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

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Last updated
March 8, 2022

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.
October 14, 2023

Bewilder Basecamp: Spooky Wonders

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Bewilder Basecamp: Spooky Wonders

Join Bezzi the Yeti on her first spooky camping adventure!

Shop curated gear

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Bezzi's Pick
$$

NEMO Disco 15 Women's Sleeping Bag

A spacious sleeping bag that will help you stay warm for spring, summer, and fall camping.

Bezzi's Pick
$

Sea to Summit X-Series Collapsible Silicone Cup

Whether it's coffee or cocoa, bring a silicone mug like this one into the wild. Your tummy will thank you.

Bezzi's Pick
$$

Freerain22 Waterproof Packable Backpack

Leave your backpacking pack at camp, and use this sleek, compressible pack for day hikes.

Bezzi's Pick
$

Eddie Bauer Stowaway 20L Daypack

An affordable day pack for bringing snacks, sunglasses, and water on your next day hike.

Bezzi's Pick
$$$

Feathered Friends Egret UL 20/30 Women's Sleeping Bag

Handmade in Seattle, Washington, this sleeping bag is pricey, but you can count on it lasting for years.

Bezzi's Pick
$

Stoic Madrone 2 Person, 3 Season Tent

A fun, affordable tent for beginner car campers that can be used in the spring, summer, and fall.

Bezzi's Pick
$$

Kula Pee Cloth

An absorbent, antimicrobial fabric that will keep you clean and dry down under.

Bezzi's Pick
$$$

GCI Outdoor Master Portable Camp Kitchen

This cook station has plenty of storage and counter space, and is easy to set up and carry out.

Bezzi's Pick
$

NEMO Quasar 3D Insulated Air Sleeping Pad

If you like to toss and turn at night, this sleeping pad is known for being a quiet, quality option for car campers.

Bezzi's Pick
$

Marmot Catalyst 2-Person Tent with Footprint

A solid, lightweight, and relatively affordable tent for people are new to backpacking.

Bezzi's Pick
$

Soto Helix Coffee Maker

Don't let the backcountry stop you from enjoying a hot, quality drip coffee in the morning.

Bezzi's Pick
$$

Coleman WeatherMaster 6-Person Tent with Screen Room

This spacious tent is known for its enmeshed screen room, which will keep you dry and bug-free during the summer.

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Meal and snack ideas

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Breakfast

Food For The Sole Blueberry Banana Crunch

Gluten Free • Vegan

Bezzi's Pick
Breakfast

Packit Gourmet Diner Deluxe Eggs with Sausage

Bezzi's Pick
Dessert

Campfire cinnamon roll ups

Vegetarian

Bezzi's Pick
Snack

Brookside Dark Chocolate Covered Blueberries

Vegetarian

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Snack

Angie's Boom Chicka Pop

Gluten Free · Vegan

Bezzi's Pick
Snack

Santa Cruz Organic Apple Sauce

Gluten Free · Vegan

Bezzi's Pick
Lunch

Summer rolls with almond butter satay

Gluten Free · Vegan

Bezzi's Pick
Dinner

Dan dan noodles

Gluten Free · Vegan

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Lunch

Asian chicken lettuce wraps

Gluten free

Bezzi's Pick
Dinner

Pho ramen

Bezzi's Pick
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Curry ramen

Bezzi's Pick
Breakfast

Peanut butter cheesecake overnight oats

Vegetarian

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