Cabin and lodging rentals in Big Sur
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Top-rated cabins in Big Sur
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Coastal California Retreat at Star Route 120Mountain setting in a snug cabin with beautiful views, great hiking.
Serene Redwood Retreat w/Modern ComfortColette's Cottage is a clean, modern cabin surrounded by giant, coastal redwood trees. A tranquil and serene park-like setting with all modern amenities included: Gas fireplace, Plush Queen size bed, high speed wifi and a private deck overlooking a seasonal creek. Lovingly remodeled in 2018 as a romantic retreat among the redwoods.
Lotus Blossom Cabin in the ForestA cozy, rustic, secluded cabin, accessed via 3/10-mile steep hike from the main part of the property. The perfect getaway for romance, writers, artists or anyone who needs a retreat in nature! I'm going to emphasize again that the hike to the cabin, although not a very long hike it is very steep especially nearest to the cabin. You'll be carrying all your belongings so plan accordingly. If you are pregnant this isn't a good option. Contact Sofanya for other lodging options.
Other great vacation rentals in Big Sur
Cabins with kitchens
Top-rated things to do in Big Sur
Unique activities hosted by local experts vetted for quality
- On our electric fat-bikes, we wind our way along the rugged coastline and through thick cypress groves, stopping at all the amazing viewpoints. We'll share about our area's unique ocean wildlife and iconic landmarks...the Lone Cypress, Point Pinos Lighthouse, Lover's Point, Asilomar Beach, 17-Mile Drive. We cruise at a comfortable 15-20 mph. In the open air you'll smell the ocean & hear the waves. And as we explore this most scenic stretch of ocean from Cannery Row to Ghost Tree, look for deer, seals, otters, sea lions, and whales! Our tours are great for anyone comfortable riding a bike. Though you have to be over 14 years and 4'10" to ride solo, we can accommodate younger children as passengers with a parent on our e-Tandem bikes for $59 each. Or for younger children we have cargo e-bikes with back seats they can ride on for $29 each. If you are traveling with children, please call to discuss the exact nature of our ride to make sure everyone is comfortable and safe. If joining a tour with others, single riders will be regular price. If no one else joins your requested time, you can pay $30 extra for a solo tour or choose a different time or cancel. Other things to note Pack a layer. It can be chilly on sections of the ride! You may want to pack a snack. Street park for $1.50/hr. or $20 all day in lots. People often ask to stretch the tour...pay for 3.5-4 hrs!From Price:$79 / person
- Find out what you can eat in the woods! We'll hike in the lovely Santa Cruz mountains where I'll guide you on a beautiful, quiet 2.5-mile hike in the unique coastal oak & redwood forest. Together we'll learn the ancient ways of identifying edible and medicinal mushrooms, plants, roots, flowers, nuts and seeds (depending on the season). Along the way we'll discuss proper harvesting and preparation techniques while connecting to the beauty and abundance of our ecosystem. This experience is a fun, hands-on way to connect to what can feed, heal and harm us in the wild. You'll walk away with a whole new appreciation and understanding of nature! The hike is doable for all skill levels. See you on the trail! Other things to note: Secure your own transportation to Verve Coffee and we'll caravan to the hike start. Bring: layers (it can get chilly in the redwoods), water bottle and comfortable hiking shoes. Optional: hiking poles, camera, hat, sunglasses. Interested in a private group or offsite for your business team? Get in touch with me at info@MountainSeaAdventures.comFrom Price:$65 / person
- The Alpaca Experience, for those 12 years old and up, includes learning all about alpacas, their origin, use, biology & behavior as well as a trek around the farm while leading your own alpaca "buddy"! We start in the Tuscan inspired barn, housing our horses and friendly giant donkey, Jack. A short talk about Alpacas, incl. their care and handling, will help you become "Alpaca Experts"! Next we assign each person an alpaca and begin our trek. The trail starts across a bridge, up a wooded ravine and then along a fence adjacent to a 2,000 acre cattle ranch where you will see beautiful vistas of the surrounding hills and mountains of Carmel Valley. We stop under a large oak trea for refreshments and interact with the alpacas. Continuing on the trail we go down to the pastures, passing horses, alpacas, goats and more stunning views of Carmel Valley. There will be ample opportunities to engage with your furry friends and take photos of the landscape as well as the alpacas. Other things to note: the Alpaca Trek is not suitable for children under 12. Must be able to physically walk/hike up a moderately sloped trail while leading 150+ pound alpaca. Wear proper shoes for hiking. Running shoes/sneakers are ok. We will still go on the trek if there is light rain-so if this is the forecast bring umbrellas/ponchos. Be sure to bring your camera or smartphone to take lots of phFrom Price:$69 / person
- In this class, we will explore the fun and very addicting technique of “dirty pours” and “flip cup” acrylic pours. The results look like marble, planets, or even underwater worlds when poured onto a surface. After a quick introduction, I will demo color mixing, pouring techniques, and the art of creating cells within your art piece. You will then make your own unique abstract painting. At the end of class, each student will have a 16 x 20 one-of-a-kind finished work of art to enjoy. The paint takes several days to dry, so be prepared to leave your piece at my house. After the session we will coordinate pickup times & shipping options. Come dressed for mess!From Price:$60 / person
- Come jump in the beautiful ocean with your own professional surfing instructor! I am a trained professional that has unique insight on the best surfing locations guaranteed to provide optimal waves for surfing. During your lesson I will demonstrate and explain the techniques you'll need to learn to become a master surfer. You will then practice those techniques under my guidance on the beach until you feel comfortable with the fundamentals . Once you and I are both confident that you know how to do each technique on land we will venture out into the water to put your skill to the test under my supervision and assistance. After the lesson we will review your progress and talk about the next steps in your surfing journey. This experience is designed to shorten your learning curve, I will try to provide you with all the tips and tricks I have discovered during my 20 years in the waves so you can continue surfing on your own. Every lesson I teach is focused on safety, comfortability in the water, and or course ENJOYMENT! Other things to note People taking a surf lesson with me should feel confident renting equipment from a surf shop after completing their lesson.From Price:$140 / person
Your guide to Big Sur
All About Big Sur
Big Sur is both a tiny town and a vast region located about two and a half hours south of San Francisco, stretching for 90 miles along California’s Central Coast. Here, you can treat yourself to a rejuvenating weekend getaway full of towering redwood trees, breathtaking 360-degree vistas, stunning cliffs at the edge of the Pacific Ocean, and trails for all levels of hikers and cyclists. Take a dip in the Big Sur River at Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park before a late lunch in town, or peer through the fog line to catch a glimpse of California condors, a critically endangered species of bird whose wingspan measures up to nine feet. Whether you’re looking for an active retreat or serenity in nature, Big Sur welcomes you.
How do I get around Big Sur?
The largest airport in the area is San Francisco International Airport (SFO), but the closest to Big Sur is Norman Y. Mineta San Jose International Airport (SJC). SFO tends to accommodate more international arrivals, but if you see a less expensive fare for SJC, snatch it up — San Jose is at least 30 minutes closer to Big Sur, depending on traffic. Rent a car at the airport to avoid a hefty taxi or rideshare bill. Driving from either airport will take you to Highway 1, which winds through Monterey County, where sea otters frolic in the bay and exquisite wine grapes grow inland in Carmel Valley.
When is the best time to stay in a vacation rental in Big Sur?
Fans of dramatic fog and moody beaches will appreciate Big Sur from late fall through the end of winter, when the region is darker and cooler than the rest of the year. Drive with caution in January, when peak rainfall can result in slippery roads and even mudslides. Sun worshipers, fear not—you can experience Big Sur in golden light and comfort during the late spring and summer, when highs are in the upper 70s Fahrenheit. The signature fog will still make an appearance, but the rain and chilly temperatures, not so much.
What are the top things to do in Big Sur?
Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park
One visit isn’t enough to fully appreciate the diverse landscapes and activities afforded at this intersection of mountains, forests, river, and ocean. Channel your inner adventurer on the eight-mile Mount Manuel Trail to be rewarded with views of the Santa Lucia Mountains, or enjoy shorter trails that lead to and along the Big Sur River.
McWay Falls
An easy half-mile hike through Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park will lead you to McWay Falls, an 80-foot waterfall that flows year-round. Time your trek right to witness the waterfall splashing directly into the Pacific Ocean at high tide.
Bixby Bridge
Built in 1932, this feat of engineering creates a path between staggering cliffs and allows cars to pass 230 feet above Bixby Creek. There are multiple opportunities to pull over for a clear view of the iconic structure that is often featured in car commercials.
Limekiln State Park
Late-19th-century developers burned redwoods and limestone in enormous kilns to extract pure lime for construction purposes, stopping only when the area was completely depleted. Decades later, the natural resources were allowed to restore themselves, and now visitors can hike through both the limekiln ruins and the rejuvenated landscape.