EXPERIENCE
Big Sur
Things To Do In Big Sur
Just beyond Post Ranch lies a wealth of attractions and activities that are sure to delight. For those who want to explore the beauty of Big Sur and the central coast, here are a few of our favorites things to do when visiting.
Local Attractions
Henry Miller Library
The Henry Miller Memorial Library is a nonprofit arts center and bookstore that documents the life of the late writer, artist, and Henry Miller. The library is open daily to the public and often hosts intimate outdoor concerts and small events.
Point Sur Lighthouse
Point Sur Lighthouse stands atop a dramatic volcanic rock just off-shore in Big Sur. This historic aid-to-navigation still guides ships along the treacherous Central California Coast. Point Sur can be visited by guided walking tours year round.
Bixby Bridge
Cross this unforgettable bridge into iconic Big Sur Welcome to Big Sur’s version of the Golden Gate. A must-see road trip spot for many and probably the most Instagrammed feature along the Highway 1 coastline. And rightly so.
Monterey Bay Aquarium
886 CANNERY ROW, MONTEREY, CA 93940
The Monterey Bay Aquarium is a pioneering aquarium and renowned marine conservation organization perched on the edge of the wild Monterey Bay in California. Its mission is to inspire conservation of the ocean. The aquarium is located on historic Cannery Row in Monterey and open daily. (Photo credit: SeeMonterey.com)
Hearst Castle
750 HEARST CASTLE RD, SAN SIMEON, CA 93452
Hearst Castle is a National Historic Landmark mansion located in San Simeon and was the home of newspaper magnate William Randolph Hearst. It has been maintained as a state historic and is open for public tours. Hearst Castle was once home to newspaper publisher WR Hearst. It is now a house museum and is open to the public.
Carmel
Just up the coast, visitors can enjoy the charm of downtown Carmel and the natural beauty of California’s central coast while engaging in a variety of outdoor activities, dining and shopping. Explore the 17-Mile Drive, widely recognized as one of the most scenic drives in the world, which runs from Pacific Grove to Pebble Beach.
Hiking
There’s something special about being outdoors in the fresh, Big Sur air. Post Ranch is fortunate to be surrounded by some of the most scenic and diverse hiking trails in the world. With trails and excursions for hikers of all levels, there’s truly something for everyone.
MODERATE
Valley View Trail
- 2 MILES
- 1 HOUR
- PFEIFFER BIG SUR STATE PARK
This is a nice, moderate hike through the Redwoods that features a waterfall and ultimately leads to a stunning view of the Big Sur Valley below.
STRENUOUS
Tanbark to Tin House Trail
- 6.1 MILES
- 4 HOURS
- JULIA PFEIFFER BURNS STATE PARK
This trail, located in Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park, offers a strenuous, 6.1 mile hike featuring a river before the final ascent up to the Tin House and a spectacular view of the coast.
MODERATE
Partington Cove
- 1.1 MILES
- 1 HOUR
- JULIA PFEIFFER BURNS STATE PARK
Partington Cove Trail offers a moderate 1.1 mile out and back trail that offers a view of the protected Partington Cove.
STRENUOUS
Bluffs and Panorama Trail
- 7.9 MILES
- 5 HOURS
- ANDREW MOLERA STATE PARK
A scenic hike that takes you along the bluffs for a great view of the Pacific to the west and the Santa Lucia mountains to the east.
MODERATE
Buzzards Roost
- 2.6 MILES
- 1.5 HOURS
- PFEIFFER BIG SUR STATE PARK
Buzzards Roost Trail is a lovely hike that features beautiful wild flowers, while passing through old growth-redwoods and into a pine forest, making for an interesting and varied hike.
STRENUOUS
Coast Ridge Road
- 7.6 MILES
- 4 HOURS
- COAST RIDGE ROAD
Coast Ridge Road is a private, unpaved winding road with a public right-of-way for hikers, that offers spectacular views deep into the precipitous Ventana Wilderness, extending across the Big Sur Valley to the Pacific Ocean.
EASY
Pfeiffer Beach
- .9 MILES
- 1.5 HOURS
- PFEIFFER BEACH
At this location, Sycamore Canyon Creek empties into the Pacific and a rocky point protects some of the sand at the cove. The focal point of the beach is Keyhole Rock which has an amazing natural arch at the base where salt water, and even the last rays of daylight, can pass through.
Parks & Beaches
Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park
- 2 MILES
- BIG SUR, CA 93940
Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park offers miles of Big Sur hiking trails, including a self-guided nature trail, along with waterfalls, redwood groves and wildlife galore. With its natural diversity, glorious landscapes, and peaceful ambiance, visitors have called Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park a “mini Yosemite.”
Point Lobos State Natural Reserve
- 26.4 MILES NORTH
- 62 CA-1, CARMEL-BY-THE-SEA, CA 93923
Teaming with flora and fauna, from sea and land, Point Lobos is an ideal location for sightseeing. The reserve has hiking trails and is a renowned spot for diving, SCUBA and Free. The Reserve has often been called “the crown jewel of the State Park System”.
Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park
- 7 MILES SOUTH
- 52801 CA-1, BIG SUR, CA 93920
The peaks of Julia Pfeiffer Burn State Park tower high above the Big Sur River Gorge, where the Big Sur River enters this popular park. The park is also home to the iconic McWay Falls, an 80-foot waterfall that drops into the ocean. Please note there is no beach or ocean access.
Pfeiffer Beach
- 3.7 MILES NORTHWEST
- PFEIFFER BEACH, CA 93920
Sycamore Canyon Creek empties into the Pacific and a rocky point protects some of the sand at the cove. The focal point of the beach is Keyhole Rock (seen above) which has an amazing natural arch at the base where salt water, and even the last rays of daylight, can pass through.
Partington Cove
- 7.2 MILES SOUTH
- OPEN IN GOOGLE MAPS →
Partington Cove is a remote rocky cove below Partington Point in Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park. Visitors can explore the small, remote inlet and rugged beach that is reached on foot by a 1.1-mile out-and-back dirt trail featuring a wooden bridge and a 60-foot tunnel that opens up onto the hidden cove.
Andrew Molera State Park
- 10.1 MILES NORTH
- OPEN IN GOOGLE MAPS →
Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park offers miles of Big Sur hiking trails, including a self-guided nature trail, along with waterfalls, redwood groves and wildlife galore. With its natural diversity, glorious landscapes, and peaceful ambiance, visitors have called Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park a “mini Yosemite.”
Garrapata State Park
- 21.9 MILES NORTH
- OPEN IN GOOGLE MAPS →
The park has two miles of beach front, with coastal hiking and a 50-foot climb to a beautiful view of the Pacific. Sea lions, harbor seals and sea otters frequent the coastal waters and California gray whales pass close by during their yearly migration.
Jade Cove
- 31 MILES SOUTH
- OPEN IN GOOGLE MAPS →
Enjoy a short .4 mile hike along the bluffs ends with a straight-down scramble to the rocky Jade Cove on the southern Big Sur Coast. Jade Cove provides outstanding opportunities for rockhounding, searching for the coveted Big Sur jade and diving for jade. The beach is a designated hang-glider site.
Sand Dollar Beach
- 31 MILES SOUTH
- OPEN IN GOOGLE MAPS →
Sand Dollar Beach area is a nice crescent beach perfect for a stroll in the sand or an easy hike. There are a limited number of sand beaches in Big Sur and this one is great for a picnic. Beautiful jade stones and other sea rocks can also be found along the beach.
Point Sur Lighthouse
- 31 MILES
- MONTEREY, CA 93940
Point Sur Lighthouse stands atop a dramatic volcanic rock just off-shore in Big Sur. This historic aid-to-navigation still guides ships along the treacherous Central California Coast. On the National Register of Historic Places, Point Sur can be visited by guided walking tours year round.
Local Dining
DELI & GROCERY STORE
Big Sur Deli
This family-owned deli specializes in tasty dining options along with one of the largest selection of craft brews and wines.
AMERICAN CUISINE
Deetjen’s
Tucked away in a rustic Big Sur setting, Deetjen’s offers candlelit dining and hearty, locally sourced organic fare.
AMERICAN CUISINE
Fernwood Tavern
Pizza & pub food with live music in an old-school roadhouse setting next to a motel & campground.
AMERICAN CUISINE
Nepenthe
Eatery perched on a Big Sur cliffside offering California fare & a terrace with breathtaking views.
CALIFORNIAN CUISINE
The Sur House (Lunch Only)
Open for lunch, enjoy Big Sur-inspired cuisine and distant ocean views from the spacious outdoor terrace.
Local Art
The Post Gallery
The Post Gallery offers an array of black and white photography, sculptures and fine jewelry. Exhibits change throughout the year, providing the chance to display the art of talented artists in and around the Big Sur community while offering fresh and interesting perspectives from around the world.
Hawthorne Gallery
The Henry Miller Memorial Library is a nonprofit arts center and bookstore that documents the life of the late writer, artist, and Henry Miller. The library is open daily to the public and often hosts intimate outdoor concerts and small events.
Henry Miller Memorial Library
The Henry Miller Memorial Library is a nonprofit arts center, bookstore, and performance venue in Big Sur, California, documenting the life of the late writer, artist, and Henry Miller.
COAST Big Sur
Nestled amongst the natural beauty of Big Sur, COAST is a truly unique destination along Highway 1 for fine art, one-of-a-kind gifts and elevated casual cuisine.