Day trip: a practical Big Sur loop from Post Ranch Inn
Start and end at Post Ranch Inn (47900 Highway 1). This practical Big Sur loop visits Bixby Creek Bridge and Point Lobos to the north, then McWay Falls and Pfeiffer Beach to the south—plan a half- to full-day drive with stops for short walks and a lunch or dinner reservation at Sierra Mar.
In this guide
Before you leave Post Ranch Inn
Confirm check-out and parking: check-out is at 12:00 noon Pacific Time, and valet or self-parking is included with your stay. If you’re still on property for a daytime outing, store luggage with the front desk.
Pack layers, water, and sturdy shoes—Big Sur’s coast is often cool and foggy in the morning and much sunnier by afternoon. Cell signal can be spotty on Highway 1; download maps or take a paper map if you prefer.
- Check Sierra Mar hours if you plan to dine: breakfast is reserved for overnight guests; lunch and dinner require reservations (dinner strongly recommended).
- Bring binoculars for whale and condor spotting.
- Confirm road conditions on Highway 1 before you go in case of closures.
| Useful contacts | Phone |
|---|---|
| BookResorts agents (24/7) | +1 (888) 605-1350 |
| Sierra Mar restaurant | +1 831-667-2200 |
Northbound: Bixby Bridge and Point Lobos
Drive north on Highway 1 for your first leg. Bixby Creek Bridge is commonly reached in about 23 minutes by car from Post Ranch Inn and makes a short photo stop; you don’t need much time there unless you plan to walk the nearby shoulders for different angles.
Continue another 20–30 minutes north to Point Lobos State Natural Reserve if you want coastal trails and marine life viewing. Allow time to park at Point Lobos and walk short trails—sea lions and seals are commonly seen here.
- Bixby Bridge: quick viewpoint and photos (plan for other visitors).
- Point Lobos: bring layers and a camera; trails are short but uneven.
- Park fees and limited parking at Point Lobos mean arriving earlier or later in the day helps.
| Stop | Approx. drive time from Post Ranch Inn |
|---|---|
| Bixby Creek Bridge | ≈ 23 minutes |
| Point Lobos State Natural Reserve | ≈ 40–60 minutes (from Post Ranch Inn via Bixby area) |
Southbound: McWay Falls (Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park)
Head south on Highway 1 to McWay Falls in Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park—about a 30-minute drive. The viewpoint is a short paved walk from the parking area; the waterfall drops to the beach and is seen from an overlook only (the shoreline is not accessible).
This stop pairs well with a picnic-style snack in the car or a later meal back at Sierra Mar. Expect short paved paths and basic park facilities at the parking area.
- Short paved viewpoint walk: accessible but can be windy.
- Stay on marked trails and viewpoints—beach access to the cove below is closed.
- Peak visiting times are mid-day; early morning or late afternoon reduces crowds.
| Feature | Notes |
|---|---|
| Viewpoint | Short paved path from parking |
| Access to cove | Beach below the fall is not open from the official viewpoint |
| Approx. drive time | ≈ 30 minutes south of Post Ranch Inn |
Late afternoon: Pfeiffer Beach and Keyhole Arch
Pfeiffer Beach (Keyhole Arch) is about a 10-minute drive from Post Ranch Inn and is known for its unusual sand color and coastal rock formations. The beach parking area is small and can fill, so factor in time to walk in from overflow parking if necessary.
Sunset at Keyhole Arch is a popular photo moment when the light lines up with the arch—arrive early for a parking spot and expect a short walk over sand. Bring sturdy footwear and expect wind and occasional fog.
- Parking: limited; prepare for a short walk from overflow areas.
- Beach surface: sandy and uneven—good shoes for walking dunes.
- Photography tip: sunset can produce dramatic light through the arch, weather permitting.
| Stop | Approx. drive time from Post Ranch Inn |
|---|---|
| Pfeiffer Beach (Keyhole Arch) | ≈ 10 minutes |
| Best time to visit | Late afternoon to sunset for arch photography |
Back at Post Ranch Inn: Sierra Mar and evening options
Return to Post Ranch Inn and reserve time for Sierra Mar if you want an ocean-view lunch or dinner. Breakfast at Sierra Mar is reserved for overnight guests; lunch and dinner are open to the public with reservations—dinner seating is limited and recommended to reserve in advance.
If you prefer a low-key evening on property, relax at one of the outdoor pools (two heated cliffside basking pools and a separate meadow lap pool) or on your room terrace—many rooms, including Upper Pacific Suite, have ocean-facing balconies or terraces.
- Sierra Mar dinner: four-course prix fixe plus a longer tasting option; reservations required for dinner.
- Pools: open 24 hours for registered guests; two cliffside pools are heated and overlook the ocean.
- If you’re staying another night, consider booking a spa treatment for the following morning—spa hours are 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
| On-property option | Notes |
|---|---|
| Sierra Mar hours | Lunch and dinner service (breakfast reserved for guests) |
| Pools | Three outdoor pools with 24-hour access for guests |
| Spa hours | 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. |
Practical tips for timing, driving, and safety
Highway 1 is narrow and winding; drive carefully and allow extra time between stops. Rideshare options are limited in Big Sur—plan on driving yourself or pre-booking private transport.
Road closures and landslides occasionally affect Highway 1; check Caltrans or local updates before setting out. Cell service may be unreliable along stretches of the coast.
- Fuel up before you go—gas stations are not frequent on the coast.
- Bring cash or cards for parking fees and park passes where applicable.
- If you intend to watch for whales or condors, mornings can be foggier; mid-afternoon often offers clearer visibility.
| Need | Advice |
|---|---|
| Maps | Download offline maps or take a paper map (limited cell service) |
| Driving | Allow extra time on Highway 1; expect slower traffic near popular viewpoints |
| Transport | Pre-book private transfers if you do not want to drive |
