Please ensure Javascript is enabled for purposes of website accessibility
EXPERIENCE

Big Sur

AREA GUIDE

Things To Do In Big Sur

Just beyond Post Ranch lies a wealth of attractions and activities that are sure to delight. For those who want to explore the beauty of Big Sur and the central coast, here are a few of our favorites things to do when visiting.

Local Attractions

Henry Miller Library in Big Sur, California

Henry Miller Library

The Henry Miller Memorial Library is a nonprofit arts center and bookstore that documents the life of the late writer, artist, and Henry Miller. The library is open daily to the public and often hosts intimate outdoor concerts and small events.

VISIT WEBSITE
Walkway to lighthouse on the coast

Point Sur Lighthouse

Point Sur Lighthouse stands atop a dramatic volcanic rock just off-shore in Big Sur. This historic aid-to-navigation still guides ships along the treacherous Central California Coast. Point Sur can be visited by guided walking tours year round.

VISIT WEBSITE
Bixby Bridge in Big Sur

Bixby Bridge

Cross this unforgettable bridge into iconic Big Sur Welcome to Big Sur’s version of the Golden Gate. A must-see road trip spot for many and probably the most Instagrammed feature along the Highway 1 coastline. And rightly so.

VISIT WEBSITE
Monterey Bay Aquarium

Monterey Bay Aquarium

The Monterey Bay Aquarium is a pioneering aquarium and renowned marine conservation organization perched on the edge of the wild Monterey Bay in California. Its mission is to inspire conservation of the ocean. The aquarium is located on historic Cannery Row in Monterey and open daily. Photo credit: SeeMonterey.com

VISIT WEBSITE
Hearst Castle

Hearst Castle

Hearst Castle is a National Historic Landmark mansion located in San Simeon and was the home of newspaper magnate William Randolph Hearst. It has been maintained as a state historic and is open for public tours. Hearst Castle was once home to newspaper publisher WR Hearst. It is now a house museum and is open to the public.

VISIT WEBSITE
A beach in Carmel, California

Carmel

Just up the coast, visitors can enjoy the charm of downtown Carmel and the natural beauty of California’s central coast while engaging in a variety of outdoor activities, dining and shopping. Explore the 17-Mile Drive, widely recognized as one of the most scenic drives in the world, which runs from Pacific Grove to Pebble Beach.

VISIT WEBSITE
People hiking in Big Sur

Hiking

There’s something special about being outdoors in the fresh, Big Sur air. Post Ranch is fortunate to be surrounded by some of the most scenic and diverse hiking trails in the world. With trails and excursions for hikers of all levels, there’s truly something for everyone.

MODERATE

Valley View Trail

This is a nice, moderate hike through the Redwoods that features a waterfall and ultimately leads to a stunning view of the Big Sur Valley below.

MORE INFORMATION
STRENUOUS

Tanbark to Tin House Trail

This trail, located in Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park, offers a strenuous, 6.1 mile hike featuring a river before the final ascent up to the Tin House and a spectacular view of the coast.

MORE INFORMATION
MODERATE

Partington Cove

Partington Cove Trail offers a moderate 1.1 mile out and back trail that offers a view of the protected Partington Cove.

MORE INFORMATION
STRENUOUS

Bluffs and Panorama Trail

7.9 miles
5 hours

A scenic hike that takes you along the bluffs for a great view of the Pacific to the west and the Santa Lucia mountains to the east.

MORE INFORMATION
MODERATE

Buzzards Roost

2.6 miles
1.5 hours

Buzzards Roost Trail is a lovely hike that features beautiful wild flowers, while passing through old growth-redwoods and into a pine forest, making for an interesting and varied hike.

MORE INFORMATION
STRENUOUS

Coast Ridge Road

7.6 miles
4 hours

Coast Ridge Road is a private, unpaved winding road with a public right-of-way for hikers, that offers spectacular views deep into the precipitous Ventana Wilderness, extending across the Big Sur Valley to the Pacific Ocean.

MORE INFORMATION
EASY

Pfeiffer Beach

.9 miles
1.5 hours

At this location, Sycamore Canyon Creek empties into the Pacific and a rocky point protects some of the sand at the cove. The focal point of the beach is Keyhole Rock which has an amazing natural arch at the base where salt water, and even the last rays of daylight, can pass through.

MORE INFORMATION

Parks & Beaches

Point Lobos State Reserve

Teaming with flora and fauna, from 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. The Reserve has often been called "the crown jewel of the State Park System".

MORE INFORMATION

Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park

The peaks of Julia Pfeiffer Burn State Park tower high above the Big Sur River Gorge, where the Big Sur River enters this popular park. The park is also home to the iconic McWay Falls, an 80-foot waterfall that drops into the ocean. Please note there is no beach or ocean access.

MORE INFORMATION

Pfeiffer Beach

Sycamore Canyon Creek empties into the Pacific and a rocky point protects some of the sand at the cove. The focal point of the beach is Keyhole Rock (seen above) which has an amazing natural arch at the base where salt water, and even the last rays of daylight, can pass through.

MORE INFORMATION

Partington Cove

Partington Cove is a remote rocky cove below Partington Point in Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park. Visitors can explore the small, remote inlet and rugged beach that is reached on foot by a dirt trail, wooden bridge and finally, a 60 foot tunnel that opens up onto the hidden cove.

MORE INFORMATION

Andrew Molera State Park

The largest state park along the Big Sur coast, Andrew Molera State Park is located at the mouth of the Big Sur River. This state park 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.

MORE INFORMATION

Garrapata State Park

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.

MORE INFORMATION

Jade Cove

Jade Cove is a rocky cove south of Sand Dollar Picnic Area on the southern Big Sur Coast. 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.

MORE INFORMATION

Sand Dollar Beach

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 is great for a picnic. Beautiful jade stones and other sea rocks can also be found along the beach.

MORE INFORMATION

Point Sur Lighthouse

Point Sur Lighthouse stands atop a dramatic volcanic rock just off-shore in Big Sur. This historic aid-to-navigation still guides ships along the treacherous Central California Coast. On the National Register of Historic Places, Point Sur can be visited by guided walking tours year round.

MORE INFORMATION

Local Dining

Big Sur Bakery

47540 CA-1, Big Sur, CA

Creative American comfort food, wood-fired pizzas & fresh pastries & desserts in a rustic setting.

VISIT WEBSITE
AMERICAN CUISINE

Big Sur Deli

47520 CA-1, BIG SUR, CA

This family-owned deli specializes in tasty dining options along with one of the largest selection of craft brews and wines.

VISIT WEBSITE
Deli & GROCERY STORE

Deetjen's

48865 CA-1, BIG SUR, CA

Tucked away in a rustic Big Sur setting, Deetjen's offers candlelit dining and hearty, locally sourced organic fare.

VISIT WEBSITE
American CUISINE

Fernwood Tavern

47200 CA-1, BIG SUR, CA

Pizza & pub food with live music in an old-school roadhouse setting next to a motel & campground.

VISIT WEBSITE
AMERICAN CUISINE

Nepenthe

48510 CA-1, Big Sur, Ca

Eatery perched on a Big Sur cliffside offering California fare & a terrace with breathtaking views.

VISIT WEBSITE
AMERICAN CUISINE

The Sur House

48123 CA-1, BIG SUR, CA

Open for lunch, enjoy Big Sur-inspired cuisine and distant ocean views from the spacious outdoor terrace.

VISIT WEBSITE
CALIFORNIAN CUISINE

Local Art

The exterior of the Post Gallery in Big Sur

The Post Gallery

The Post Gallery offers an array of black and white photography, sculptures and fine jewelry. Exhibits change throughout the year, providing the chance to display the art of talented artists in and around the Big Sur community while offering fresh and interesting perspectives from around the world.

MORE INFORMATION
The exterior of the Hawthorne Gallery in Big Sur.

Hawthorne Gallery

48485 CA-1, BIG SUR, CA 93920

Gorgeous setting overlooking the ocean across the highway from Nepenthe. Painting, jewelry, ceramic, glass and amazing stone sculpture will have you reaching for your wallet in record time.

MORE INFORMATION
The Henry Miller Library in Big Sur.

Henry Miller Memorial Library

48603 CA-1, BIG SUR, CA 93920

The Henry Miller Memorial Library is a nonprofit arts center, bookstore, and performance venue in Big Sur, California, documenting the life of the late writer, artist, and Henry Miller.

MORE INFORMATION
coast gallery

COAST Big Sur

48485 CA-1, BIG SUR, CA 93920

Nestled amongst the natural beauty of Big Sur, COAST is a truly unique destination along Highway 1 for fine art, one-of-a-kind gifts and elevated casual cuisine.

MORE INFORMATION
Our site uses cookies and other technologies to provide the best browsing experience. By using this site, you agree to our Privacy Policy.