It is a timeless marvel that brings to mind every era in Big Sur’s cultural history. A restaurant featuring unparalleled architectural excellence with an unforgettable ambiance.
Big Sur has long been a haven for artists and writers, from Henry Miller to Jack Kerouac. Wynn Bullock’s iconic black-and-white photograph of poet Eric Barker by Wynn Bullock in 1955 contributed to its boho status.
Beaches
One of the best parts about visiting Big Sur is strolling along its idyllic beaches – there are so many to choose from! Below are some of the top spots for your beach exploration:
Sand Dollar Beach is a lovely crescent of white sand framed by rocks and cliffs, famous for sunbathing, swimming (though the water may be cold), volleyball playing, and picnicking. At low tide, tide pools can also be explored for jade mineral deposits in rocks, as well as searching for jade dollars – something that is not easy! Beachcombers love coming here in search of their namesake sand dollars, but it may take patience!
Monastery Beach, named after the Carmelite Monastery Mission across Highway 1, offers beautiful sunbathing, swimming, and relaxation opportunities.
Gibson Beach in Point Lobos State Natural Reserve is another beautiful spot perfect for wildlife watching and even boasts its arch!
McWay Falls is an absolutely breathtaking 80-foot single-stream waterfall that gracefully cascades to a beach and into the ocean, drawing many moviegoers. Not to be missed! Additionally, it is also famous as a picnicking site and hiking spot with short trails leading up to viewing areas.
Restaurants
Foodies will find something delicious at any of Little Sur River Beach’s excellent restaurants. One popular restaurant here is Sur House at Ventana Big Sur, known for its delectable coastal cuisine and breathtaking views of California’s iconic landscape, plus craft cocktails! Wild Coast Restaurant at Treebones Resort also provides an unforgettable dining experience through their 15-course tasting menu!
The Big Sur River Inn is another excellent restaurant serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner with fresh ingredients that exude Big Sur character. Their menu features organic eggs, buttermilk pancakes, and house omelets for breakfast, as well as various sandwiches and burgers to select from for lunch or dinner service.
Little Sur River Beach offers more than just beauty; it also provides many activities and attractions for visitors. There is a river path running through the park that’s great for walking, bicycling, or running along. Surrounded by lush vegetation and stunning vistas, its overgrown river path makes a relaxing journey through this park – plus, there’s even a fish pond where kids can play!
Little Sur River Beach offers numerous hotels and campgrounds for lodging. Some of the more luxurious options include the 5-Star Post Ranch Inn with its spa, infinity pool, and rooms featuring breathtaking ocean views; or for something more moderately priced, Fernwood Campground and Resort, which features tent and RV sites along with bar/restaurant/general store services.
Things to Do
The Little Sur River runs along an idyllic stretch of Central California Coast and provides shelter to endangered species like mountain lion, deer, fox, coastal redwoods, and Santa Lucia fir trees. Furthermore, this stream serves as an essential spawning stream for threatened south-central coast steelhead.
Pfeiffer Beach offers mesmerizing purple sand created by manganese garnet deposits, offering breathtaking strolls along its length to discover natural art sculptures formed from rock formations as well as coves and tide pools teeming with marine life.
Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park’s 80-foot waterfall, McWay Falls, is another must-see, providing breathtaking vistas over an idyllic beach and down onto an endless pool below. Often featured on postcards, its beauty shines incredibly bright in winter and spring when migrating gray whales pass nearby!
Spend some time exploring Little Sur River Beach if you have the chance. Visit various overlooks, hike the Bird Island Trail (it’s under one mile long and great for families with young kids!), visit Limekiln State Park if it’s open (check out McWay Falls!), picnic at Sand Dollar Beach when low tide occurs, visit Ragged Point when available, and don’t forget Hearst Castle if there is extra time!
Accommodations
There is a range of accommodation options in and near Little Sur River Beach. Visitors can spend the night at unique Big Sur lodging options such as forest cabins, adventure tents, traditional campgrounds, luxury resorts, and hotels that boast mountain views or panoramic vistas.
Post Ranch Inn offers guests looking for luxurious accommodation near Little Sur River Beach an incredible stay featuring two infinity pools and classes on stargazing, yoga, and meditation. Indulge in an on-site restaurant and bar for added comfort – not far away are Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park and Andrew Molera State Park with their scenic redwood hiking trails.
Lucia Lodge offers stunning coastal views from its location at Big Sur River and features rooms decorated with classic wood accents and nature-inspired artwork. Additionally, guests can take in these views from its dining room, decks, or cliff-side cabin area.
Cambria, known for its charming shops and restaurants, is just minutes from Hearst Castle, Scenic Coast Highway 1, Piedras Blancas Lighthouse, and Henry Miller Memorial Library, which houses an extensive collection of his work as well as memorabilia.
