Where to Stay When Visiting Big Sur: Best Areas + Hotel Recommendations

Where to Stay When Visiting Big Sur

When visiting Big Sur, there are three main areas where I recommend staying. The first option, of course, is to stay in Big Sur itself. The next best options are Carmel-by-the-Sea and Monterey, both of which are located north of Big Sur. 

Here’s what you need to know about each area, and some details on hotels and accommodations to consider for your trip.

Staying in Big Sur

Staying in the heart of Big Sur is a great way to fully experience the beauty and tranquility of the area. Spend your day exploring the best attractions in Big Sur, and then make the short drive back to your accommodation to enjoy a peaceful evening surrounded by nature.

There are a few hotels in Big Sur (as well as some luxury resorts), but note that there are far fewer options compared to Carmel and Monterey. Given the limited options, you can also expect a generally high price tag for what you get – although you may be able to snag a good deal, especially in the off-season. That all said, you can’t beat staying right in the heart of the natural beauty of Big Sur!

Where to Stay in Big Sur 

Whether you’re thinking of visiting Big Sur for a weekend or a longer getaway, here are some of the best hotels in Big Sur: 

• Big Sur River Inn – a rustic and centrally located 3-star hotel that is well-priced for the area. There’s also a popular riverside restaurant on-site. 
• Big Sur Lodge – a cozy 3-star hotel located in the heart of Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park, within walking distance of some of the best hiking trails in the area. 
• Big Sur Campground and Cabins – a property that features warm, rustic one- and two-bedroom cabins, as well as campsites (all of which are situated underneath towering redwood trees). 
• Deetjen’s Inn – a charming 1930s historic hotel that is nestled beneath redwood trees. There’s also a highly-rated restaurant on-site. 
• Alila Ventana Big Sur – a luxurious all-inclusive 4-star resort, and one of the best places to stay in Big Sur for a relaxing, nature-filled getaway. 
• Post Ranch Inn – a bucket list-worthy 5-star luxury resort situated high above the coastline, offering stunning views of the region. 

In addition to these hotels, there are a handful of Big Sur vacation home rentals on Vrbo that you may want to consider. As you’re looking for a home, I recommend narrowing your search to homes that are in or around the actual village of Big Sur. This is a central location, near many of the main spots in the region. 

I don’t recommend staying in the more southern area of the region – I’ll talk about why at the end of this guide. 

Staying in Carmel-by-the-Sea

Carmel-by-the-Sea is easily one of the best places to stay near Big Sur. The charming seaside town is only about 15 minutes from Garrapata State Park (the northernmost park in Big Sur), so it’s super easy to drive into Big Sur, and then head back into Carmel after a day of exploring. 

There is also so much to do in Carmel, so you’ll have no shortage of activities to enjoy when you aren’t out exploring Big Sur. Beyond strolling through the picturesque town, you can relax at Carmel Beach, hike through Point Lobos, and do the famous 17-Mile Drive. 

The dining scene is also incredible – there are plenty of great places to dine out. If you do end up spending some time in Carmel, I highly recommend eating at Cultura Comida y Bebida. 

One thing to note is that Carmel is an upscale town, and that is reflected in the hotel prices. That said, much like Big Sur, you can find some good deals, especially if you are traveling in the off-season.

Where to Stay in Carmel-by-the-Sea

Consider these hotels for your Carmel-by-the-Sea stay: 

• Le Petit Pali at 8th Avenue or at Ocean Avenue – these sister boutique hotels offer luxury amenities and an eclectic, thoughtfully curated design (read my review of Le Petit Pali at 8th Avenue for a more in-depth look). 
• Svendsgaard’s Inn – a well-rated 2-star inn that is centrally located in town, and one of the more (comparatively!) budget-friendly hotels in Carmel. 
• L’Auberge Carmel – a luxurious 5-star hotel with a gorgeous French chateau-inspired property that’s in the heart of Carmel-by-the-Sea. There’s an upscale restaurant on-site. 
• La Playa Hotel – a 3-star hotel set in a stunning mansion that dates back to 1904. It’s under three blocks from the beach, and still within walking distance of the best restaurants and shops in town. 
• Villa Mara Carmel – a boutique hotel in a quiet neighborhood just south of town. It’s located just a block away from the beach. 
• Hyatt Carmel Highlands – a 4-star oceanfront hotel offering scenic views of the coast. As far as location goes, this is one of the best hotels near Big Sur, as it’s located in Carmel Highlands (just south of the town of Carmel-by-the-Sea), and is only a 5-minute drive from Garrapata State Park. 

There are also plenty of vacation home rentals in Carmel on Vrbo. To reduce your driving time into Big Sur, I recommend focusing on homes in and around the towns of Carmel-by-the-Sea and Carmel Highlands. Both are situated right off Highway 1, making the drive into Big Sur a breeze. 

My guide on where to stay in Carmel will give you a more in-depth look at the different neighborhoods within the area, as well as even more hotel recommendations. 

Staying in Monterey & Pacific Grove

Monterey and the neighboring Pacific Grove are both great places to serve as your home base during a Big Sur vacation. Located just north of Carmel-by-the-Sea, the drive from Monterey to Garrapata State Park is only about 20 to 30 minutes. 

This area is also particularly well-suited for anyone looking for more budget-friendly options. Compared to Big Sur and Carmel, there is definitely a bigger selection of affordable hotels in the Monterey area. That said, you’ll still find plenty of luxury accommodations, as well. 

Beyond offering hotel options for all budgets, Monterey is also a fun town to explore. There are plenty of great eateries (I love El Cantaro, a casual vegan Mexican restaurant), and you can spend some time walking along the coast to Lovers Point, strolling through Cannery Row, and exploring Old Fisherman’s Wharf. It’s also home to the world-famous Monterey Bay Aquarium. 

Can You Stay South of Big Sur?

There is a current major road closure on the Pacific Coast Highway in Big Sur. The closure is located between the Lime Creek Bridge to the north, and right near the Lucia Lodge to the south. Visitors coming from the south of Lucia Lodge cannot access any of the sites north of Lime Creek Bridge – where most of the most famous spots in Big Sur are located. There isn’t currently a set date as to when the road will reopen. 

With that all in mind, staying in the southern region of Big Sur or just south of Big Sur (such as around Ragged Point, San Simeon, and Cambria) is not a good idea – particularly if you are a first-time visitor wanting to explore the main sites in Big Sur, such as McWay Falls, Bixby Bridge, and Pfeiffer Beach.  

That said, there’s a ton of beauty in the southern region of Big Sur (I particularly love Sand Dollar Beach and Limekiln State Park!). If you’re considering skipping the more frequently visited northern area of Big Sur and focusing your time in the southern part of the region, there are a few hotel options, including Treebones Resort, Gorda Springs Resort, and Ragged Point Inn.