport, but driving along Pacific Coast Highway is part of the experience. The closest airport is Monterey Regional Airport. The drive down will take 45 minutes, but you should give yourself at least a few hours to stop at all the overlooks along the way. An alternative option with nonstop flights is San Jose International Airport.
Tip: Stop in Carmel for lunch. It's a beautiful coastal town with many dining and shopping options.
Along the drive down, you will find numerous spots to pull over, park, and experience the natural beauty of Big Sur. Take advantage of these breaks. A few of my favorite stops are Hurricane Point and Sea Otter Refuge Viewpoint. Another must-see is Garrapata Beach located 11 miles south of Carmel. Take the stairs down to this secluded beach and explore the coastal trails surrounding it.
A scenic viewpoint off PCH in Big Sur.
Where to Stay
For couples, my recommendation is to stay at one of the adults-only resorts, Ventana Big Sur or Post Ranch Inn. These properties are right across the street from each other. Both resorts emphasize sustainability and wellness. Amenities include a spa, guided nature walks, yoga, and several pools with breathtaking views. While both properties are gorgeous, the Post Ranch Inn suites are built cliffside with many featuring incredible panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean.
Note: Post Ranch Inn is very popular and needs to be booked far in advance. The resort was full when we visited, so we stayed at Ventana. We did spend the day at Post Ranch Inn and had dinner there during our trip giving us a chance to experience both properties. I highly recommend either one for a luxury stay in Big Sur.
For families, I recommend renting a house on Airbnb or Ventana has a glamping experience that allows children and pets. If you want the kids to experience camping with a luxury twist, check out the resort's campground. Each tent is surrounded by redwood trees and features hotel beds, lounge chairs, and a fire pit for enjoying s'mores under the stars. The bath house has bathrooms and showers, and the property has an Airstream trailer with snacks and all your camping supply needs.
The view from our room at Ventana Big Sur.
Where to Eat
If you stay at Ventura Big Sur, The Sur House is delicious and offers patio seating with a gorgeous view. We had breakfast there daily and dinner one night. I also enjoyed the poolside food menu at the resort. The fish tacos were excellent and perfect for a casual lunch in the sun.
For breakfast or lunch in Big Sur, check out the Big Sur Bakery or Big Sur Roadhouse. Another favorite spot is Nepenthe. The beautiful property that is now home to the restaurant was once owned by Rita Hayworth and Orson Wells before being sold in 1947. Go for drinks and appetizers at sunset, the patio view is amazing.
For a fine dining option, go to dinner at Sierra Mar. This restaurant, located at Post Ranch Inn, is perched on a cliff with floor-to-ceiling glass walls overlooking the Pacific Ocean. The service is second to none and the views throughout the restaurant are stunning. I recommend the four course prix fixe option. The menu changes regularly, but every dish we were served was creative and delicious.
Where to Play
Big Sur is about spending time outdoors. Explore the state parks, get lost in the redwoods, or take a walk on one of the many coastal trails. This is a place to marvel at the natural beauty of the central coast. Here are my top places to visit in the area.
For a day packed with outdoor fun, take a few hours to explore Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park which features the stunning McKay Falls, an 80-foot waterfall flowing from jagged rocks to the untouched beach below. It is a must-see when visiting the area. While you can't go on the beach, the waterfall is visible from the trails above.
Next stop for a unique outdoor experience is Pfeiffer Beach. This hard-to-find beach is home to the beautiful ocean rock that forms the keyhole arch you see in pictures from Big Sur and during certain times of the year the beach has purple sand.
Another outdoor park to explore when you are close to Carmel is Point Lobos State Reserve. This is one of the best in the state with amazing views of the ocean on every trail. If you only have time to hike one trail in this park, go on the Bird Island Trail. This easy, scenic trail leads to beautiful vistas overlooking China Cove and Gibson Beach.
For a relaxing adults-only day at the resort, start your morning with yoga followed by a guided nature walk. Spend the rest of the day at the spa and poolside taking in the amazing views.
The view from The Sur House at Ventana Big Sur.
Did You Know? All those magnificent redwood trees are fire resistant. Many have survived California wildfires for hundreds if not thousands of years with a unique defense mechanism in the bark. If you take a nature walk in Big Sur, you might notice the burn scars or hollowed-out trunk of some redwood trees that were impacted by wildfires. These fire-carved caverns serve as a home for wildlife found in the forest.
Best Time to Visit
The best time for perfect weather is between April and October when there is less fog and more sunshine. We went during the last week in March. The weather was perfect one day and cloudy the next, but the big perk was the wildflowers blooming along the cliffs. This happens in the spring, and it was beautiful.
Tip: September and October is less crowded, and there is less marine layer to obstruct those amazing ocean views.
The trails along PCH with flowers blooming in March.
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