Where To Stay In Big Sur
Big Sur is one of my all-time favorite, photogenic, and coastal landscapes in the world. Easily part of any top 10 road trip list, it’s located on the stunning California coastline between Carmel and San Simeon.
So whether you’re enjoying Big Sur as part of your Pacific Coast Highway Road Trip or visiting Carmel, here are some of our favorite areas and hotels to stay at when visiting Big Sur.
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Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park
Easily considered the heart of Big Sur when it comes to being completely surrounded by nature and hiking trails, Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park is a great choice for anyone wanting to be immersed in the natural beauty of Big Sur.
Since it’s a protected area, there’s not much construction or development and many of the hotels and resorts are often small and blended into nature.
The nearest hotel, only 1.9 miles away, is Big Sur Lodge.
Where To Stay:
Ventana Big Sur
If you want to pamper yourself, Ventana is a great choice with its 59 rooms, suites, and villas each with its own balconies with soaking tubs. There’s also an infinity hot tub right above a redwood grove.
You can also choose to stay at the luxurious glamping tents in the 20-acre redwood canyon below the resort. Each safari-style canvas tent has real beds with comfortable linens, hot and cold running water, a propane fire pit, and daily housekeeping. Nightly turndown service also includes hot cocoa.
Other highlights include the Sur House, with sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean, and Ocean Meadow Lawn, a large green space with great views of the ocean.
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Treebones Resort
Treebones Resort offers interesting lodging in the form of Mongolian yurts perched high in the foothills of South Big Sur with views of the Pacific Ocean - there are also some campsites you can use along with the option to stay in a ‘human nest’.
The ‘human nest’ is an actual human sized nest woven with actual tree branches!
There is also an on site hot tub, pool, and a sushi bar with amazing views.
Glen Oaks Big Sur
Glen Oaks Big Sur is a recently redesigned hotel remade with a stylish midcentury rustic look. It’s completely surrounded by redwood trees, with comfortable bedding, and a great restaurant on site.
Post Ranch Inn
If you’ve got a higher budget, Post Ranch Inn is one of those places that are bucket list-worthy with its breathtaking views in each of the rooms, three heated infinity pools, and amazing restaurant at Sierra Mar.
Privacy is one of the jewels of this resort as you’ll feel like you have the whole Pacific Coast to yourself.
Fernwood Resort
A great value, Fernwood Resort is an all-in-one facility with a 12 unit motel, wood cabins, general store, restaurant, bar, and a 60 unit campground in the redwood forest nearby. They can also accommodate large RV’s and have tent cabins right on the Big Sur River.
Riverside Campground
This lovely campground has 45 sites for tents and RV’s as well as 11 cabins right on the Big Sur River. There are hot showers, laundry, and clean bathrooms. Each site has its own fire pit and picnic table as well.
Carmel
A cute seaside town full of adorable cafes, art galleries, and wine bars - Carmel is a great place to stay if you want to soak in some local culture, eat some great food, and have a romantic getaway for two.
Make sure not to miss out on the gorgeous white sand beach at Carmel Beach.
I’ve written an extensive guide on the best hotels in Carmel, but you can read the quick summary below as well.
Where To Stay:
La Playa
Just two blocks from the beach, La Playa is one of the closest hotels to the beach. On top of that, La Playa is nicknamed the “Grande Dame of Carmel” as one of the best hotels in Carmel with its Mediterranean architecture and luxurious rooms.
Rooms vary from upper floor ocean views to poolside casitas with fireplaces.
Bonus, the hotel is pet-friendly.
Green Lantern Inn
Just a four-minute walk from the beach, the Carmel Green Lantern Inn is a cute cottage-inspired inn and a great value since it’s so close to the beach. You can even hear the crashing waves from your room, which is a great way to fall asleep.
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Cypress Inn
Cypress Inn is a lovely boutique hotel co-owned by Hollywood legend Doris Day that offers old-world luxury, classic hospitality, and also welcomes pets! Make sure to bask in the sunlit garden courtyard while you’re here.
Monterey
Just south of Carmel is Monterey with its charming Cannery Row and outstanding Monterey Bay Aquarium. If you love seafood, you’re in luck as the Fisherman’s Wharf is seafood headquarters.
Where To Stay:
Seven Gables Inn
This beautiful inn is located right on the water with all rooms having splendid views of the ocean. It’s also within walking distance of Cannery Row and Monterey Bay Aquarium.
Intercontinental Clement Monterey
One of the best hotels in Monterey and located right on Cannery Row, it’s hard to beat how close you’ll be to everything when staying here.
Jabberwock B&B
A cute bed and breakfast in the center of Monterrey and walking distance from the beach and Cannery Row - you’ll love the Victorian-styled rooms.
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San Simeon
Famous for the elephant seal sanctuary and architectural gem Hearst Castle, it’s a good choice to stay the night if you’ve been driving all day and need a spot to rest.
Where To Stay:
Located near the beach overlooking the Pacific Ocean, this comfortable resort is a great place to relax with its outdoor heated pools, hot tub, oceanfront fire pits, restaurant, and bar. It’s pet friendly.
A boutique hotel with outdoor pool, sun terrace, and deluxe rooms with fireplaces - this hotel is comfortable and stylishly designed.
Cambria
Just south of Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park, there are some interesting things to see here along the way to Hearst Castle including Nitt Witt Ridge and Harmony Headlands State Park.
Nitt Widge is a quirky house that has tours every hour and is worth checking out.
Where To Stay:
Cambria Beach Lodge
This adorable, retro inspired hotel is decorated in stylish coastal California beach house garb where you’re handed an adventure kit on arrival complete with Boy Scouts handbook and binoculars.
Little Sur Inn
This modern hotel offers spacious room, gas fireplaces, and great ocean views. They also serve up a fantastic breakfast.
Fogcatcher Inn
Located just a two minute walk from Moonstone Beach Park, there is an outdoor swimming pool, hot tub, and all the rooms have fireplaces.
King City
A bit inland from the coastline, King City is a great choice for those on a budget. You can find provisions to stock up on for your road trip at King City Shopping Center.
The Monterey County Agricultural & Rural Life Museum is worth checking out as well.
Where To Stay:
A comfortable, clean stay by a reliable hotel chain - there is an outdoor swimming pool and sun deck. The suites have kitchenettes to prepare basic meals.
A great value option with an outdoor swimming pool and jacuzzi - all rooms have a coffee machine and comfortable bedding.