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 among the most popular tourist destinations in the country. Consider staying at least one whole day in Big Sur to see all of its attractions.

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
£949
1 night at 3-star hotel
Big Sur in February
Estimated hotel price
£949
1 night at 3-star hotel

Looking for warm weather? Then head to Big Sur in August, when the average temperature is 18 °C, and the highest can go up to 25 °C. The coldest month, on the other hand, is January, when it can get as cold as 6 °C, with an average temperature of 11 °C. You’re likely to see more rain in January, when precipitation is around 216 mm. In contrast, July is usually the driest month of the year in Big Sur, with an average rainfall of 0 mm.

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 122 km from Big Sur. The shortest flight to Big Sur from the United Kingdom departs from London and takes around 16h 52m.

Train

Amtrak is the only carrier operating train routes to Big Sur. The train journey from Big Sur to Fresno takes 3h 58m and costs around £19 for a one-way ticket. When coming by train from Bakersfield, expect to pay about £22 for a 6h 04m trip.

Car

Another option to get to Big Sur is to pick up a car hire from San Francisco, which is about 177 km from Big Sur. You’ll find branches of Budget and Avis, among others, in San Francisco.

Bus

Several bus lines operate bus routes to Big Sur, including FlixBus, Greyhound and Busbud. From Sacramento, the bus ride to Big Sur takes 89 km and will cost you around £23. From Bakersfield, the ticket costs about £35 for a journey of 676 km.

Plane

Although Big Sur doesn’t have its own airport, you can fly to Mineta San Jose Airport (SJC), which is located 122 km from Big Sur. The shortest flight to Big Sur from the United Kingdom departs from London and takes around 16h 52m.

Train

Amtrak is the only carrier operating train routes to Big Sur. The train journey from Big Sur to Fresno takes 3h 58m and costs around £19 for a one-way ticket. When coming by train from Bakersfield, expect to pay about £22 for a 6h 04m trip.

Car

Another option to get to Big Sur is to pick up a car hire from San Francisco, which is about 177 km from Big Sur. You’ll find branches of Budget and Avis, among others, in San Francisco.

Bus

Several bus lines operate bus routes to Big Sur, including FlixBus, Greyhound and Busbud. From Sacramento, the bus ride to Big Sur takes 89 km and will cost you around £23. From Bakersfield, the ticket costs about £35 for a journey of 676 km.

Airports near Big Sur

Airlines serving Big Sur

Lufthansa
Good (4,679 reviews)
KLM
Good (857 reviews)
SWISS
Good (928 reviews)
British Airways
Good (4,510 reviews)
Delta
Good (4,610 reviews)
Turkish Airlines
Good (2,304 reviews)
Air France
Good (983 reviews)
Iberia
Good (1,565 reviews)
Austrian Airlines
Good (479 reviews)
United Airlines
Good (4,943 reviews)
Emirates
Excellent (2,133 reviews)
Qatar Airways
Good (2,479 reviews)
Air Canada
Good (5,815 reviews)
Brussels Airlines
Good (228 reviews)
Finnair
Good (878 reviews)
TAP AIR PORTUGAL
Good (1,168 reviews)
Scandinavian Airlines
Good (828 reviews)
LOT
Good (685 reviews)
Singapore Airlines
Excellent (917 reviews)
Etihad Airways
Good (832 reviews)
Show more

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 (9.4, Excellent reviews)
£2,021+
Big Sur Lodge
0 stars
Good (7.7, Good reviews)
£229+
Post Ranch Inn
4 stars
Poor (0, Poor reviews)
£2,069+

Hiring a car in Big Sur

Expect to pay £0.84 per litre in Big Sur (average price from the past 30 days). Depending on the size of your car hire, filling up the tank will cost between £9.99 and £13.32.

Expect to pay £0.84 per litre in Big Sur (average price from the past 30 days). Depending on the size of your car hire, filling up the tank will cost between £9.99 and £13.32.