Falconry, whale watching and wildlife: unique Big Sur experiences
Post Ranch Inn pairs cliffside ocean views with guided wildlife experiences: an on-site Falconry Experience led by a master falconer, seasonal whale-watching opportunities visible from Sierra Mar and some rooms, and daily nature activities and trails for birdwatching and redwood viewing. The property is adults-only (minimum check-in age 18) and includes complimentary daily breakfast, guided walks, and access to three outdoor pools and the Post Ranch Spa.
In this guide
- Falconry Experience: hands-on birds of prey
- Whale watching from the cliffs and Sierra Mar
- Wildlife & birding on-property and nearby
- Trails and guided nature activities
- Where to stay for wildlife views and private decks
- Spa, pools and quiet wildlife-watching spots
- Practical tips: timing, travel and resort rules
Falconry Experience: hands-on birds of prey
Post Ranch Inn runs a Falconry Experience led by a master falconer. Sessions present six birds of prey, including the Peregrine Falcon and the Great Horned Owl.
These are guided group sessions that run throughout the week and are a special, fee-based activity arranged through the resort.
- $200 per guest for a typical two-hour session (as listed by the resort).
- Small-group format with close encounters and handling under the falconer's supervision.
- Scheduled weekly — ask the concierge on arrival for exact days and booking availability.
| What | Detail |
|---|---|
| Leader | Master falconer (Post Ranch Inn–led) |
| Featured birds | Peregrine Falcon, Great Horned Owl, plus others |
| Duration & cost | 2 hours / $200 per guest (resort listing) |
Whale watching from the cliffs and Sierra Mar
Big Sur’s offshore waters are a migration corridor for several whale species. Guests often watch for humpback whales offshore in summer and fall, and for migrating gray whales from December into spring.
Sierra Mar’s ocean-view patio and some cliff-facing rooms provide good vantage points for spotting whales during breakfast or while on a terrace.
- Humpback whales: most often sighted in summer and fall.
- Gray whales: migrate past Big Sur from December into spring.
- Ask the concierge about seasonal guided whale-watch outings or suggested viewpoints.
| Where to watch | Why it helps |
|---|---|
| Sierra Mar patio | Ocean-facing, reserved seating for hotel guests at breakfast and available at lunch/dinner |
| Cliffside terraces/rooms | Direct ocean sightlines from many suites (visibility varies by weather and time of year) |
| Guided boat trips (off-property) | Recommended for closer viewing—ask concierge to arrange |
Wildlife & birding on-property and nearby
Post Ranch Inn organizes guided nature walks and birdwatching with binoculars provided; the Big Sur area is home to birds, deer and, on rare occasions, California Condors.
The inn encourages guests to watch for condors and other raptors from cliffside viewpoints or select rooms, and to join guided walks to increase the chance of sightings.
- Look for deer on lawns and in nearby woodlands on the property.
- Big Sur is one of three places where California Condors can be observed; sightings are possible from the property.
- Guided birdwatching and morning nature walks are part of the complimentary activities schedule.
| Typical wildlife | Best place to look |
|---|---|
| Deer | Resort lawns and cliff-edge landscaping |
| Raptors (including condors) | Cliff viewpoints, guided walks |
| Seals, sea lions | Coastal overlooks and nearby reserves like Point Lobos |
Trails and guided nature activities
Billy’s Trail is a short, self-guided hike on the Post Ranch Inn property that guests can walk alone or with a guide. The resort’s activity schedule also includes forest meditation, morning yoga, and edible garden tours.
Concierge staff can recommend nearby state parks and coastal trails—Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park and Partington Cove are frequently visited by guests.
- On-property: Billy’s Trail (self-guided) and guided nature walks.
- Nearby: Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park (roughly a 15-minute walk) and Partington Cove (short drive).
- Ask concierge for tide and trail safety tips and for current trail conditions.
| Activity | How the resort helps |
|---|---|
| Guided nature hikes | Daily schedule and guides available—check concierge |
| Forest meditation & yoga | Complimentary classes on the resort activity roster |
| Chef's Garden tour | Edible garden tour included among complimentary activities |
Where to stay for wildlife views and private decks
Many cliff-facing rooms have direct ocean views or private terraces that make wildlife and whale watching convenient from your suite. Room types with prominent ocean terraces include Upper Pacific Suite, Lower Pacific Suite, and Ocean House Northern.
If you plan to spend time on a terrace watching the horizon, confirm the specific room’s view and outdoor seating when you book; the resort’s rooms vary between cliffside ocean outlooks and tree/forest settings.
- Upper Pacific Suite — ocean-view terrace and in-suite outdoor amenities (contact resort for details).
- Lower Pacific Suite — ocean-facing interior and terrace seating.
- Ocean House Northern — ocean-view cottage with private deck options.
| Room name | Why choose it |
|---|---|
| Upper Pacific Suite | Large ocean terrace and private soaking-tub options |
| Lower Pacific Suite | Direct ocean-facing glass doors and terrace seating |
| Ocean House Northern | Cottage-style ocean-view accommodation with outdoor deck |
Spa, pools and quiet wildlife-watching spots
The Post Ranch Spa offers treatments (including the Post Ranch Signature Massage and Sound Healing Journey) and a private Redwood Sanctuary couples suite; many treatments can be booked in-room or on private decks. Spa hours are typically 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
The resort has three outdoor pools: two heated cliffside 'basking' infinity pools and a separate lap/swimming pool in a meadow. Pool access is available 24 hours a day for registered guests.
- Spa treatments: signature massage, couples massage, sound healing, Shamanic Energy Medicine, reflexology, craniosacral therapy and more.
- Pools: two cliffside heated pools kept near 104°F and one meadow lap pool; all are available round-the-clock.
- Quiet vantage points: stone terraces, the Sierra Mar patio and private room decks are prime spots for casual wildlife watching.
| Facility | Notes |
|---|---|
| The Post Ranch Spa | Five treatment rooms, couples wellness suite; many treatments bookable in-suite |
| Cliffside pools | Two heated infinity 'basking' pools with ocean views (approx. 104°F) |
| Meadow lap pool | Separate swimming pool in a sunny meadow setting |
Practical tips: timing, travel and resort rules
Best overall months for clear weather and views are often September through November; late spring and early fall also offer good visibility with fewer crowds. Coastal fog is common in mornings, so bring layers.
A car is essential for reaching and exploring Big Sur; Monterey Regional Airport (MRY) is the closest regional airport. Check Highway 1 road conditions before travel—closures can occur due to landslides.
- Minimum check-in age: 18 years old. Post Ranch Inn is adults-only; all rooms are limited to two guests and one king bed each.
- Check-in begins at 4:00 p.m.; check-out is 12:00 noon. A two-night minimum stay is required for reservations.
- Complimentary daily breakfast at Sierra Mar is reserved for overnight guests; lunch and dinner at Sierra Mar are available to non-guests with reservations.
| Policy | What to expect |
|---|---|
| Age policy | Adults-only; minimum check-in age 18 |
| Stay length | Two-night minimum required |
| Breakfast | Complimentary for overnight guests, served at Sierra Mar |
