Esalen Institute

This iconic stretch of California’s central coastline is a must-see for locals and out of state visitors no matter how popular it is. As a Bay Area local, I’ve been lucky enough to explore Big Sur’s iconic essentials and lesser-known gems a number of times. This curated list shares my handpicked favorites in a mobile-friendly, easy to use format. Whether you’re looking for a luxurious or low-key experience immersed in nature, this guide has you covered. Unlock this guide for access to: 🛌 Places to stay: boutique hotels + campsites 🍽 Places to eat: breakfast, lunch, and dinner options 🌲 Things to do: hikes, beaches, and wellness 🌊 Future updates including new places and deeper insights without paying more later!

Big Sur is a must visit location for any California road trip. Stretching out over 70 miles along Highway 1, Big Sur is home to rocky cliffs, stunning beaches, towering redwoods, an iconic bridge, and gorgeous sweeping views of the central California coastline. Big Sur is also home to ten state parks with numerous hiking and backpacking trails as well as plenty of campsites just off the coast. It's central location also makes it a perfect destination as part of a larger trip - it's just over 5 hours from Los Angeles and 2.5 hours from San Francisco. This guide includes: ⛰ Guides to the State Parks within Big Sur, and information on our favorite hikes 🚗 Points of interest along Highway 1 ⛺️ Places to stay 🍽 Restaurants to try ✨ Updates as we find new spots at no additional cost