Introduction
Where to eat
When to visit
How to get there
Where to stay
Hiring a car

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.

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Where to Eat in Big Sur

If you’re looking for affordable options, The Sur House (48123 California One) and Sierra Mar - Post Ranch Inn (47900 State Highway 1) are great picks.

When to visit Big Sur

Big Sur in March
Estimated hotel price
£1102
1 night at 3-star hotel
Big Sur in March
Estimated hotel price
£1102
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 11h.

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 Dollar and Turo, 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 122 km from Big Sur. The shortest flight to Big Sur from the United Kingdom departs from London and takes around 11h.

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 Dollar and Turo, among others, in San Francisco.

Airports near Big Sur

SBPSan Luis Obispo County
SFOSan Francisco
SJCSan Jose

Airlines serving Big Sur

KLM
Good (1,432 reviews)
Lufthansa
Good (7,626 reviews)
Delta
Good (8,007 reviews)
British Airways
Good (7,571 reviews)
Turkish Airlines
Good (4,090 reviews)
SWISS
Good (1,810 reviews)
United Airlines
Good (9,095 reviews)
Iberia
Good (3,045 reviews)
Qatar Airways
Good (3,677 reviews)
Emirates
Excellent (3,434 reviews)
Air France
Good (1,504 reviews)
Air Canada
Good (10,516 reviews)
Austrian Airlines
Good (879 reviews)
Etihad Airways
Good (1,331 reviews)
Scandinavian Airlines
Good (1,605 reviews)
Cathay Pacific
Good (1,095 reviews)
Finnair
Good (1,334 reviews)
LOT
Good (1,146 reviews)
Alaska Airlines
Excellent (11,432 reviews)
Singapore Airlines
Excellent (1,412 reviews)
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Where to stay in Big Sur

Average rates range from around £136 per night for a double room in a 3-star hotel to £1,781 and up for a 5-star experience.

Where to stay in popular areas of Big Sur

Most booked hotels in Big Sur

See all
Big Sur Lodge
0 stars
Good (7.8, Good reviews)
£99+
View
Ventana Big Sur, an Alila Resort - Adults Only
4 stars
Good (7.7, Good reviews)
£1,447+
View
Post Ranch Inn
5 stars
Excellent (10, Excellent reviews)
£1,781+
View

Hiring a car in Big Sur

Expect to pay £0.66 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 £7.89 and £10.52.

Expect to pay £0.66 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 £7.89 and £10.52.