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. Big Sur deserves at least 2 full days for you to see its main sights.

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
$1485
1 night at 3-star hotel
Big Sur in February
Estimated hotel price
$1485
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 Las Vegas and takes around 1h 29m.

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 Fox and Hertz, 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 Las Vegas and takes around 1h 29m.

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 Fox and Hertz, among others, in San Francisco.

Airports near Big Sur

Airlines serving Big Sur

Lufthansa
Good (7,181 reviews)
KLM
Good (1,361 reviews)
British Airways
Good (6,834 reviews)
SWISS
Good (1,667 reviews)
Turkish Airlines
Good (3,842 reviews)
Delta
Excellent (8,964 reviews)
Iberia
Good (2,682 reviews)
Austrian Airlines
Good (848 reviews)
Air France
Good (1,555 reviews)
Emirates
Excellent (3,556 reviews)
Qatar Airways
Good (3,944 reviews)
United Airlines
Good (9,364 reviews)
Air Canada
Good (7,885 reviews)
Brussels Airlines
Good (395 reviews)
Finnair
Good (1,324 reviews)
Scandinavian Airlines
Good (1,309 reviews)
LOT
Good (1,231 reviews)
Singapore Airlines
Excellent (1,336 reviews)
Etihad Airways
Good (1,235 reviews)
Alaska Airlines
Excellent (9,388 reviews)
Show more

Where to stay in Big Sur

Average rates range from around $223 per night for a double room in a 3-star hotel to $2,027 and up for a 5-star experience.

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 (8.9, 47 reviews)
$2,200+
Big Sur River Inn
3 stars
Excellent (8, 320 reviews)
$216+
Fernwood Resort
2 stars
Good (7.9, 565 reviews)
$198+
Big Sur Lodge
0 stars
Good (7.7, 639 reviews)
$231+
Post Ranch Inn
5 stars
Excellent (10, 1 review)
$2,027+

Renting a car in Big Sur

Expect to pay $3.56 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 $42.70 and $56.93.

Expect to pay $3.56 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 $42.70 and $56.93.