Introduction

California, the western state in the USA bustling with magnificent vibes and welcoming people, is not just about a few locations like Los Angeles, San Francisco, San Diego, San Jose, or Sacramento.

The state is home to many hidden locations and gems popular among tourists but still does not get the fame and reputation they deserve.

Big Sur is one such location lying on the Central Coast of California, bordered by the Pacific Ocean to the west. It is lined with a rugged and mountainous landscape, with the Santa Lucia mountains bordered to its east.

Big Sur is 100 miles from San Jose and 181 miles from Fresno and is also easily accessible from other California major cities through the state highway.

Known for natural formations and mountains, sprawling green parks, and scenic beaches, Big Sur is where you want to be after getting your Esta visa online.

Places to visit in Big Sur California

●        Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park

If hiking is your passion, then you will love hiking up to the McWay Falls present in the state park and fall over 80 feet from a cliff at the top. It is a delight to the eyes after a challenging hike. The enormous Californian redwood trees that are over 300 feet tall & 2500 years old dominate the park's landscape.

●        Carmel Mission Basilica Museum

Giving a very colonial-era European vibe, the Carmel Mission Basilica was first built as a Church in the late 18th century. Over the next 100 years, it was damaged, but its restoration began and was successful in the 20th century. Now an essential historical landmark in California, the structure features colonial-era ruins, well-maintained gardens, and exhibits.

●        Lone Cypress

Is going to Big Sur and watching a 250-year-old tree worth it? Totally! A Monterey Cypress tree located in Pebble Beach, the Lone Cypress, is considered one of the most photographed trees globally. Watching the tree serenely gives you a much-needed break from your hectic travel itinerary when in the Western USA.

Big Sur Whale Watching

Have you ever watched a whale? No, not the TV, but up close, in front of your eyes? Few people have. Big Sur is a well-known destination for whale watching and holds some major stations for whale watching.

If you eagerly want to picture a Blue Whale up close, you should plan a Big Sur trip between June to October. Whereas spotting a Humpback Whale is easier, and they can be seen from April to early December.

Looking to enjoy your vacation more? We suggest going to Big Sur between December to May. It is because then, you could also go for the Gray Whale watching. The best place for whale watching in Big Sur is arguably the Monterey Bay area.

Even marine biologists and scientists take scientific boat trips year-round in the Monterey Bay area to study and widen their scope on the marine animals.

Backpacking in Big Sur

You should not be surprised at finding young and old backpackers in Big Sur; it is one of the most exciting places that cater to curious backpackers.

Nature, natural formations, beaches, whales, seafood, and exotic and historical places appeal to people of all interests.

But as a backpacker, finding a suitable place to stay can be the hard part, and this is where we are gladly offering our help.

1. Carmel Bay View Inn
   
   A prime location to stay in Big Sur, it is located at Junipero Street between 5th and 6th Avenues. Carmel Bay View Inn features a swimming pool, enormous luxurious rooms, and outstanding food. It is also located close to the beach and public transport. The per-day rate of rooms heavily varies depending on the time you book and season you book. E.g., you may get a room for $250-$300 in November or December, and $80-$130 in months like January, April, or May.
   

2. Big Sur River Inn
   
   A 3-star hotel located at 46800 CA-1, this resort overlooks the Big Sur River and offers brilliant services like river-side dinner and drinks, historic-style rooms, and a spacious area for strolling at night. It is located close to important landmarks, beaches, and public transport. Like the other resorts in Big Sur, the rates can vary between $100 to $400, depending on the season.
   

3. Post Ranch Inn
   
   An upscale cottage-style resort set on a cliff overlooking the Pacific Ocean, the Post Ranch Inn is located close to the Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park and Pfeiffer Beach. The rooms are massive, featuring elite-styled fireplaces and mountain decks. The resort presents premium services like a spa, fitness center, meditation, and yoga classes for its guests. Naturally, the ranch is on the pricey side, and depending on the season you are visiting, the per-day charge can range between $500 to $1500.

Our Take

Big Sur is a hidden gem lying on California's coastline because, despite its reputation and exotic locations, it is not a much-frequented place.

So, how about you check on your Esta status and, after getting it confirmed, plan your ideal itinerary to Big Sur and the neighboring locations? You do not want to miss visiting such a paradise, do you?