Getting around Big Sur and on-property transport
Getting around Big Sur and on-property transport at Post Ranch Inn requires a car for most excursions along Highway 1; the resort includes valet and self-parking and offers complimentary on-site transportation features (Lexus vehicles) and concierge assistance to arrange private transfers. Rely on the inn’s concierge to pre-book airport transfers, private drivers, or guided outings since rideshare services are unreliable in Big Sur.
In this guide
How to arrive: driving and road conditions
Post Ranch Inn sits atop Highway 1 at 47900 Highway 1, Big Sur. The property is remote and perched 1,200 feet above the Pacific, so nearly all guests arrive by car along the coastal highway.
Highway 1 is narrow and winding in places and sections can close because of landslides. Check Caltrans or local road-condition updates before you drive, especially in winter or after heavy rain.
- Nearest regional airport: Monterey Peninsula Airport (MRY); allow roughly an hour to 90 minutes by car from the airport depending on traffic.
- Other airports (San Jose, San Francisco) are significantly farther and add several hours of driving.
- Plan extra travel time for slow-moving tourist traffic and scenic photo stops along Highway 1.
| From | Typical drive time (approx.) |
|---|---|
| Monterey Peninsula Airport (MRY) | About 45–60 minutes (varies by source and traffic) |
| Carmel / Monterey (towns) | About 45–60 minutes |
| Big Sur landmarks (Pfeiffer Beach, McWay Falls) | 10–30 minutes (depending on destination) |
On-property transport: parking, valet and Lexus vehicles
Post Ranch Inn includes complimentary valet or self-parking as part of the room rate. The inn’s concierge offers porter service and luggage storage during arrival and departure.
The property provides use of Lexus vehicles for guests as a complimentary inclusion; availability and reservation details should be confirmed with the concierge at booking or on arrival.
- Valet parking and self-parking included with your room
- Porter service and luggage storage available
- Confirm Lexus vehicle availability or on-property vehicle policies with reservations or concierge
| Service | What to expect |
|---|---|
| Valet / Self-parking | Included in room rate |
| Lexus vehicles | Complimentary use reported; reserve with concierge |
| Porter / Luggage | Available at arrival/departure |
Transfers, shuttles and private drivers
Rideshare services (Uber/Lyft) are unreliable in Big Sur and many drivers decline long return trips; most guests pre-book private transfers or rental cars. Third-party listings show conflicting information about an on-request airport shuttle, so verify transfers directly with Post Ranch Inn or BookResorts agents.
Concierge can arrange private ground transport, guided drives, or recommended local drivers. If you require a scheduled airport transfer, contact the inn before arrival to confirm availability, timing and pricing.
- Do not rely on rideshare for guaranteed pickup/drop-off in Big Sur
- Pre-book private transfers or car service for airport runs and day trips
- Confirm any shuttle service directly with the hotel because third-party reports conflict
| Option | Notes |
|---|---|
| Private transfer (pre-booked) | Recommended for reliability |
| Rental car | Most flexible for independent exploration |
| Rideshare | Unreliable past Carmel—avoid as primary plan |
Getting around the property: walking and resort activities
Post Ranch Inn is spread across cliffs and redwood slopes; many guest rooms are connected by paths and stairs. Guests commonly walk between their accommodations, Sierra Mar, pools and the spa, but some routes are steep or uneven.
Complimentary resort activities (guided nature walks, morning yoga, Billy’s Trail, garden tours) are organized by the inn and often begin at central meeting points—check the daily activities schedule at concierge or front desk.
- Expect walking on sloped paths and steps between buildings—ask about room proximity if mobility is a concern
- Concierge schedules guided walks and on-property activities included with your stay
- Billy’s Trail is a short self-guided hike on the property available to guests
| On-property option | Typical access |
|---|---|
| Guided nature walks / birdwatching | Complimentary; sign up with concierge |
| Hotel pools and spa | Access included for registered guests; spa treatments require reservations |
| Sierra Mar (breakfast/lunch/dinner) | Breakfast is reserved for overnight guests; lunch/dinner reservations recommended |
Day trips and exploring Big Sur from the inn
A car is essential to reach most Big Sur points of interest. Popular nearby destinations include Pfeiffer Beach (Keyhole Arch), Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park, Bixby Bridge, McWay Falls and local galleries and libraries—many are a short drive from the inn.
Ask the concierge to help plan timed visits; some sites have limited parking or require short walks from pullouts. Weather and road closures along Highway 1 can change travel times.
- Pfeiffer Beach: about a 10-minute drive (Keyhole Arch viewpoint)
- Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park: ~15-minute walk from the property (per the home page)
- Bixby Bridge: roughly a 20–30 minute drive north
- McWay Falls (Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park): about 30 minutes south
| Destination | Typical access from Post Ranch Inn |
|---|---|
| Pfeiffer Beach / Keyhole Arch | Short drive (approx. 10 minutes) |
| Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park | Walkable (about 15 minutes per property info) or short drive |
| Bixby Creek Bridge | Drive north (roughly 20–30 minutes) |
Accessibility and mobility considerations
Post Ranch Inn provides accessible parking, an accessible path of travel, and accessible access to the concierge desk, spa, pool, and restaurant, but the property has no elevators. Guests with mobility needs should contact reservations to confirm specific room accessibility and path details.
Many rooms are spread across different elevations and connected by exterior stairways and pathways. If stairs or long walks are a concern, request rooms with easier access at booking and plan excursions accordingly.
- Property is wheelchair accessible in key areas, but there are no elevators
- Confirm accessibility of a specific room type (for example, Tree House, Cliff House, Upper Pacific Suite) with reservations
- Front desk and concierge can detail the most level routes between your room and resort amenities
| Concern | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Elevations/stairs | Request ground-level or closer rooms when booking |
| Transport from airport | Pre-book private transfer to limit walking and transfers |
| On-property mobility | Ask concierge for the most accessible routes; verify room-specific access |
