Getaway Guide: The Perfect Long Weekend in Big Sur

The winding wilderness, meandering highway, vast beaches swept with the salty spray of the open ocean, and an endless touch of adventure envelop the senses along the 90 miles of rugged coastline known as Big Sur. A peculiar air of exploration excites writers, artists, and curious travelers alike and can only be felt along this stretch of central California’s coastline. The anticipation of arriving somewhere familiar yet entirely unseen provides the foundation for the wonderment that comes on the narrow, two-lane Pacific Coast Highway that acts as the precipice between the familiar and the unknown. With an incredible amount of unique things to do, the region is an open call for fun and adventure - no matter what time of the year you choose to visit it. Without further ado, here’s a glimpse of how you can spend the perfect Big Sur getaway.

Day 1

morning

The dazzling emerald waters of the Pacific Ocean sparkle under the rays of the temperate sun as visitors ride horses on the sandy beach, marveling at the many locals gracefully navigating the swells atop a kayak. Big Sur’s uninhibited beauty rivals great novels and monuments with its nearly unbelievable dose of awe. Here, untamed nature can be appreciated from every angle and elevation. Whales, otters, and dolphins swim along the rigid shores; black-tailed deer prance among the brush on hillsides; raccoons scour previously occupied campsites for traces of treats; and red-tailed hawks circle the skies above. As you begin your Big Sur scenic drive down from the north, embrace the altitude of these wild birds with a stop in Monterey, where you can take in the jagged coastline, towering Santa Lucia Mountains, and vast forests in a helicopter high above the land before crossing the iconic Bixby Creek Bridge to get cozy in the wooded alcoves that dot the coastal landscape.

afternoon

Continue down the curves and straightaways of the Pacific Coast Highway that lead from Carmel to Big Sur, taking you along the Big Sur River and past the Big Sur Historical Society. As you continue your Pacific Coast Highway road trip, and as soon as you stumble upon the unmarked trailhead adjacent to the 55 mph sign, pull over to enjoy a quick jaunt. Merely a five-minute walk from the road lies Highbridge Falls — a hyper-rich mineral waterfall tucked into a crevice of limestone and surrounded by chartreuse mosses and a wall of foliage. The awe-inspiring sight is bound to instill you with a renewed desire to follow trails less traveled - and now that you’ve succumbed to the inexplicable bliss of Big Sur, lunch is undoubtedly in order. 

Inviting wood floors complement vibrant abstract art to create a rustically modern nostalgia that greets you as soon as you walk through the doors of the Big Sur Roadhouse. The fresh scent of California cuisine tantalizes your senses while a crostini topped with colorful tomatoes, goat cheese, basil, and balsamic reduction arrives at the neighboring table, compelling you to take a second look at the menu. After making the tough decision, perfectly toasted bread — crowned with creamy organic avocados, a squeeze of tart lime juice, playful bits of local cilantro, and delicately poached eggs oozing with rich flavor — appears in front of you and dispels any ounce of doubt you had about your choice. 

Once satiated, check in to the Glen Oaks Big Sur for a luxurious dive into sustainable living. The quaint hotel is one of the most romantic places to stay in Big Sur. It is equipped with 28 cabins, cottages, and rooms — all fully adorned with gas fireplaces, soft, organic cotton bedding, stunning recycled-stone accents, plush wool carpets, natural skincare products, and encapsulated in natural adobe walls. Walking into this sanctuary feels both like stepping back in time and waltzing into the future, resulting in an entirely dreamy stay. You’ll quickly realize that you’ve made the perfect choice in renting one of the best cabins in Big Sur. 

Though the romantic hotel in Big Sur may entice you to stay in, the nearby Pfeiffer Falls beckons with its promise of adventure. The eponymous two-mile trail offers expansive views of the Big Sur River Gorge as it winds through ancient redwoods and oak trees, taking you over steep hills and across bridged creeks, eventually leading up to the trickling water of the 60-foot-tall Pfeiffer Falls. As your breathtaking Big Sur hike comes to an end, the thought of camping in this great wilderness lingers for some time, but becomes a fleeting quandary as the memory of your cozy retreat creeps back in. After spending a few more moments reflecting on the day and marveling at the majesty of nature, head back to Glen Oaks and clean up for dinner. 

evening

The unassuming facade of a 1930s-style ranch house sets the stage for the expectation of a humble dinner, but the Big Sur Bakery provides so much more. Scents of freshly baked bread whisper through the dining room, instantaneously causing you to salivate. Without thought, the wood-fired bread is ordered — and it does not disappoint. Crisp, golden brown edges contrast with fluffy white interiors, while the smooth butter and flavorful sea salt confirm that it’s all about the simple pleasures in life. Marinated olives shock the palate in the best of ways and prepare you for the decadence of a wood-fired pizza featuring silky fontina and ricotta cheeses, umami mushrooms, and fresh thyme. A glance at the bakery menu confirms a return trip in the morning is in order so you can savor the bacon and egg breakfast pizza and take a ginger scone for the road.

Returning to Glen Oaks and tucking in on the first night of your Big Sur, California vacation will leave you dreaming of staying forever.

Day 2

morning

The hikes, crisp coastal air, and incredible cuisine from the day before elicit a pure sense of joy. While the idea of staying in this incredible oasis of a lodge sounds more tempting than one may like to admit, a new day calls for new adventures. After loading up the car and stopping in the lobby for a quick cup of coffee, the trails and scenery of Pfeiffer Big Sur Campground and Pfeiffer Beach call for attention. The sweeping seascapes, purple sands, and endless hiking paths will transport you to faraway places and encourage a deeper exploration down Highway 1.

As you drive south, Pfeiffer Canyon Bridge presents a grand surprise in the light of day, and open vistas of the vast Pacific provide endless opportunities to commemorate the trip. Between the photo ops and outdoor adventures, a delectable pastry from Big Sur Bakery has become a necessity (as well as a craving); luckily, this eatery is less than half a mile away.

afternoon

With your hunger at bay, the artistic essence of Big Sur begs to be explored. After taking a quick detour to see the famed Post Ranch Inn — precariously perched atop a 1,200-foot cliff overlooking both the mountains and the Pacific — continue your Big Sur getaway with a leisurely drive south to the Henry Miller Memorial Library - an art hub and bookstore where you’ll discover a treasure trove of titles and trinkets. Spend an hour or two browsing the aisles and determining how many books to take with you (and which to read first). With your books in tow, head over to the neighboring Hawthorne Gallery. Designed by architect Mickey Meunnig, the gallery is filled with pieces from nearly 20 artists across mediums as diverse as wood, steel, and painted canvas. 

With a better understanding of the local art scene, it is time for a closer look at the regional cuisine. There is no better place for such an exploration than the renowned Nepenthe, which offers sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean and just so happens to be directly across the street from Hawthorne Gallery. 

Savor the California artisanal cheese plate featuring unique cheeses alongside seasonal fruits, quince jam, apple chutney, and flatbread crisps. Continue on with the beet salad — starring sliced beets, blue cheese, pickled fennel, and citrus vinaigrette — for a refreshing dose of local produce, or opt for the famous Ambrosiaburger, which will echo your love for Big Sur and give you plenty of energy to enjoy the rest of the day.

evening

With another day nearly coming to a close, the night’s lodging is sure to surprise and delight. There is no greater way to get a true feel for Big Sur than by spending a night at the Ventana Campground’s exquisitely luxurious campsites. The safari-style canvas tents, comfortable mattress, wood-burning fireplace, and heated bathhouse floors will make you realize that you’re at one of the best destinations for camping in California. With a long day of adventures behind you, retreat into your roomy, private tent for the night, putting a relaxing end to the second day of your romantic getaway in Big Sur.

Day 3

morning

After an incredible night’s sleep, head over to The Sur House for a breakfast of farm eggs, heirloom potatoes, freshly pressed juices, and cappuccinos, before moving on to Partington Cove. This beloved landmark lies inside a hairpin turn on the western edge of Highway 1, about two miles north of Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park, where you’ll catch a glimpse of an unmarked gate just off the road. Pull off the highway and park, then embark on the half-mile trail leading to the hidden cove. On your steep trek down to the ocean, you’ll cross over a bridge and go through a tunnel, which eventually opens up to a gorgeous sight of tantalizing turquoise waters, dancing kelp forests, and rugged rocks that greet the salty waters with misty vengeance.

afternoon

Continue south to Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Beach, where you can reach the popular McWay Falls trail. Short but well worthwhile, the pathway runs for less than one mile round-trip and results in a view of one of the most breathtaking California waterfalls, the iconic McWay Falls, cascading from the wooded cliffs onto the sandy beach below. The white sea foam beautifully complements the azure waters, the smooth, tan ribbon of sand contrasts against the rugged coastal bluffs, and the serene waterfall stands in opposition to it all.

Though it may be tempting to stay forever, the majestic McWay Falls provides the perfect curtain with which to close an unforgettable Big Sur vacation. Without question, there will be many more to come.