Luxury vs Cute vs Camping in Big SurWhether you're looking for a camping spot, or you're luxury chasing, here are 10 very different options for a great stay in Big Sur. AuthorsPeterTaras
DestinationsBig SurItinerary

Luxury

Esalen Institute
I'm not the best at luxury stays, but this place has everything your heart could desire. Most people go for retreats and holistic classes and courses. The natural springs are open to the public in the wee hours of the morning (past midnight).
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Post Ranch Inn
This place flies under the radar, but at 2K a night, that's probably the reason. It's a 5-star luxury stay with a local, spiritual twist. Best reserved for a special occasion. Think honeymoon or anniversary.
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Alila Ventana Big Sur
Alila offers rooms, villas, and glamping. But here's a math puzzle for you—The minimal glamping experience costs $700.00 a night. Imagine what a hotel room costs. Thousands per night.
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Camping

Plaskett Creek Campground
Maybe the best place to camp if you're a surfer like me and looking to walk to the beach. No WiFi. No showers.
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Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park
Great facilities, close to the lodge, and a laundry mat if you're staying for a while. Great hikes out of the park too!
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Kirk Creek Campground
Watch out for the nightly raccoon raiders. People love this place though.
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Cute

Treebones Resort
True Big Sur style eclecticism! Camp, rent a tree fort for the night, or stay in a yurt—this place is cool! I find the yurts a little stuffy in the summertime but great for a wintertime retreat.
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Lucia Lodge
Its beloved restaurant was lost in the fires back in 2021, but the local taco cart still rolls through on weekends and Wednesdays.
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Glen Oaks Big Sur
Offers the same amenities as most of the other small, local mom-and-pop motels, but it's refurbished, a little cleaner, and nicer on the inside.
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Ragged Point Inn & Resort
You can book a cabin that hangs over a 400-foot cliff if you book far enough out. I love the Fire Trail hike on the east side of Coast Hwy, and Ragged Point makes it easy to roll out of bed, grab a coffee and go hike.
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