As a California native, I may be a bit biased, but I'll stand firm that California's Big Sur coastline is a road trip destination everyone needs to experience at least once.
Think: winding coastal views, waterfalls cascading into pristine blue-green pools, and secluded beaches that beg you to throw down a blanket and have a picnic.
Any time I have a friend visit from out of town, I bring them to Big Sur, whether that means setting up a tent at one of the campgrounds where you can hear the crashing waves of the Pacific or upping the luxe factor and springing for a resort where you can book a massage under the stars.
For me, getting close to nature is the ultimate goal in Big Sur and these spots make it easy to take it all in.
In this article
Fernwood Resort
When I want to sleep amid nature, but need a step up from a basic tent, I book a few nights at Fernwood Resort.
Tucked beneath gigantic redwoods along the Big Sur River, this laid-back property strikes the right balance between rustic charm and modern comfort.
Accommodations range from cozy motel-style rooms and cabins to safari glamping tents, as well as traditional tent and RV campsites for travelers who want a classic, no-frills camping experience.
When I stayed there, I spent my days flying kites at Andrew Molera State Beach and hiking the trails around the property.
One of the biggest perks, though, is the on-site restaurant and general store, where you can fuel up with hearty breakfasts before a day of hiking or unwind over burgers, local beer, and live music in the evenings.
Its central location also makes it easy to explore Big Sur's most iconic attractions, including Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park and McWay Falls, before returning to a peaceful riverside retreat.
Post Ranch Inn
For an unforgettable Big Sur getaway, it's hard to top Post Ranch Inn.
Perched 1,200 feet above the Pacific Ocean, this adults-only luxury retreat is designed to immerse guests in the surrounding landscape, with architecture that blends seamlessly into the cliffs and redwood forest.
Rooms and private homes feature floor-to-ceiling windows, wood-burning fireplaces, deep soaking tubs, and private decks that showcase sweeping ocean or mountain views.
Guests can relax in one of the property's cliffside infinity pools, join guided nature walks, practice morning yoga, or spend the evening stargazing through the inn's telescope.
And for those needing a reset, the property offers a guided sleep program that includes a spa treatment and meals designed to promote relaxation.
Alila Ventana Big Sur
Make it easy on yourself and book an all-inclusive escape at Alila Ventana Big Sur, one of the area's most indulgent luxury stays.
This stunning resort blends rustic elegance with upscale amenities, offering spacious guestrooms and suites with fireplaces, soaking tubs, and private decks that invite you to slow down and take in the forested surroundings.
Your stay includes gourmet meals and select beverages, and you can spend your days unwinding in the heated pools or Japanese hot baths, joining guided hikes or wellness classes, or simply soaking in the peaceful atmosphere over a good book.
If you like to stay busy while traveling, the property has an extensive calendar of activities that range from nature parkour to beekeeping and falconry classes.
Treebones Resort
Overlooking the Pacific Ocean, the eco-friendly Treebones Resort is best known for its cozy yurts, which feature comfortable beds, electricity, and redwood decks with sweeping ocean views.
The property's other accommodations are among the most distinctive and magical you can find. Whimsical options include a two-story hand-built twig hut, a hand-woven sculptural nest designed to mimic the form and feeling of a bird's home, and a private treehouse accessible by suspension bridge. There are also luxe glamping tents and 3D-printed off-grid tiny homes, all designed to memorably envelop guests in nature.
Whichever you pick, Treebones embraces a laid-back, sustainable lifestyle, with amenities that include an ocean-view pool, hot tub, yoga classes, and an on-site organic garden. Dining is another highlight, with fresh, locally sourced cuisine served at the resort's restaurants with a spectacular sunset backdrop.
Big Sur River Inn
Established in 1932, the historic Big Sur River Inn is a relaxed, family-friendly base along one of California's most scenic stretches of Highway 1.
Guests can spend their days lounging in Adirondack chairs placed directly inside the crisp waters of the Big Sur River or enjoying live music performances held periodically during the week.
Accommodations include riverside suites and motel-style ridge rooms, many surrounded by towering redwoods and the sounds of the nearby river.
The on-site restaurant makes it easy to settle in after a day of exploring, serving hearty California-inspired meals alongside a welcoming bar. Time your visit right, and you can enjoy their famous prime rib Thursdays or burrito bar.
The Shortcut
Big Sur stays are generally split into two settings: canyon and river (Fernwood, Big Sur River Inn) or ocean cliff (Post Ranch Inn, Treebones).
The river side is often less expensive, but isn't a downgrade. Fernwood and Big Sur River Inn are both right on the water and have restaurants on site.
Treebones is the one people design a trip around. A woven nest, a twig hut, and a suspension-bridge treehouse are some of the more notable accommodations.
Post Ranch Inn and Alila Ventana are splurge resorts that lean into wellness with amenities like guided hikes, yoga, Japanese hot baths, and a guided sleep program.
