Where to Stay in Big Sur: 15 Best Hotels & Nearby Attractions

Big Sur is a stunning stretch of coastline on California’s central coast. Its rugged cliffs, pristine beaches, and towering redwood forests attract visitors worldwide, making it a popular destination for travelers seeking natural beauty and outdoor adventures. 

If you are asking where to stay in Big Sur, lucky for you, Big Sur has a variety of great hotels to choose from, whether you’re visiting for a single night or as part of a multi-week road trip. There are hotels to suit every budget and taste, from secluded cabins in the woods to five-star resorts with swimming pools. In this article, we have rounded up the best for you so make sure to stick until the end.

Our Favorite Place To Stay in Big Sur

Whether you’re visiting Big Sur for a romantic getaway, a family vacation, or a solo adventure, choosing the right hotel can make all the difference in your experience. With the range of hotel options in Big Sur, check out our top picks.

• Best Luxury Hotel in Big Sur – Post Ranch Inn
• Best Mid-Range Hotel in  Big Sur – Fernwood Resort
• Best Budget Hotel in  Big Sur – Glen Oaks Big Sur
• Best Vacation Rental in Big Sur – Carmel Valley Ranch
• Best For Glamping Resort – Treebones Resort
• Best For Families in Big Sur – Big Sur Lodge
• Best All-inclusive Hotel – Ventana Big Sur, An Alila Resort

Best Attractions in Big Sur

Make sure you are in the best place to stay in Big Sur and that you are situated close to the specific attraction you plan to visit. If you’re uncertain about which attractions to visit, here’s a short list of the top-rated destinations to include in your travel itinerary.

• Best attraction for first-timers/tourists – San Simeon
• Best attraction for budget travelers – King City
• Best attraction for luxury travelers – Carmel-by-the-sea
• Best attractions for families – Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park
• Best attractions for kids – Limekiln State Park

Where to Stay in Big Sur:Best Hotels In Big Sur

1. Best Luxury Hotel in Big Sur – Post Ranch Inn

If you are looking for where to stay in Big Sur, this luxury hotel in Big Sur has won numerous awards and stands apart from the competition. It is one of the hotels that have the highest rates in California, and there is a good reason for that.

Situated 1,200 feet above the Pacific Ocean, the hotel’s grounds are as close to paradise as any hotel can get. Post Ranch is well-known for its stunning, modern architecture that blends in perfectly with its natural, forested surroundings. There are no televisions or alarm clocks in any of the 39 rooms, suites, or treehouses, but guests may enjoy wood-burning stoves, Jacuzzi baths, and private terraces overlooking breathtaking scenery.

Free minibar snacks include healthy options that go well with red and white wines. The rooms and tree houses available for rent all feature distinctive furnishings and ample living space. The Sierra Mar restaurant is renowned for its excellent fare. Instead, swim in one of two infinity pools perched on the edge of the cliff and take in the Pacific panorama.

The Post Ranch Resort also provides guests with access to a spa, in addition to morning yoga classes and guided hikes into the surrounding landscape.

2. Best Mid-Range Hotel in Big Sur – Fernwood Resort

If you’re not in the mood for anything too extravagant, the accommodations at the Fernwood resort will provide you with all the charm and coziness of a traditional country home. The modest cabin accommodations are incredibly varied, with some featuring wood-burning stoves and others boasting breathtaking views of the surrounding forest that run on for kilometers.

Over the duration of your stay, you will have plenty of opportunities to have fun owing to the wooden walls, string lights, and community space that features a bar and a grill. When you stay there on the weekend, there is also live music for you to enjoy. Motel rooms at Fernwood Resort come with either one or two beds, and some of the resort’s exceptional accommodations even have their own private hot tubs.

Be sure to make your way out to Pfieffer State Park and then farther down to the Gulch. These are the places where you will be able to hike up high into the mountains and shoot pictures as core memories of your trip.

3. Best Budget Hotel in  Big Sur – Glen Oaks Big Sur

Glen Oaks Big Sur is a charming and rustic boutique hotel located in the heart of Big Sur, California. This property offers a unique blend of natural beauty and modern amenities, making it a popular choice for travelers seeking a peaceful retreat.

The 1950s motel was given a renovation in 2005, and it features modern conveniences like gas fireplaces and organic cotton bedding, among original features like adobe walls and no televisions. The s’mores kits from the mini-bar can be put to good use in the fire pits provided by the cottages.

The hotel features a variety of accommodations, including cozy cabins, suites, and rooms, each with its own distinct charm and character. Many of the rooms are equipped with private decks or patios, offering stunning views of the surrounding redwood forest. 

The hotel also has a restaurant, the Big Sur Roadhouse, which serves up delicious comfort food and cocktails in a casual atmosphere. One of the highlights of Glen Oaks Big Sur is its location – it’s just a short walk away from Pfeiffer Beach and other popular attractions, making it an ideal home base for exploring the area. 

Whether you’re looking to disconnect and unwind in nature or explore the local sights and sounds, Glen Oaks Big Sur offers a unique and memorable experience.

4. Best Vacation Rental in Big Sur – Carmel Valley Ranch

Carmel Valley Ranch is a resort that feels a little bit like a summer camp, and it is spread out across 500 acres along the Big Sur Coast in Carmel. All of the accommodations, including the treetop suites, the indoor and outdoor guest suites, the outdoor swimming pool, and the infinity hot tub, are perfect for escaping the stress of everyday life.

In addition, the hotel features its own four-acre vineyard as well as an extravagant spa that is geared at improving guests’ health and wellness. You will be spoiled for choice when it comes to activities, with anything from learning how to build kites, practice yoga, and play tennis to participating in group walks, archery, and beekeeping workshops.

One of the highlights of Carmel Valley Ranch is its commitment to sustainability and organic farming. The property features a 2-acre organic garden where guests can pick their produce and learn about sustainable farming practices. The resort also offers a range of activities, including yoga classes, culinary workshops, wine tastings, and guided hikes, making it an ideal destination for both action and adventure.

The gorgeous town of Carmel is definitely worth a trip if you are interested in great cuisine, art galleries, or beaches.

5. Best For Glamping Resort – Treebones Resort

Treebones is located at the southernmost tip of Big Sur, some 30 miles south of Big Sur village near the Santa Lucia mountains. The queen-sized mattresses in the spacious fabric tents are topped with fluffy duvets, while other amenities include heated floors, electricity, running water at the sinks, and polished pine wood walls and ceilings.

If you’re sitting in the Adirondack chairs on your roomy redwood terrace, taking in the breathtaking coastline views, the short trek to the bathroom will seem like a little inconvenience.

Also available for booking is the Insta-worthy Autonomous Tent, a private cocoon-like tent with all the amenities of a high-end hotel room, including a solar-powered bathroom and shower. Wild Coast restaurant serves up expensive “campfire food” such as bison burgers and kale pesto spaghetti, while the property’s surprisingly fine sushi bar requires reservations for a traditional omakase evening.

Two sculptural wood-woven constructions, the Human Nest and the hobbit-like Twig House, built by local artist Jayson Fan, offer a one-of-a-kind experience for you and your companions if the weather permits.

6. Best For Families in Big Sur – Big Sur Lodge

The Big Sur Lodge may be found right in the middle of the Big Sur coast, tucked away in the middle of a quiet redwood forest. At the Big Sur Lodge, guests can choose from a variety of accommodation types, ranging from typical family cottages to fireplace suites with kitchenettes. In addition, each room features a private deck. 

The lodge also boasts an on-site restaurant, the Big Sur Lodge Restaurant, which serves up delicious comfort food in a cozy and welcoming atmosphere. It offers a selection of dishes for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, while the Espresso House at the hotel serves hot beverages at all hours of the day.

One of the highlights of the Big Sur Lodge is its location. The hotel is also conveniently located within a short distance of several of the local natural attractions. It’s just a short drive away from popular attractions like Pfeiffer Beach, Bixby Bridge, and the Henry Miller Memorial Library. The lodge also offers easy access to hiking trails within Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park, including the popular Pfeiffer Falls Trail, making it a popular choice for family vacations in Big Sur.

7. Best All-inclusive Hotel – Ventana Big Sur, An Alila Resort

This expansive property was originally constructed in 1975 by the producer of the counterculture film Easy Rider. Throughout the years, Ventana Big Sur, an Alila Resort, has undergone a number of restorations and rebrandings, the most recent of which took place in late 2017. Now it is one of the best hotels in Big Sur.

The worn cedar construction that is nestled among the mature oak and redwood trees contributes, in part, to the fact that the soulful vibrations have not changed at all. The modern rooms have simple lines and earthy tones, but you’ll want to relax in one of the many amenities that are spread out around the property’s 160 acres.

You can snack on frozen fruit while lounging on the day beds that surround the Meadow Pool, or you can channel your inner Big Sur hippie at the clothing-optional Mountain Pool. Relax in one of the spa’s outdoor baths or relax in the Social House, which is decorated like a lodge from the 1960s and offers billiards, free wine, and record players with vintage records to play.

Sur House, Ventana’s hallmark restaurant, includes a menu of meals made with locally-sourced vegetables, are gathered from the resort’s organic garden. But the boundless ocean vistas from the landscaped dining patio will impress you more.

8. Best Pet-Friendly – Ragged Point Inn and Resort

Source / License: Expedia.com

Ragged Point Inn and Resort is a stunning coastal destination on the scenic California Highway 1, just south of the Big Sur region. This resort is situated on a rugged bluff overlooking the Pacific Ocean, offering breathtaking views of the coastline and the surrounding natural beauty, providing gorgeous panoramas from atop a 350-foot cliff, but if that’s not your thing, there are also beautiful mountain view suites available.

The resort features a variety of accommodations, including cozy rooms and spacious suites, all of which are beautifully appointed with modern amenities and offer stunning views of the ocean or the gardens. Guests at Ragged Point Inn and Resort can enjoy a wide range of activities and amenities, including hiking and biking trails, a heated outdoor pool, a hot tub, a restaurant serving delicious cuisine made with fresh, locally sourced ingredients, and a gift shop featuring local artisanal products.

Free concerts are held on the weekends at a plaza that features dining and shopping options, as well as several restaurants and cafes. The ocean vistas are a plus too!

Guests staying at Ragged Point are welcome to bring up to two dogs per room for a cost of $50 per night for the first dog and $25 for the second dog. According to their policy on pets, a noise fee may be assessed if other guests are disturbed by excessive barking.

9. Best for Couples – The Hideaway in Carmel-by-the-Sea

The Hideaway in Carmel-by-the-Sea is a charming boutique hotel located in the heart of one of California’s most picturesque coastal towns. This cozy inn offers guests a perfect blend of comfort and luxury, with stylish accommodations, warm hospitality, and a convenient location just steps from Carmel’s top attractions.

The rooms are cozy and inviting, with plush bedding, comfortable seating areas, and modern amenities such as flat-screen TVs and free Wi-Fi.

There is nothing more romantic than eating breakfast in bed, especially when it is brought to your room in the morning in a basket that is already set up and ready to be consumed. There are fireplaces in some of the rooms of this warm and inviting Craftsman-style hotel, and for those chilly evenings, there are fire pits outside.

The Hideaway provides its guests with complimentary wine and cheese at nightly receptions, as well as bicycles, local maps, and helmets for use throughout their stays.

One of the best things about The Hideaway is its location in the heart of Carmel-by-the-Sea. Guests can easily walk to the town’s many shops, restaurants, and art galleries, as well as the famous Carmel Beach and other local attractions.

10. Best for Extended Stays – Big Sur River Inn

Visitors that are seeking a place to stay for an extended period of time close to Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park favor the Big Sur River Inn since it has a lodge in addition to guest rooms on both sides of Highway 1.

The Big Sur River Inn, which is both a hotel and a restaurant, has been welcoming tourists for more than eight decades, making it one of the city’s oldest establishments. At that period, the hotel has refined the art of providing memorable experiences, and in addition to cozy furnishings and common areas, it features a pool that is bathed in sunlight and has a deck for lounging.

The hotel also places a couple of Adirondack chairs in the calmly moving water of the Big Sur River, which is located just next to the hotel. This provides guests with the best way to cool off during the day.

A wonderful panorama of the river can be enjoyed while dining at the adjacent Big Sur Restaurant, which is open for breakfast, lunch, and supper. In the event that the weather cooperates, the hotel hosts outdoor music performances on Sundays,

11. Best for Wedding Events- Bernardus Lodge & Spa, Carmel Valley

Bernardus Lodge & Spa is a lavish four-star resort located in the lush Carmel Valley, just a few miles inland from Carmel-by-the-Sea and a 15-mile drive from the southern end of the Big Sur coast. Spread over 28 acres, the resort is surrounded by vineyards and orchards, making it a perfect retreat for those seeking a tranquil vacation. 

The resort boasts opulent guest rooms, villas, and suites furnished with plush amenities and fireplaces, and some of the rooms also come with romantic outdoor private spas.

Bernardus Lodge & Spa offers easy access to the entire Big Sur coastline, and with its fine dining options, heated pool, guided hikes, and spa services, guests can indulge in a complete vacation experience without leaving the resort. Other luxurious facilities include outdoor lighted tennis courts and free weekend yoga sessions.

The resort is a popular choice for wedding events, and the hotel offers exclusive packages to ensure an unforgettable event. Make this one of those places that guests will find it hard to leave.

12. Best For Romantic Vacation – Cambria Beach Lodge

Cambria Beach Resort is a cozy and welcoming beachfront hotel located in the charming town of Cambria, California. This boutique hotel offers guests a serene and relaxing getaway, with comfortable accommodations, stunning ocean views, and easy access to the beach and local attractions.

The resort features 27 spacious guest rooms, each beautifully appointed with plush bedding, modern amenities, and private balconies or patios overlooking the ocean. Guests can choose from a range of room types, including standard rooms, suites, and premium oceanfront rooms, all designed to provide a comfortable and relaxing stay.

Cambria Beach Resort also offers a range of amenities and services to ensure guests’ comfort and convenience. These include a heated outdoor pool and spa, a fitness center, a complimentary breakfast, and free Wi-Fi throughout the property. Guests can also take advantage of the hotel’s on-site restaurant, which serves delicious California cuisine made with locally sourced ingredients.

There is a large, one-bedroom Ocean Cottage apartment with two patios overlooking the ocean at this oceanfront hotel near the southern end of Big Sur’s coastline. Because of this, it has become a popular destination for a romantic vacation.

13. Best for Adults- Tickle Pink Inn

Tickle Pink Inn is an oceanfront hotel located in the scenic city of Carmel-by-the-Sea, California. This upscale boutique hotel offers guests a serene and relaxing atmosphere, with breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean, comfortable accommodations, and world-class amenities.

This is regarded as one of the best holiday trips for adults and offers breathtaking views of the coastline of Big Sur and a variety of amenities, including Champagne, for adults-only vacationers.

Its breathtaking panorama of the Big Sur coastline has earned it a reputation as one of the most romantic hotels in the area. There are balconies in each room that face out over the ocean, and depending on the room you rent, many of the rooms also include kitchens or hot tubs.

It offers a relaxing atmosphere with amenities such as European bedding, private decks with panoramic views, and fresh morning pastries, among other things. In the evenings, guests are offered a complimentary wine and cheese reception with live music to accompany their experience.

14. Best Historic Place- Deetjen’s Big Sur Inn

Although it is not the most isolated area to stay in Big Sur, this lodge from the 1930s gives the impression that it is. Travelers who were traveling the wagon road down the coast, which is now known as Highway 1, used to stop at Deetjen’s so that they could get some rest. Now, the building is included on the National Register of Historic Properties. 

Deetjen’s Big Sur Inn is a historic and rustic inn located in the heart of Big Sur, California. Founded in the 1930s by Helmuth and Helen Deetjen, this quaint inn offers guests a unique and authentic experience, with cozy accommodations, lush gardens, and a serene natural setting.

The inn features 20 guest rooms and cabins, each uniquely decorated with antique furnishings, handcrafted quilts, and other charming details. Some of the rooms have private balconies or fireplaces, and all offer views of the surrounding forests and mountains.

Deetjen’s Big Sur Inn is also home to a restaurant that serves delicious meals made with local ingredients, including fresh seafood and produce from nearby farms. Guests can dine inside the cozy restaurant or outside in the enchanting gardens, surrounded by towering redwoods and babbling brooks.

15. Best Oceanfront Hotel- Cavalier Oceanfront Resort, San Simeon

The Cavalier Oceanfront Resort is a charming coastal hotel located in San Simeon, California. Situated just steps away from the picturesque Moonstone Beach, this oceanfront resort offers guests a tranquil and relaxing getaway with stunning views of the Pacific Ocean.

The hotel features 90 spacious guest rooms and suites, each decorated with comfortable furnishings and modern amenities such as flat-screen TVs, mini-fridges, and free Wi-Fi. Guests can choose from a range of room types, including oceanfront rooms with balconies, suites with fireplaces, and even pet-friendly accommodations.

The Cavalier Oceanfront Resort also offers guests a range of amenities designed to ensure their comfort and convenience. These include a heated outdoor pool and spa, a fitness center, a restaurant serving delicious coastal cuisine, and a wine and coffee bar. The hotel also offers complimentary continental breakfast, parking, and bike rentals for guests to explore the area.

The location of The Cavalier Oceanfront Resort is a major highlight, with easy access to the beautiful Moonstone Beach and its miles of pristine coastline. Guests can take a leisurely stroll along the boardwalk, watch the sunset over the Pacific Ocean, or even spot whales and dolphins swimming in the distance.