3 Days in Big Sur, California

On the way, be sure to stop to see the view from Bixby Creek Bridge. There is plenty of parking before the bridge to pull over and snap photos. If you want a once-in-a-lifetime luxury experience, stay at Post Ranch Inn or Ventana. If you’re interested in glamping, you can stay at one of Ventana’s charming glamping cabins, which come with gorgeous linens, a private sink and gas firepit, picnic table, etc. For dinner, grab cocktails at the ambrosia burger at Nepenthe (they don’t take reservations.)

Grab coffee and breakfast at Big Sur Bakery (the baked goods and scones are delicious.) Wander through the outdoor Henry Miller Memorial Library before heading over to the Bluffs Trail in Andrew Molera State Park. This light hike ends at a small beach. After the hike, stop for lunch at Big Sur River Inn, where your lunch can be served to you as you dip your feet into the river sitting on a lawn chair — a very unique experience with friendly locals and tourists combined. Finish off the day with dinner at the charming Deetjen’s Big Sur Inn.

In the morning, check out Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park, and make sure you pull over to see McWay Falls. You can also explore the Point Sur Lighthouse and Limekiln State Park, before packing up the car and heading north back to San Francisco.