Big Sur

A cool experience with 6 to 10 mile hikes
Driving to and sleeping at a campground
Ideal for first-timers

Road tripping down the coast for a dreamy, deluxe getaway in Big Sur

Road tripping down the coast for a dreamy, deluxe getaway in Big Sur

Road tripping down the coast for a dreamy, deluxe getaway in Big Sur

Road tripping down the coast for a dreamy, deluxe getaway in Big Sur

Designed by
Yvonne Leow
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Last updated
August 3, 2024

Trip · 3-day camping trip

For · Romantic partners

Vibe · Moderate and fun

Reservations · Yes, reserve a site at Ventana Campground

Drive · 3 hours from SF

Ideal dates · April to October

Pets · Welcome at camp, but not on most trails

Big Sur is a 90-mile stretch of land that hugs California's Central Coast. Its breathtaking beauty and foggy wonders has drawn famous writers like Henry Miller and Jack Kerouac for good reason. Dotted with a number of state parks, beaches, and hiking trails, Big Sur is an idyllic camping destination. Watch dramatic sunsets, meditate to rhythmic waves, and taste the ocean air. Reconnect with yourself and loved ones in this glittering gem next to the Pacific Ocean.

Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park Website

Andrew Molera State Park Website

Directions To Campground

Main image credit: Jeremy Bishop

Stuff to know

  • Cell reception is nonexistent in Big Sur. Download offline maps before your trip!
  • There aren't bears in Big Sur, but store your food overnight and when you're away from camp. Critters still love to snack.
  • ​Face masks and social distancing are required. Recreate responsibly!

Resources

Check the weather
Highway 1 next to Big Sur, California

Where to camp

Ventana Campground

Each campsite comes with a:

  • Picnic table
  • Fire ring and bbq grate
  • 25 x 15 feet of space
  • One parking spot
  • Shared toilets (on site)
  • Trash collection (on site)

Tucked into a 40-acre redwood canyon, Ventana Campground is for campers who want a touch of lux. Sleep beneath the stars while having access to bath houses, showers ($2 for every 5 minutes), and a general store on site that sells firewood and ice. This private, tent-only campground has glamping tents and campsites, but both can sell out fast, especially during the summer. Two pets are allowed at each campsite, but doggos aren't allowed on most trails in Big Sur.

Check-in: 4 PM · Check-out: 11 AM

View Ventana Campground Map

Nightly Fee: $80

Wide view of Ventana Campground
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Itinerary

Day One

Exterior of Big Sur Bakery
Big Sur Bakery. Credit: Yelp

Leave SF by 10 AM and pick up lunch at Big Sur Bakery

  • Locals love their croissants, donuts, anything baked, honestly.
  • Located at 47540 CA-1 in Big Sur
  • Open Wednesdays to Sundays · 9 AM to 5 PM
  • LAST PIT STOP · Shell - Cabrillo Hwy, Big Sur

Visit Pfeiffer Beach for an afternoon picnic and views of Keyhole Arch

  • Turn left back onto HWY 1 from Big Sur Bakery and turn left when you hit Sycamore Canyon Road (about 0.5 miles away)
  • Drive down Sycamore Canyon Road for a little over 2 miles before reaching the beach
  • Bring cash to cover a $10 day use fee

Drive to Ventana Campground to check-in after 4 PM

  • Located at 48123 CA-1 in Big Sur

Set up camp and settle in

  • Prep dinner, dessert and enjoy an evening of relaxing and stargazing.
  • Hang fairy string lights around your tent to add a romantic flair to your campsite.
John Pfeiffer sold 700 acres of his family's land to CA in 1933. The state named Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park, and more, after him.

Day Two

Wide view of Bluffs, Panorama, and Creamery Meadows Loop Trail
Bluffs, Panorama, and Creamery Meadows Loop Trail. Credit: AllTrails

Make brunch and prep for a day hike at Andrew Molera State Park

  • Pack a daypack with food, sunscreen, jacket, water, and sandals
  • Remember to tuck away your food in your car or food storage bin
  • Drive 20-minutes north of Ventana Campground to Andrew Molera State Park

Hike Bluffs, Panorama, and Creamery Meadows Loop Trail

  • It's a moderate 8-mile round-trip hike, with 1,270 ft. of total elevation, beginning with a Big Sur river crossing. There's a seasonal footbridge in place between June 15 to October 31 so if you go during that window your feet will stay dry :)
  • The first half is a steady climb, but enjoy 180-degree views of the coast
  • At the Panorama x Spring trail junction, head to Molera Beach for an afternoon picnic

Return to camp and grill up dinner

  • Prep a delicious meal and warm up with your favorite hot bevvie.
  • Roast up s'mores and soak up your last night in Big Sur!
Esselen and Rumsien people were the first inhabitants in Big Sur about 8,000 years ago.

Day Three

Big Sur
Big Sur. Credit: Michael Soledad

Cook up brekkie, pack up and check out before 11 AM

  • Clean up around camp and throw away any random pieces of litter

Head home!

The Spanish used to call the area "el país grande del sur," the big country of the south. Thanks to English settlers, it became Big Sur in 1915.
June 1, 2024

Bewilder at LAist Super-Fun Saturday

Make wildflower seed bombs with Bezzi the Yeti at LAist's Super Fun Saturday

Event in 2 days

Bewilder Basecamp: Spooky Wonders

Join Bezzi the Yeti on her first spooky camping adventure!

Shop curated gear

Everything your family needs for a fun and easy campout

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Bezzi's Pick
$399.95

NEMO 4-person Aurora Highrise Tent

This colorful tent can fit 4 to 6 people, and is easy to set up and pack out!

Bezzi's Pick
$249.95

NEMO Stargaze Reclining Camp Chair

Lean back, and we mean all the way back, in this luxurious camp chair. You'll never want to sit up.

Bezzi's Pick
$249.95

NEMO Roamer Self-Inflating Mattress

These are the cushiest sleeping pads we've tried! They come in Extra Wide and Double (for extra cuddles).

Bezzi's Pick
$99.95

Big Mo Toddler Sleeping Bag

A sleeping bag that's designed for toddlers from ages 18-36 months.

Bezzi's Pick
$139.95

Big Mo 20° Down Kids Sleeping Bag

A sleeping bag designed for kiddos age 2-4 years old

Bezzi's Pick
$42

First Peak All-Season Sweatshirt

A cozy sweatshirt for ages 6 months to 4T designed for outdoor exploration.

Bezzi's Pick
$38

First Peak Flannel

A durable and soft flannel shirt that's kid-sized from 6 months to 4T

Bezzi's Pick
$59.95

NEMO Fillo Luxury Camping Pillow

Bring your own or splurge on this pillow that's designed for outdoor fun.

Bezzi's Pick
$100

GCI Outdoor Slim Fold Cook Station

Picnic tables don't always cut it for cooking outside. This one is easy to use and has plenty of counter space.

Bezzi's Pick
$89.99

Coleman Pack-Away Cot

Elevate your sleep system (literally) with this heavy-ish but easy to set up cot.

Bezzi's Pick
$69.95

Kelty Lowdown Chair

It's sturdy, reliable, well-designed, and a tad pricier than most camp chairs, but it'll last for awhile.

Bezzi's Pick
$189.99

Camp Chef Everest 2 Burner Stove

A popular and reliable dual-burner camp stove that stays hot in windy conditions.

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Meal & snack ideas

It turns out everything tastes better when we're outside

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Dinner

Ham and cheese campfire sandwiches

Bezzi's Pick
Dinner

Moroccan apple beef stew

Bezzi's Pick
Breakfast

Apple sweet potato hash

Bezzi's Pick
Breakfast

Banana coconut french toast

Vegan

Bezzi's Pick
Lunch

Chicken soba noodle salad

Bezzi's Pick
Breakfast

Apple maple sausage sandwiches

Bezzi's Pick
Dinner

Chicken pad thai

Bezzi's Pick
Breakfast

Frittata

Gluten Free · Vegetarian

Bezzi's Pick
Dinner

Baked sweet potatoes and chili

Vegetarian

Bezzi's Pick
Breakfast

Huevos rancheros verdes

Vegetarian

Bezzi's Pick
Dessert

Banana boats

Gluten Free · Vegetarian

Bezzi's Pick
Breakfast

Scrambled eggs n' bacon

Gluten Free

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