Central Coast
Where to Stay in Big Sur: Lodges, Cabins and Yurts
Where to stay in Big Sur, from Post Ranch Inn and Alila Ventana to Glen Oaks cabins, Deetjen’s, Treebones yurts and campgrounds, plus when to book.
By Alex Khachigian · Updated September 2026 · 3 min read
Big Sur has no chain hotels and a few hundred rooms along 90 miles of coast. This guide covers each area, lodging style and booking lead times.
For the drive, see my Big Sur driving guide.
In This Guide
Big Sur Lodging Areas Explained
Most lodging is in the Big Sur Valley, 26 miles south of Carmel, with stores, restaurants and Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park.
Just south, the ridge at Nepenthe, Post Ranch Inn and Alila Ventana Big Sur has ocean views and higher rates.
Southern Big Sur
Past Deetjen’s, services thin out. Lucia Lodge, Treebones Resort and Ragged Point Inn & Resort are closer to Cambria.
Luxury Cliffside Hotels in Big Sur
Both are adults only, with four-figure summer rates and two-night minimums.
Post Ranch Inn
Post Ranch Inn has ocean, cliff and tree house rooms, all with fireplaces. When I posted about it, rooms ran 2,500 to 3,000 dollars a night and up.
Non-guests can book Sierra Mar, the restaurant, on OpenTable.
Alila Ventana Big Sur
Alila Ventana Big Sur has two pools, Japanese baths and meals included.
ResortPass day passes (18 and up) have been sold for the pools, baths and spa.
Classic Big Sur Lodges and Inns
Simple rooms near trailheads, often with no TV or cell service.
- Glen Oaks Big Sur: Midcentury motor lodge and riverside cabins, next to Big Sur Roadhouse.
- Big Sur River Inn: River rooms, restaurant, pool and store. Good for families.
- Big Sur Lodge: Cottages in Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park, near Pfeiffer Falls.
- Deetjen’s Big Sur Inn: Historic canyon rooms, some with shared baths, and a restaurant.
Big Sur Cabins in the Redwoods
River cabins are the cheapest roofed option. Some have kitchens, useful since restaurants are limited.
- Ripplewood Resort: Simple cabins and a breakfast café.
- Fernwood Resort: Rooms, tent cabins, campsites and a tavern.
- Big Sur Campground and Cabins: River cabins and a store.
- Riverside Campground and Cabins: Cabins and campsites in redwoods.
Glamping and Yurts in Big Sur
Treebones Resort has bluff yurts near Gorda, a heated pool, hot tub, sushi bar and the Human Nest. It’s 1.5 hours from the valley and closer to Hearst Castle.
See my treehouses and glamping guide.
Best Campgrounds in Big Sur
State park sites book on ReserveCalifornia, forest sites on Recreation.gov, about six months out. Use food lockers.
- Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park: Large redwood campground in the valley.
- Andrew Molera State Park: Walk-in sites near the beach.
- Kirk Creek Campground: Ocean bluff sites south of Lucia.
- Plaskett Creek Campground: Across from Sand Dollar Beach.
Staying in Carmel or Cambria Instead
Carmel is 30 to 45 minutes from the valley; see my weekend in Carmel-by-the-Sea. Cambria suits Hearst Castle, but northern Big Sur access depends on Highway 1.
How to Choose Where to Stay in Big Sur
Southern stays like Treebones add drive time to Bixby Bridge and Point Lobos.
- Honeymoon or splurge: Post Ranch Inn or Alila Ventana Big Sur
- Couples on a moderate budget: Glen Oaks Big Sur or Deetjen’s Big Sur Inn
- Families: Big Sur River Inn, Big Sur Lodge or a riverside cabin
- Tight budget: Pfeiffer Big Sur or Kirk Creek camping
When to Book a Big Sur Hotel
Book summer weekends 4 to 6 months ahead. Spring and fall are clearer than foggy June and July.
Winter storms can close Highway 1; book refundable and read my guide to driving Highway 1 in winter.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best area to stay in Big Sur?
The Big Sur Valley. It has the most lodging and restaurants and sits between Bixby Bridge and McWay Falls.
Is it worth staying overnight in Big Sur?
Yes, for sunset and early hikes.
Where can I stay cheaply in Big Sur?
Campgrounds, Fernwood tent cabins or Ripplewood cabins.
Is Highway 1 through Big Sur open?
It closes often for landslides. Check Caltrans QuickMap.
Can non-guests eat at Post Ranch Inn or Alila Ventana?
Yes: Sierra Mar at Post Ranch Inn and The Sur House at Alila Ventana.
How far in advance should I book Big Sur lodging?
4 to 6 months; longer for Post Ranch and Treebones.
Destination guide
My Big Sur hotel, Airbnb and tour picks
