Big Sur is a popular holiday destination in California perfect for those that like to escape the hectic city lifestyle. This stunning region is surrounded by the Santa Lucia Mountains to the east and the Pacific Ocean to the west. The terrain is varied and the views are breathtakingly beautiful. The northern end of the region of Big Sur is around 120 miles south of San Francisco and the southern end is around 245 miles northwest of Los Angeles, meaning it is a relatively easy drive from any of the states main cities.

There are only around 1000 permanent residents in Big Sur, with most the people there being tourists. The majority of residents are arty types and there are lots of arts and crafts shops in the region.

In 2008, a large fire meant that Big Sur had to be evacuated, and whilst there was no loss of life, the region lost over a third of it’s expected summer revenue from tourism.

The main attractions in this beautiful region are the scenery, however there are numerous other fantastic things on offer. The impressive Bixby Bridge is one of the most popular tourist attractions and offers stunning views over the Pacific. There are also numerous activities available including hiking, cycling and mountain climbing.

To protect the natural beauty of the region there aren’t a huge amount of buildings, meaning there are also limited hotel and accommodation options. Many people choose to camp when they visit Big Sur, although there are still a great choice of hotels for those that prefer a warm shower and room service!

There are hotels and motels to suit every budget and taste. It is advised that you book as far ahead as possible, particularly during the summer, as the accommodation fills up very quickly.

The Big Sur Lodge is a popular mid-range accommodation option, and is located in the Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park. The property has 61 cottage-style lodges with beautiful surrounds and stunning mountain views. There is also a restaurant and heated pool.

If you are after luxury on your holiday, the Post Ranch Inn is one of the most luxurious and spectacular in the region. It is a small hotel with 30 guest rooms with unique architecture. There are two pools at the hotel, as well as private decks and spa tubs in the rooms. And of course, stunning Big Sur views!

If you want to get close to nature but are not quite brave enough to go camping, then the Riverside Campground and Cabins is a good compromise! This mid-range resort has rustic cabins throughout their redwood forest surrounds. There are only limited facilities, but that just adds to the appeal of this tranquil resort.

Maybe you want to stay somewhere a bit out of the norm. The Treebones resort overlooks the Pacific Ocean and offers unique accommodation in ‘yurts’. These are a mix between a tent and a cabin. You can literally sleep under the stars with every yurt having a sky dome above the bed! There is also a heated pool and hot tub on the grounds as well as a community room where you can eat, chat, play games and more. It truly is a unique holiday experience at a great price!

The Glen Oaks Big Sur motel is another bargain accommodation option, so you can spend your money on visiting all the great sites the Big Sur region has to offer. Glen Oaks is more than just your typical run down motel though. It has been created in an old-fashioned rustic style, with wood fires and beautiful décor. There are a variety of different accommodation options ranging from the well-priced fireside guest rooms up to the luxurious riverside cabins. The riverside cabins offer the height of luxury and romance, with a large two-person walk in shower and heated floors. All rooms also include wireless internet.

These are just a few of the fabulous accommodation options in the stunning region of Big Sur. It will definitely be a trip you will never forget!