A WEEKEND GUIDE TO BIG SUR

Big Sur

Big Sur is easily one of the most beautiful places in the world with roughly 85 miles of stunning Pacific Ocean views! I’ve been meaning to visit for years but since moving to New York a few years back it wasn’t as easy. Now that I’m in San Francisco I made it a priority to visit this summer! I can’t believe it took me this long to visit given that I’m a California native. The drive along the Pacific Coast Highway is probably the most fun and scenic drives I’ve experienced! From waves crashing into the rocks, Bixby Bridge and many State Parks along the way, there’s a ton of scenic views during the drive into Big Sur. A weekend trip to Big Sur is easily doable, here is my weekend guide to Big Sur.

Big Sur

Tips Before Your Visit

  • Book accommodations way in advance! Things book up really fast!
  • Big Sur CAN be done in 1 day from San Francisco but a weekend is ideal
  • There is absolutely no cell service once you enter Big Sur territory. Print or screenshot a map here or keep your iPhone map open and follow the dot of your current location
  • Rent a carMaybe a convertible if you’re up for it!
  • Big Sur is not cheap! Be prepared to spend a little extra on accommodations and dining.
  • Big Sur is 3 hours from San Francisco and 5-6 hours from Los Angeles

Where To Stay

Luxury: Post Ranch Inn & Ventana Inn

Moderate: Glen Oaks – Read about my experience here

Budget: Deetjens & Ripplewood Resort

What To Do

1. Bixby Creek Bridge

Bixby Creek Bridge

Bixby Creek Bridge

Bixby Creek Bridge

Bixby Creek Bridge

Bixby Creek Bridge

2. Mcway Falls

Mcway Falls

Mcway Falls

3. See the magical purple sand (Pfeiffer Beach)

Tip: The road is easy to miss, just make sure to take the 2nd right after Big Sur Station (Sycamore Canyon Rd). There is also signs that says “Narrow Road” and there’s usually a worker directing you to either turn OR parking is full. If parking is full you will need to park on the highway and walk 2 miles in… that happened to me. If you’re lucky to get parking inside it’s $10 so bring cash!

Pfeiffer Beach

Pfeiffer Beach

4. Key Hole Arch (Pfeiffer Beach)

Pfeiffer Beach

Key Hole Arch
Key Hole Arch

5. Stop at as many turnouts to enjoy the Pacific Coastline

Big Sur

Big Sur

Big Sur

Big Sur

Big Sur

6. Hike at one of Big Sur’s California State Parks:  Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park, Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park, and Andrew Molera State Park.

Big Sur

7. Dine at a restaurant with a view: here

Nepenthe

I hope you enjoy your visit through Big Sur! There is so much to see and do, if you haven’t taken a road trip down the Pacific Coast Highway you’re missing out on stunner views! Thank you Big Sur for an amazing adventure through the pacific coast.

Shop my California style

Comment below if you need any tips or advice!

A WEEKEND GUIDE TO BIG SUR

 

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8 comments

  • kereta sewa shah alam

    July 13, 2016 at 11:30 pm

    what a great moments you’ve got.
    hope you enjoyed them.

    1. Tour de Lust

      July 14, 2016 at 8:38 am

      Thank you! I really did, it was so beautiful. =)

  • jess

    July 14, 2016 at 10:02 am

    Looks like so much fun!

    1. Tour de Lust

      July 14, 2016 at 12:12 pm

      Thanks Jess! It was super fun!

  • Nicki

    July 14, 2016 at 3:39 pm

    Awww I loved this! Can’t wait to visit <3 Your tips will be super helpful.

    And your photos are amazing!!

    1. Tour de Lust

      July 14, 2016 at 5:22 pm

      Yay glad I can help! You will love it when you visit!

  • Jurga @ Full Suitcase

    July 16, 2016 at 2:09 pm

    Wow! Beautiful. We were there once and only had one day AND Big Sur was all in the mist so we didn’t see much. Good excuse to go back one day! 😉

    1. Tour de Lust

      July 16, 2016 at 2:10 pm

      I agree, that is always a good excuse to go back! =)

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