The Ultimate Guide to Big Sur: Scenic Drives, Stunning Views, and Unforgettable Dining on the California Coast
Note: This post is published in partnership with Expedia Canada and Food Bloggers of Canada. All recommendations and opinions are my own.
For as long as I can remember, a road trip along the magnificent California coast beckoned. This dream was sparked decades ago, perhaps while sifting through my mom’s old slide box, witnessing the adventurous spirit of her youth. In her twenties, she embarked on an epic journey that spanned across North America – from Quebec to Vancouver, down to California, through Death Valley, Salt Lake City, and Yellowstone, before returning home. This month-long, 9,700-mile odyssey, undertaken with two friends, was a testament to her adventurous spirit, especially at a time when such expeditions were less common for women. Her sheer moxie always inspired me.
Yet, as a teenager, I lacked her bold adventurous streak. My introverted nature made the idea of a backpacking trip seem daunting. It wasn’t until my early twenties that the travel bug truly bit, unleashing a torrent of destinations I yearned to explore. The California road trip remained a cherished aspiration but momentarily yielded to the allure of more exotic locales like Paris and Italy. Still, the vision of cruising along the Pacific Coast Highway never truly faded.
The perfect opportunity finally arose when my dear friend Melanie celebrated her wedding in Northern California. It felt like destiny; the time had come to fulfill that long-held teenage dream. Pregnant with our first child, this trip was to be one of our last adventures before our family expanded. We embraced the quintessential California experience, renting a convertible and setting off down the iconic Pacific Coast Highway 1. Our nine-day itinerary promised a captivating journey from San Francisco, weaving through charming towns like Monterey, Carmel-by-the-Sea, the majestic Big Sur, San Luis Obispo, Pismo Beach, Santa Barbara, Malibu, and Santa Monica, culminating in the vibrant city of Los Angeles.
Bixby Bridge, an 80-year-old architectural feat and a landmark of Big Sur.
Embracing the Untamed Beauty of Big Sur
Among the countless beautiful vistas we encountered, the Big Sur region undeniably left the most profound impression. This stretch of rugged, untamed coastline, where the highway gracefully twists and turns, reveals an endless succession of breathtaking viewpoints. Each stop along the way presented a panorama more stunning than the last, making us realize that we had barely scratched the surface of California’s natural splendor. I had anticipated a fun trip, but I mistakenly believed it wouldn’t offer the exotic thrill often found in foreign lands. Big Sur proved me spectacularly wrong. We drove through its dramatic landscapes, frequently pulling over, unable to catch our breath between snapping pictures. The sheer majesty compelled us to slow down, savoring every moment and ultimately leading us to forgo some other planned stops on our itinerary. It was a decision we never once regretted.
Big Sur is not a conventional city or town, but rather a vast, captivating region encompassing approximately 90 miles of coastline, stretching from Carmel-by-the-Sea in the north down to San Simeon in the south. It also extends about 20 miles inland, reaching into the majestic Santa Lucia Mountain Range. The area thrives on tourism, drawing visitors from all corners of the globe eager to marvel at its dramatic cliffs, pristine beaches, and towering redwood forests, or to immerse themselves in the myriad outdoor activities available. Indeed, Big Sur’s numerous state parks promise an invigorating dose of fresh air and a welcome opportunity to slow down and reconnect with nature. Given my pregnant state, we opted for shorter, gentler walks rather than strenuous hikes, but even these offered exceptionally rewarding views. Some of our favorite spots included the tranquil Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park and the awe-inspiring Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park. Both parks feature iconic waterfalls, such as the famous McWay Falls, which cascade gracefully right out of the rock formations, sometimes directly into the ocean, creating truly unforgettable scenes.
One of Big Sur’s most famous views: the 80-foot McWay Falls flowing into turquoise waters.
Big Sur’s Unexpected Culinary Scene: A Haven for Food Lovers
Given the region’s famously sparse population and rugged terrain, I initially harbored doubts about our dining prospects. Big Sur lacks a conventional urban center; instead, gas stations, small shops, motels, hotels, and restaurants are discreetly dotted along the winding highway. However, my concerns quickly dissipated. While the sheer abundance of options found in a major city is absent, I discovered that finding exceptional dining experiences was surprisingly easy. The Big Sur culinary scene is driven by a genuine commitment to sustainability, proudly serving seasonal, local, and often organic ingredients. This philosophy translates into authentic, high-quality cuisine that perfectly complements the natural beauty of the surroundings.
If you’re meticulously planning your California road trip, ensure you allocate ample time to immerse yourself in the wonders of Big Sur. And crucially, don’t overlook planning your culinary stops. The restaurants listed below are not merely places to eat; they offer gourmet experiences that stand shoulder-to-shoulder with the finest establishments in major cities, all while providing unparalleled views and a distinct sense of place. Prepare your palate for an unforgettable journey.
1 / Big Sur Roadhouse
Big Sur Roadhouse’s modern dining room.
Part of the charming Glen Oaks Motor Lodge, Big Sur Roadhouse is an unexpected design-driven gem in this rustic landscape. Its interior exudes a modern elegance, providing a sophisticated backdrop for its culinary offerings. The restaurant specializes in beautifully plated meats and fish, prepared using classic techniques but elevated with an imaginative fusion of seasonings and accompaniments inspired by cuisines from around the globe. This inventive approach allows diners to embark on a flavorful journey with every dish. We particularly enjoyed the “Small Bites” menu, which allowed us to sample a wider array of the chef’s creative genius. Whether you visit for breakfast, lunch, or dinner (yes, we were so impressed we returned multiple times), the experience is consistently delightful. The cozy outdoor terrace, adorned with comfortable sofas and a central fireplace, is especially inviting for cocktails and light bites, offering a perfect blend of relaxation and refined taste amidst the Big Sur air.
Open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Closed for dinner on Tuesday. Brunch on Saturday and Sunday.
Big Sur Roadhouse
47080, Highway One
Website / Map / Facebook
2 / Big Sur Bakery
Find the region’s best coffee and pastries at Big Sur Bakery.
Risotto with peas, fava beans, tomatoes, garbanzo beans, and corn at Big Sur Bakery.
Arguably the “it place” of the entire Big Sur area, Big Sur Bakery is much more than its name suggests. This remarkable establishment could easily rival the trendiest artisanal spots in Brooklyn or San Francisco, yet it maintains an authentic, grounded charm. Nestled in an unassuming ranch house, partly concealed beneath the region’s signature towering redwood trees, it’s a haven for exquisitely fresh, vegetable-driven cuisine. The ambiance is one of relaxed warmth, making you feel instantly at home. Whether you’re craving an expertly pulled espresso to kickstart your day, a delightful, flaky scone, a vibrant and colorful salad bursting with local produce, or an earthy, wood-fired pizza with a perfectly blistered crust, Big Sur Bakery delivers. In fact, it offers all of the above and more. I can almost guarantee that a single visit will lead to many returns. It’s the kind of place that captures your heart and nourishes your soul, truly becoming your home away from home along the beautiful California coast.
Open 7 days a week for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Brunch on Saturday and Sunday.
Big Sur Bakery
47540, Highway One
Website / Map / Twitter / Facebook
3 / Nepenthe Restaurant
A venerable Big Sur institution for over 60 years, Nepenthe Restaurant seems to possess every desirable quality. It boasts an unparalleled panoramic view of the Pacific, a comforting and well-loved menu, a wonderfully laid-back ambiance, and genuinely friendly service that makes every guest feel welcome. While Nepenthe’s cuisine leans towards a more rustic style compared to some other establishments on this list – both in its flavors and presentation – it never compromises on impeccable freshness. What it offers in abundance is an addictive, finger-licking-good quality that keeps diners coming back. This is the kind of place you’d dream of being a regular at, if only it weren’t so delightfully removed from everyday life. A visit simply demands that you secure a seat on the terrace. For the ultimate experience, plan your visit when the weather is favorable (you can even check their live webcam to confirm conditions) and allow yourself to slowly sip one of their signature cocktails while soaking in the expansive, breathtaking views that stretch to the horizon.
Open 7 days a week for lunch and dinner.
Nepenthe Restaurant
48510, Highway One
Website / Map / Facebook
4 / Ventana Big Sur
Ventana Big Sur’s elegant lodge-inspired interiors.
Perched high above sea level, commanding an impressive piece of Big Sur’s dramatic landscape, Ventana Big Sur represents the pinnacle of luxury and elegance. This sophisticated resort offers an elevated experience, both literally and figuratively. The restaurant’s dining room evokes the ambiance of a chic, rustic lodge, with its subtly dimmed lighting, warm auburn wooden beams, and a grand copper fireplace that radiates a welcoming glow. Beyond the exquisite interior, a vast terrace unfolds, featuring both comfortable lounge areas and dedicated dining spaces, each offering mesmerizing views that sweep across the majestic land and the boundless Pacific Ocean. Despite the undeniably elegant setting, we were pleasantly surprised and appreciative of the breezy, attentive service and the unfussy, yet refined, lunch menu. For those seeking an exceptionally unique dinner experience, we highly recommend requesting the exclusive table located within the restaurant’s beautifully curated wine cellar, an intimate setting promising an unforgettable evening of gourmet delights.
Open 7 days a week for lunch and dinner.
Ventana Big Sur
48123, Highway One
Website / Map / Twitter / Facebook
5 / Sierra Mar at the Post Ranch Inn
If the extraordinarily lavish rooms of the world-renowned Post Ranch Inn are beyond your travel budget, you can still indulge in a taste of its luxury by treating yourself to a gourmet meal at the resort’s exceptional restaurant, Sierra Mar. This dining experience transcends the ordinary, offering a culinary journey meticulously crafted by Chef John Cox. His philosophy centers on maximizing the potential of local treasures, such as freshly sourced seafood, artisan cheeses, and vibrant seasonal vegetables, while elevating dishes with opulent touches like exquisite caviar and fragrant truffle. The restaurant’s design is as spectacular as its cuisine, featuring a stunning glass dining room that appears to be precariously perched on the very edge of the cliff, offering unobstructed, panoramic views of the ocean below. With multicourse tasting menus available for both lunch and dinner, paired with the region’s most extensive and thoughtfully curated wine list, Sierra Mar promises a fine dining experience that is not only delicious but truly unforgettable, destined to be a highlight of your Big Sur adventure for years to come.
Open 7 days a week for lunch and dinner. Reservations highly recommended.
Sierra Mar
47900, Highway One
Website / Map / Twitter / Facebook
One very private house on the Big Sur coast, harmoniously blended with nature.
In conclusion, a journey through Big Sur offers more than just stunning scenery; it’s an immersive experience that delights all senses. From the winding roads offering dramatic coastal views to the unexpected discovery of world-class dining, this iconic stretch of California is truly a destination like no other. Whether you’re a nature enthusiast, a culinary adventurer, or simply seeking an escape from the ordinary, Big Sur promises an unforgettable chapter in your travel story.
Main Sights to Explore in Big Sur
- Point Lobos State Natural Reserve
- Bixby Bridge
- Point Sur State Historic Park
- Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park
- Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park
- McWay Falls
- Pfeiffer Beach
- Partington Cove
- Ventana Wildlife Society’s Discovery Center