A Guide to Accessible Restaurants, Lodging and the Best Big Sur Activities
Sunset in Big Sur, California
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Where is Big Sur Located?
Big Sur is located on California’s Central Coast between Carmel and San Simeon, in the middle of the Santa Lucia Mountains. If you’re planning a California road trip, Big Sur is an excellent stopover on the Los Angeles to San Francisco coastal route. For help planning an epic west coast road trip, check out this easy-to-use Road Trip Planner. Alternatively, you can purchase this amazing Big Sur Self-Driving Audio Tour.
Big Sur is one of the most romantic getaways in California. It’s also home to one of the Best Beaches in California. The drive from Los Angeles to Big Sur takes about five hours. While under 300 miles away from LA, the Big Sur coastline is a winding road along jagged, rocky cliffs and requires you to travel at a greatly reduced speed and pay close attention to the sometimes poorly lit road. I would not recommend driving there at night, especially if it’s your first time in the area. But driving up in the daytime allows you to snag ample beautiful California beach photos for your Instagram.
If you’re not up to driving up the coast of California flying is always an option. If you’re flying in, the closest airports to Big Sur are Monterey (22 miles away) and San Jose (77 miles away.) If you don’t mind a longer drive, San Francisco’s SFO is a 99-mile drive, and Fresno clocks in at about a 121-mile drive.
There is no real best time to visit Big Sur in my mind, but I would avoid winters if you’re planning on tent camping. It can get close to freezing at night. Summers are mild and rarely reach above the 70s. The peak season for tourists is April through October. I generally try to avoid that time of year as it can become difficult to find a place to stay when the crowds descend.
Bixby Creek Bridge Big Sur, California
I’ve been visiting Big Sur since 2012. During that time my illness progressed and my mobility has become more limited. Some of the beautiful Big Sur trails and campsites I once enjoyed are no longer an option because of stairs or steep grades. But as I lost the ability to hike up some of the steeper trails or climb flights of stairs, I sought out the accessible side of Big Sur. Which, while somewhat limited, is there. You just need to know where to look.
Fortunately, I’ve compiled some accessible highlights from the longest and most scenic stretch of undeveloped coastline in the contiguous United States. I’ll cover the best things to do in Big Sur, info on accessible Big Sur cabins and campgrounds, and the best places to eat in Big Sur. So, without further ado, welcome to my accessible travel guide to Big Sur, California!
Highway 1, The Pacific Coast Highway
Before we launch into where to stay and what to do, you should know I’m a pretty hard-core city girl who believes nature is best appreciated through the window of a magnificent home or the deck of a party boat. Dealing with chronic pain, I’m not a fan of scaling things, hiking things, digging sand out of places that shouldn’t have sand, or dealing with painful bug bites, sunburns, and mystery rashes from local flora. But I’m a trooper who will try almost anything once. And boy am I glad I did.
Back in 2012, my fiance asked me to accompany him on a Big Sur California road trip. Since this was early on in the relationship and I recognized he was an amazing human being, I decided to shut up with my nature complaints and agreed to a weekend in the wilderness.
And I’m glad I did. We found our happy place together, a winding coastal road surrounded by towering redwoods, filled with scrumptious food and wine, secluded cabins, massive California condors, frolicking sea otters, and the sound of waves crashing against Pfeiffer Beach. But I’m far from the first person to point out how beautiful this area is. Big Sur has been home to several famous artists and writers such as Henry Miller, Ansel Adams, Trent Reznor, Al Jardine, and Kim Novak.
Cool. But is it accessible?
Unfortunately, given the nature of the area, it isn’t very wheelchair accessible. But, below you’ll find a list of accessible accommodations, parks, trails, and restaurants. While it is somewhat limiting for those of us with disabilities, there is still enough to see and do to make it well worth the trip.
Places to Stay in Big Sur; a Guide to Big Sur Lodging:
Big Sur Lodge - The Big Sur Lodge is a collection of 62 cottage-style rooms. They offer multiple ADA-compliant accessible rooms. Please specify your needs at the time of booking. And no slight to Big Sur Lodge, but given my past travel experiences, I would confirm your room needs again before your trip. Sometimes things slip through the cracks. Given the limited amount of Big Sur lodging options and the even more limited amount of accessible hotel rooms, you’ll want to make sure your reservation is in place. Rooms sell out and it’s a long, long way to Monterey.
Big Sur River Inn - Big Sur River Inn offers one ADA-compliant accessible room on the first floor (a Riverside Suite) and features a large accessible bathroom with a roll-in shower, both a fixed showerhead and an adjustable height handheld showerhead, a shower bench, grab bars around the toilet and in the shower stall, and a roll-under sink. The bathroom provides an ample turning radius. The room has accessible access from the ADA-designated space in the parking lot.
Reception and the Front Desk are available from the ADA parking space via an accessible path of travel as well. The restaurant, general store, and lawn area may be accessed using level walkways along the front of the property.
Fernwood Resort - The Fernwood Resort is committed to ADA Accessibility. The general store and restaurant utilize an accessible ramp. There’s also an accessible restaurant with indoor seating for wheelchair users. The campground offers men’s and women’s accessible restrooms and an accessible unisex shower. Cabin rates range between $290 - $340 per night. 2-night minimum. If you’re looking to camp, this is one of the best places to camp in Big Sur. And if you’re like me and have a bad back, check out this amazing guide to the best camping beds for people with back pain.
Glen Oaks Big Sur - In my opinion, Glen Oaks is the best place to stay in Big Sur, apart from the wildly unaffordable Ventana Inn and Post Ranch Inn. I stayed here on my last Big Sur trip and loved it! You can’t beat the location or the heated bathroom floors. They offer wheelchair-accessible rooms and wheelchair access to all common/ public areas. The only downside is there is no air conditioning in the rooms which can be rough on those rare hot days. Luckily the weather in Big Sur rarely reaches over 75 degrees Fahrenheit.
Post Ranch Inn - Post Ranch Inn is the ultimate in luxury. Even their website makes me want to pick up and move there. But they are one of the more high-end properties in Big Sur, with rooms starting at about $1,000/ night. Sure that’s a lot of money, but where else can you find a posh cliffside hotel that also offers a course in falconry? Go ahead. I’ll wait.
Post Ranch Inn offers 2 fully ADA-compliant accessible suites, compliant ramps, handrails, and accessible on-site venues including Sierra Mar Restaurant, Lap Pool swimming facilities with automatic pool lift, and accessible spa treatment rooms. Service animals are welcome at no extra charge. And the Inn provides a fully equipped van with an automatic ramp for up to three wheelchairs.
The Beautiful Big Sur Coast
Riverside Campground and Cabins - Riverside offers accessible accommodations, but the details on their website are rather murky and I would recommend calling to get the specifics. They don’t specify how much of the property is wheelchair accessible, but they do note that lowered sinks, raised toilets, and grab rails are present. They also have an excellent area for camping. The sound of the river at night while you drift off to sleep is amazing. It’s a great spot for truck tent camping. If you’re new to truck tent camping, check out this guide to the best truck tent campers.
Treebones Resort - Treebones is a truly accessible glamping experience. They offer several accessible, air-conditioned yurts, oceanviews, and the only sushi bar in Big Sur. Throw in the yoga and massages and you’ve basically found paradise. The property also offers a free continental breakfast. The downside is, it’s one of the few sites in Big Sur that doesn’t permit campfires. What is a Big Sur experience without toasting marshmallows?
Ventana Big Sur - One of two 5-star Big Sur resorts, this place is stunning. Sadly, I’ve not stayed in a room at the posh Ventana Resort as a weekend here costs more than my yearly MRI budget. Rooms usually start at $1,200/ night. I did however spend one-night camping in a tent and enjoying the annual Big Sur food and wine festival. I probably would have enjoyed the wine part a little more if I knew how much my body would hate sleeping on the cold ground. This reminds me, and I cannot stress enough the importance of purchasing a good sleeping bag. The right sleeping bag makes camping so much easier and infinitely more enjoyable.
While the property at Ventana is stunning, the walk to the bathroom from our campsite was extremely long, uphill, and not easy in the dark. I would love to come back and experience one of the fancy rooms if ever I luck into a ton of cash or get tossed a free room for all the great hype I’m placing in this blog. Hint, hint Ventana… ball’s in your court.
From the Ventana website: “We of course have ADA accommodations available upon request. Our goal is to surpass the expectations of all our guests.”
Outstanding In The Field - Big Sur dinner November 2018
Where to Eat In Big Sur
A Guide to Big Sur Restaurants:
The most impressive meal I’ve enjoyed in Big Sur was courtesy of Outstanding in the Field. Perhaps it’s because this was also the weekend my fiancé proposed. But I think I would have been wowed regardless. Outstanding in the Field tours the world putting on their amazing dining experiences, though the Big Sur event is easily one of their most popular events and sells out quickly. If you’re interested in attending I would sign up for their mailing list.
Their dinners bring top chefs together with local farmers and food lovers for an amazing long table dinner. I’ve attended their dinner on a Palm Springs date farm and this spectacular dinner featuring beef from the cliffside grassland, owned by the Big Sur Meat Company.
For this meal, we met in a parking lot and were driven up to the event space in an accessible van. However, the only bathrooms available at the event were porta potties and not wheelchair accessible. Please check with the organizers before purchasing your tickets to confirm the accessibility of the location. Their events are frequently thrown in farmlands and other remote areas that are not readily accessible.
Nepenthe/ Cafe Kevah - A must-see for any Big Sur trip, Nepenthe is a cozy restaurant/ bar perched high on the edge of a cliff and offers some of the best Big Sur views. You have full panoramic views of the Pacific from their outdoor patio. Cafe Kevah is also on the Nepenthe property and offers a smaller breakfast/ brunch menu. Designated handicapped parking and an ADA accessible ramp to Nepenthe are accessed via the Handicapped/Delivery driveway off the main parking lot.
Fun Nepenthe fact, Orson Welles and his wife at the time, Rita Hayworth, bought a Big Sur cabin on an impulse during a trip down the coast in 1944. The couple never spent a single night there, and the property later became the location for Nepenthe.
The Rib Eye at Nepenthe. I also recommend the dirty vodka martini with blue cheese olives.
The Big Sur Bakery - The Big Sur Bakery has tons of amazing reviews and offers delicious gluten-free baked goods for those of us with wheat allergies or celiac disease, but it is in no way accessible. I’m putting it on this list because it’s recommended by nearly every Big Sur blog or trip site, and it really is delicious. . If you have mobility issues there is accessible parking at the top of the driveway near the restaurant.
Fois Gras at Big Sur Bakery
Big Sur River Inn - I noted the Big Sur River Inn above for its awesome accessible features, but they also have a bomb-ass burrito bar and offer a patio overlooking the Big Sur River where you can sip your adult beverages. They also have a decent breakfast, lunch, and dinner menu. I’d also like to give Big Sur River Inn huge props for their accessible website design. (Something I promise I’m learning how to design on my own blog.) I love to see these smaller Big Sur vacation spots stepping up and offering accessible sites and recognizing accessible tourism.
Big Sur Roadhouse - Located across the street from Glen Oaks Big Sur, the Roadhouse is wheelchair accessible, offers outdoor seating, and is the first new restaurant to open in Big Sur in 10 years! The Big Sur Roadhouse features delicious California cuisine with fresh, local ingredients. The seasonal menu is filled with locally sourced, organic ingredients. The guy who used to run Big Sur Bakery opened this place and it’s a vast improvement in my book. It’s accessible, far more affordable, and utterly delicious.
Fernwood Bar & Grill - As mentioned above, The Fernwood Bar & Grill is wheelchair accessible. It’s a no-frills pub & grub. They also frequently offer live music. As my fiance says: “You can probably drink too much and vomit here and not feel too bad about offending anybody.” Think Roadhouse vibes.
Sierra Mar - Located on the Post Ranch Inn property, Sierra Mar is wheelchair accessible. It offers meals made with locally sourced ingredients and an impressive collection of wines. It also features floor-to-ceiling windows and spectacular views. Lunch and dinner are both prix-fixe menus and don’t come cheap. But if you want to splurge, this is the place to do it.
The Restaurant at Ventana - Offering a 10,000 bottle wine cellar, craft cocktails, and modern American Cuisine with a view, the restaurant is also accessible. I highly recommend the house-cut potato chips. Even if you can’t afford their pricey Big Sur cabins and campground, the Ventana property easily makes it to my best of Big Sur list and it’s worth popping in for a drink to check out the views.
What to Do In Big Sur: State Parks, Beaches, and Attractions
Grab your backpack, we’re going out to explore! I like these ethical brands offering sustainable backpacks.
Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park - Offering multiple Big Sur hiking trails, including one wheelchair-accessible trail, an accessible visitors center, parking, restrooms, and picnic tables, this state historic park is perhaps the most wheelchair-friendly outdoor portion of Big Sur. The main feature of this gorgeous state park is Mcway Falls, a magnificent waterfall that flows year-round.
Pfeiffer Beach - Pfeiffer State Beach is considered the best beach in Big Sur. This somewhat difficult-to-find beach sits amongst a rocky cove and is an excellent spot to watch the waves crash against the shore and enjoy nature. Beach wheelchairs are available for rent at the entrance kiosk.
Pfeiffer Beach - A Big Sur Must See
Andrew Molera State Park - While not wheelchair accessible, Andrew Molera offers several easy to moderate trails for hiking in Big Sur. I’ve hiked several of these loops with hiking poles. I recommend using the link to see a review and rating of each trail to judge which is best for your ability level. If you’re able to hike without a wheelchair, Andrew Molera will allow you to access multiple Big Sur viewpoints.
Henry Miller Library - The Henry Miller Memorial Library is set to undergo renovations to add among other things, accessible parking and ADA-compliant bathrooms. The Library and grounds are a nonprofit arts center, bookstore, and performance venue documenting the life of the late writer, artist, and Henry Miller. On top of offering a curated selection of books, the location holds concerts, movie nights, and private events. It also acts as a gallery and workshop space. I saw the Yeah Yeah Yeahs here in 2013 and it was a truly magical experience seeing a show under the towering redwoods and twinkling stars.
The welcome sign to the Henry Miller Library.
Inside Henry Miller Library
The Hawthorne Gallery - A wheelchair-accessible gallery featuring the work of almost twenty known artists overlooking the Pacific. The Hawthorne Gallery showcases metalwork, paintings, glass sculptures, and more. If you’re looking for indoor Big Sur sights, check them out.
The Pacific Coast Highway - Driving down the Pacific Coast Highway is actually one of the biggest attractions in Big Sur. See the Bixby Bridge, relive your Big Little Lies fantasies, pull over into one of the many scenic overlooks, watch whales surface in the Pacific, and take in the amazing sunsets. I recommend starting your drive at Ragged Point to the south and driving north, past Jade Cove, Sand Dollar Beach, and Limekiln State Park, over the Bixby Bridge and up to Rocky Point, Garrapata State Park, and ending at Point Lobos State Park and the Lobos State Natural Reserve.
If you’re feeling really adventurous you might even consider getting engaged as I did! (video below) And speaking of engagements and weddings, if you’re interested in Big Sur, but find the area a bit too pricey, consider staying in nearby Monterey, California, a 45-minute drive from Big Sur.
On November 2, 2018, I got engaged overlooking the Pacific Ocean in Big, Sur, CA. It took me by complete surprise. Thankfully, my fiance thought ahead and brought his drone to capture some magical sunset moments after he popped the big question.
Video by Jim Kleckner. @slippy
If you have any questions about something I didn’t cover in this post, feel free to leave a comment below and I will answer your questions.
One final reminder: Please check with your hotel or campsite before bringing your pet. Many locations do not allow dogs. Yes, even Emotional Support Animals. Please remember this is a fairly remote area and it does have a large wildlife presence. If you do bring your dog be extra cautious and alert in your surroundings.
