The Big Sur coast stretches for over 90 miles of dramatic cliffs, ancient redwoods, and tucked-away beaches you won’t find on most maps. If you’re planning to visit Big Sur, this guide offers a thoughtfully curated collection of the region’s best trails, overlooks, cafés, and coastal gems—starting just minutes from your cabin at Ripplewood Resort.
Whether you’re looking for a scenic pull-off, a secret beach, or the perfect stop for coffee or breakfast, these local favorites reflect the slower, quieter spirit of visiting Big Sur the Ripplewood way.
Use the links below to explore our favorite spots—organized by interest, curated with love.
The Big Sur Coast Land Use Plan (CLUP), adopted in 1986, is widely considered a “gold standard” of restrictive land-use regulations designed to preserve the region’s exceptional scenic and natural resources.
The plan emphasizes protecting scenic access along Highway 1 over destination development, maintaining Big Sur’s famously wild and undeveloped character.
Escape to Big Sur this fall and discover why Ripplewood Resort is the perfect last-minute getaway. With golden light, quiet mornings by the river, and peaceful cabins surrounded by redwoods, autumn is the secret season to unplug and unwind on California’s coast.
Sometimes the most meaningful Big Sur experiences are the quietest ones. Whether it’s a forgotten trail, a hidden beach, or a roadside vista that takes your breath away, these hidden gems invite you to slow down and see Big Sur through different eyes—your own.
Highlights moderate to easy hikes like Buzzard’s Roost, Limekiln Falls, and Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park. Includes info on wildlife, trail conditions, redwood groves, river access, and seasonal tips— design your ideal day in Big Sur.
Ripplewood—like all properties across Big Sur—follows strict fire safety protocols to protect this wild, beautiful place. When you visit Big Sur, please respect local burn rules: open flames are only allowed in designated fire rings, and campfires must be fully extinguished with water—never left to smolder. Gathering wood is prohibited; firewood is available for purchase at our general store.
The risk of wildfire in Big Sur is high year-round. By staying informed and burning responsibly, you help preserve the forests, homes, and history that make this stretch of the California coast so extraordinary. Learn fire safety tips from Smokey Bear →
Stay on marked trails. Don’t pick wildflowers. Pack out what you pack in.
Buy from local businesses. Refuel responsibly. Follow posted signage and park rules.
No outdoor speakers. No late-night parties. Let the birdsong and river be your soundtrack.
Why has Big Sur remained so breathtakingly undeveloped? It’s no accident—it’s the result of thoughtful choices, quiet stewardship, and collective care.
When you visit Big Sur, you’re part of that story. Every traveler has a role in preserving this fragile coastal wilderness so future generations can experience it just as it is today.
Looking for a Big Sur resort with more than just a room? Ripplewood Resort offers rustic riverside cabins, a welcoming café, and a well-stocked general store with gas—everything you need for a seamless stay in Big Sur. Unlike a standard hotel, our peaceful property reflects the charm and spirit of early Big Sur. Whether you’re here to hike, relax, or simply enjoy the quiet rhythm of the river, Ripplewood is your place to settle in and feel at home.
