ON THE ROAD AGAIN:

BIG SUR

Welcome to my series ‘Poppie Lady On The Road Again,’ where I am sharing the most recommended tips and places to visit (children optional) in my favorite cities in California. You can view more photos and videos of these tips under my highlights ON INSTAGRAM.

Big Sur is a place truly like none other. You really can’t experience the California Coast if your trip did not include Big Sur. And you cannot have a complete Big Sur experience unless you visit Nepenthe! My favorite artist, Big Sur local Erin Gafill shared her favorite local spots and I am so thrilled to share all of our recommendations with you!

All of my best tips for visiting Big Sur!

STAY:

TREEBONES

This is a fantastic spot to glamping and was the ultimate ladies trip when I visited with 3 of my girlfriends (and nice to split the cost!). They have an open air spot for yoga, a swimming pool and incredible views. When we stay at Limekiln, we like to visit in the mornings for their breakfast buffet (it’s a nominal fee if you’re not staying at the resort). There is also the MOST incredible sushi bar that serves fresh caught fish from Santa Barbara. They book out in advance so be sure to make a reservation!

The yurts at Big Sur are the perfect place to Glamp!

We love to visit Treebones for the breakfast bar and wifi when camping nearby at Limekiln.

LIMEKILN

This is our favorite campground that has beach or redwood Camp Sites with a creek running through. There is a lovely, relatively easy hike through the back of the campground which ends at the Limekilns. If you have little kids, I recommend Redwood spots 24-28 or the ocean spots, as the other redwood spots back up to the creek and it was a bit unnerving with little kids.

Limekiln is a great place to take the family camping! I recommend spots 24-28 with little kids.

A face full of dirt is mandatory while camping!

VENTANA
If you want to experience Big Sur SANS KIDS and have a few shekels to burn, this is the ultimate place to stay. They are a child free resort (they are permitted in the campsites, but not the main areas/lobby)… but the location and amenities are simply stunning.

Ventana is the ultimate Big Sur experience. Glamping at the height of luxury. Photo from @mallorysparklesphoto

My friend stayed in one of the glamping spots for $500 a night and here is her unbridled review:

”The tent and site itself were amazing. The bed was comfortable & big, there was electricity, bedside tables & WiFi so inside was good! But the real highlight was the deck outdoor area. The sink lived outside with hot & cold water, as well as a cooler for food & a VERY easy fire ( I think a click/button fire) which by far was our fave part to get the whole feel of camping but in a simpler, more glam way! ( I think there might have even been a marshmallow/smore kit for purchase in the tent if I’m remembering correctly!) so, the overall site itself was so nice! Was it worth the price? My husband and I seem to think differently on this, on one hand, yes, its freaking Big Sur, so everything is overpriced. But it’s also glamping. I suppose different seasons and busier times might differ, but we stayed for a weekend and I believe the glamping site was around $500 a night. If you can get it cheaper, then I think GO FOR IT!

The only negative experience we had, was that Ventana is a KID FREE resort, which meant that we were clearly informed before booking and at check in that we were not welcome with our child in several areas (most) of the resort. Which is totally fine, we get it. But we were also traveling internationally to photograph a wedding, so we had to bring our 4 month old baby. One evening as we were playing with him before bedtime, he made a few happy squeals (couldn’t have been longer than 20 seconds) and a few minutes later we received a phone call from staff stating they had gotten a noise complaint from a loud baby and asked if we needed any assistance. This was around 930pm.”

TO EAT:

NEPENTHE

You haven’t truly experienced Big Sur until you have visited Nepenthe. Breathtaking views that will make you feel ‘On top of the World.’ It is the family property of my most favorite artist, Erin Lee Gafill. There is a more casual cafe (Cafe Kevah) on the veranda and the sit-down Nepenthe upstairs. I love the Ambrosia Burger. They also have an incredible gift shop called The Phoenix Shop with all kinds of whimsical gifts and treasures.

Erin Lee Gafill’s paintings are my favorite and Nepenthe is her family’s legacy.

The terrace to Nepenthe has an incredible view.

Recognize the hills? It’s the same view from the Nepenthe veranda! Painting by my favorite artist (and current instructor!), Erin Gafill!!

COAST

“New restaurant at the (former) Coast Gallery location, ‘Coast’ has an incredible chef with surprisingly intriguing and delicious menu.” (Erin Lee Gafill).

‘Coast’ has an incredible chef with surprisingly intriguing and delicious menu.” (Erin Lee Gafill).

DEETJENS

The defining toon of Cozy with Old Scandanavian charm. Step back in time to this vintage property and leave your cell phone behind! “It’s the best place for breakfast. Everyone seems to love the eggs benedict at Deetjens, but I love to get a poached egg, fruit and bacon usually” (Erin Lee Gafill).

“Deetjens is the best place for breakfast. Everyone seems to love the eggs benedict at Deetjens, but I love to get a poached egg, fruit and bacon usually” (Erin Lee Gafill).Photo from the San Luis Obispo Tribune.

BIG SUR BAKERY

My friend Shannon told me, “Everything is good.” They have a bakery, lunch and dinner. A wonderful place to visit for coffee or a bite to eat!

Everything is good at the Big Sur Bakery! Coffee, lunch and Dinner. Photo from Big Sur Bakery website.

BIG SUR RIVER INN AND RESTAURANT

There is a General Store and Deli and you can buy wine/drinks/food and go eat in their Adirondack chairs IN the creek!

Grab some wine from the deli and sit in the creek to have time stand still for a moment.

POST RANCH INN

Crazy fancy (Celeb status). Brunch or Lunch would be a once in a lifetime, special occasion meal. No children are allowed (under 18).

The Post Ranch Inn is opulence on the Big Sur Coast. Photo by Kodiak Greenwood.

TO DO:

JULIE PFEIFFER BURNS STATE PARK

“12 miles south of Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park on California's Pacific coast. A main feature of the park is McWay Falls, which drops over a cliff of 80 feet into the Pacific Ocean. The park is also home to 300-foot redwoods which are over 2,500 years old.” (Wikipedia).