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. Consider staying at least one whole day in Big Sur to see all of its attractions.

Where to Eat in Big Sur

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

When to visit Big Sur

Big Sur in February
Estimated hotel price
$1187
1 night at 3-star hotel
Big Sur in February
Estimated hotel price
$1187
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 76 miles from Big Sur. San Luis Obispo County is the most popular, with regular flights from American Airlines, Alaska Airlines, Qatar Airways and other airlines departing from the United States. The shortest domestic flight to Big Sur departs from Ontario and takes around 1h 20m.

Train

Amtrak is the only carrier operating train routes to Big Sur. The train journey from Big Sur to Sacramento takes 1h 41m and costs around $21 for a one-way ticket. When coming by train from Fresno, expect to pay about $26 for a 3h 58m trip.

Car

Another option to get to Big Sur is to pick up a car rental from San Francisco, which is about 110 miles from Big Sur. You’ll find branches of Kyte and Fox, among others, in San Francisco.

Bus

Several bus lines operate bus routes to Big Sur, including FlixBus, Greyhound and Busbud. From Oakland, the bus ride to Big Sur takes 20 miles and will cost you around $16. From Sacramento, the ticket costs about $12 for a journey of 115 miles.

Plane

Although Big Sur doesn’t have its own airport, you can fly to Mineta San Jose Airport (SJC), which is located 76 miles from Big Sur. San Luis Obispo County is the most popular, with regular flights from American Airlines, Alaska Airlines, Qatar Airways and other airlines departing from the United States. The shortest domestic flight to Big Sur departs from Ontario and takes around 1h 20m.

Train

Amtrak is the only carrier operating train routes to Big Sur. The train journey from Big Sur to Sacramento takes 1h 41m and costs around $21 for a one-way ticket. When coming by train from Fresno, expect to pay about $26 for a 3h 58m trip.

Car

Another option to get to Big Sur is to pick up a car rental from San Francisco, which is about 110 miles from Big Sur. You’ll find branches of Kyte and Fox, among others, in San Francisco.

Bus

Several bus lines operate bus routes to Big Sur, including FlixBus, Greyhound and Busbud. From Oakland, the bus ride to Big Sur takes 20 miles and will cost you around $16. From Sacramento, the ticket costs about $12 for a journey of 115 miles.

Airports near Big Sur

Airlines serving Big Sur

Lufthansa
Good (4,669 reviews)
KLM
Good (858 reviews)
SWISS
Good (925 reviews)
British Airways
Good (4,491 reviews)
Delta
Good (4,602 reviews)
Turkish Airlines
Good (2,303 reviews)
Air France
Good (978 reviews)
Iberia
Good (1,560 reviews)
Austrian Airlines
Good (475 reviews)
United Airlines
Good (4,939 reviews)
Emirates
Excellent (2,127 reviews)
Qatar Airways
Good (2,482 reviews)
Air Canada
Good (5,791 reviews)
Brussels Airlines
Good (229 reviews)
Finnair
Good (880 reviews)
TAP AIR PORTUGAL
Good (1,168 reviews)
Scandinavian Airlines
Good (832 reviews)
LOT
Good (683 reviews)
Singapore Airlines
Excellent (916 reviews)
Etihad Airways
Good (832 reviews)
Show more

Where to stay in popular areas of Big Sur

Most booked hotels in Big Sur

Ventana Big Sur, an Alila Resort - Adults Only
4 stars
Excellent (9.4, 41 reviews)
$2,526+
Big Sur River Inn
3 stars
Excellent (8.1, 297 reviews)
$318+
Big Sur Lodge
0 stars
Good (7.7, 611 reviews)
$294+
Post Ranch Inn
4 stars
Poor (0, 0 reviews)
$2,586+
Fernwood Resort
2 stars
Good (6, 1 review)
$242+

Renting a car in Big Sur

Expect to pay $3.94 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 $47.24 and $62.99.

Expect to pay $3.94 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 $47.24 and $62.99.