Big Sur Lodge - The Perfect Home Base for Any Big Sur Trip
Hi friends and happy Monday! This week I’m enjoying a wonderful vacation along California’s central coast, and I’m excited to partner with a lovely property in the heart of Big Sur that provides central access to many of the top things to do in Big Sur. Join me for a special getaway stay at the historic Big Sur Lodge.
Big Sur Lodge in Winter
Location
Conveniently located right off Highway-1 in the heart of Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park, Big Sur Lodge is a fantastic place to stay on any road trip up the central coast year round. With the beautiful cottage-style cabins, on-site dining, and direct property access to towering redwoods, it’s no wonder this spot has been welcoming Big Sur guests for well over a century.
As a result of the central location, Big Sur Lodge is just a short drive from popular Big Sur attractions, such as McWay Falls, Pfeiffer Beach, Calla Lily Valley, and Bixby Creek Bridge, all of which are within a half hour drive.
Homestead Cabin in Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park
Big Sur Lodge
History
It wasn’t long after John Pfeiffer settled here in 1884 that weary travelers began finding rest and refuge on their property along their coastal journeys. John and his wife, Florence, generously hosted guests with lodging and delicious meals for many years until they decided to officially open the Pfeiffer Ranch Resort in 1908. The Big Sur Lodge we get to enjoy today sits on that very spot, continuing the Pfeiffers’ legacy of warm hospitality and excellent service.
Big Sur Lodge guests can now take a short hike to the Homestead Cabin, the original home built by John Pfeiffer in the late 1800s, which is found along the upper banks of the Big Sur River within Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park. In 1930, the Pfeiffers were approached by a developer from Los Angeles offering $210,000 for this land, which would be equivalent to about $4 million today! With their love and passion for preserving this natural wonder, John and and his wife Florence instead decided to sell 700 acres to the state of California to form the state park that bears their name today.
Big Sur Lodge Cottages
Big Sur Lodge Cottage decks
Cottages
Today Big Sur Lodge offers 62 cottage-style guest rooms nestled in a serene redwood forest located up the hill from the main lodge, which range from queen or king guest rooms to a variety of suite options, all of which offer a perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. The towering redwoods the surround the cabins provide a sense of peace and tranquility that is hard to find elsewhere, and the rustic and charming cottages perfectly complement the natural beauty surrounding them.
Queen Suite with Kitchen & Fireplace at Big Sur Lodge
Queen Suite with Kitchen & Fireplace at Big Sur Lodge
Queen Suite bedroom with redwood views
Queen Suite with Kitchen & Fireplace
On my recent stay, I had the pleasure of staying in one of the property’s Queen Suites. There are multiple suite variations to choose when booking, depending on how big your party is and what you’re looking for. The cabin suite I had was complete with a full kitchen packed with everything you might need during your stay, as well as a dining table, allowing for cozy meals surrounded by the beauty of nature. The large living space boasted a welcoming fireplace (which you know is a favorite of mine) and vaulted ceilings with a skylight, creating a wonderful sense of spaciousness and connection with the outdoors. A separate primary bedroom offers breathtaking forest views, while providing a peaceful and restful setting for a deep night's sleep. My suite also featured a furnished deck, which served as the perfect spot to enjoy a hot drink in the morning, or unwind at the end of the day, immersed in the sights and sounds of the forest...in fact, on multiple occasions I enjoyed watching a small flock of wild turkeys peruse the property grounds right off my deck!
Homestead Restaurant dining room with redwood views
Crispy Buffalo Cauliflower Bites at Homestead Restaurant
Salmon Creek Salad & Helen’s Hot Chicken Sandwich at Homestead Restaurant
Bourbon Street Beignets & Cocoa-Dusted Tiramisu at Homestead Restaurant
Homestead Restaurant
Found inside the main Big Sur Lodge building, the Homestead Restaurant is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and their skilled culinary team carefully selects local organic ingredients and prioritizes sustainable agricultural practices to craft innovative and fresh cuisine for its patrons. You can enjoy the delectable dishes inside the dining room which features large windows with majestic redwood views, or savor your meal out on the patio among the tranquil forest, twinkling lights, and the babbling Big Sur River.
Nate & I enjoyed the Salmon Creek Salad, the Crispy Buffalo Cauliflower Bites, and Helen’s Hot Chicken Sandwich – all of which were absolutely phenomenal. We couldn’t resist ordering the guest-favorite Bourbon Street Beignets for dessert, as well as the Cocoa-Dusted Tiramisu, which were the perfect exclamation marks on a scrumptious meal.
Big Sur Lodge Lounge
Lodge Amenities
If you don’t have time for a sit-down meal at the Homestead Restaurant, you can drop by the Espresso House inside the Lodge for a range of specialty drinks, grab-and-go snacks, and satisfying treats. You can even order Homestead Restaurant menu items to enoy on-the-go from here.
Also conveniently located inside the main Lodge, you’ll find a lounge area stocked with books, games, and comfortable seating by the raging fireplace. Just around the corner you can access the well-stocked Gift Shop & General Store offers everything from groceries, camping supplies, and sundry items to unique souvenirs and gifts. Whether you're a guest at the Lodge or just passing through, you'll find a wide assortment of food, beverages, camping gear, and fun souvenirs.
Guests will find a conference/event center, as well as ice machines and a seasonal swimming pool located in the cottage area. However, I think my favorite amenity here is the direct access to Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park. Continue reading below for more on that...
Hiking trails near Big Sur Lodge
Proboscis Tree at the Redwood Deck near Big Sur Lodge
Hiking to Pfeiffer Falls from Big Sur Lodge
Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park
The trails and natural beauty that envelop the Big Sur Lodge allow for leisurely walks in an awe-inspiring scenery. There are several trails to enjoy in the park, which vary in distance and difficulty, providing opportunities for everyone to explore at their own pace.
One of my favorite hikes is the short Nature Trail, which can be accessed right off the main Lodge. In less than a mile this trail takes you along a gentle path and boardwalk through a towering old-growth redwood grove along with multiple informative plaques about the beautiful flora and fauna found here.
Also within walking distance from the Lodge you’ll find the trailhead for the Valley View Trail. This short, but moderately strenuous hike takes you up 500 feet in elevation in less than a mile, but it provides breathtaking views of the Big Sur River Valley, Point Sur, and Andrew Molera State Park. Even the though the main Pfeiffer Falls trail is currently closed, you can still access the waterfall via a 1/4 mile spur trail from the Valley View Trail, which is totally worth it!
You’ll also find the Colonial Tree in the state park, which is the largest tree in the grove at 277 feet tall and 31 feet in diameter. It’s estimated this old-growth redwood tree is over 1200 years old.
Bixby Creek Bridge near Big Sur Lodge
McWay Falls near Big Sur Lodge
Pfeiffer Beach Keyhole Arch near Big Sur Lodge
Nearby Attractions
Big Sur Lodge guests not only benefit from being situated inside Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park, but its guests also have the convenience of other nearby Big Sur attractions. Only one mile down Hwy-1 from the lodge, you’ll find the turnoff for the famous Pfeiffer Beach with its remarkable keyhole arch. Guests that book during December and January can enjoy the Keyhole Arch phenomenon at this beach, which is when the setting sun lines up perfectly with a natural arch found in one of the Pfeiffer Beach’s sea stacks. Other Big Sur highlights include Andrew Molera State Park, Bixby Creek Bridge, Calla Lily Valley, and McWay Falls.
There are also several nearby dining options. Nepenthe, Big Sur Bakery, and Coast Cafe are all excellent choices for guests looking to grab a bite off property.
Starry skies at Pfeiffer Beach near Big Sur Lodge
Big Sur River in Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park
Above & Beyond Customer Service
As someone who worked in the service industry both during and after college, I’m always incredibly appreciative of those working in this field. During our stay, there were several folks that went above and beyond to make our visit truly special, and I’m confident you’ll experience the same high level of customer service on your trip. If you happen to come across any of these individuals during your stay, please make sure to say hi and show them your appreciation.
David - Lobby Check-in
Kristy - Homestead Restaurant Server
Ranger Howlett - Ewoldsen Nature Center Park Ranger
Enjoying wine in my Queen Suite with Kitchen & Fireplace
Know Before You Go
• Please join me in following the Leave No Trace Principles. If we leave this place better than we found it, we will be rewarded with years of natural wonder. If you’re unfamiliar with The Big Sur Pledge, I encourage you to familiarize yourself prior to heading out to this beautiful area.
• Anytime you plan a road trip to this section of the central coast, always check the latest Big Sur road conditions before traveling. Rockslides are common here, causing complete road closures along Highway 1. As of the publishing of this article, Highway 1 is closed south of Lucia, so Big Sur Lodge, along with several other popular Big Sur attractions like Bixby Creek Bridge, Pfeiffer Beach and McWay Falls can only be accessed by driving down from the North (Monterey and Carmel area).
• Cell service in this area (and in much of Big Sur) is touch-and-go, so prepare and plan ahead before you visit. Bringing a GPS device or equipping your smarthphone with a GPS app with pre-downloaded maps is always a good idea when exploring in Big Sur. I use the Gaia app on my iPhone, and it works great.
• Currently no WiFi is available for Big Sur Lodge guests. There are plans to equip the cottages with a 3rd party service, but there is no estimated installation date at this point.
• Hours of operation of the Homestead Restaurant and Espresso Bar vary depending on the season. Call the main Lodge at (855) 238-6950 for the most up-to-date information.
• Guests who book directly with the Big Sur Lodge receive complimentary access to 3 local California State Parks, including Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park, Andrew Molera State Park, and Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park.
Top 10 Things to Do in Big Sur
Pfeiffer Beach
Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park
Andrew Molera State Park
Queen Suite with Kitchen & Fireplace at Big Sur Lodge
In Summary
Thanks so much for joining me this week in Big Sur. For a virtual visit of my stay with Big Sur Lodge, make sure to watch my Behind the Blog video located at the top of this post, or watch it on YouTube here. Please consider booking a stay with Big Sur Lodge on your next Big Sur adventure, which you can do online at BigSurLodge.com or by calling (855) 238-6950. Please also follow Big Sur Lodge on Instagram at @bigsurlodge, where you’ll also see some of the content I captured during my stay. Until next week, I hope you find adventure and encouragement wherever you go.
Wild turkeys near my Big Sur Lodge cottage
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About Me
I’m Dawn Marie, a travel and lifestyle blogger based out of Southern California. With in-depth articles, travel guides, and reviews on hotels & products, I seek to share my journeys to help you plan for your own. My adventures take me all over California, the western United States, and around the globe...and every Monday I post new content here, including a comprehensive blog post and YouTube video.
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This week we're taking a road trip along the California Central Coast to Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park, nicknamed "mini Yosemite". With its hiking trails, towering coastal redwood trees, abundant wildlife, and lodging options (including camping and Big Sur Lodge cabins), this CA state park along Highway 1 is one of the top places to go in Big Sur. Read this travel guide for all the park details.