A winding coastal road runs along steep, green cliffs overlooking the ocean, with waves crashing onto a narrow sandy beach below under a partly cloudy sky.
A person in the foreground watches ocean waves crash dramatically against rocks on a sandy beach under a partly cloudy sky.

SCENIC. ICONIC. UNFORGETTABLE.

A Rich and Storied Region

Located at the intersection of the Pacific Ocean and the Santa Lucia Mountains, Big Sur is one of the most iconic destinations in the world. The region is defined by miles of staggeringly beautiful coastline, ocean cliffs, steep ridges, jagged peaks, deep gorges, flowing rivers and a population of approximately 1,000 residents. This is where people come to find what they’ve been looking for, even if they don’t quite know what it is yet. It’s the kind of place that can change you, if for no other reason than the fact you’ll never forget it.

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Coastal landscape with a winding river flowing into the ocean, sandy beach, rugged cliffs, and green hills in the background under a clear sky.
A rocky beach at sunset with a large rock formation in the center. The sun glows through a natural arch in the rock, casting warm light onto the sand and scattered stones in the foreground.

Location & Setting

Aerial view of two people standing among tall, dense redwood trees in a forest, with sunlight filtering through the canopy and brown leaves covering the ground.
Close-up of two hands gently harvesting or inspecting green leaves from a plant outdoors, with sunlight highlighting the skin and leaves.
A small waterfall flows from a rocky cliff onto a sandy beach, bordered by teal ocean waves and surrounded by lush green trees and rugged coastline.

Nature, Adventure & Outdoor Pursuits

From star-strewn skies to ancient redwood groves, Big Sur offers countless ways to explore and unwind. Hiking trails wind through Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park, Andrew Molera State Park, Point Lobos State Reserve, and Garrapata State Park, each offering its own unique vantage point of the coastline. Guests of Alila Ventana can also enjoy guided excursions from cycling tours and forest bathing to guided hikes.

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Our Culture & Creative Spirit

Big Sur’s cultural tapestry is woven into its landscape. Visit the Henry Miller Memorial Library, take a private tour of the historic Point Sur Lighthouse, or marvel at architectural icons like Bixby Bridge. Galleries and boutique shops showcase local artisans, with works inspired by the region’s rugged beauty and creative heritage. From fine art to hand-crafted goods, it’s easy to take home a piece of Big Sur’s soul.

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Landmarks Worth the Journey

Iconic sights punctuate the coastline, including the purple sands of Pfeiffer Beach and the sweeping marine vistas of Point Lobos. Here, nature’s glory and human ingenuity meet in perfect harmony, offering visitors an experience that is at once grounding, inspiring, and unforgettable.

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Alila Experiences

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A beekeeper in protective gear examines a wooden frame covered with bees and honeycomb, while smoke rises nearby, used to calm the bees. Trees and greenery are visible in the background.

Dive in the Hive

Take your beekeeping experience full circle! Each class will begin in the Ocean Meadow, where you’ll suit up and go bee-hind the scenes for a closer look at these artisans in action.

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Two people stand in a sunlit forest, smiling at each other. One holds a large owl with yellow eyes. Tall trees and green foliage surround them, creating a peaceful outdoor scene.

Falconry Experience

Join Master Falconer Antonio Balestreri for an exciting introduction to hawks and falcons, where you'll learn about the role of raptors in the Big Sur environment, see a flight demonstration...

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A leather crafting setup with a brown leather strip, stamping tools, metal stamps, and a mallet on a marbled surface. A sign reading

Leathercrafting

Learn the benefits of upcycling through making beautiful self-made leather pieces that are not only durable for life-time usage, but also make wonderful gifts for your loved ones!

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A small waterfall flows gently over mossy rocks surrounded by lush green foliage and trees in a forest setting. Sunlight filters through the trees, casting dappled light and shadows on the scene.

Coldstream Bliss

Take this exhilarating plunge into cold water for an invigorating rush that awakens your senses. This off-property experience includes a half mile hike exploring the beauty of Big Sur...

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Sunlight filters through tall, dense redwood trees in a forest. A large mossy log is suspended between trunks above a shaded path, with ferns and undergrowth on the forest floor.

Reiki In The Redwoods

Experience energy work in Ventana’s Circle of Life—an open-air sanctuary embraced by towering redwoods. In this sacred space...

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A scenic view of a large concrete bridge spanning a deep coastal gorge at sunset, with cliffs, ocean waves, and warm golden light illuminating the landscape.

Landmarks & destinations

Some say the best part of visiting Big Sur is the option to do nothing at all, while others come here precisely to expand their horizons. With endless opportunities for adventure, art, nature and culture, it’s impossible to be bored in Big Sur.

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Outdoor Recreation

Two people wearing helmets and backpacks ride mountain bikes on a dirt trail through a forest, surrounded by green moss and trees.

Cycling

Whether on a road bike or a mountain bike, cycling Big Sur is a demanding endeavor. Highway 1 is the stuff legends are made of; expert road riders seek the thrill of its heart-pounding hills, sharp curves and unparalleled views. For a mountain biking challenge, try the 10-20% grades of Rocky Ridge Trail in Garrapata State Park, or a more moderate ride on Old Coast Road between Bixby Bridge and Andrew Molera State Park. Mountain biking is also allowed in the following places:

  • Pfeiffer Ridge Trail in Andrew Molera State Park
  • Cone Peak Road between Nacimiento Summit and Cone Peak
A smiling woman wearing sunglasses paddles a yellow kayak on a calm lake, with sunlight reflecting off the water and trees visible in the background.

Kayaking

Big Sur’s rough and exposed coast is not the ideal environment for the inexperienced or to learn a new sport. Be prepared with proper equipment, research the tides and wind conditions and use expert, local advice. Launch sites include Carmel Bay, Molera Beach and Whalers Cove in Point Lobos State Reserve (by reservation at pt-lobos.parks.state.ca.us). If you don’t have your own kayak, Monterey Bay Kayaks offers a variety of tours that explore the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary.

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Coastal hills covered in greenery descend toward the ocean under a clear sky at sunset, with gentle sunlight casting warm tones over the landscape.

Hiking

Let Big Sur Guides and Hiking show you the beauty of Big Sur with a taste of everything magical – from old-growth redwood trails and secret waterfalls to spectacular beaches and ocean coves.

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A person wearing a snorkel mask swims underwater, reaching toward the camera with one hand. Sunlight filters through the water, illuminating rocks and coral on the ocean floor.

Diving

Point Lobos State Preserve has two diving sites: Whalers Cove and Bluefish Cove. Divers experience one of the richest marine habitats in California, with lush kelp forests, a wide variety of marine animal, and vibrant underwater colors. Reservations are recommended. All divers must register at the reserve entrance. Other sites include Carmel Bay, Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park’s underwater preserve and Jade Cove.

A surfer rides a wave in the ocean with misty mountains in the background under a cloudy sky, creating a tranquil and scenic coastal view.

Surfing

The rough breaks and cold water off of Big Sur’s coastline make for less-than-hospitable surf conditions, but seasoned surfers will enjoy the breaks near Ghost Tree on the Monterey Peninsula, Willow Creek, and the north end of Molera Beach in Andrew Molera State Park.

A person leans back on a harness while sailing a small boat on the ocean, with water splashing and sunlight glistening on the waves under a clear blue sky.

Windsurfing and Kiteboarding

The San Simeon Coast, specifically the Arroyo Laguna area, is one of California’s top windsurfing and kiteboarding destinations. The area features stunning ocean views and spectacularly rugged scenery.

A wooden sculpture with a circular opening stands in a lush garden in front of a rustic wooden building with balconies surrounded by greenery and yellow flowers.

Cultural History

From its beginnings as an unmapped wilderness to its evolution as a haven for artists, thinkers, and dreamers, Big Sur has always embodied the spirit of freedom: wild, creative, and unrestrained.

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