Big Sur River, Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park Big Sur, California -photo: Stan Russell

It's time to plan your Big Sur vacation and summertime getaway. Join us and witness the annual migration of Humpback and Blue whales as they return to feed in the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary off the Big Sur coast. California Condors are flying overhead throughout Big Sur. These are just a few of the natural wonders that make Big Sur a great place to visit during summer. Come on out and watch the natural magic unfold before your eyes, or create your own.

From Big Sur luxury hotels and spas to rustic creekside campgrounds we believe Big Sur simply offers The Best in a wide variety of possibilities and we think you'll agree. Join us for a romantic getaway and come share with us one of the most spectacular coastlines in the world. Winter camping; one of the best kept Big Sur secrets.

Cost of gas got you down? Planning a vacation? An article in the SF Chronicle has shown that Big Sur is, in addition to being a remarkable place to vacation, one of the most cost conscious travel decisions you can make from the Bay Area. Check it out here.

AWARDS & RECOGNITIONS:
Traveler's Choice 2008 Award Winner for Top 25 Destinations in the United States. Big Sur was voted #3 destination in the US. In other awards, Big Sur was voted "Best Place to Play Hookie," and "Best Romantic Getaway." Big Sur is also home of the "Best Marathon in North America" and the "Best Hotel in North America." Adding to our 'best of' list, Big Sur is now home to the "Best Restaurant in California," per the Zagat Survey. National Geographic Traveler listed Big Sur as one of the "50 Places of a Lifetime/The World's Greatest Destinations." Playboy Magazine rates Post Ranch Inn as one of the "sexiest" places on earth (Feb. '07). Consistently a 'top pick' for weekend getaways and fantasy vacations." Home to Traveler's Choice "Ten Greenest Accommodations in the World" award to Post Ranch Inn which ranked #3 in the world for greenest hotel, which gives them the #1 ranking for greenest lodging in Big Sur.


The Big Sur Chamber of Commerce extends congratulations to three of their members; Post Ranch Inn, Ventana Inn & Spa, and Highlands Inn for garnering some of the highest rankings in the Travel and Leisure top 500 hotels in the world. Post Ranch Inn recieved the highest ranking of all hotels in California (#1).
Big Sur, offering the best lodging in Monterey County and the best lodging in California. Big Sur also offers the "Best Restaurant in California."

For more information about these resorts and more Monterey county lodging visit the Lodging section of our website.

Campfire Program in Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park

Highway 1 through Big Sur designated American National Scenic Byway & California Scenic Highway, an honor reserved for highways that are so distinctive they are destinations unto themselves.

Maps of California, Big Sur, and our local Big Sur Guide, all in a convenient downloadable and printable Adobe Acrobat PDF. Also, includes information on air and ground transportation to Big Sur, nearby airports and more...

In the News - a collection of news related articles or links to articles about Big Sur that are in current newspapers or publications. Example: Smart Money Magazine rates Big Sur #7 in its "30 Trips of a Lifetime."

Historical Big Sur Postcards. We have put together a couple pages of historical postcards of Big Sur. If you have one to contribute, please feel free to contact us.


Local Hiking
From beaches to mountains... Hike along the streams in the cool, tree lined valleys. Climb up on the high ridges for a spectacular view of the coastline on the western slope and gaze into three million acres of wilderness in the Los Padres National Forest on the eastern slope.

Evenings offer the opportunity to dine in restaurants from fanciful to exquisite. Relax in lodging that ranges from rustic to luxurious. Camp out in the many well equipped campgrounds. Luxuriate at the local health spas. And of course one of the favorite past-times of Big Sur, Do Nothing!

That's right. Relax and take in the magnificent beauty of Big Sur. Once you are here there is no reason to do anything more. Replenish your spirit by simply absorbing the weepingly beautiful vistas of Big Sur. Do Nothing in Big Sur and leave refreshed and rejuvenated from head to toe. Big Sur has been here for millions of years. We don't have that luxury. Make your reservation today!

It is here in Big Sur that I first learned how to say Amen. ~ Henry Miller

Evenings can offer spectacularly clear skies, which are perfect for star gazing. Bring layers of clothing because at this time of year it can be warm in the afternoon and very cool in the evening. Interested in average rainfall statistics? Click Here

BIG SUR HIGHWAY CONDITIONS
For information about Highway One through Big Sur you can check local highway conditions through the California Department of Transportation or by calling (800) GAS--ROAD (427-7623) within California and (916) 445-7623 from outside of California.



Humpback Whales
Blue Whales
California Condors
Elephant Seals


California Gray Whales
Gray whale southern migration will be passing Big Sur beginning in mid-November. Bring binoculars and watch this spectacular event from the roadside turnouts.
Monarch Butterflies
Although butterflies are prevalent throughout Big Sur all summer, the thrust of the Monarch butterfly migration begins in October when the return to winter in Big Sur.

>>More information about the Ecology of Big Sur.

Big Sur Information Guide Accommodations/Lodging Art Galleries & Gift Shops Beaches Businesses -->Miscellaneous Services Calendar of events Camping Church Services Community Page Construction Companies Contact Us Directions/Map to Big Sur ...<<<<Ecology Section>>>>... --> Bald Eagles --> Condors --> Blue Whales --> Gray Whales --> Humpback Whales --> Elephant Seals --> Monarch Butterfly --> Mountain Lions --> Redwood Trees --> Sea Otters Emergency Telephone # Esselen Indians Hiking History of Big Sur Hot Springs in Big Sur Hunting & Fishing Guidelines Piedras Point Lighthouse Point Sur Lighthouse Real Estate Restaurants & Cafes Rules of the Road Weddings SITE MAP

Local weather information for Big Sur including hourly forecast, averages and records, and detailed forecast.

Visit Big Sur's Weather-Cam