Cabins & Lodges in Big Sur

Where the mountains meet the Pacific Ocean, Big Sur is a rugged section of central California that should not be missing from your list of places to visit. Attracting hundreds of tourists with roadside attractions, Big Sur offers cabins near state parks that offer hours of exploration and plenty of extraordinary scenery with waterfalls cascading into the ocean. If you're a nature lover looking to get away from it all, there's no better place than Big Sur.

Offering magical views of the coastline, Big Sur's beautiful cabins will provide you with a relaxing stay that includes swimming pools, balconies overlooking the ocean, gardens and hot tubs. Isolate yourself in modern rooms, enjoy a film by the fireplace or a soak in the hot tub on cold days and cool off in the pool on hot summer days.

With breathtaking scenery, Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park has 7 marked trails that will take you to waterfalls, hidden crystal clear coves and much more. If you're looking for a short trail, the Waterfall Overlook Trail is the shortest trail in the park. Through this trail, you can reach one of Big Sur's most popular attractions: McWay Falls. This natural spectacle drops over 20 metres into a paradise-like cove where you may even see whales! Another popular trail is the Ewoldsen Trail, which winds through huge redwood groves. Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park is one of the best places to go hiking. However, Big Sur also has other places like Andrew Molera State Park with miles of hiking trails that wind through cliffs and along secluded beaches.

Located south of Andrew Molera State Park, Pfeiffer Beach is the ideal place if you're looking for seclusion from the world. Pfeiffer is famous for its striking rock formation called Pfeiffer's Keyhole Rock, Big Sur's most photographed attraction. During sunset, you can watch the sun shine through the keyhole and get a stunning photo. And If you like to surf, Sand Dollar Beach is one of the most popular beaches in Big Sur for its variety of small and big waves. But if you're just looking for a swim, the paradise-like Partington Cove is perfect for taking a dip and exploring sea caves. Just keep in mind that to get there you'll need to hike the Partington Cove trail in Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park.

The Point Lobos reserve has an abundance of wildlife and also numerous hiking trails, making it an excellent place to explore. In addition, its outstanding beauty makes it an ideal place for photography and picnicking! Come and explore the reserve's different habitats. The area has crystal clear coves with a rich marine fauna, which makes it a popular spot for divers. You may even see sea otters, grey whales and seals.

Situated on one of the peaks of the Santa Lucia Mountains, Nepenthe is one of California's most acclaimed restaurants. Not only for its tremendous ocean views, but also for its delicious food and inviting fireside bar. For lunch or dinner, order the famous Ambrosia burger, enjoy a glass of wine and marvel at the majestic panorama stretching across the coast. Since opening in 1949, the restaurant has attracted musicians, poets, writers, and artists such as Elizabeth Taylor.

Offering epic scenery to the Pacific, California's iconic Highway 1 route is Big Sur's main thoroughfare and another must-see attraction on your bucket list. Turn up the music, grab the wheel and drive! Take your time, stop at the overlooks to take in the ocean views, and pass by a photographer's favourite attraction: Bixby Bridge. Finally, stop at Big Sur Bakery for a wood-fired pizza. The highway stretches more than 650 miles (1,046.07 km) from Santa Barbara to Monterey via Big Sur.

Surrounded by the Santa Lucia Mountains, Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park is another place not to be missed. The park boasts giant redwood forests and abundant wildlife, including deer and even bobcats. During your visit to the park, take a walk to 18-metre Pfeiffer Falls, hike into some of the best redwood forests and cool off with a dip in Big Sur Lake. Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park also offers a wide variety of activities for children in the summer months.

Perched atop a cliff at Post Ranch Inn, the Sierra Mar restaurant also offers incredible ocean views. Sample flavourful dishes prepared with coastal ingredients and take in the views through the floor-to-ceiling windows. On cloudy days, the view is just as beautiful as it is on clear days. If you are looking to have an elegant dinner, this is the perfect restaurant. Just make a reservation before you go.

Just minutes from Big Sur, the Monterey Bay Aquarium is not to be missed on holiday. The attraction features fascinating tanks that will make you feel truly under the sea. Get up close and discover marine life in exhibits that showcase more than 35,000 animals! See creatures such as the giant Pacific octopus, hammerhead sharks and cuddly southern sea otters. Watch African penguins being fed and be dazzled by one of the world's tallest aquariums, the Kelp Forest.

Nestled among the Santa Lucia Mountains, head to Garrapata State Park. At 3,000 acres, this spectacular park offers a plethora of trails that take you through canyons, along the coastline to the fantastic Garrapata Beach. Despite being one of Big Sur's more obscure parks, it's fully worth the hike to take a dip on the beach and sunbathe in the nude away from the crowds.