This is a beautiful scenic spot that is easily overlooked. Since part of Highway 1 is blocked, many tourists will not drive here. Because of this, it has pristine scenery and plant resources. It is more primitive and peaceful than ordinary outdoor parks. You can see pure wild animals and plants. This is definitely an outdoor paradise. Occasionally, you can see some professional outdoor players walking on some wild paths, which is an experience full of adventure and passion.

We were excited to visit this state park. Unfortunately, only one trail was open, so we took it. It was a good hike, quite steep. We didn't make it to the end of the trail,we were about 1/2 mile away and there was more incline. Another hiker told us that the view from there wasn't worth the effort. We did see some nice views of the coast. There's very little information at this park. There isn't a trail map with distances. It seems you have to research everything before because there's no cell service in the area.

Absolutely beautiful! Even though the waterfall trail was closed we were still able to view it from a small pull out. There is no through access south so that’s something to keep in mind if you’re visiting now. Beautiful colors. Some people even saw whales off in the distance.

This place is absolutely breathtaking! The views are incredible, the scenery is gorgeous, and the trails are super easy to enjoy. You'll usually see plenty of tourists along the main paths snapping photos—which makes sense, the whole area is stunning!

A natural wonder! Saw Partington Cove and Mcway Falls and hiked part of the Ewoldsen Trail. Despite major trail closures, the scenery is unmatched. There's lush forests, sweeping views of the California coastline, and a sense of serenity that's hard to find elsewhere. Definitely plan to revisit when it's fully open! ⛰️🌲🌊☮️

I had a wonderful time hiking this area. The views are fantastic!

This state park, which is about 10 miles past the main drag of Big Sur going south, is the entryway to the McWay Waterfall, Canyon trail, and the Ewoldsen trail. There are a few other trails here, too, but they are currently closed. I'll say that the three trails mentioned above easily give you a few hours of adventure and entertainment.

One of the most incredible places I've ever been. Unbelievable ocean views, easy-to-walk trails, no entry fee, lots of different places to park, not overly crowded. Everyone said to go to Big Sur or Andrew Molera, but this one blew them both out of the water.

With many gates to choose from, trail options span the easy quick to the beach or more expansive to the bluffs and scrambles to the tide pools. Parking can be a challenge so try to go early. Morning are foggy and get clearer in the afternoon. Many trails go thru fields of native flowers

The views at this park were outstanding. It’s a cool stop take pictures and see beautiful sites.

Beautiful, quiet, serene. We took the bluffs trail and it was a quick and easy hike to view the rugged coastline. Not crowded at all later in the afternoon. Just a few minutes drive south from Point Lobos

The pacific ocean, and everywhere it is encountered is truly magical. Here was a perfect place for the pup to play in the sand! We even saw a sea lion swimming!

It’s amazing place! Garrapata State Park is an absolutely stunning place! The breathtaking views of the ocean, dramatic cliffs, and lush greenery make it a perfect spot for nature lovers. The hiking trails are well-maintained, offering a variety of difficulty levels for everyone. If you enjoy photography, this place is a dream with its incredible scenery and opportunities to spot wildlife. The park is peaceful and not overly crowded, which makes it even more enjoyable. Highly recommend visiting if you’re in the area!

Really beautiful views and hiking trails. If you're up for a bit of a challenge, we can highly recommend the Rocky Ridge Trail.

Really cool place for a hike to the beach. It was really just a mile walk over flat ground, but we had to ford the river right at the start on June 8. Beach itself is spectacular! So beautiful and not very crowded given the work it takes to get there. We had a nice picnic after our hike. The whole area is kind of an awesome mix of Ireland and Hawaii.

From the moment you enter, you’re greeted with breathtaking natural beauty. The trails are wonderfully serene, weaving through lush greenery and offering stunning views at every turn. The highlight, of course, is the expansive, sandy beach. It’s the perfect spot to relax, soak up the sun, or enjoy a peaceful walk along the shoreline. The combination of rugged cliffs, rolling hills, and soft sand makes it feel like a true coastal paradise. Whether you’re hiking, picnicking, or just taking in the scenery, Andrew Molera State Park is a must-visit for anyone who loves nature. Truly a hidden treasure!

We camped here for a night and loved it. Bathrooms at the campground and at the parking lot were both very well maintained. The campground was beautiful. It was quiet and others camping there were quiet and respectful. Trails to the beach and the camp trail to the Big Sur River were both very well maintained. The views from the Bluff Trail were spectacular. Alas, we are just too old to be camping anymore. My only feedback would be, the ground is not made out of memory foam. There is a short walk from the parking lot to the campground. While it's not long, you do need to carry everything in, and back out. Travel light, or put the kids to work.

The park has a small parking lot where you pay for parking. This park has several hiking trails and one trail that will lead you to the beach, that is a little over a mile. The beach is nice and scenic but not for swimming as the waves and rocks are rough. Very relaxing area for sure.

Highly underrated Park with some terrific views, isolated beaches, and a nice panoramic hiking loop along the bluffs. I'd recommend long pants for some of trails as the poison oak gets pretty tight in the back trails - you're not going to be able to avoid it.

My favorite hiking trail in Big Sur! Most trails in Big Sur take you from one mountain ridge to another, but the Creamery Meadow–Panoramic Bluff Trail Loop offers so much more variety. It’s an 8-mile loop, and I highly recommend starting at the Andrew Molera State Park trailhead, then turning left onto the Bluff Trail. Some hikers go straight to the beach first and do the loop in reverse—but I don’t recommend that. The incline from the bluff trial head up the middle is much steeper, and that route forces you to descend three very steep hills, which can be tough on your knees and footing. 💡 Trail tips: Wear long leggings/pants and tall socks. There's a ~2-mile stretch of narrow trail with overgrown brush on both sides that will scratch up any exposed skin. Rated moderate, but it leans toward the more strenuous side—roughly 5 of the 8 miles are uphill. Bring a lightweight long-sleeve sweater, even in summer. There’s a 2-mile stretch of strong ocean wind that can get chilly. Pack plenty of water, sunscreen, a lunch sandwich, and make sure your phone is fully charged for photos—you’ll want them. 🌲🏞️ Why it’s worth it: Epic views of the Pacific Ocean Peaceful stretches through redwood groves Open meadows dotted with wildflowers A beach stop at the halfway point Panoramic views of both mountains and sea A constant ocean breeze that makes it perfect on hot days An unforgettable hike—diverse, scenic, and soul-refreshing. Definitely a Big Sur gem.

One mile walk from parking to the beach access. But worth the walk. The Big Sur river meets the pacific at this Molera point. Nice view to see the river merging with the ocean. With mountain on the background this beach is a retreat for the eyes

We had the grilled chicken breast and it was good. The food is pricey, but the beautiful ocean view makes it worth it. We wanted to sit indoors or outdoors, but the wait was about 40 minutes. Since we were hungry, we chose the bar seats. Unfortunately, once you sit at the bar, you can’t move to a table, which was a little disappointing. Still, overall, Nepenthe was a great experience!

A timeless Big Sur experience. The grounds at Nepenthe are a destination all their own — perched high above the Pacific, where ocean mist meets redwood air. Between the sweeping coastal views, the lush terraces, and the inviting mix of locals and travelers, this spot captures the spirit of Big Sur like nowhere else. Whether you’re here for coffee, a glass of wine, or simply to watch the sunset melt into the horizon, the atmosphere feels both lively and sacred. Every visit reminds you that beauty doesn’t need to shout — it simply exists, effortlessly, right here.

This is hard to beat on all levels. Go for the atmosphere, the views, the service and the great wine. We loved it so much on our first night in Big Sur, we went back for sunset cocktails on the deck the next night. Go, it's a crown jewel and the rewards are rich!! Get the chicken!! Wow!!

Beautiful views and great vibe, pretty average (still good) food. Service was pretty slow but we still had a great time. For sure worth a visit, you won't find many restaurants like this. Views were amazing and make the stop, highly recommended.

Nepenthe honestly felt like a little slice of magic tucked into the cliffs of Big Sur. The second we walked up to the terrace, the view just stopped me — ocean for days, the cliffs, the breeze… it’s one of those spots that makes you instantly slow down and just take it all in. We ordered drinks and just enjoyed the moment, and the food did not disappoint. The Ambrosia Burger is famous for a reason. It’s juicy, flavorful, and that house sauce is perfection. Everything tasted so fresh, and the whole experience just felt easy and relaxed in the best way. The vibe is unmatched — warm, inviting, and a little bohemian. You’re basically having lunch or dinner in one of the most beautiful places on earth, and it actually lives up to the hype. It’s definitely pricier, but honestly, the views alone make it worth it. If you’re heading through Big Sur, make Nepenthe a non-negotiable stop. It’s one of those meals you remember long after you leave.

Absolutely spectacular views - can see for miles! Feels like a hidden retreat, surrounded by nature, deer grazing nearby. Excellent food and service, great place to spend a relaxing afternoon.

Pleasant restaurant we found while out on a drive to Big Sur. The view from the patio is amazing. They put out heaters to limit the chill in the air. Food was so good and our servers were very friendly and attentive.

We had the grilled chicken breast and it was good. The food is pricey, but the beautiful ocean view makes it worth it. We wanted to sit indoors or outdoors, but the wait was about 40 minutes. Since we were hungry, we chose the bar seats. Unfortunately, once you sit at the bar, you can’t move to a table, which was a little disappointing. Still, overall, Nepenthe was a great experience!

A timeless Big Sur experience. The grounds at Nepenthe are a destination all their own — perched high above the Pacific, where ocean mist meets redwood air. Between the sweeping coastal views, the lush terraces, and the inviting mix of locals and travelers, this spot captures the spirit of Big Sur like nowhere else. Whether you’re here for coffee, a glass of wine, or simply to watch the sunset melt into the horizon, the atmosphere feels both lively and sacred. Every visit reminds you that beauty doesn’t need to shout — it simply exists, effortlessly, right here.

This is hard to beat on all levels. Go for the atmosphere, the views, the service and the great wine. We loved it so much on our first night in Big Sur, we went back for sunset cocktails on the deck the next night. Go, it's a crown jewel and the rewards are rich!! Get the chicken!! Wow!!

Beautiful views and great vibe, pretty average (still good) food. Service was pretty slow but we still had a great time. For sure worth a visit, you won't find many restaurants like this. Views were amazing and make the stop, highly recommended.

Nepenthe honestly felt like a little slice of magic tucked into the cliffs of Big Sur. The second we walked up to the terrace, the view just stopped me — ocean for days, the cliffs, the breeze… it’s one of those spots that makes you instantly slow down and just take it all in. We ordered drinks and just enjoyed the moment, and the food did not disappoint. The Ambrosia Burger is famous for a reason. It’s juicy, flavorful, and that house sauce is perfection. Everything tasted so fresh, and the whole experience just felt easy and relaxed in the best way. The vibe is unmatched — warm, inviting, and a little bohemian. You’re basically having lunch or dinner in one of the most beautiful places on earth, and it actually lives up to the hype. It’s definitely pricier, but honestly, the views alone make it worth it. If you’re heading through Big Sur, make Nepenthe a non-negotiable stop. It’s one of those meals you remember long after you leave.

Absolutely spectacular views - can see for miles! Feels like a hidden retreat, surrounded by nature, deer grazing nearby. Excellent food and service, great place to spend a relaxing afternoon.

Pleasant restaurant we found while out on a drive to Big Sur. The view from the patio is amazing. They put out heaters to limit the chill in the air. Food was so good and our servers were very friendly and attentive.

Hidden gem on Highway 1. Dining options include indoor and picnic/lounge areas in front and back. Oh man, the pulled pork was good (has coles slaw) and shoe string fries are excellent. Beer options include a couple of taps and bottles/cans.

Gorgeous place to have breakfast or brunch with fresh, local ingredients! Great coffee and cozy outdoor area. Cell phone service is not great down Hwy 1, but it's located conveniently right off the main road so you won't miss it. Will come back again!

Stylish yet relaxed — the perfect Big Sur dining experience. Big Sur Roadhouse blends local charm with a fresh, modern twist, offering California-inspired dishes that celebrate the region’s ingredients and laid-back vibe. The menu is creative without being pretentious, and the atmosphere — all wood, stone, and natural light — makes you feel instantly at home among the redwoods. Whether you’re stopping for brunch, a leisurely lunch, or a glass of wine by the fire, this is one of those places that captures the essence of Big Sur: warm, welcoming, and quietly unforgettable.

Outstanding!! Incredible outdoor seating over looking the creek. Gorgeous remodeled interior. Went for breakfast - delicious elevated California classics.

Decent food and a great dog friendly patio with beautiful views of the trees and nearby creek. Unfortunately a misunderstanding led to an older lady treating my fiance like a criminal. This left a sour taste in our mouths and we probably won't visit this place again.

Stopped here for a quick lunch before our hike at Pfeiffer State Park. It was clean, modern, and the food was fresh. They had a cute outdoor area in the front and off the back to eat.

Food was great, pesto scramble was delicious 😋 The outside patio was beautiful ad well, and great watching the most amazing dark blue, blue jays.

We didn't stay here, but we stopped by while dealing with a medical situation. There is no cell coverage in Big Sur. It was a busy long weekend. The staff were very helpful in letting us use their phone and office, despite us not being guests of the venue. Our presence, no doubt, caused a huge interruption to their day, but they were generous, kind, and supportive with a smile all along. The venue looked lovely. We'll definitely be stopping by next time we're in the area.

Listen I know how hard it is for small businesses to thrive so that's why I'm being kind in my star rating but I think people should know what they are paying for. My partner and I booked a 2 night stay at the river "suite room" for a whopping 1100 dollars after fees and taxes and we arrived to a very outdated room with stains all over the carpet, and smell of sewage before we even used the bathroom. The internet service was shotty at best, but the kicker was the constant sounds of drivers and or people screaming in the parking lot. I wouldn't normally write a poor review for a small business but it feels like we were literally swindled by positive reviews and TikTok viral posts. For over $1000 for two nights for this spot.. normally I could cough it up for profits but this felt really egregious.. if you're looking to enjoy the river chairs just visit the restaurant and call it a day.

Sleep under the embrace the coast’s giant redwoods while listening to the bubbling river. The room I stayed in was on the river side on the second deck with a great view over the river soaking chairs down below. To be able to rest in a room lined with some of the largest natural wood slabs I’ve ever seen was magical. The rooms were quite dated but still very comfortable and clean. Just to be able to wake up in Big Sur is with the visit. The road noise at night was a bit much but calmed down around 10pm.

We had such high hopes for this place. The check in and out process was relatively simple, but obviously the cleaning staff and desk staff don't communicate so there was confusion as to whether our room was clean. The day we checked out we went to breakfast early and took a short drive and when we returned the cleaning staff was already in our room - before we checked out! The rooms across the street from the main hotel are very small, dated and dark. Perhaps the rooms at the main hotel are different. This was not worth what we paid. Very disappointed.

This place is amazing! Their food at the Restaurant is great. Drinks are awesome, you can have them while sitting down at the river. I always visit here when driving up the coast!

Long time favorite. Historical lodge and restaurant dating back to 1800's. Updated rooms and restaurant. A must see. Enjoy with your feet in the river. Fantastic food and ambiance.

We stopped here while cruising highway 1 at Big Sur, as it was it coincided with Carmel Car Week so lots of exotica on the roads, my red mustang included lol 😂 Lovely place to stop, beautiful location, you can sit in the river on relaxing chairs, how cool! We bought a beer and wine and chips (French fries type) from the outside bar. It was very busy but I think we hit peak lunchtime with the Shelby club having a lunch meeting in the outdoors eating area. We found seating on a bench overlooking the river. If you’re in the area then defo stop and have a break here. On the day in August there was some fog and wind on the coast but just inland a bit here in Big Sur valley it was super warm and sunny ☀️ 🌞 😎👌 Free WCs available for customers.

Great place to stop by for some coffee and pastries. We’ve only had breakfast here and it’s really nice place to sit down and have coffee. Haven’t been around for their dinners as we usually stop by during start of a hike. Their pastries are more expensive than most places so heads up on that. We had the bacon bow tie and ham and cheese croissants. Mochas and lattes for coffee. Customer service is okay , parking can get tough during peak periods of the am.

Nestled in the heart of Big Sur, this bakery is a true gem worth discovering. For us it was a quick stop though definitely would recommend to take some time and visit the bakery in peace and enjoy their offerings. They have ample parking spots for guests moving in and out though we realized that after we had parked outside Big Sur Deli (right next door) though it turned out to be a bit of an incline walk to the bakery which was all fun. On the way to the bakery you do see a fully functional Shell gas station (though it can turn out to be a costly tank fill) that features an air and water station as well. As we approached the Big Sur Bakery, we were immediately drawn to its rustic and inviting exterior. The bakery's warm, cozy interior with wooden furnishings and a welcoming fireplace creates a delightful atmosphere. The open kitchen adds a sense of transparency, allowing guests to watch the skilled bakers in action. The staff at Big Sur Bakery were very friendly and definitely helped us with our questions with the menu. We ordered a coffee and and ice-tea since we were trying to do a very quick stop as we had a long day planned ahead of us. Hopefully we get to taste more of their offerings in our next visit. Cheers!!

My friend and I stumbled upon this place only to have one of the best dinners I have ever had in my life (quite possibly the best). The ambience is cozy and magical. Our server was excellent and we had the pleasure of meeting chef Matt who was lovely! 10/10 would recommend and I can't wait to come back!

One of my favorite restaurants in Big Sur. If I am in the area, I stop here every time. Dinners are wonderful and the staff is super friendly and helpful. All of the dishes are made with great care. I had the Salmon with Potato Dumplings and my wife had the Roast Chicken. Both were excellent! No one of the Big Sur "big name" restaurants, but don't miss this place! Recommend making reservations for dinner.

A well-known spot that lives up to the reputation. Very cozy woodsy ambiance with really cute indoor and outdoor seating, including several small terraces. The food is pricey - $20 for a breakfast sandwich - but very tasty and more affordable than many nearby options. Don’t skip the vanilla cream bun, I could have eaten 4!

Delicious bakery! Absolutely a must stop. Their pastries are all delicious - would say this is one of the top 10 croissants I have had. Heads up they don't have much other than pastries so not a full on brunch spot pending what you are looking for. Coffee is also good. Also not a lot of gluten free options so be aware.

Don’t be misled by the name here because the dinner menu can have a certain boutique vibe to it. It’s certainly a unique restaurant. Cabin style here. The surrounding area is epic so this restaurant definitely feeds off that. Check out the photos for more.

very cute! the bathroom was pretty clean too. the guy who was helping us out at the counter seems kinda rude tho. not sure why there were also a lot of corvetts

there’s an amazing selection of hot and cold food items at the deli as well as within the grocery part of the store. the standouts were Rival ice cream cups, artisan cheeses from wisconsin, and the steak sandwich. the size of the sandwich is ginormous! easily a $25+ at the nearby resorts but way better quality.

The sandwiches were excellent. I thought the prices were a little high, until I saw the size of the sandwiches. They were easily two good sized meals each. I had mine on the sourdough roll which was wonderful.

I wish I could’ve gotten one of each sandwich! We took these to-go to eat on our hike and it was perfect! They are huge. The Casanova was delicious. They also a ton of cute souvenirs, great beer and snack selection!

I had heard that the Big Sur Deli was the place to stop for a hearty meal on cold mornings and I was not disappointed. I was slightly late to breakfast but they whipped me up a breakfast burrito designed for a king (or at least a prince who was down on his luck). I also sampled a delectable double chocolate muffin that I washed down with some chocolate milk for good measure. There were some other options under glass that looked rather good but that will have to wait for another pass. The staff were very kind and knew what they were doing. The Deli itself has some great magnets as well and is attached to the a tasting room where you can sample local beers and wines. I bought a sampling of IPA’s to try while sitting around the fire with/and for my friends, their selection was large and varied. I highly suggest grabbing a post card and utilizing the Big Sur Post Office located next store. It’s a classy move and it costs under a dollar to make someone’s day. I will definitely be stopping at the Big Sur Deli on my next ride through.

Heard this was one of the premiere spots to get sandwiches and food in general at Big Sur. The sandwich was huge and went way above expectations. I ordered a Turkey Sandwich with Swirled Rye bread and it had mayonnaise, dijon mustard, lettuce and tomato. We also ordered a Tuna Salad sandwich with sourdough and it also had mayonnaise, dijon mustard, lettuce and tomato. Nice sandwiches to enjoy the amazing scenery of Big Sur.

I stopped in a little before the taproom opened so I grabbed a sandwich ($10), the up in smoke and a craft beer and had a picnic in Big Sur State Park. The sandwich was amazing nd filling. They also have a great craft beer selection in their coolers. Really hit the spot and a perfect stop after some hiking or a day driving down Highway 1.