Big Sur Bakery

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!

I will share the boutique hotels we stayed in during our 5-day Pacific Coast Highway road trip. Starting in San Francisco, we made our way down the coast staying in the most charming boutique hotels along the way. Stops included Carmel and Santa Barbara. Interested in recreating the entire trip? Be sure to check out my detailed daily 6-day itinerary with all the stays, eats, and views along the way with an interactive map included.

"Big Sur, one of the world’s most unforgettable stretches of coastline. This roughly 90 mile long stretch of redwood and fog trimmed waterfront between Carmel by the Sea and Hearst Castle draws you (and writers like Henry Miller and Beat Generation darling Jack Kerouac) in with a magic allure that is almost palpable. This is, quite simply, a place you want to be: bluffs, sea and sky. The classic drive through Big Sur, along twisting Highway 1, offers plenty of pullovers at places like seen it in a million car commercials Bixby Bridge. Stop at parks along the coastline and look up to see endangered California condors, North America’s largest birds, or look down to scan the swells for migrating whales or sea otters floating among dense beds of kelp, California’s signature seaweed." - Visit California