Best Things to Do in Big Sur

This 1.1-mile out-and-back trail is family friendly and descends to a slice of Pacific pie that leads to an enchanting cove. To get to the cove, you’ll have to go through a 60-foot tunnel created in the 1880s to transport oak from the forest to the ships down below. 

If you find yourself in Big Sur in the spring, check out what the California coast considers its spring snowfall: Calla lilies that bloom in late January-April blanket this trail. It’s only a 0.3-mile hike with a slight decline from the top of the coastal bluffs to the calla lilies.

This 8.0-mile loop is not for the faint of heart, but it shows off every one of Big Sur’s unique characteristics: redwood groves, wild coastline and breathtaking ocean views. 

Perched on a cliffside with the Santa Lucia Mountains painted behind it, Nepenthe is the ultimate sunset stop-and-sip. Constructed entirely of wood, this seaside cabin has lounging areas on an open patio.When you’re here, order the French dip: a roasted top sirloin on a French baguette with Havarti served au jus. Just remember, when the California marine fog rolls, it’s time to wrap yourself in a puffer jacket and Carhartt beanie.

Big Sur Bakery sits in the middle of the adventure. Only 2.5 miles away from Pfeiffer Beach, this is the perfect place to grab fresh pastries and a hot coffee before a beach picnic. Hidden next to the Big Sur Bakery is a local community of women artists whose work is inspired by the ethereal land. On the other side of the bakery lies a small shop containing bohemian accessories and oddities. 

Dip your toes in the Big Sur River as you sip on something delicious and sit in Adirondack chairs. On Sundays, you can pair your drinks and dinner with music from local bands. Overstay your meal at their lovely inn and nibble on classic American dishes at every time of the day. Start your morning with a chicken fried tri-tip with eggs and end your day with a black Angus rib-eye.

It is no wonder that Big Sur attracts so many artists: It is surrounded by one of the most picturesque backdrops in the U.S. This gallery was once a water tank, making it a great backdrop for an Instagram photo. It has an espresso bar and rooftop cafe where you can grab a  vanilla bay laurel soft serve or a Dreamsicle sundae to enjoy while taking in those ocean views. 

The Big Sur Taphouse is more than a local bar for residents. In 2016, landslides caused by the Soberanes wildfire and heavy rains tore down a major bridge, leaving locals stranded. The community banded together to build a bypass trail called the Taphouse Trail. At the core of the trail lies Big Sur Taphouse, which served as a relaxation station for those taking the trail after a long day of work. Today, they have great deals on food, like on Taco Tuesday, when you can get chicken tinga, pork chorizo, carne asada and Beyond Beef tacos. Some of our other favorite specials include Fishy Fryday or Slider Saturday, and there is always cold beer on tap.

Hugged between massive redwoods and warm fairy lights, this tavern is the ideal place to unwind after a long day of exploring. If you’re looking to feed the family, grab one of their build-your-own pizzas, which feeds four people and has a gluten-free option. Pair it with mezcal Negroni to help you deal with the kids after (or during) a long day. The tavern is connected to a general store and espresso cafe, making it a one-stop shop for the toiletries you forgot to pack and a much-needed pick-me-up before you get back on the road.

Leave the hotel bathrobe behind and get your glamp on in a yurt equipped with colorful quilts and cozy comforters. If you’re looking to get more in tune with nature, the resort also offers a wood art campsite called the Human Nest that looks like a vortex of branches twisted into a nest for two humans. The nest was constructed by Big Sur artist Jayson Fann and is BYOSB (Bring Your Own Sleeping Bag). 

The Bixby Creek Bridge is the classic image of Big Sur and probably what you pictured when you decided to click on this guide. Completed in 1932, this Bridge offers stunning 360-degree views of the cliffs, ocean and redwoods. When you drive past the bridge, play Michael Kiwanuka’s “Cold Little Heart” for the ultimate “Big Little Lies” moment. 

Entering Pfeiffer Beach in Los Padres National Forest, you stumble through an archway of cypress trees that opens up to Keyhole Arch, a small hole in a large rock formation shaped like a castle that acts like a portal to the Pacific. In the winter, come at sunset for a light show by Mother Nature that looks like the heavens are descending down from the rock. 

McWay Falls is one of the two waterfalls on the California coast that flow onto the sandy beaches. A short 0.6-mile hike from the parking lot, this waterfall flows into an emerald pool that can only be described as magic. 

Opened in 1984, this Aquarium showcases the marine life and environment unique to Northern California. Their newest exhibit, Into the Deep, explores the depth of the ocean and lets you  catch bioluminescent animals glowing in the dark. Tickets are $49.95 for adults and $34.95 for children. 

From October-February you can catch monarch butterflies nestling in the eucalyptus grove, an otherworldly experience. Admission is free.

This bakery is the perfect stop before tackling a day of exploring and adventures. Grab their mixed berry danish for a sweet treat or the Farmer’s Breakfast Brotchen for a savory start to your day. 

Want to explore the Monterey Bay that exists in the world of “Big Little Lies”? Paluca Trattoria is a must-stop. In our slice of the multiverse, it serves seafood-heavy Sicilian classics, but in the world of HBO, it is a coffee shop that is home to hot brews and good gossip. 

This Monterey taproom is steps away from the Fisherman’s Wharf, which makes it a great place to relax and renew after a long day of tourist traffic. We’re big fans of the Peace Love & Haze, a hazy IPA with flavors of pineapple, guava and orange. They also have a resident food truck, Wedo’s Tacos.

You never know what you’re going to get at La Bicyclette —  their menu changes weekly. This French-Italian bistro dates all the way back to 1974 when it served only one prix fixe dish per night. If you happen to be there when they serve their Pescado à la Plancha, a fresh-caught fish sauteed in spinach and served with potatoes three ways in a white wine caper-herb sauce, don’t hesitate to order it. 

If you can’t decide on one wine, why not try 11 different tasting rooms? While you stroll through the European-like village of Carmel, use a free mobile guide to take you on a walkable wine-tasting journey.

Point Lobos beckons you to take a romantic stroll on the beach. Grab the hand of your loved one and take them through a journey between steep cliff faces, ocean shores and secret sea caves. You can walk through scenic trails, dive deep for some great scuba diving and learn about the whaling industry.