Source: Katarina O’Dette | www.alltrails.com
Located 5 miles north of Big Sur Lodge on Highway 1, there is no reason not to visit these hikes with your complimentary Andrew Molera State Park pass that is included with your Big Sur Lodge stay. The Andrew Molera Beach Trail and the Bluffs Trail will both give you beach access and amazing coastal views.
This historic site is only three miles from Big Sur Lodge. This library, art center, and bookstore was created in honor of the late writer, artist, and Big Sur resident Henry Miller
Known for its unique “purple sand,” this beach is located less than three and a half miles south of Big Sur Lodge off Highway 1. Although there is a $10 per car fee, the reward is more than worth it.
o Located 11 miles south of Big Sur Lodge on Highway 1, this park gives you access to three of the most beautiful hikes in Big Sur, all with incredible coastal views. A must see during your Big Sur Lodge stay.
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The Palo Corona Park stretches for nearly 7 miles in length across 4,300 sprawling acres of rugged, spectacular country that boasts an extraordinary mix of ecosystems and wildlife species. This park is open to the public via access-permit reservation. The trail takes you up into the Santa Lucia Mountains and is moderate in difficulty.
Source Guest Services, Inc.
Experience cliff sidewalks under the ancient cypress, crystal clear water in magical coves and viewings of marine, land and bird life galore.
Source Guest Services, Inc.
Just twenty miles north of Big Sur Lodge you’ll find the picturesque Garrapata Beach, a wide, one-mile stretch of golden sand and turquoise blue waters. Garrapata Beach offers views of the ocean and mountains as well as the rocky cliffs that are covered with colorful wildflowers.
Source hearstcastle.org
From experiencing what life was like as a guest of W. R. Hearst to exploring his personal collection of rare and ancient works of art, encounter the majesty and beauty of this historical treasure first-hand with a guided Hearst Castle tour.
Source www.elephantseal.org
See the Elephant Seals in their natural habitat just a few miles north of San Simeon on the beach only a few steps away from the road. Their rumbling, snorting, and battling are truly a remarkable sight. The visitor center is open from 10am – 4pm daily.
Source pasowine.com
Highway 46 from Cambria to Paso Robles is riddled with delectable wineries. We encourage you to explore for yourself because of the great abundance of wineries all around Paso Robles.
Source nps.gov
Some 23 million years ago multiple volcanoes erupted, flowed, and slid to form what would become Pinnacles National Park. Hikers here enter rare talus caves and emerge to towering rock spires teeming with life.
Source travelchannel.com
These lighthouse tours take you up a steep road to the abandoned little town that once housed the lighthouse keepers, their families and even a school. You will hear the stories of the area, explore the lighthouse, and experience the legends of the ghosts that occupy the abandoned buildings. Make it even more authentic with a nighttime full moon tour.
Source thecrossroadscarmel.com
Discover a unique and unexpectedly sophisticated shopping experience in one of Carmel’s most charming settings. Visit their website for a list of their many stores, what events are going on, dining options, and more visitor info like maps and directions.
Source GlassBottomBoat
At Fisherman’s Wharf in downtown Monterey is the Little Mermaid Glass Bottom Boat tour, a half hour outing that works well with small children. This is a nice trip around the harbor to feel the splash of the ocean, see sea lions and other marine life up close.
Source montereywhalewatching.com
Princess Monterey Whale Watching has the 2 largest and finest whale watching vessels on Monterey Bay – the 100 ft. Princess Monterey and the 100 ft. Greatland. Both vessels are made for your comfort and have indoor heated cabins with large windows for viewing, large clean restrooms, a snack-bar, and plenty of indoor and outdoor seating.
Source montereybayaquarium.org
If you want to stay dry but still experience the wonders of the marine life, than this aquarium is just the place for you.
Source Google Maps
This ride between Monterey and Big Sur provides beautiful views and plenty of areas to stop and enjoy them. You will pass by the Garrapata Beach State Park, a great opportunity to have a pleasant walk along the bluffs and enjoy the Pacific Ocean. You will pass over the Rocky Creek and Bixby Creek Bridges, site-seeing tourist favorites.
Source Guest Services, Inc.
Available for purchase at our front desk, this $100 Wine Tasting Passport gives you access to 14 participating tasting rooms all located within only a few block proximity in Carmel-By-The-Sea. Learn more about this wine extravaganza
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There are military, resort, public, and private golf courses scattered all over the coast ranging in quality and expense. To learn more about which golf course makes the most sense with your trip.
Source TripAdvisor ShotgunJohnny
This town is full of things to do and thrives on tourism. We have listed a few of the fan-favorites on this page, but there are plenty more to discover! You can see a list of the top 15 things to do in San Simeon
Source Guest Services, Inc.
For a vigorous hike, drive North 3 miles to the entrance of Molera State Park. Directly across the road is the entrance to “The Old Coast Road”. It is closed to cars at this time, so you can have this gem all to yourself. Within half a mile you are above the Big Sur Valley with panoramic views north and south. Within a couple of miles, you are in a fern filled redwood valley. Please stay on the road as you are hiking through a working cattle ranch.