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. It is one of the most popular cities to visit in the country. Consider staying at least one whole day in Big Sur to see all of its attractions.

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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 March
Estimated hotel price
$1488
1 night at 3-star hotel
Big Sur in March
Estimated hotel price
$1488
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, Hawaiian Airlines and other airlines departing from the United States. The shortest domestic flight to Big Sur departs from Ontario and takes around 1h 19m.

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 Turo and Europcar, 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 76 miles from Big Sur. San Luis Obispo County is the most popular, with regular flights from American Airlines, Alaska Airlines, Hawaiian Airlines and other airlines departing from the United States. The shortest domestic flight to Big Sur departs from Ontario and takes around 1h 19m.

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 Turo and Europcar, among others, in San Francisco.

Airports near Big Sur

SBPSan Luis Obispo County
SFOSan Francisco
SJCSan Jose

Airlines serving Big Sur

Lufthansa
Good (7,213 reviews)
KLM
Good (1,373 reviews)
British Airways
Good (7,146 reviews)
SWISS
Good (1,661 reviews)
Delta
Excellent (7,959 reviews)
Turkish Airlines
Good (3,901 reviews)
Iberia
Good (2,841 reviews)
United Airlines
Good (8,864 reviews)
Air France
Good (1,466 reviews)
Austrian Airlines
Good (814 reviews)
Emirates
Excellent (3,289 reviews)
Qatar Airways
Good (3,605 reviews)
Scandinavian Airlines
Good (1,424 reviews)
Air Canada
Good (9,738 reviews)
LOT
Good (1,099 reviews)
Brussels Airlines
Good (349 reviews)
Alaska Airlines
Excellent (10,419 reviews)
Etihad Airways
Good (1,223 reviews)
Finnair
Good (1,316 reviews)
TAP AIR PORTUGAL
Good (1,921 reviews)
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Find flights to Big Sur

Where to stay in Big Sur

Average rates range from around $317 per night for a double room in a 3-star hotel to $2,137 and up for a 5-star experience.

Where to stay in popular areas of Big Sur

Most booked hotels in Big Sur

See all
Big Sur Campground and Cabins
0 stars
Excellent (9, 134 reviews)
$340+
View
Ventana Big Sur, an Alila Resort - Adults Only
4 stars
Excellent (8.6, 131 reviews)
$2,756+
View
Fernwood Resort
2 stars
Excellent (8.3, 663 reviews)
$281+
View
Big Sur Lodge
0 stars
Excellent (8, 833 reviews)
$246+
View
Big Sur River Inn
3 stars
Excellent (8, 530 reviews)
$365+
View
Post Ranch Inn
5 stars
Excellent (10, 1 review)
$2,137+
View

Renting a car in Big Sur

Expect to pay $3.48 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 $41.79 and $55.72.

Expect to pay $3.48 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 $41.79 and $55.72.

Find car rentals in Big Sur

Big Sur Travel Guide - View the KAYAK Big Sur city guide for the best Big Sur travel tips. To help you organize your Big Sur trip ideas, this Big Sur visitors guide provides travel information and trip tips about how to get there, where to stay, what to do, where to eat and more.