Introduction
What to do
Where to eat
When to visit
How to get there
Where to stay
Renting a car

Big Sur travel guide

Big Sur Tourism | Big Sur Guide

You're Going to Love Big Sur

With a population of 1’000, Big Sur is a must-see destination in California, United States. We recommend you stay at least 3 days in order to fully appreciate everything Big Sur has to offer.

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Where to Eat in Big Sur

If you’re looking for affordable options, The Sur House (48123 California One) and Sierra Mar - Post Ranch Inn (47900 State Highway 1) are great picks.

When to visit Big Sur

Big Sur in January
Estimated hotel price
$1641
1 night at 3-star hotel
Big Sur in January
Estimated hotel price
$1641
1 night at 3-star hotel

Looking for warm weather? Then head to Big Sur in August, when the average temperature is 64.4 °F, and the highest can go up to 77 °F. The coldest month, on the other hand, is January, when it can get as cold as 42.8 °F, with an average temperature of 51.8 °F. You’re likely to see more rain in January, when precipitation is around 8.5″. In contrast, July is usually the driest month of the year in Big Sur, with an average rainfall of 0″.

Data provided by weatherbase
Temperatures
Temperatures
Data provided by weatherbase

How to Get to Big Sur

Plane

Although Big Sur doesn’t have its own airport, you can fly to Mineta San Jose Airport (SJC), which is located 122 km from Big Sur. San Luis Obispo County is the most popular, with regular flights from United Airlines, Southwest, American Airlines and other airlines departing from the United States. The shortest domestic flight to Big Sur departs from Los Angeles and takes around 1h 24m.

Car

Another option to get to Big Sur is to pick up a car rental from San Francisco, which is about 176 km from Big Sur. You’ll find branches of Movly and Priceless, among others, in San Francisco.

Plane

Although Big Sur doesn’t have its own airport, you can fly to Mineta San Jose Airport (SJC), which is located 122 km from Big Sur. San Luis Obispo County is the most popular, with regular flights from United Airlines, Southwest, American Airlines and other airlines departing from the United States. The shortest domestic flight to Big Sur departs from Los Angeles and takes around 1h 24m.

Car

Another option to get to Big Sur is to pick up a car rental from San Francisco, which is about 176 km from Big Sur. You’ll find branches of Movly and Priceless, among others, in San Francisco.

Airports near Big Sur

SBPSan Luis Obispo County
SFOSan Francisco
SJCSan Jose

Airlines serving Big Sur

KLM
Good (1,594 reviews)
Lufthansa
Good (8,297 reviews)
British Airways
Good (8,286 reviews)
Turkish Airlines
Good (4,469 reviews)
SWISS
Good (2,111 reviews)
Iberia
Good (3,236 reviews)
Delta
Good (8,701 reviews)
Air France
Good (1,646 reviews)
Qatar Airways
Good (3,711 reviews)
Emirates
Excellent (3,692 reviews)
Austrian Airlines
Good (981 reviews)
United Airlines
Good (10,472 reviews)
Etihad Airways
Good (1,555 reviews)
Scandinavian Airlines
Good (2,027 reviews)
Air Canada
Good (11,870 reviews)
Cathay Pacific
Good (1,539 reviews)
LOT
Good (1,192 reviews)
Finnair
Good (1,414 reviews)
Singapore Airlines
Excellent (1,632 reviews)
Brussels Airlines
Good (436 reviews)
Show more
Find flights to Big Sur

Where to stay in Big Sur

Average rates range from around $223 per night for a double room in a 3-star hotel to $2,063 and up for a 5-star experience.

Where to stay in popular areas of Big Sur

Most booked hotels in Big Sur

See all
Ventana Big Sur, an Alila Resort - Adults Only
4 stars
Excellent (9.4, 115 reviews)
$2,211+
View
Big Sur Campground and Cabins
0 stars
Excellent (9, 191 reviews)
$277+
View
Fernwood Resort
2 stars
Excellent (8.4, 744 reviews)
$265+
View
Big Sur Lodge
0 stars
Good (7.7, 1062 reviews)
$181+
View
Big Sur River Inn
3 stars
Good (7.5, 557 reviews)
$211+
View

Renting a car in Big Sur

Renting a car in Big Sur costs $103 per day, on average, or $310 if you want to rent if for 3 days.

You’re likely to save money by renting your car at the airport: locations in the city are, on average, 38% more expensive than at San Francisco.

Expect to pay $4.62 per gallon in Big Sur (average price from the past 30 days). Depending on the size of your rental car, filling up the tank will cost between $55.42 and $73.89.

Renting a car in Big Sur costs $103 per day, on average, or $310 if you want to rent if for 3 days.

You’re likely to save money by renting your car at the airport: locations in the city are, on average, 38% more expensive than at San Francisco.

Expect to pay $4.62 per gallon in Big Sur (average price from the past 30 days). Depending on the size of your rental car, filling up the tank will cost between $55.42 and $73.89.

Find car rentals in Big Sur