AREA GUIDE
Things to do in Big Sur
Just beyond Post Ranch lies a wealth of attractions and activities sure to delight. For those who want to explore the beauty of Big Sur, here are a few of our favorites.
Local Attractions
Henry Miller 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. Open Thursday - Sunday 11am - 5pm.
Point Sur Lighthouse
Pt. Sur lighthouse and its supporting lightstation buildings, now a California State Historic Park stand atop a dramatic volcanic rock just off-shore in Big Sur, California. This historic aid-to-navigation has a modern aero-beacon which still guides ships along the treacherous Central California Coast. On the National Register of Historic Places and a California landmark, Pt. 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. Pull over at numerous turnouts to get amazing views, particularly from the bridge’s south end at sunset.
Monterey Bay Aquarium
The Monterey Bay Aquarium is a pioneering aquarium and renowned marine conservation organization perched on the edge of the wild Monterey Bay in California. Our mission is to inspire conservation of the ocean. We’re located on historic Cannery Row in Monterey and open daily except Christmas Day.
Hearst Castle
Hearst Castle was once home to newspaper publisher WR Hearst. It is now a house museum and is open to the public.
Hiking
Moderate
Partington Cove
Partington Cove Trail offers a moderate 1.1 mile out and back trail that offers a view of theprotected Partington Cove.
Strenuous
Bluffs and Panorama Trail
A scenic hike that takes you along the bluffs for a great view of the Pacific to the west and theSanta Lucia mountains to the east.
Beaches
Please note that some of these areas may be closed. Please check local listings prior to visiting any of these areas.
Local Dining
Wild Coast Restaurant and Sushi Bar
47900 CA-1, BIG SUR, CA 93920, USA
Resorts boasts garden-to-table honest food in a casual, relaxed setting with scenic heated outdoor seating and cozy indoor seating. We utilize fresh produce from our on-site organic garden and local farms whenever possible, and offer local wines and regional beer.
For more information, call +1 (831) ###-####.
JAPANESE CUISINE
Big Sur Bakery
47900 CA-1, BIG SUR, CA 93920, USA
Our wood-fired all American bakery features hearth baked breads and pastries baked daily as well as a full service restaurant featuring the area’s finest produce.
For more information, call (831) 667-0520.
AMERICAN CUISINE
Big Sur Smokehouse
48123 CA-1, BIG SUR, CA 93920, USA
Welcome to Big Sur Smokehouse, where Carolina meets California—with plenty of Texas and Kansas City mixed in for good measure. We’re the newest barbecue experience on Highway 1, and while we don’t take reservations, we do create smoky temptation. Where the road bends and it smells like goodness, just look for the little red homestead.
For more information, call (831) 667-2419.
BBQ
Big Sur Deli
47520 CA-1, BIG SUR, CA 93920, USA
We are located in the center of Big Sur next to the United states Post Office. We are a family owned and operated full service delicatessen, serving the local community for over 30 years. We feature specialty sandwiches as well as the made to order variety. Other offerings include tamales, calzones, salads, baked potatoes, BBQ chicken, dolmas and samosas. We open early for coffee, breakfast burritos, egg & cheese sandwiches and a variety of fresh pastries. Our general store has a large selection of craft beer, local wines, delicious snacks and grocery items. Our souvenir shop offers Big Sur hats, shirts, stickers, magnets, post cards and much more. Please stop by and see us next time you’re in town! For more information,
call +1 (831) 000-0000.
GROCERY STORE
Big Sur Tap House
47520 CA-1, BIG SUR, CA 93920, USA
Located in the heart of scenic Big Sur, the Taphouse offers excellent food, great drinks, and a fun place to hang out. With big screen televisions, relaxed atmosphere, and friendly service, it’s the perfect place to watch your favorite sports events. Discover the different local brews and wines from around Monterey County. Whether you are rooting for your favorite sports team, touring Big Sur and the Monterey Bay, or simply enjoying a break from your drive by the coast, the Big Sur Taphouse is the place to be. The Big Sur Taphouse is a locally owned and operated establishment. We are located next to the Big Sur Deli, under the same ownership. Ordering from the deli? Feel free to bring your order to the Taphouse, and enjoy
.For more information, call (831) 667-2197.
AMERICAN CUISINE
Cafe Kevah
48510 CA-1, BIG SUR, CA 93920, USA
Café Kevah is located on an outdoor terrace below Nepenthe, and on the roof of the Phoenix Shop. It overlooks the Pacific Ocean and the Santa Lucia Mountains. Café Kevah does not accept reservations. Terraced gardens. Bougainvillea, honeysuckle, and jasmine. Red-tail hawks hover overhead. Forests of redwood and oak lie thick below. Watch out for the blue feathered stellar jays who will not hesitate to steal your cinnamon roll! The Café’s menu focuses on the freshest ingredients carefully prepared, gourmet coffees, and home made baked goods. The open-air patio and counter service create a casual atmosphere where you can relax, take your time, and watch the whales go by. If you forgot to bring a good book, the Phoenix Shop is just a few feet away with an amazing selection of books, journals, cards and more.
For more information, call (831) 667-2344.
CALIFORNIAN CUISINE
Fernwood Tavern
47200 CA-1, BIG SUR, CA 93920, USA
Fernwood’s tavern is a popular local watering hole built in the traditional Big Sur style with redwood timbers. Fernwood’s homespun atmosphere attracts a variety of locals and tourists, making for some very entertaining evenings. Very popular on evenings when live entertainment is available - usually Saturday night beginning at 9:30 PM.
For more information, call (831) 667-2129.
AMERICAN CUISINE
Big Sur Roadhouse
10A, ADDRESS STREET, BIG SUR, CA 93920
The Big Sur Roadhouse features delicious California cuisine with fresh, local ingredients. In keeping with our Big Sur ethos, the seasonal menu is filled with locally sourced organic… ingredients. Also, not to be missed, San Francisco designer Steve Justrich’s “homegrown modernism” has transformed the Roadhouse into a truly unique and fitting environment for dining in Big Sur. Please stop by for coffee, a glass of wine, a snack or a full meal.
For more information, call (831) 667-2105.
CALIFORNIAN CUISINE
COAST Big Sur
49901 CA-1, BIG SUR, CA 93920, USA
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. COAST cafe offer a… picnic-inspired menu, coffee, beer and wine sourced from California’s Central Coast, grab n’ go pastries, soft-serve ice cream and stunning ocean views from a rooftop terrace.
For more information, call (831) 667-2301.
CALIFORNIAN CUISINE
AMERICAN CUISINE
Shopping
Post Ranch Mercantile
47900 CA-1, BIG SUR, CA 93920, USA
Post Ranch Mercantile serves as both an art gallery, with a collection of photography and fine art on display, and as a boutique which features original dinnerware used in Sierra Mar, mostly organic designer clothing, jewelry, home furnishing, books of local interest, logo items, accessories and other goods. Be sure to visit our, offering an array of Post Ranch Inn’s most popular items for you to enjoy at home.
Big Sur Lodge Gift Shop
47225 CA-1, BIG SUR, CA 93920, USA
An array of eclectic gifts, State Park souvenirs, jewelry, pottery, and the largest selection of t-shirts and sweatshirts in the area. Open daily 8am - 8pm.
Local Art
Post Ranch Mercantile
47900 CA-1, BIG SUR, CA 93920, USA
Post Ranch Mercantile serves as both an art gallery, with a collection of photography and fine art on display, and as a boutique which features original dinnerware used in Sierra Mar, mostly organic designer clothing, jewelry, home furnishing, books of local interest, logo items, accessories and other goods. Be sure to visit our, offering an array of Post Ranch Inn’s most popular items for you to enjoy at home.
Hawthorne Gallery
48485 CA-1, BIG SUR, CA 93920, USA
Gorgeous setting overlooking the ocean across the highway from Nepenthe. Painting, jewelry, ceramic, glass and amazing stone sculpture will have you reaching for your wallet in record time.
Henry Miller Memorial Library
48603 CA-1, BIG SUR, CA 93920, USA
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.
Open Thursday - Sunday 11am - 5pm.
Post Ranch Mercantile
47900 CA-1, BIG SUR, CA 93920, USA
The Glass House Gallery at Ventana Big Sur is perched 1,100 feet above the majestic Pacific Ocean and features exquisite paintings, photographs, and sculptures by local artists. Works of art by Erin Lee Gafill, Bob Kolbrener, Emile Norman, and Doug Steakley currently adorn this spectacular space, a repurposed industrial CONEX box. The Glass House Gallery also offers apparel, bath amenities, books, leather goods, local crafts, and other exclusive Ventana Big Sur mementos.
Wednesday - Sunday, 10am - 6pm.