BootsnAll Travel Community

Hiya,

I'm going to be relying on public transport, and would like to spend at least a couple of nights in Big Sur as part of a two week California trip. Won't have a tent/ sleeping bag so looking to stay in a cabin or maybe a hostel/ guest house.

I get the impression that I'm gonna have to book - is that right? (The only place I've seen so far that I liked was already fully booked for May.) Does anyone have a good idea of where we can stay? Looking for somewhere to experience a bit of countryside so ideally not too close to the malls.

Any suggestions would be great!

Unless it has changed a lot in the last few years, it is pretty remote - don't worry about the mall! The pub. tranps./hostel will prpbably be a challenge - it is much more friendly to the car-camper, as is the whole west. I vividly recall driving well over an hour round trip to get to an ATM - not many places of business.

I would reccomend you book if you are not camping. Every hotel will be in the woods - great place. Redwoods!

Here is some information on public transportation in Big Sur- it looks like there's one bus that's really an option. If I were you, I'd rent a car. Big Sur is gorgeous, but you'll probably want to check out a few different places there, places which (unless you are okay with a LOT of walking), the bus won't take you.

A week and a half ago, I was in Big Sur and went to Julia Pfeiffer State Park and Pfeiffer Beach among other places and it was absolutely gorgeous! But Big Sur does get packed. I'd recommend booking even if you were camping.

And don't worry about malls, none of those around there.

It is probably wise to book ahead...

How about the Big Sur Lodge, located inside Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park. No need for your sleeping bag, though lots of access to great trails that take you into the woods or down to the beach. By staying at the lodge, you have access to 5 other state parks in the area.

The Ripplewood Resort sounds fancy, but it is the most reasonably priced accomodation (other than camping) that you will likely find in Big Sur. It is located in the 'center' of Big Sur...but keep in mind that the entire town is really just a smattering of buildings along Highway 1. For big city anything, you will have to look in Carmel, north of Big Sur, and even that will be limited.

I have to agree with previous posters in their reccomendations to rent a car. With that, you could visit Limekiln State Park, which has a waterfall, limekiln ruins, and beach access. If you are interested in California missions, you could also see Mission San Antonio de Padua.While it is a challenge to reach this mission, it is worth the trip, since it has been restored and is quite beautiful. The most direct route would be from Highway 101, though getting to 101 from Big Sur is a long drive. However, there is access from G18, a small road which is 5-10 miles south of Limekiln Park. Don't attempt without 4 WD.

In any case, here is a good spot to check trail conditions. There is spectacular hiking in the Big Sur area! Don't miss the Mcway Falls in Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park.

What is your route for the two week trip?

Cheers guys - it's great to have so much help!

The plan (not booked as yet, but hoping to book the necessary stuff tomorrow) is as follows...

LA for a couple of days to see Hollywood & some beach, Las Vegas for another couple of days, a a day trip to the Grand Canyon. Flight to San Fransisco (Oakland) and a couple of days there with maybe a ferry to Alcatraz. Then down the coast to have a night at Santz Cruz, and a couple in Big Sur. One or two nights in San Simeon for a day at Hearst Castle and back to LA for a morning flight.

I've been looking at other threads and can see that there is so much more to see, but I want a bit of time to enjoy myself rather than just crossing everything off the list!

Will see if there is somewhere around Big Sur to rent a car for a few days, but as far as I can see it's gonna be quite a bit more expensive than public transport (I'm 23) so need to limit the budget a bit.

Is there bus transportation from Southern California that goes up the PCH?

quote:

Originally posted by BillGlo:
Is there bus transportation from Southern California that goes up the PCH?

Green Tortoise has a tour and there are also a number of tour companies that offer tours, but most of those seem to be expensive week-long ordeals.

I'm not sure there is just regular old bus transportation, though. Greyhound doesn't go to Monterey or Carmel.
Come to think of it, I don't think I've ever seen a full-size bus on that section of Hwy 1- they're probably fairly rare because the road is so windy and narrow...

Here is a bus that goes to Big Sur.

This mstis the link Keppie gave above which lists the available bus routes. You can link in with Greyhound/ Amtrak at Salinas in the North and get to Nepenthe.

There is public transport between San Luis Obispo in the south (On Greyhound/ Amtrak route) and San Simeon/ Hearst Castle. (Here)

How the hell you get fron Nepenthe to San Simeon I have no idea! Looks like I'll probably be hiring a car for a bit especially as the buses are just once a day.

Sorry - you must have been added that while I was searching for the missing transport link. Oops!