A DIfferent kind of Big Sur Hotel
Rooted in nature. Built for rest.
No cell service. No parties. – Just birdsong, river, redwoods, and rest.
We don’t host weddings. We don’t allow large group events. There’s no loud nightlife, no scheduled entertainment—just cozy cabins, the sound of the river, and space to breathe. Ripplewood has always been a place to retreat, to recharge, and to reconnect. Nearly 100 years later, it remains just that: a rare Big Sur resort where quiet moments still matter, and peace is the most treasured amenity.
From the very beginning, Ripplewood Resort was never about crowds or commotion—it was built as a quiet outpost on the rugged Old Coast Trail, long before Big Sur drew visitors from around the world. In the 1930s, it became a toll station for the newly opened Highway 1, welcoming travelers with a slower pace and a simpler kind of hospitality. That spirit still defines us today.
The story behind Ripplewood
At first glance, the rippled bark of a redwood might just seem like a beautiful oddity—nature’s own artwork etched in wood. But look closer, and you’ll see a deeper story. These natural wave patterns don’t just catch the light; they carry it, bending and folding time through texture. They’re shaped by wind, fire, water, and decades of forest life. Each ridge, each groove, a quiet marker of survival.
This kind of bark is rare, and when you see it up close, it’s hard to forget. That’s part of what inspired the name Ripplewood—a tribute not only to the bark itself but to the river that runs beside it. Both are always moving. Both are shaped by what they’ve endured.
In many ways, the ripplewood bark represents everything Ripplewood Resort stands for: resilience, stillness, and connection to the land. Just like the cabins here, it’s unpolished but deeply rooted. It reminds us that the most meaningful places aren’t built to impress—they’re built to last.
So while Ripplewood may not be your typical Big Sur hotel, that’s exactly why it continues to leave a mark. Not just in memory—but in the stories guests carry home.
A stay that’s simpler than a Big Sur hotel—and far more grounded
At Ripplewood Resort, you won’t find turndown service or minibars. What you will find are redwood cabins with real warmth—wood-burning fireplaces, cozy beds with fresh linens, and kitchenettes that let you make your own morning coffee at your own pace.
Instead of lobbies and room keys, you’ll find a riverside path that leads to breakfast, a café where locals linger, a general store stocked with road trip supplies, and a gas station that’s saved more than one traveler from running on empty. Whether you’re grilling dinner on your fire pit, grabbing snacks before a hike, or wading into the river just steps from your cabin, our amenities are built around real needs—and real nature.
- Cabins
- Riverside & Hillside Cabins
- Private Fire Pits
- Kitchens & Kitchenettes
- Linens & Towels Provided
- Daily Housekeeping
- Restaurant
- Big Sur Breakfast & Lunch
- Vegan & Gluten Free Options Available
- Garden Patio Seating
- Open Daily 8am–2pm
- Easy Walk from All Cabins
- Convenience
- Chevron Gasoline
- Groceries & Camp Supplies
- Souvenirs & Books
- Free Wi-Fi Near the Store
- Public Library Access
Your Big Sur hotel alternative – with everything you need on property
Everything You Need, Nothing You Don’t
Looking for a Big Sur hotel that offers more than just a place to sleep? Ripplewood is a quiet, riverside retreat with rustic cabins, a cozy café, and a general store with gas—everything you need, all in one stop. Our accommodations offer the comfort of a traditional hotel stay, but with the charm, simplicity, and soul of Big Sur’s early days. Whether you’re here to explore, unwind, or just sit by the river, Ripplewood makes it easy to settle in and stay awhile.
More than a hotel — a place to reconnect
Surrounded by redwoods, river, and stars, Ripplewood is more than lodging—it’s a reminder to slow down. Unlike most Big Sur hotels, our cabins invite you to unplug from screens and schedules, and reconnect with what matters: the rhythm of nature, the warmth of community, and the stillness that only Big Sur can offer.
Step outside your cabin and look up—what you’ll see has guided travelers for centuries. Whether you’re stargazing, journaling, or simply breathing in the quiet, you’ll leave with more than memories. You’ll leave restored.
A cabin retreat unlike any Big Sur hotel – where you come to rest, not just stay
Unlike many Big Sur hotels, Ripplewood is modest in price and rich in the things that matter: wood-burning fireplaces, picnic tables, kitchenettes, and the scent of redwoods after rain. With an on-site café, general store, and gas station, you’ll have everything you need—without ever leaving the trees.
Ripplewood Resort isn’t your typical Big Sur hotel—and that’s exactly why travelers return year after year. Instead of ocean views and valet service, you’ll find something simpler: hand-built redwood cabins nestled along the river, hillside trails just beyond your door, and the hum of the forest in place of TVs. Our resort was built nearly a century ago, before Big Sur was a destination, and we’ve stayed true to that spirit ever since.
Forget the hotel — find the Big Sur that locals love
Unplug and Recharge
Plan your visit with comfort and clarity. Ripplewood offers a peaceful home base and helpful local insight—so you can enjoy Big Sur without the high prices or hotel crowds.
