Where to Stay and Play in Big Sur

Where to Stay

Big Sur Campground and Cabins:

If you’re dreaming of a scenic family escape filled with natural beauty, cozy accommodations, and plenty of outdoor adventure, Big Sur should be at the top of your list. Our recent trip to Big Sur was packed with memorable moments that made us want to plan our return before we even left. The heart of our stay was the Big Sur Campground and Cabins, a hidden gem nestled beneath the towering redwoods.

(We were hosted by Big Sur Campground, but all opinions and photos are mine)

Why We Chose Big Sur Campground and Cabins

For families looking for a rustic-yet-comfortable place to stay, Big Sur Campground and Cabins is a perfect fit. We stayed in one of their cabins and were instantly impressed by how spacious and well-equipped it was for our family of four. The kids were thrilled to have their own space with the fold-out couch, while we enjoyed the privacy of a separate bedroom — a rare treat on family vacations!

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The cabin had a full kitchen, allowing us to cook meals if we wanted, and a clean, private bathroom (something that always makes a difference when camping with kids!). Outside, we had our own fire pit and picnic table, perfect for s’mores under the stars. It gave us the feeling of camping, without sacrificing comfort.

On-Site Fun for Everyone

One of the things we loved most about the campground was how family-friendly it was. The kids spent time at the playground and shot a few hoops at the basketball court, as well as skipping rocks on the river. Speaking of the river — it’s a highlight! With direct access for tubing, swimming, or even a little fishing, it’s a great spot to cool off (during summer months) or have a little adventure without leaving the property.

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Where to Play in Big Sur:

Big Sur is a playground for outdoor lovers, and we packed in as much exploring as we could during our stay. Here are a few of our favorite spots:

Pfeiffer Falls and Valley View Trail

This was our first hike of the trip and we thought it was perfect for families. We did both the Falls Trail and the Valley View Trail. Both offer beautiful forest scenery, but one ends with a rewarding waterfall view and the other a beautiful valley below. Both are fairly easy, although you could not bring a stroller. Also, the waterfall isn’t like some of the ones we have seen in Yosemite (I’m looking at you Mist Trail), but it is still very pretty.

Point Lobos State Reserve (technically in Carmel)

Absolutely stunning coastal views, with trails that wind through cypress groves and past hidden coves. We actually went to this location twice on our trip. There are many different trails, you couldn’t possibly do it all in one day. One day we saw “bird island” and the next day we were able to catch baby seals with their mother’s on the beaches below. Every day would be a different day at Point Lobos, it’s absolutely stunning. Some paths here could be stroller friendly.

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McWay Falls at Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park

McWay Falls is a must-see! This iconic waterfall drops into the ocean and is one of the most photographed spots in Big Sur for a reason. You can’t get close to the falls, which is a little bit of a bummer, but it’s still worth seeing even from a distance. This path is super easy and short, great for any age.

Garrapata State Park

With dramatic cliffs and wildflower-covered hills, this park was perfect for a scenic stroll and some family photos. There was one area that had so many wild Calla Lillies growing, which was my favorite. You could also walk all the way down to the beach here if you wanted. Garrapata wasn’t on any list I had seen when I searched for hikes, just something we saw while driving, but this was definitely worth a stop.

Bixby Bridge

Not a long stop, and not an ideal parking situation, but an iconic bridge to take a photo. Just drive slow and you will be able to catch a spot when someone else pulls out. The Bixby Bridge does make a good Christmas card photo.

Where to Eat in Big Sur:

After a day of hiking and exploring, we were ready to eat — and Big Sur (and surrounding areas) have some gems with beautiful views. Note, none of these places were super affordable. For a family a four, each meal was about $100 (some a little more, some a little less). If you can pack your own food for at least two meals a day, then eating out for one meal won’t be as bad.

Mission Ranch Restaurant (Carmel)

Owned by Clint Eastwood, the charming Mission Ranch Restaurant (and hotel) offers delicious food with gorgeous views of sheep grazing on the meadow. It’s definitely worth a stop for a unique dining experience. We had breakfast and loved watching the sheep in the fields.

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Nepenthe

Nepenthe is a Big Sur classic! With sweeping ocean views and a laid-back vibe, it’s a great place to relax and refuel after a day of exploring.

Big Sur River Inn

Big Sur River Inn & Restaurant has a nice outdoor patio that looks straight onto the river. You can also walk down to the river and sit in their big chairs and put your feet in the water (if it’s not too cold).

Fernwood Resort

Another casual place to eat is at the Fernwood Resort restaurant called The Grill. They also have a lovely outdoor patio. The kids loved the tennis table as an extra activity and I loved the fire pit.

Final Thoughts on Big Sur

What did you think of our post: Where to Stay and Play in Big Sur?? Our trip to Big Sur Campground and Cabins felt like a true getaway. With cozy cabins, on-site activities, and a location that puts you close to some of Big Sur’s best hikes and viewpoints, it’s a perfect home base for families. Whether you’re staying for a weekend or just a night, you’ll leave feeling refreshed and inspired by nature. Have you been? Any questions, leave them below.