Experience the wonders of Big Sur from our centrally located resort. We’re close to iconic national landmarks and state parks, including Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park and Point Lobos State Reserve, which offer countless opportunities to hike, bike, kayak and surf in one of the most beautiful spots on earth. Whale watching is available year-round: Gray whales in the winter; blue whales, humpback whales and orcas in the summer. (Bring binoculars.) Drive to iconic Nepenthe to dine or shop and enjoy magnificent ocean/mountain vistas. Visit the Henry Miller Memorial Library, noteworthy art galleries and the many restaurants and bakeries that celebrate Central California’s renowned agricultural bounty—both food and wines.

Things To Do

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View the work of locally renowned artists representing a variety of media, including painting, sculpture, woodcarving, blown glass, ceramics and jewelry. The distinctive building was designed by Mickey Meunnig, known for his organic architecture in Big Sur.

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Hawthorne Gallery

Experience this picturesque and artsy 1-square-mile Central Coast community. Famous for its art galleries and one-of-a-kind boutique shops, Carmel-by-the-Sea also offers many unique dining experiences and historic sites to explore.

Carmel-by-the-Sea

Breathtaking ocean vistas are on the menu at this legendary restaurant, perched 800 feet above the coastline. Sandwiches and salads are served at lunch, while the dinner menu includes heartier entrees starring steak and seafood. Award-winning local wines and homemade desserts are here, too.

Nepenthe

Kick back with a local beer or wine at this casual bar and restaurant. The lunch and dinner menu embraces a variety of sandwiches (pulled chicken, Reuben, bahn mi and cheesesteak, for starters) and lots of shareable appetizers. Sports fans will appreciate the large-screen TVs.

Big Sur Taphouse

Encompassing over 4,700 acres, this is Big Sur’s largest state park. Twenty miles of hiking trails lead to the Big Sur River estuary and provide magnificent views from coastal bluffs and inland mountain perches. Birdwatchers might spy condors, bald eagles and any number of migratory songbirds. Horseback trail rides also are offered, and mountain biking is allowed at the park’s Pfeiffer Ridge Trail. Experienced surfers and kayakers can also enjoy their sport at Molera Beach.

Andrew Molera State Park

One of Big Sur’s hidden treasures, Garrapata includes two miles of pristine ocean front and 2,879 coastal acres. Its hiking trails include a 50-foot climb offering a terrific view of the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary. For a mountain biking challenge, try the 10-20% grades of the park’s Rocky Ridge Trail.

Garrapata State Park

Home to the world-renowned Monterey Bay Aquarium and its thousands of marine animals in underwater exhibits, this city on California’s central coast also offers a variety of scenic vistas, diverse restaurants and cultural explorations.

Monterey

Immerse yourself in an array of merchandise from around the world at Nepenthe Big Sur’s unique gift shop. Local and legendary artisans are represented in a constantly rotating inventory that includes artworks, books, housewares, jewelry, clothing and more.

Phoenix Shop at Nepenthe Big Sur

Sheltered coves, shallow tide pools and wind-sculpted Monterey pine and cypress trees punctuate this iconic park’s 1,250 acres. Dive or snorkel at Bluefish Cove and Whalers Cove, or take a hike along 14 miles of scenic trails. Lucky hikers might see resident harbor seals, sea otters or sea lions along the coast. This also is a good spot for experienced kayakers.

Point Lobos State Reserve

This storied institute was founded in the 1960s to explore human potential. Seminars and workshops delve into many subjects and practices, among them yoga, art, economics, quantum physics, UFOs, couples therapy—to name just a few. Registered day guests also can experience Esalen’s famed hot mineral baths, dramatically situated cliffside above the Pacific.

Esalen Institute

Santa Cruz County has 29 miles of coastline to explore, as well as dozens of restaurants and cafes, gift shops and clothing boutiques. Or visit its famous Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk—built in 1907 and called the “Coney Island of the West”—to enjoy one of its vintage rides, including the Giant Dipper Roller Coaster.

Santa Cruz

This Big Sur art gallery showcases over 3,000 works by many local and international artists and artisans. Paintings, sculptures and jewelry are among the media represented. This landmark building, designed by Gary Koeppel from recycled redwood water tanks, houses six galleries and an indoor-outdoor cafe.

Coast Big Sur

Pfeiffer Big Sur, one of the region’s most popular state parks, stretches more than a mile inland. It has something for everyone, offering an easy redwood forest hike, a demanding climb up Mount Manuel, a romantic couples’ picnic, even a refreshing swim in one of Big Sur’s natural swimming holes.

Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park

Visit world-class wineries and soak up the beautiful scenery with a day in Carmel Valley, located in the heart of California’s Monterey County. Award-winning restaurants and plenty of shops are here, too.

Carmel Valley

Find a colorful and sophisticated array of tableware, home goods and bedding, as well as natural clothing, personal accessories and body-care products at this popular shop.

Post Ranch Mercantile

Famed novelist Henry Miller moved to Big Sur from France in the 1940s, attracting a legion of writers and poets to the area. Despite its name, this “library” is actually a museum that celebrates Miller, as well as an art gallery, community center and outdoor venue for myriad performances, lectures and concerts.

Henry Miller Library

Considered among the most beautiful of California’s famed Spanish missions, Carmel Mission Basilica was founded by Father Junipero Serra in 1770 and is on the National Register of Historic Places. It is open to the public but remains an active parish.

Carmel Mission Basilica

Located at Point Sur State Historic Park, this lighthouse dates to 1889, when it was built to lessen the shipwrecks occurring along Big Sur’s rugged coast. It rises 270 feet above a volcanic rock at the mouth of Little Sur River. The park is closed to the public except for guided three-hour walking tours on select days.

Big Sur Activities and Experiences | Alila Ventana Big Sur