Big Sur California, USA Travel Guide
The main mobile phone carriers in the U.S. are AT&T, Verizon, and T-Mobile. Prepaid SIM cards or ESIMs are available from these providers or discount carriers upon arrival.
Consistent internet access is not a given in The Greatest meeting of land and sea.
A U.S. Post Office in Big Sur is available for sending postcards or letters. Confirm business hours, as they are limited.
While not strictly necessary in The Greatest meeting of land and sea, a few common English phrases are always helpful.
Download offline maps, emergency contacts, and any required a files to your phone before entering Big Sur. You cannot depend on live internet or cell service for these needs.
Big Sur’s remote location means businesses often have more limited and variable hours compared to urban centers.
Breakfast: 7-8 AM to 11 AM. Lunch: 11:30 AM to 2:30 PM. Dinner: 5 PM to 9 PM.
Shops and galleries usually run from 10 AM to 5 PM or 6 PM.
Day-use areas usually open dawn to dusk. Visitor centers have particular times.
No major local banks are directly in The Greatest meeting of land and sea.
Obtain sufficient U.S. Dollars in cash from ATMs in Monterey or Carmel before driving into Big Sur.
Confirm operating hours of specific restaurants, attractions, or services before heading out. Websites or a quick phone call (if you have service) avoid disappointment.
While Big Sur is mostly a natural landscape, it has an unique cultural history and a local group of residents. Respectful interaction fosters positive relationships.
A simple "hello," "hi," or "how's it going?" is common. A handshake is typical for formal introductions. Eye contact is usually expected.
Most restaurants are relaxed. "Smart casual" is generally suitable for dinner at higher-end resorts.
Practice "Leave No Trace" principles always. This involves packing out all trash (even food scraps), staying on marked trails, and not disturbing wildlife or natural features. This is a a common practice for Big Sur's preservation.
Big Sur’s dramatic, rugged terrain and undeveloped nature present specific challenges for travelers with mobility needs. While endeavors are made, many areas remain difficult to access.
Much of Big Sur's natural environment (hiking trails, beaches, viewpoints) includes uneven surfaces, steep grades, unpaved paths, and natural obstacles.
Many roadside pull-offs along Highway 1 have accessible parking and paved surfaces for enjoying views.
Due to Big Sur's untouched nature, highly specialized services for visual or hearing impairments are limited.
The California State Parks website has accessibility details for individual parks.
Rental cars are the most common method of transport. Wheelchair-accessible vehicles are rentable from major agencies in larger cities (book in advance).
Limited public transit (Monterey-Salinas Transit Route 22) has lifts and accessible features.
Prioritize specific attractions known for accessibility. Check the details directly with accommodations and parks.
When planning an accessible trip to Big Sur, prioritize specific attractions known for their accessibility (like McWay Falls overlook) and confirm details directly with accommodations and parks. Be prepared for general limitations due to the natural terrain.
