Get away to Big Sur to decompress, lose your stress and soothe your soul. This weekend itinerary will immerse you in the Big Sur experience.
Fun Big Sur Itinerary with Travel Ideas
DAY 1
5 P.M.
After a thrilling drive along historic Highway One, you've arrived at the Big Sur Campground and Cabins for an authentically rustic Big Sur stay. You may have brought your own tent, in which case you'll need to spend a few minutes pitching it at the base of a redwood tree. If you don't have a tent but still want the cloth-wall experience, Big Sur Campground and Cabins' tent cabins increase the comfort level a notch but still give the feel of an old-fashioned camp-out, albeit one with a cozy queen bed. If you want to sleep beneath the redwoods amidst most of the comforts of home, stay in one of their wooden cabins, which have either wood stoves or gas fireplaces to keep you warm when the night gets chilly.
6 P.M.
Dinner tonight is just a short drive south on Route 1 at historic Big Sur icon Nepenthe Restaurant. You'll bask in a glorious sunset as you admire the rugged Big Sur coastline and spectacular hills. The view and the food, both immortalized in Henry Miller's Big Sur and the Oranges of Hieronymus Bosch, are as amazing today as they were over a half-century ago.
Nepenthe is located on land once owned by Orson Welles and Rita Hayworth, who bought a log cabin on the hill but never spent a night there. Lolly and Bill Fassett purchased the property and hired one of Frank Lloyd Wright's students, Rowan Maiden, to design the open-air pavilion that houses Nepenthe.
9 P.M.
The Henry Miller Library is a hub for live performances of all kinds on many Friday nights, especially during the summer. The acts range from folk artists like Dar Williams and Dan Bern to indie artists like Animal Collective and DJ Spooky That Subliminal Kid, to spoken-word artists like Laurie Anderson and Henry Rollins. Performances are generally outdoors under the redwoods and are guaranteed to be a memorable experience.
11 P.M.
The Big Sur Campground and Cabins has a mandatory quiet time of 10 p.m., which works out well for you. Get a good night's sleep and prepare for an early morning.
DAY 2
8 A.M.
The Big Sur Lodge Restaurant opens at 8 a.m. sharp and you'll be waiting at the door to enjoy their tasty breakfast. Omelets, pancakes, granola and other dishes all highlight Monterey County's best organic local ingredients.
9 A.M.
As you drive along Highway One, you'll see many art galleries like Hawthorne Gallery and Studio One. Pop in and peruse the local art.
11 A.M.
If you have any appetite, fuel up for your coming hike with a quick bite at the Ripplewood Cafe. It has a menu that is both concise and diverse, featuring sandwiches, Mexican favorites, salads, chili and even pancakes. If you're looking to mix things up try the unique flavors at the Big Sur Roadhouse.
1:30 P.M.
It's time to be pampered at The Spa at Alila Ventana Big Sur, named one of the top spas in the world by Condé Nast Traveler magazine. The Spa offers traditional massages, facials and body treatments, as well as more spiritual treatments such as Reiki and chakra balancing. Afterward, make use of the Japanese hot baths, which offer stunning views of Big Sur.
6 P.M.
Make sure you are on time for your hard-won reservation at the Post Ranch Inn's award-winning Sierra Mar Restaurant. The stunning views of the Pacific coastline are only matched by the spectacular four-course meal you will enjoy.
9 P.M.
Just a short distance away, Saturday Night Live Music at Fernwood Resort is sure to impress. It could be an excellent local band or an up-and-coming indie act.
DAY 3
8 A.M.
The Restaurant at Deetjen's Big Sur Inn is known throughout the county for its amazing breakfasts. The Chef is inspired to create an ever-changing menu based on inspiration from Monterey County's outstanding local ingredients. The menu won't be the same on any two visits, but the food is reliably delicious.
9:30 A.M.
After breakfast, you'll head seven miles north on Highway 1 to Point Sur Lightstation. Located at Point Sur State Historic Park and perched upon an offshore volcanic rock, the Point Sur Lighthouse is only open to the public via a private tour. The tours are first come, first served and there's invariably a line well before the gate opens. It's well worth the wait. Not only will you get to see one of the only turn-of-the-century lighthouses still in operation on the West Coast, but you'll also get a dramatic view of the Big Sur coastline. If the time of year is right, you'll even see migrating whales!
1 P.M.
No visit to Big Sur could be complete without a meal at the famous Big Sur River Inn. For a true Big Sur experience, eat lunch while sitting in one of the Big Sur River Inn's special Adirondack chairs in the Big Sur River, letting the water wash over your feet. On Sundays, you can enjoy live music ranging from jazz to rock to zydeco with Summer Live Music at Big Sur River Inn from noon - 4 p.m. It's the perfect way to end your Big Sur experience.
More Big Sur Itinerary Ideas
There are countless reasons why a trip to Big Sur, California is on many travelers' list of must-visit destinations. With the announcement that repairs to a 150-foot stretch of iconic Highway 1 in southern Monterey County will be complete by early summer 2021, roadtrippers don’t have to wait until then to experience Big Sur’s majesty. Newly created turnarounds and detour routes along Highway 101 are in place to access all businesses and attractions for northbound and southbound travelers along the Central Coast this spring.
Those looking to responsibly explore Big Sur’s famed coastline will find a drive complete with stunning views of the Pacific Ocean and an impressive array of wildflowers in bloom. From activities aimed at complete wellness restoration to elevated roadside eats, here are four reinvigorating reasons to plan a getaway to Big Sur.
Ride the Wellness Trend
Amid a global pandemic, wellness is top of mind more than ever – evidenced by the Wall Street Journal’s recent assertion that two hours in nature could be the new equivalent of striving toward 10,000 steps in a day. Some draws for those seeking to boost personal health this spring include:
- Post Ranch Inn has launched a 6 Pillars of Healthy Living™ Program, developed by a physician and focused on healthy eating, active living, restorative sleep, stress reduction and awareness, connection, passion and purpose. As part of the program, guests have access to various virtual and outdoor experiences – from meditation classes to sleep instruction.
- Esalen, a longtime retreat dedicated to self-exploration, reopens this month. Among the institute’s draws are its hot springs, known for their pain and healing properties and the onsite organic farm, where produce is served 400 steps from where it is grown.
- Ventana Big Sur recently reopened with an inclusive offering to make indulgence even more seamless for guests. The carefree approach includes meals and signature activities, such as outdoor fitness classes, tai chi, property hikes and more.
- With an abundance of parks and hiking trails in Big Sur, visitors won’t have any problem spending two hours in nature (or achieving 10,000 steps). Spring is primetime for wildflower blooms in this area, with Calla Lily Valley in Garrapata State Park and trails in Andrew Molera State Park, Los Padres National Forest and Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park boasting the best views.
Embrace Local History and These Now Reopened Spots
Big Sur is steeped in history, with its 90 miles of rugged coastline settled by determined pioneers more than a century ago. Embrace the past at these must-stops that recently reopened:
- After enduring an uncertain future due to the strain of the pandemic, the historic Deetjen’s Big Sur Inn — a staple in the area since the 1930s and on the National Register of Historic Places — recently reopened and is again welcoming guests. The rustic property is known for its throwback vibe, allowing travelers to truly disconnect.
- Lucia Lodge, which served as the backdrop for Netflix’s Ratched television show, is now open after an extended closure and accessible from the south along Highway 1. The cliffside property is still run by fifth-generation descendants of the family who built it nearly 100 years ago.
- Another quintessential property, Big Sur Lodge, has recently reopened stays to its 62 cottage-style rooms. Located in the heart of Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park, the property is a hiker’s dream come true.
- Step back in time at the Henry Miller Memorial Library, named for the famed early 20th century American writer who lived in (and adored) the area. Peruse books and other historic items from Thursdays through Sundays.
Whet Your Appetite with Local Fare
Eating like a local is part of the fun of road trip adventures. Don’t miss these iconic (and newer) spots beloved by Big Sur natives:
- Taste the famous hot apple pie at Big Sur River Inn & Restaurant, originally called the Apple Pie Inn. The restaurant offers outdoor dining and to-go meals noon to 5 p.m. daily. Or head over to the Inn’s rehabbed vintage bus featuring a coffee bar and ice cream station.
- The area’s newest eatery, Big Sur Smokehouse, originally opened in 2019 and is set to reopen again this spring. Patrons rave about the California barbecue, which blends East and West styles.
Take Home a One-of-a-Kind Souvenir
While plucking flowers and other plants in Big Sur is out of the question, travelers can shop locally to recreate the destination’s coastal vibe in their own homes:
- Big Sur jade is said to bring its recipients luck and visitors can hedge their bets with a stop at Big Sur Jade Co. – available by appointment only – for truly unique artwork made with the local gem.
- Big Sur Dry Goods is a modern-day general store where every item is both plastic-free and from women-owned brands. The inventory includes essentials from toothpaste and laundry detergent to more indulgent purchases, like jewelry, handbags and scarves.
- Located at the site of the iconic Nepenthe Restaurant, The Phoenix Shop at Nepenthe offers curated gift sets, local art, books from local artists and more. Don’t miss the themed items – like the California Gift Set – that include everything from coasters and pint glasses to plates and notecards.