Big Sur, California: The Ultimate Luxury Nature Getaway

Truthfully, you can absorb Big Sur without any itinerary and just by taking in its natural beauty from your hotel or your campsite or from driving down PCH. The fresh air, breathtaking views and endless cliffside trails make it really easy to explore and experience in luxury with no agenda. Here is a range of options depending on your level of activity and where you are staying. You can check some of these off easily in a 3–4 night stay in Big Sur.

• Enjoy your hotel: Whether you are at Post Ranch Inn or Ventana Alila Big Sur, there are endless options on site. Part of the reason I love these hotels so much is that you are surrounded by nature and the beauty of Big Sur (even from your own hotel bed). Spend time at the pools, the nature walks, the wellness activities on site.

• Spa Day: Whether you are staying at Post Ranch Inn or Ventana Alila Big Sur, you can indulge in an incredible spa day with custom massages and nature influenced treatments.

• Bixby Creek Bridge: Marvel at the iconic Bixby Creek Bridge and take in the breathtaking coastal views. (This is really just a pull over stop site and in the summer you can hike below)

• Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park: Explore the redwood groves and enjoy hiking trails in Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park. Here you realize how small we are and how significant our beautiful world is!

• McWay Falls: Witness the stunning McWay Falls, a picturesque waterfall meeting the ocean. This is a must.

• Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park: Hike the trails to witness more coastal wonders and the famed redwood trees. Cute beach alcoves.

• Private Picnics: I can arrange a private picnic with a curated basket of local organic treats, to be enjoyed in a secluded and picturesque spot.

• Hot Springs: The Esalen Institute (sometimes closed to the public and advanced reservations needed), Sykes Hot Springs and the Tassajara Hot Springs

• Art Tour: Enjoy an art walk tour at Post Ranch Inn and visit the local gallery.

• Henry Miller Library: 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. Emil White built the house for Miller in the mid-1960s. There are sometimes fantastic shows here - one of my favorite shows of my life was seeing Arcade Fire here!

• Point Sur Lighthouse: Take a guided tour of Point Sur Lighthouse for historical insights.

• Andrew Molera State Park: Embark on horseback riding or hiking at Andrew Molera State Park.

How to Get Here

Big Sur is about a 6-hour drive from Los Angeles, so those living in Los Angeles should certainly plan to do the road trip straight through as you will want your car in Big Sur. Big Sur is about 3 hours from San Francisco. Big Sur is about 3.5 hours from Napa Valley, so if you wish to pair this with a wine trip to Napa/Sonoma it is something we can plan together.

It is really just a bonus that in Big Sur you can eat well. But it is with thanks to the locals and the sustainable luxury hotels, who have prioritized farming, fishing and organic gardens to provide us with such delicious options!

Lunch

• Nepenthe: Enjoy a leisurely lunch with panoramic ocean views at Nepenthe restaurant.

• Big Sur Bakery: If you want to skip breakfast at the hotel one day, you could go here for pastries, but for lunch or an afternoon snack, it also makes sense. What doesn’t make sense is skipping this because it’s a staple to Big Sur!

Dinner

• Sierra Mar: A tasting dinner at Sierra Mar at Post Ranch Inn, offering stunning cliffside ocean views and this will only cost ~ $175 / per person and it will blow your mind

• Sierra Mar: Or you can dine more casually with 360 views at Sierra Mar. Just order the burger and be sure to get the chocolate tart cake for dessert. This is your pay off after a day of hiking.

• The Sur House: Experience fine dining at The Sur House at the Alila Ventana Big Sur resort's signature restaurant, offering a menu featuring locally sourced ingredients and stunning coastal views.

• Deetjen's Big Sur Inn Restaurant: You will feel like you have stepped back in time to more rustic days, but standing the test of time is the cozy steak and potatoes served. This is a more casual, relaxed dinner and a great option away from the hotels.

• Wildcoast Sushi Restaurant: This is on the southern end of Big Sur and really only makes sense if you are leaving around dinner time to stop here (at Treebones Resort) for some great sushi rolls in the wilderness. This is not worth the trek if you are not already driving past it or staying here!