Things to Do in Big Sur

Post Ranch’s temptations are irresistible – rejuvenating spa treatments, savory dining and natural surroundings that invite relaxation. There’s also morning yoga, guided hikes or saunters, stargazing with our celestial telescope, Chef Craig’s periodic cooking classes, and nearby activities like whale watching. Big Sur offers many other opportunities for enjoyment. Call us to learn what’s going on.

Activities & Amenities

Room Amenities

Each room has a king-size bed with organic mattress and linens, wood-burning fireplace, indoor spa tub, private deck with view of the ocean or mountains, stereo, digital music system with 45 channels, and coffee & tea set-up. The mini-bar offers complimentary snacks and beverages. Other in-room amenities include terry cloth robes, slippers, organic bath products, hair dryer, iron, ironing board and walking sticks. South Ridge rooms have a stainless steel outdoor hot tub. To maintain the peaceful environment, there are no televisions or alarm clocks in guest rooms. All rooms are non-smoking.

Room rates include an extensive gourmet buffet breakfast in Sierra Mar.

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Pools and Fitness Amenities

Post Ranch offers two cliff-top hot basking pools and one swimming pool.

The infinity Jade Pool has expansive views that meld sea and sky. Kept at a constant 104 degrees, it is a rejuvenating place where the panoramic natural beauty of Big Sur warms body and soul.

Our infinity Meditation Pool is perched over the coastline. Also kept at a constant 104 degrees, this stainless steel infinity pool has breathtaking views.

Located on a serene and sunny knoll our heated lap pool is perfect for a refreshing swim or a relaxing poolside sunbath.

FITNESS
The fitness room offers aerobic and weight-training equipment and stair-climbing machines. Open daily from 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.

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Complimentary Activities

For guests of Post Ranch Inn

Morning Yoga
Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday 8:30 a.m.
Begin the day with guided yoga postures, breath work and balancing poses. All levels of experience welcome.

Mindful Movement Meditation
Tuesday 8:30 a.m.
Relax into a gentle movement exploration resulting in an effortless and peaceful state of being. You will be verbally guided through a novel sequence of motions that help develop awareness, flexibility and coordination.

Guided Nature Hikes
Monday, Thursday, and Saturday at 10:00 a.m.
Discover the hidden beauty of Post Ranch on a guided nature hike. Weather permitting.

Star Gazing
Sunday, Tuesday, Thursday & Friday 8:00 – 9:00 p.m.
Big Sur has ideal conditions to view celestial objects in the night sky. With our powerful telescope on clear nights, our amateur astronomer shares a look at planets, stars, nebulas and more. Weather permitting.

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Big Sur Community

ESALEN INSTITUTE
Established in 1960, the Esalen Institute is a school for self-improvement in a variety of areas. Built atop hot springs that seep out of the cliffs above the ocean, Esalen has long been a home to those seeking enlightenment.


HAWTHORNE GALLERY
The Hawthorne Gallery represents the artwork of the multi-talented Hawthorne family as well as the work of selected outstanding artists across the country. Most of the art in our guest rooms, and many sculptures around the ranch are from the Hawthorne Gallery.


COAST GALLERY
One of three locations, the Coast Gallery in Big Sur has become the largest known gallery of American Crafts in the U.S.. It features over 3,000 fine art and craft works by 250 artists and artisans. Some sculptures at Post Ranch come from the Coast Gallery.

HENRY MILLER LIBRARY
The Henry Miller Library houses some of the most notable writers’ works in Big Sur. The library is open daily to the public.

VENTANA WILDLIFE SOCIETY
Ventana Wildlife Society Research and Education Center was established in Big Sur’s Andrew Molera State Park in 1992. VWS programs include bird research at the Big Sur Ornithology Lab, environmental education and habitat restoration. Its current program focuses on California Condor reintroduction, Habitat Restoration, Conservation Ecology and Education.

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Private Activities

PRIVATE YOGA
Practice privately with an experienced instructor tuned to your body’s unique needs. Begin or continue learning a body-healing, safe and effective yoga practice. Your session includes traditional ‘asanas’ (postures), balance poses and ‘pranayama’ (breath work). Partner yoga instruction is available upon request. Additional fee applies.

MEDITATION
This personalized session explores the fundamentals of meditation and simple ways to integrate this ancient technique into your modern lifestyle. Learn how to relax, focus in the present moment and access higher levels of conscious awareness. Additional fee applies.

PRIVATE BIG SUR GUIDED HIKES
Hike the Santa Lucia/Ventana Mountains, led by one of our hiking guides. Savor redwood canyons, scenic bluffs, chaparral and ocean views. Tailored to individual interests and abilities, hikes range from fascinating nature strolls filled with fauna, flora and folklore to serious treks that maintain elevated cardio-respiratory levels. Additional fee applies.

COUPLE’S MASSAGE INSTRUCTION
Connect as a couple and learn basic massage techniques to help release common areas of tension. Your massage instructor demonstrates and encourages both of you to give and receive a massage. Included is your choice of a take-home aromatherapy massage oil blend. Additional fee applies.

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Local Hikes

POINT LOBOS STATE RESERVE
Teeming with flora and fauna, from both sea and land, Point Lobos is an ideal location for sightseeing. The reserve has hiking trails and is a renowned spot for diving, SCUBA and free. Enjoy this slideshow of Point Lobos or view aerial photos.

GARRAPATA STATE BEACH
The park has two miles of beach front, with coastal hiking and a 50-foot climb to a beautiful view of the Pacific. Sea lions, harbor seals and sea otters frequent the coastal waters and California gray whales pass close by during their yearly migration.

POINT SUR LIGHTHOUSE
Point Sur Lighthouse and its supporting light station buildings, now a California State Historic Park, stand atop a dramatic volcanic rock just off shore in Big Sur.

ANDREW MOLERA STATE PARK
This state park, located at the mouth of the Big Sur River, affords stunning coastal views and, with miles of trails, offers hikes for all ability levels.

Creamery Meadow to Molera Beach is a two-mile round trip, easy.

Molera 8-mile loop is a moderate to strenuous hike with a combination of the Ridge Trail, the Panorama Trail and the Bluffs Trail, with great coastal views and beach access.

Ventana Wildlife Society has their field office and bird-banding lab located at Andrew Molera State Park because of the abundant bird population along the Big Sur River. They often offer guided condor tours and birding adventures.

PFEIFFER BIG SUR STATE PARK
The Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park is a great place for hiking.

Valley View Trail is a two-mile round trip from the trailhead or one-half mile from Pfeiffer Falls. This trail takes you from redwoods to oak groves, finally opening up to a view of the Big Sur valley to Point Sur.

Buzzard’s Roost trail is a five-mile round trip from the entrance to Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park. A moderate two-hour hike along the Park’s western edge, taking you by the river, through shady redwoods, and through a series of switchbacks among bay trees and tan oaks to the chaparral-covered top of Pfeiffer Ridge.

PFEIFFER BEACH
Pfeiffer Beach is a popular destination among locals and tourists. It offers a beautiful beach for walking and stunning sunsets.

PARTINGTON COVE TRAIL
Partington Cove is a popular hiking destination.

JULIA PFEIFFER BURNS STATE PARK
The Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park features redwoods, tan oaks, madrones, chaparral, and an 80-foot waterfall that drops from granite cliffs into the ocean from the Overlook Trail. A panoramic view of the ocean and miles of rugged coastline is available from the higher elevations along the trails east of Highway 1.

SAND DOLLAR BEACH TRAIL
Sand Dollar Beach area is a nice crescent beach perfect for a stroll in the sand or an easy hike. There are a limited number of sand beaches in Big Sur and this one a great area for a picnic.

JADE COVE
Jade Cove provides outstanding opportunities for rock-hounding, searching for the coveted Big Sur jade and diving for jade. The beach is a designated hang-glider site.

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