Glamping and Hiking: Big Sur Coastline Roadtrip Ideas
If you’re seeking an unforgettable California travel experience, look no further than Big Sur, a coastal paradise that will capture your heart and leave you in awe. With its breathtaking vistas of rugged cliffs, ancient redwood forests, and the majestic Pacific Ocean, Big Sur is a nature lover’s dream come true. Immerse yourself in the tranquility of secluded beaches, hike along scenic trails that lead to hidden waterfalls, and stay in California’s most unique glampsite while soaking in panoramic views at Treebones Resort.
Big Sur Glamping
Glamping (glamorous camping) is a luxurious and immersive outdoor experience that combines the best of camping and comfort – It’s a way to enjoy the beauty of nature without sacrificing modern amenities. Glamping offers a unique blend of adventure and indulgence, allowing travelers to escape the confines of city life while enjoying plush accommodations such as spacious tents, cozy beds, private bathrooms, and even gourmet dining options. Whether it’s staying in a safari tent nestled in a picturesque wilderness or a cozy yurt overlooking a serene lake, glamping provides an extraordinary opportunity to reconnect with nature in style and elegance.
What are the best months to camp in big sur?
The best time to camp in Big Sur is Summer and Fall. While Spring offers nice camping temperatures, there are often road closures from mudslides which limit access and can make the drive inconvenient. The summer months, especially July and August, are popular among campers due to the warm temperatures and longer daylight hours, providing ample time to explore the stunning coastline and hike the picturesque trails. In the Fall, the weather is cooler and the crowds are fewer, allowing for a more tranquil and intimate camping experience.
The Human Nest at Treebones Resort
The human nest at Treebones Resort in Big Sur is the most unique lodging in all of California and has an interesting history. It was conceived by the resort’s owner, John Handy, as a unique and eco-friendly accommodation option for guests. The nest was designed and built by Jayson Fann, a local artist and builder, who used natural materials such as tree branches and twigs to create a stunning and sustainable structure resembling a giant bird’s nest. Since its construction, the human nest has become an iconic symbol of Treebones Resort and has garnered attention from visitors around the world. It offers a one-of-a-kind experience, allowing guests to sleep in a cozy and whimsical nest while being surrounded by the beauty of the Big Sur coastline. The human nest stands as a testament to the resort’s commitment to providing unique and sustainable accommodations that harmonize with the natural environment.
This glamping campsite comes with a space for your tent in addition to the iconic “nest” that’s perched up on a wooden ladder with view of the Big Sur Coast and the Pacific Ocean. The nest is not waterproof as it is built out of branches so it’s good to have your tent pitched as well in case it starts to rain, but it is very well constructed and stable.
Sleeping in the nest is an incredible experience – I’d recommend bringing your own sleeping pads and sleeping bag or blankets. We used two Expeds which was fit perfectly and were super comfortable. Waking up high above the coast to see the ocean was the best part of this glamping experience.
Keep in mind there is wildlife in the area and not to leave anything scented in your tents – we learned the hard way and a creature ate through our vacant tent.
There is only one Human Nest campsite at Treebones Resort and it is a popular site that usually books out months in advance for a weekend spot so I’d consider planning at least half a year in advance – I booked my reservations 11 months out for the first available weekend reservation and experienced sleeping here in October 2017. Also, the nest only sleeps two and showers and restroom facilities are a short walk away.
There is also Twig Hut campsite which offers a similar experience in a larger cabin-like option, but these two are the only lodging options made of branches here.
Treebones Resort Big Sur Prices
You do have to book all sites with two nights minimum. Here are the starting prices as of 2023:
- Tent campsite $105 – bring your own tent
- Human Nest $195
- Twig Hut $235
- Yurts $360 – circular canvas “tent” with plush bedding and electricity options
- Autonomous Tent $895 – 600 sq ft of solar-powered, modern and clean amenities (basically like a hotel room in the great outdoors, mini-refrigerator and all)
What to Bring to Treebones Resort
This depends on your form of accommodation at Treebones Resort – are you glamping, or tent camping? If you’re staying in a yurt, you won’t need the common sleeping gear such as a tent, sleeping bag, or sleeping pad. If you’re staying in the Human Nest, you will need a sleeping bag. There is a full-size futon pad inside the nest but I’d recommend bringing your own for added comfort. You can bring a camp stove but there is also a restaurant at the main lodge and breakfast is included with your stay.
Other Big Sur Resorts Nearby
Luxury Lodging: If you’re looking for just the luxury and none of the camping accommodations for the rest of your Big Sur road trip, Alila Ventana Big Sur has all of the glam amenities while still being nestled in nature along the coast.
Convenient to Town Lodging: The Big Sur Lodge is a charming lodge in town close that is to Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park, the Big Sur Station, the bakery, and restaurants.
Group Lodging: This beautiful cabin sleeps up to 10 and has an outdoor balcony and infinity pool overlooking the ocean. If you’re planning a getaway with some friends, book this before it sells out
Hikes near Treebones Resorts
McWay Falls in Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park
McWay Falls is a scenic waterfall located in Big Sur, California. This iconic 80 ft waterfall is known for its unique beauty and accessibility. The waterfall cascades directly onto a picturesque sandy beach and flows into the turquoise waters of the Pacific Ocean coastline. Access to the falls is restricted to preserve its natural beauty, but visitors can enjoy the view from designated viewpoints above through short hiking trails. McWay Falls is a must-see destination for nature lovers and those seeking stunning coastal landscapes in the Big Sur region.
Limekiln State Park
Limekiln State Park, nestled along California’s breathtaking Big Sur coastline, is a hidden gem that captures the essence of natural beauty. This coastal sanctuary enchants visitors with its rugged cliffs, ancient redwood groves, and picturesque waterfalls. The park’s namesake, the historic limekilns, stands as a testament to the region’s industrial past, while also providing a glimpse into the rich cultural heritage of the area.
The Limekiln Falls Trail is a favorite, leading adventurers through a lush redwood forest, alongside a sparkling creek, and culminating in a majestic waterfall that cascades down moss-covered rocks.
For those seeking a coastal experience, the Hare Creek Trail provides stunning ocean vistas as it winds through coastal scrub and wildflowers, rewarding hikers with breathtaking views of the Pacific.
Lastly, the Limekiln Beach Trail combines both forest and coastal elements, guiding hikers to a secluded and pristine beach where the rhythmic sound of crashing waves beckons them to unwind.
Each of these trails offers a unique and unforgettable journey, ensuring that hikers at Limekiln State Park are rewarded with remarkable scenery and a deep connection to nature.
Point Lobos State Natural Reserve
A short drive north from Big Sur is Point Lobos State Park, although if the highway is closed, you’ll have to drive around on the 101 which makes this trip closer to 3.5 hr one way.
Point Lobos State Natural Reserve is a stunning coastal reserve located in California’s Big Sur region. It is known for its remarkable beauty and diverse ecosystems. The reserve encompasses rocky cliffs, sandy beaches, and dense forests, providing a habitat for a wide variety of plant and animal species.
Visitors can explore numerous hiking trails that wind through the reserve, offering breathtaking views of the rugged coastline, hidden coves, and pristine turquoise waters. Point Lobos is home to a rich marine life, including seals, sea lions, and sea otters, making it a popular spot for wildlife enthusiasts and photographers. The reserve also features historical landmarks, such as the Whalers Cabin, which provides insight into the area’s past.
China Cove
China Cove is a popular hiking destination within Point Lobos State Natural Reserve in California’s Big Sur region. The China Cove hike offers visitors a chance to explore the reserve’s stunning coastal landscapes and discover the hidden beauty of this picturesque cove.
The hike to China Cove typically starts from the main parking area near the reserve entrance. From there, visitors can follow the designated trails and signs that lead to China Cove. The trail meanders through a mix of coastal scrub and forested areas, providing glimpses of the surrounding natural beauty along the way.
As hikers approach China Cove, they are greeted by breathtaking views of the turquoise waters and rugged cliffs that characterize this coastal gem. The cove is named for its history as a landing site for Chinese fishermen in the 1850s. Today, it is a protected area that showcases the rich marine life (including seals, sea lions, and various seabirds) and captivating geological formations found within Point Lobos.
Big Basin Redwoods State Park
The Skyline to the Sea Trail has now partially reopened from Gazos Creek Road to North Escape Road. This is a bit further from Big Sur but if you’re roadtripping from the Bay area, you’ll pass through! Much of Big Basin Redwoods State Park was badly burned by the 2020 wildfires so not all of the park has reopened.
Are there bears in Big Sur
Bears are not very common in Big Sur, but there have been sightings reported occasionally. If you are to come across a bear, it will likely be a Black Bear as Grizzlies are said to be extinct in California. Remember, black bears are the “friendlier” bears that scare easily – look big.
I would be more concerned for ticks and mountain lions in the Big Sur area.
Other Things to Do Near Big Sur
- Enjoy the vistas from the famous Bixby Bridge
- E-bike adventure tour: explore the Old Coast Road on this bike tour and learn the history of northern Big Sur. The 4×4 dirt road makes for an adventurous way to spend your day enjoying views of both the ocean and redwood forest before relaxing at camp. This tour starts conveniently in town.
- Ocean adventure – Whale Watching in Monterey: this half-day tour embarks from the coast of Monterey to see marine wildlife. Gray whales are the most common, but sometimes you may get lucky and see humpback whales, blue whales, or even dolphins and sea lions!
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