Big Sur:
Where to Go, What to Do
By Teresa Mariani
Pfeiffer-Big Sur State Park - Located at the northern end of Big Sur proper. It's a jewel of a park, 810 acres thick with redwood trees, running rivers, sycamores, alder, maple and willow, mountain and ocean views. There's a general store and picnic area as well as a lodge owned and operated by the state parks system. Entrance on Highway One. (800-444-7275).
Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park - A must see. Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park stretches from the beach 3,000 feet up to the soaring ridgetops overlooking it. The park features groves of redwoods, tan oak, and madrone. It's also got a magnificent beach where an 80-foot waterfall drops over the cliffs into an aquamarine cove. Located at the southern end of Big Sur proper; entrance on Highway One. (831-667-2315)
The Post Ranch Inn - Highway One, Big Sur (a half-mile north of Nepenthe). Opened in the 1990s, it's a showcase of environmental architecture. The Inn and its grounds are open only to guests, except at dinner when the rest of us can enjoy the Inn's restaurant, The Sierra Mar. Call for reservations. (800-527-2200)
Deetjen's Big Sur Inn - Highway One, Big Sur. A magical place set in the redwoods. You almost expect to see elves. You will see locals come down to the Inn's restaurant on Tuesdays to get the mail and catch up on gossip. (831-667-2377)
The River Inn - Highway One, Big Sur. The bar here is the place to be. It's a local hangout with a huge fireplace.
Esalen Institute - Highway One, Big Sur, 11 miles south of Nepenthe. If you like to stay up late, you can enjoy a true Big Sur experience at the famous spot. The baths are open to the public (for bathing au natural) from midnight to 8 a.m. The Esalen bath house sits at the edge of a cliff, and is awesome by moonlight. Be prepared to meet a ton of interesting people there, even after midnight. Call for reservations. (831-667-3000)
 | | Photo by Teresa Mariani |
| | Diners enjoy the food, the sun and the view on the
Nepenthe patio in Big Sur |
Nepenthe - Highway One, Big Sur. The restaurant is a 50-year tradition, started by Lolly and Bill Fasset. It's also a local landmark. It offers everything from smoked trout to roasted garlic and goat cheese to Ambrosia Burgers - snapped up with delight by patrons from all over the world. Café Kevah offers lighter fare and lighter prices downstairs from Nepenthe; the beautiful spot also offers an art gallery.
The New Camoldoli Monastery - Highway One, Big Sur. The Catholic monastery is located south of Big Sur proper, about 10 miles back from Highway One (it's easy to spot the signs). Yes, you can stay, for a night or book a business retreat. Accommodations are Spartan but serene, and the food is good. Call for reservations. (831-667-2456).
The Ventana Inn - Highway One, Big Sur. The original spot to pamper yourself, if you've got the cash. Located 2.5 miles south of the Pfieffer-Big Sur State Park entrance. Even if you're not a guest, you can eat at Cielo, Ventana's restaurant for lunch or dinner. Call for reservations. (800-628-6500)
 | | Photo by Teresa Mariani | |
| The restaurant at the Inn at Ragged Point offers patio dining overlooking the gardens and a spectacular view of the Big Sur coastline. | |
The Ragged Point Inn - Technically, it's in Ragged Point, still in San Luis Obispo County, a long drive from Big Sur proper. But you can't beat the food or the views. (805-927-4502)
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