The epic beauty and meditative solitude of Big Sur are enough to stir something fantastical in anyone. As Highway 1 begins to wend upward into the Santa Lucia Mountains, dotted with coastal redwoods, waterfalls, and commanding views of the deep-blue Pacific, you’ll know you’ve arrived.
Its striking natural beauty draws as many, if not more, visitors than Yosemite, yet Big Sur has one thing the famed national park doesn't: really cool hotels. With options that span humble cabins to luxe resorts, Big Sur lodging captures a sense of place with design that incorporates the natural surroundings and a connection to its bohemian past informed by literary regulars such as Jack Kerouac, Anaïs Nin, and Hunter S. Thompson.
I visit Big Sur each year, and along with my usual rituals, such as hiking down to Partington Cove and a potent sunset margarita at Nepenthe, I always look forward to a stay at one of the incredible places below. Read on for some of my favorite hotels in Big Sur, from off-grid hideouts to classic lodges with ocean views.
Our top picks:
- Best for exceptional views: Post Ranch Inn
- Best for families: Big Sur Lodge
- Best for romance: Deetjen’s Big Sur Inn
FAQ:
What are the best areas to stay in Big Sur?
No matter where you end up, you’re not likely to find much to gripe about given the perennial dazzling views strewn along Big Sur’s roughly 70 miles of coastline. That said, your style of travel will dictate which location offers the best experience. For easy access to the region’s big-ticket attractions—Bixby Bridge, McWay Falls, dips in the beautiful Big Sur River—you’ll want to stay in what’s colloquially known as the Big Sur Village, located toward the northern edge of Big Sur. However, it’s just as easy to see these spots and then flee to the peaceful isolation of southern Big Sur, where you’ll swap the sounds of fellow travelers for birdsong, the distant barks of sea lions, and the gentle crash of the surf.
When is the best time to visit Big Sur?
Ask a local, and they’ll tell you that spring and fall are the best times to visit Big Sur. The California Central Coast’s mild climate means you won’t have to compromise good weather during a shoulder season visit, where you’ll see a fraction of visitors (with the added bonus of wildflowers in spring and balmy evenings in fall). If your schedule only allows for a summer visit, then aim for July and August, as June is chillier than you might expect and often shrouded by a thick coastal marine layer. Winter is the only season to be cautious of, as seasonal storms can bring landslides and shuttered roads.
Why is Big Sur famous?
For the ocean vistas, towering coastal redwoods (the tallest living things on Earth), and bohemian vibes, of course. Its setting on lofty coastal bluffs affords Big Sur even more dramatic panoramas than the dazzling sea-level views on your drive in. The secluded refuge famously drew artists and writers—including Henry Miller, who wrote his memoir Big Sur and the Oranges of Hieronymus Bosch here—throughout the early 20th century, and a whiff of counterculture still pervades.
How long should you stay in Big Sur?
Big Sur's location along the Pacific Coast Highway makes it an ideal stopover while cruising the California coast, but urbanites will need at least three days to sync with its mellow, breathe-easy rhythm. If you're continuing your trip elsewhere in California, take a look at our list of the state's best hotels and resorts for a getaway.
How we choose the best hotels in Big Sur:
Every hotel review on this list has been written by a Condé Nast Traveler journalist who knows the destination. When choosing hotels, our editors consider properties across price points that offer an authentic and insider experience of a destination, keeping design, location, service, and sustainability credentials top of mind.
This article has been updated with new information since its original publish date.