Things to do in Big Sur — hand-verified picks across food, beaches, trails, families, sunsets, rainy days, and more.

Pfeiffer Beach is a stunning location in Big Sur known for its unique purple-tinged sand and the iconic Keyhole Rock. Nestled at the end of Sycamore Canyon Road, it offers visitors…

A short, easy trail (0.6 miles round trip) to the overlook of McWay Falls — an 80-foot waterfall cascading directly onto a pristine beach cove. This is one of the most iconic views…

Big Sur Roadhouse is a vibrant gathering place in the heart of Big Sur, offering a menu featuring Latin-California coastal cuisine and wood-fired dishes. The lively bar scene attra…

Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park is a stunning natural haven in Big Sur, known for its breathtaking McWay Falls, which gracefully cascades 80 feet onto a picturesque beach cove. Vis…

Post Ranch Inn offers an unparalleled lodging experience in Big Sur, featuring luxury cabins that rise 1,200 feet above the Pacific Ocean. This adults-only retreat combines world-c…

The Ventana Wilderness spans over 240,000 acres of rugged, trail-laced mountains in the Santa Lucia Range behind Big Sur. Multi-day backpacking trips lead to natural hot springs (S…

A legendary cliffside retreat center on the Big Sur coast offering workshops in psychology, philosophy, art, and movement since 1962 — the birthplace of the human-potential movemen…

Alila Ventana Big Sur is an iconic luxury resort perched above the stunning Big Sur coastline, featuring 54 intimate bungalows set amidst serene meadows. Guests can indulge in reju…

A literary and cultural center in the heart of Big Sur dedicated to the writer Henry Miller, who lived in Big Sur for 18 years. The library hosts live music, poetry readings, film …

Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park is a captivating natural area known for its towering redwood trees, scenic trails, and the refreshing Big Sur River. Visitors can enjoy swimming holes, …

Solstice at The Village is a wood-fired restaurant in Big Sur that highlights elevated California cuisine in a rustic and communal atmosphere. This dining spot focuses on seasonal …

Big Sur Coast Properties is an independent real estate brokerage in Big Sur, one of the locally-owned firms working alongside the larger national franchises across the Monterey Bay…

Specializing in the rare and extraordinary real estate of Big Sur, the Carmel Highlands, and Point Sur — one of the most tightly held property markets in the world. Big Sur propert…

Nepenthe is a legendary restaurant in Big Sur, perched 808 feet above the Pacific Ocean, offering diners stunning coastal views and a taste of California's bohemian spirit. Known f…

A challenging 3-mile round trip hike through coast redwoods and oak woodland in Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park, rewarding hikers with a 360-degree panorama of the Big Sur River valley…

Often called the most beautiful marathon in the world, this annual race follows Highway 1 through 26.2 miles of Big Sur's jaw-dropping coastal scenery — redwood canyons, Bixby Brid…

Bixby Creek Bridge is a stunning open-spandrel arch bridge, constructed in 1932, that rises 260 feet above a rocky canyon, offering breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean. It is o…

Deetjen's Big Sur Inn Restaurant offers a rustic Norwegian-style dining experience amidst the stunning redwoods of Big Sur. Known for its intimate ambiance and farm-fresh cuisine, …

Sierra Mar offers a unique dining experience with breathtaking ocean views, set 1,200 feet above the Pacific at Post Ranch Inn in Big Sur. Guests can indulge in meticulously crafte…

Glen Oaks Restaurant is a locally focused dining experience within the Glen Oaks Big Sur hotel, showcasing the culinary heritage of the Big Sur coast. The restaurant emphasizes org…

A small, dramatic state park on the southern Big Sur coast where Limekiln Creek meets the ocean — featuring redwood groves, four historic 19th-century lime kilns, a short trail to …

Big Sur Adventures offers guided hiking and sightseeing tours along the stunning Big Sur coast. Guests explore iconic landmarks such as McWay Falls, Pfeiffer Beach, and Bixby Bridg…

Sand Dollar Beach is the largest beach in Big Sur, featuring a sweeping crescent of sand surrounded by dramatic cliffs. It offers visitors a picturesque setting perfect for picnics…

The largest state park on the Big Sur coast, Andrew Molera offers meadow walks, redwood groves, a river beach at the Big Sur River mouth, and miles of coastal bluff trails with swe…

Santa Lucia Campground & Chapel in Big Sur offers a unique lodging experience surrounded by the stunning natural beauty of California's coastline. This serene campground provides a…

Deetjen's Restaurant in Big Sur offers a cozy atmosphere filled with knickknacks, serving up a delightful range of American meat and seafood dishes. Visitors can also enjoy local w…

Kirk Creek Campground offers stunning coastal views and direct access to the beach in Big Sur. Visitors can enjoy accessible toilets and the natural beauty that surrounds this invi…

Riverside Campground & Cabins offers a serene getaway in Big Sur, featuring RV sites and simple cabins along the river. Guests can enjoy the natural beauty of the area along with c…

Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park Campground offers a scenic retreat amidst the majestic redwoods of Big Sur. With easy access to hiking trails and stunning coastal views, it’s an ideal …

SUR at The Barnyard offers a playful Californian menu in a charming, rustic-chic setting. Visitors can enjoy outdoor seating while savoring the diverse flavors influenced by the re…