Big Sur, California skyline: the 14 most iconic buildings and best views in Big Sur

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.

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 coastal views, definitely worth the drive. However not for the food. Mediocre, lacking flavorful, small portions. Overpriced 'cafeteria' food. Not worth the wait or the money. Very nice gift shop though. Parking can be tricky and limited. FYI Not accessible for wheelchairs nor anyone with difficulty walking. Several stairs, no ramps, to climb to restaurant. Go for the views, not the food. Disappointing.

Nice place to have lunch. Little expensive but the view makes it worth. Sitting outside and looking at the ocean while birds are chirping is beyond words!! Food is good too. Everyone is friendly and so helpful.

The location is everything with Nepenthe. The food was definitely overpriced, but you pay for the view. My best salad was delicious, husband’s French dip was ok-bread too hard. Daughter’s Ambrosiaburger was delicious! Service was super friendly, which I always appreciate!

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.

Beautiful waterfall with breathtaking views. Ontop of that, it's pretty easy to get there. Went on the weekends and there were many free parking spaces by the road. Definitely recommend.

The McWay Falls trail at the state park is closed unfortunately. You can walk up the highway a little way and see a view of it. It's nice but not much at this time of year (late Sept) because it's toward the end of the dry season. I'm glad that we saw it though. The coast is spectacular.

McWay Falls is one of the most iconic and breathtaking natural sights along California’s Highway 1, nestled within Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park in the heart of Big Sur. This 80-foot waterfall dramatically cascades directly onto a secluded beach or into the Pacific Ocean, depending on the tide, creating a picture-perfect view that looks like it belongs on a postcard. Its uniqueness lies in the fact that it's one of the few waterfalls in the U.S. that empties directly into the ocean. Located right off Highway 1, the park is accessible via a short, well-maintained trail that leads to an overlook with a spectacular, panoramic view of the falls and the turquoise waters below. The trail is flat and easy, making it suitable for visitors of all ages. There is also a historic house site nearby and interpretive signs that tell the story of the park and the McWay family's legacy. While access to the beach is restricted to protect the fragile ecosystem, the viewpoint alone is more than worth the stop. Parking can be limited during peak times, so it's best to arrive early. Overall, McWay Falls is a must-see destination for travelers exploring Big Sur—offering a serene, almost magical experience that's perfect for photographers, nature lovers, and anyone seeking peace and inspiration from the natural world.

It was such a beautiful day, and I am happy about that. No fog, and the fall was easily visible from the viewing area. Unfortunately, the last part of the trail is still closed, but as you can see from the photos, the fall is visible. The trail is super easy. It turned out to be a hotter day than I expected, so I didn't stay there long. There is a bench if you want to relax a bit before heading back. ***Parking is self registered. Pick up the cash envelope on your way in OR park to the side to complete. Remember to leave the top portion on dash. Park staff were present, checking and walking the trail as well. If you pay for parking at any state park, keep your receipt because it will cover all state parks in the area for the entire day. Restrooms available.

Even though it’s a tiny fall, it definitely worth going to this place. We first went to Pfeiffer beach but parking was not available and they told us to check back later so we drove about 20 mins ahead to checkout these falls and went back to the beach. We took our stroller along as well. It’s a beautiful sight and definitely worth going. I believe this is the last destination in this route because the road was closed ahead during our visit in June 2024. Paid parking is available but limited otherwise I saw people park on the main road and walk inside to the falls point.

As far as I know this the only waterfall in the world which is found at the beach. I had seen many people posting photos and videos captured from the tunnel under the waterfall but looks like the path has been closed for the trekking. In a way its good, this view is more beautiful without humans 😊 There are limited parking spaces near the visitor center, parking inside charges around $10, the inside parking was full and we were asked by staff to park at parking areas away from the entrance. The center has public restrooms, entree is free. As the Route 1 was closed we had to come to this place from north which adds up 3 hrs drive one side. But if you are driving from LA then it adds to the advantage as when you drive from the North you get better views of the Pacific coast You can trek to the view point which is easy and may take hardly 10 minutes. You might try to get the photos from the farthest view point. The view you get is astonishingly beautiful and you would love to stay there for longer time just to get more glance of the natural beauty. You can observe The waves swallowing all the water falling from the waterfall. A point where a sweet water loses its identity and meets into Ocean and becomes like it. Dont miss it.

Such a nice a place to visit in Bigsur. Definitely its disappointment to see a small water falls but at the end of the day it’s very scenic and pretty photographically location. Drive from Monterey to here might not have network carrier. Highly recommend downloading offline maps. Walk in under 10mins from parking to the view point. There is always a cop in this location. Dont park in wrong places. Overall good experience and must visit place

Had a great experience and they have a good collection of books. The interior is unique and vintage

I'm a Big Sur wedding and elopement photographer and have worked here many times! Henry Miller Library is one of the most charming places in Big Sur. The library has so many gems to browse through, and the venue's patio overlooks lush forest surroundings that truly make you feel like you're deep in the redwood forest rather than on curated trails. Highly recommend this venue if you're looking for a unique place to get married that holds a special place in Big Sur's history!

One of the best places I visited. Such a cool spot and I would keep a photo of Dave and Sam (the two gorgeous friendly dogs that work there) in a locket if I go to war to remind me of what I am fighting for. Staff helpful and friendly ! If you don’t pop in while driving by you WILL REGRET IT.

In this serene environment lies a very calm and a vintage looking place, neatly maintained. The Lady is very friendly and welcoming. Very vast collection of novels. Absolutely loved the ambience and unbelievable to see such collections and such a place in the interior roads in Big Sur. Book lovers must visit, we bought three books and I'm excited to read.

A sanctuary for dreamers and free spirits. The Henry Miller Memorial Library is one of Big Sur’s most soulful landmarks — part bookstore, part gallery, part gathering place. Tucked beneath towering redwoods, it’s a celebration of art, literature, and the untamed creative spirit that defined Miller’s life. Visitors can browse rare books, linger among sculptures, or sit beneath the trees listening to live music or the quiet hum of nature. It’s more than a memorial — it’s a living embodiment of Big Sur’s bohemian heart, where inspiration feels as natural as the coastal breeze.

This is a really cool place with a bookstore, all sorts of related materials, a great woman working there, really nice back area with a redwood forest, and a delightfully funky vibe.

A very cute fun place to stop to relax and purchase a book! The person working had cute old friendly dogs who came up and politely said hello. Made us miss our dog! So cute.

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.

Had a fantastic dinner here that included fresh, creative flavours in a cozy and inviting setting. Staff were incredibly attentive and we loved the variety of options. Definitely on the pricier end for dinner but absolutely worth it, as is the wine!

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.

This was the first stop on our Highway 1 road trip! After years of seeing beautiful photos of the Bixby Creek Bridge, we were not disappointed. The scenery is every bit as beautiful as the photos make it out to be. Opened in 1932, the bridge is one of the most photographed along Highway 1 and is still among the tallest single-span concrete bridges in the world. It arches 260 feet above the canyon with the Pacific Ocean as its backdrop. It’s a popular spot to pull over, and parking is very limited, so be careful if you have to cross the road!

Visiting Bixby Bridge on the 17-Mile Drive after Carmel Bay is an unforgettable experience! The bridge itself is an architectural beauty surrounded by stunning coastal views. Watching the sunset from this spot is truly magical — the colors, the ocean breeze, and the sound of the waves create a perfect moment. A must-visit place for anyone exploring the California coast!”

This bridge is worth the trip! The location is amazing, and the view from both sides is incredible. There’s limited parking on both sides of the street, and it’s a bit slow-moving, especially with the pedestrians crossing. It can be windy at the viewpoint so be careful.

Along the way south of highway 1, after Monterey, Carmel-by-the-sea, we can see many beautiful beaches and sceneries, passed Point Lobos, we will cross the famous Bixby Bridge where it's beautiful looking down the rocks and the ocean. It's quite difficult to find a parking spot on the road, but on the left hand side there's a road where people are parking sometimes, not sure if it's permitted. If you find a parking spot, then take as many pictures as you can and leave for someone else to park and enjoy the views.

Awesome views. If you park your car and walk up on the road opposite the vista point (Coast road), you can take even better pictures from a different angle!

This is a beautiful bridge in a spectacular location. I was very excited to travel over it. I've seen pictures of it many times, I'm glad that I saw it in person. Traveling south on Hwy 1, Bixby Bridge is a landmark as you enter Big Sur.

Bixby Bridge is truly one of the most iconic and breathtaking landmarks on the Pacific Coast Highway. I visited on a day when the sky was draped in soft, low-hanging clouds and honestly, it made the experience even more unforgettable. If you’re a fan of dramatic coastal scenery, don’t skip Bixby Bridge. In fact, the moody weather gave it a peaceful, surreal vibe that I’ll never forget. Bring a light jacket, your camera, and just soak in the coastal magic!

I was in Room 11 for two nights...$399 per night. The room was very large with a separate bedroom, sofa, dining table and patio. However, carpet was filthy with large stains. Room is half carpet half vinyl. Don't walk barefoot or your feet will be brown. Loved having a kettle, mini fridge, good coffee and tea but def needs a small microwave. Be prepared for a loud wall heater. All sorts of racket at start up but thankfully gets quiet once it's going. It's a beautiful park and that is the only reason to stay here...that and you get access to two other parks as well. The price is outrageous for the room quality, in my opinion. I know I'm in the forest here but a deep clean interval should be on the regular maintenance schedule. Shabby maintenance in shower area with poor water pressure. The staff were spectacular all the way around!!

We hosted our wedding at Big Sur Lodge on November 1, 2025, and it was truly everything we dreamed of and more. From start to finish, Paul, the Food and Beverage Manager, was absolutely incredible — responsive, organized, and genuinely invested in bringing our vision to life. His attention to detail and calm professionalism made the entire planning process enjoyable and stress-free. The ceremony site in the Redwood Grove was breathtaking — peaceful, intimate, and surrounded by the natural beauty of Big Sur redwoods with the sunshine peering through! Magical!! The reception on the Homestead Patio was transformed into a romantic, magical, and earthy setting that felt cozy and enchanting under the stars. The food was outstanding — every single guest raved that it was the best wedding meal they’d ever had! The service staff and bartenders were top-notch, friendly, and incredibly attentive, making sure every detail was perfect. Big Sur Lodge is truly a dream wedding destination — a blend of rustic charm, natural beauty, and exceptional hospitality. We can’t thank Paul and the entire team enough for creating such a seamless, unforgettable, and joy-filled day. It was everything we hoped for and more — a fun, magical, and heartfelt celebration we’ll cherish forever

Had a fantastic stay here on our road trip south to LA. Stunning location set in a quite redwood conservation area, with numerous trails and walks of various difficulties. Tried both the Pfieffer Falls and Canyon Views walks. Both achievable but can be steep and rugged in places. However once at the end either Stunning waterfall or views. Lodge where we stayed was comfortable, clean with a balcony looking into the forest. The main lodge had everything you'd need. Shop bar and restaurant with friendly staff who would assist you with any enquiries. The food was fresh and very delicious. Other areas include a swimming pool which was refreshing at 7pm (open 9am-9pm) looking upwards at the clear sky surrounded by trees. 100% satisfaction in staying here and highly recommended.

We enjoyed our 4-day stay at Big Sur Lodge, which places you right in the middle of the beauty of Big Sur. Our accommodations were comfy, and the lodge restaurant had such a hearty breakfast that we ate there every morning, instead of driving all over. The staff are mostly young folks from all over and they were interesting to talk with and are keen to share what they like best about Big Sur! Another great benefit of staying here is that included is a pass to three parks, which was perfect for our hiking and sight-seeing needs! We'll be back!

This place was such a scam. Me & my partner booked a room thinking it would be an incredible night. Firstly, it’s not 3 stars. It’s 1. It took us a hour to check in — when we got our room , it was an absolute sauna. It had a shitty portable air conditioner which we had to turn on and leave the room for two hours for it to cool. It listed wifi but at check in they mentioned they were having issues with it (when I checked the reviews it seems this has been an issue for 12 months +) it had no tv (which is strange for a 3 star hotel) but no wifi aswell ment we couldn’t even plan our trip or watch something at night. We paid near $400 USD for a musty hot cabin. If it was $150 I could deal with it. Location is good but this place is a catfish of a hotel and they know it (looking at reviews). I’ve never written a review like this, for the amount of money coming thru this place they could at least upgrade the rooms or drop the price to reflect what it is.

A serene retreat nestled in the heart of Big Sur’s redwoods. Big Sur Lodge offers the perfect balance of comfort and nature — cozy cabins surrounded by towering trees, with trails to Pfeiffer Falls and Valley View right outside your door. The lodge’s restaurant and patio provide peaceful views and hearty meals after a day of exploring. Staff are warm and welcoming, and the atmosphere feels timeless — like a step back to a simpler, quieter California. Whether you’re staying overnight or just stopping for lunch and a walk, Big Sur Lodge embodies the tranquil magic that makes this region so special.

Beautiful location! I loved that it's conveniently located at a State Park with trails for walking, hiking and biking. This was the best part. On the downside, our cottage was not the cleanest. Some of the towels were dirty. But when we asked for more, they were quick to honor our request. The service was great!

I booked the month long retreat and had high expectations as a massage therapist. The land is absolutely magical, the flora and fauna providing as close to a Garden of Eden as I’ve ever experienced. The property including the permanent buildings were in deep disrepair. Understandable for the age, but not reflective of the pricing which was far out of sync of what was offered. The staff was absolutely horrific. Upon arrival I was greeted with profound disrespect, the sessions were “canned” and felt nearly identical to a group therapy setting in addiction recovery. One of our practitioners was also unhinged, later found out that individual was perusing litigation against Esalen for egregious racial discrimination and harassment. Was supposed to stay for 30 days and left after just under 48 hours. I hold hope that new management is found in the future so that I can perhaps have a better glimpse of the true magic that once flowed from this place.

The property itself is 10/10, but the people who come… maybe 2/10. Old, judgmental hippies — that’s how I’d describe them. Super loud during meals (isn’t this supposed to be a retreat center?), gossiping about you at lunch, and staring at you in the mineral baths. The pool? Also a naked zone. Most of the staff are volunteers, so don’t expect top-notch service. The idea of the institute is amazing, but the reality… kinda meh.

I have dreamt of visiting Esalen for years. The 5Rhythms program with Lucian Horan was incredible! I would absolutely come back again. Property, bath house, massage and food were all wonderful. My only disappointment was the cleanliness of my bunk room bathroom, clearly mold residue and not what I expected for the cost allocated. Overall a memorable and positive experience.

Esalen cannot quite be described, it is an experience to be had, savored and remembered. Mine was certainly an experience of a lifetime and I know I will be going back to soak up not just the hot springs but everything else, physical, spiritual, and human that makes Esalen magical. On a more practical level, the place is extremely well managed, from spaces, rooms, grounds to classes and food.

I was a bit worried after reading a lot of the negative reviews, but I had an amazing 5 day / 4 night experience at Esalen. It may depend though on the accommodations -- if you can swing it, I would highly recommend splurging for one of the Pointe Houses or similar. Large, spacious, rustic, but modern enough, super clean, and literally on the edge of the cliffs. Very comfortable for 2-4 people. I did Esalen's self-guided experience where you can do as much or as little as you want. I visited the hot springs, pool, had several massages, alternative therapies, attended a few workshops, etc. The massages were exceptional, set next to the hot springs, cliff-side where all you hear is the crash of waves. The beauty of Esalen is breath-taking, every day. Amazing gardens. And the sea - wow. Stay up late to see the stars -- with near zero light pollution, it's a stunning sight to behold. I've stayed at a lot of 5 star resorts, and this setting is superlative. The food is truly amazing, much of it right from the garden, and not only tastes incredible but is so nourishing to the body and soul. That said, Esalen is not a 5-star resort... and it's not intended to be. Please do yourself a favor and read about Esalen ahead of time, the history, the founders, its purpose. Even if you are just going to relax (as I primarily was), it will help set expectations, I think, to understand this is a very special place with a special history. And I do agree with other reviewers that the staff can be unprofessional... because many aren't professionals. They are often younger volunteers, especially in the kitchens, garden, or around the property in exchange for an Esalen experience they probably couldn't otherwise afford. The staff is there experiencing Esalen just like you are. Treat them with respect, a bit of grace (and sometimes patience), and in my experience, I never found anyone to be unkind or rude. If you approach Esalen with an open heart and mind, ideally with few expectations, I think you'll find the same joy that I did ... and that so many others do. Everyone I spoke with during the week I was there loved it too. It truly was a transformative experience.

5 stars, Self guided myself in the Art Barn! Meet 25 other artist who sat next to me during my multi day stay and they all created something inspiring, from the 8 year old girl making a treasure box to the old soul who was making his first collage. I had a art teacher sit down next to me and make some really cool art on paper and he even doodles on napkins people did not want to throw away, I gave him a red circle canvas and he did a octopus no AI needed... lol The hot springs are great, the gardens, the buffet is probably my favorite in all the world, they did a good job with the fish, breakfest eggs were perfect, everywhere you turn there are vegan delights, whats not to like? Even my ukulele was perfectly in tune the whole weekend! Esalen is what you make of it and magic happens when you meet all these nice people in the art barn and painting the views alla prima outside!

If you ever get the chance, go to Esalen. The place is amazing and hard to describe. It is a beautiful place to relax, attend workshops, and meet new people. Now, be warned there is no cell service. But that is a good thing it forces you to disconnect from your everyday life and makes you stop and take a breath, smell the flowers, and take in the beauty around you. It makes you talk to people. The food is amazing, and the hot springs I can not disturb them you just have to experience it for yourself.

Incredible tour of the lighthouse with lots of facts about its origins and its upkeep over the decades. A must see lighthouse which includes beautiful views the entire way to the top on a clear day. Bonus: look out towards the ocean on your way up the rock, lots of things to see between sea birds, sea lions and we even had some whales.

Amazing experience—definitely recommend. Arrived around 930 and was close to the front in line. The tour guides let cars in around 9:45 where the cars are parked at the bottom. Very informative tour lasting around 3 hours. We’re able to go inside the lighthouse and walk around the grounds. Also saw a lot of seals and just an amazing view overall. Bring layers and a hat!

The guided tour is an amazing experience. It is 3 hours long, requires a fair amount of walking, especially up the hillside, but well worth the $15 charge. Double check the days and times (currently 1 PM Wed and 10 AM Sat/Sun), arrive early and wait for the gate to open. Dress warmly as it is very windy and cold.

3 hour tour of the Point Sur Lighthouse is a great thing to do in Big Sur. Arrive at 9:45am as tour starts at 10am and they close the gates. You spend about an hour walking up with a group, with many stops and stories along the way. You then go into the lighthouse and then to the top where they have a gift shop and other buildings to explore. No snacks, no dogs allowed.

Point Sur Lighthouse, Jan 2024. It was one of the most interesting lighthouses I have visited. Accessible by Guided Tours only.3.5 hours long tour but well worth it. Walking tours consist of a rise in elevation of 360 feet and two stairways of 40-60 steps each. Numbers might make it look difficult, but if I have to put it in layman's terms, it would be like Begineers level for hiking. Every 5 minutes or so, we stopped along the path while volunteers provided us historical facts about lighthouse and explained the importance of each section of the path. Some more info might help you. 1) It is south of Bixby Bridge, so on the way, you can enjoy the scenic spot around Bixby Bridge. 2) Tours are only on Sat & Sun. No online reservation. First come, first serve. Tour at 10 am only. 3) Meetup is along PCH -1 South of Bixby Bridge. Volunteers are there around 9.30 am. You have to park along the road and wait for all parties to arrive. Since drive is through private property, driving is in caravan style, which starts at 10 am sharp. 4) Irrespective of weather, carry a jacket. It is extremely windy along the way, even on a sunny day. 5) Cellphone reception is almost non-existent in that part of PCH-1. Be prepared with a copy of maps or print out of Google maps. 6) Tours are weather dependent. If you don't have cell reception while driving along PCH-1, then it is difficult to find out in advance if Tour is still happening on that day or not. Be mindful of that.

This should be open to more people. The tour system is cumbersome and while it’s nice to have a small group, the place would benefit from some more exposure. The gift shop needs a merchandiser Beware: only 40 people per day are allowed on the tour, so make sure you arrive an hour early to wait at the gate. The tour is 3 hours with some strenuous hiking at the beginning and though the tour is over the lunch hour you are not allowed to bring a lunch. The parking area is dirt and uneven so if you have mobility issues this experience may not be the right one for you, though you can call in advance and arrange a car to take you to the top of the hill.

My wife and I made the trip to Northern California in August. This lighthouse is a must-see! Make sure you get there early because they only let so many people in.

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.

I left behind some belongings accidentally including my custom prescription glasses. The hotel said the items were found and they would ship them to me. I have never been able to get anyone to call me back to email me tracking info for the package, which never arrived. No manager has ever responded to my many many calls about this and as we speak I have been on hold for an hour trying to understand what happened. We had a nice stay here but I would never return based on my experience. Everyone that works there seems nice but totally clueless.

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.

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.

What an absolutely gorgeous mass and historical place. There is an 11am Sunday mass followed by coffee and donuts. There, they also have a bookshelf with free Catholic books you can take home! The museum is free and has a small store where you can buy Catholic souvenirs, such as scapulars, rosaries, crosses, and more! It is located in a nice downtown with cute shops and restaurants.

I'm not a religious person, but I was really lucky to come here on a Sunday while Mass was going on. This is a nice relic of the past, reminding you how before the Americans got here, how the Spanish began building up these places with the Missions. Fair warning, parking is TIGHT with all these people.

A beautiful and serene place, staff were very helpful and knowledgeable. An excellent source of regional historical information. Well maintained gardens and faculties.

We stopped to visit The Carmel Mission Basilica while visiting Carmel. I learned so much history here. The ancient graves there are very interesting. A must see. Self guided.

My wife and I spent an hour or walking the entire area. We both thought it was well worth the admission. Strongly recommend a visit if you have time to consider its beauty history and its place in the kingdom spiritually

Beautiful grounds and a nice place to visit when in Carmel by the Sea. Something other than the beach and Ocean Ave. Not overly busy and plenty of parking. Pleasant neighborhood. Walked by it on the way to Mission Ranch Hotel and Restaurant.

Beautiful church and interesting cemetery. The museum and store has a lot on unique things to view and there are historical markers to read about. The staff was helpful and friendly.