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Big Sur - lodging and activities question
Hi Fodorites,
After 12 years we are planning to visit Big Sur again this December. During the last visit we stayed at the Big Sur Lodge and I remember that as being a comfortable stay. This time I have booked at Deetjen's Big Sur Inn. We are now traveling with a teenager. Is there any specific advantage of one over the other i.e. Big Sur Inn and Big Sur Lodge. Which lodging option would you recommend? Last time we were in the area during summer, this one is in winter. Is there opportunity to do hikes and other outdoor activities or will it be hampered by rain. I realize that my planning tends to be with memories of the summer trip! Your inputs will be much appreciated. Thanks. |
I personally would not pre-plan a trip to Big Sur in December. Dec - Feb is our rainiest season and Highway 1 has -- let's just say 'issues'. One heavy rain storm and there can be multiple slides/closures.
If I HAD to visit that area in December I'd stay north of Big Sur in Carmel or Monterey or Pacific Grove -- that way if there is bad weather/slides you'd be able to see and do other things. |
Meant to add -- the weather can be fine too. The problem is you won't know which is which until a couple of days before your trip and by then it may be too late to change your plans.
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I would do as Janis recommends. Winter is our rainy season. Staying in Monterey, Carmel or Pacific Grove offers more options if the weather does not cooperate. |
Hmm.., I am a bit disappointed to hear this because I had my heart set on staying in one of those 2 lodgings. Have currently booked for 3 nights. |
Deetjens is kinda funky. We always stay at the Big Sur Lodge, and we stay there once most years. We stayed at Deetjens in the 1970s when we were much younger and funky was "in". But back then we mostly camped, however.
Agree with others - stay in Carmel. Stu Dudley |
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If quirky, historic and funky appeals to you then Deetjen’s is perfect and their dining room is one of my favorite breakfast stops along the coast. I agree with everyone that it would be wise staying in Carmel or Monterey. As mentioned, if weather issues close the highway you will still be able to do things. But that’s your call to make if you are willing to chance it. |
Can you make a cancellable reservations and check the forecast closer to arrival? The advantage of Big Sur Lodge would be hiking directly from the lodge.
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Thank you all for your input. Booking can be canceled up to 7 days from start. Will see situation closer to travel date and decide. We are thinking Big Sur Lodge might be better, the accommodation gives us bit more space compared to the inn and is also located inside the park and not on the highway. |
Note that staying at Big Sur Lodge also gets you free admission to all the other California State Parks in the region - including Pfeiffer State Park (where the lodge is located), Julia Pfeiffer Burns SP, Molera State Park, and perhaps a few others. But not Pfeiffer Beach, because it is a National Park.
Stu Dudley |
Dear Fodorites,
Just wanted to give an update on our trip. In the end, the draw of Big Sur was too much for us to resist so we went ahead with 3 nights stay at the Big Sur Lodge. When we drove there from SFO it was rather stormy and raining steadily. However, we were blessed with 2 days of blue skies and sunshine. Access to some of the beaches were closed due to flooding and dangerous conditions but we could do hiking in Pfeiffer Big Sur park, Andrew Molera, and just sit by the fireplace and unwind. I am so glad that this precious stretch of the coastline is being maintained with such care that except for some mud slide areas still being fixed and burned trunks of redwood trees due to fire, it was all just as I remembered it from many years ago. We went for some amazing breakfasts at Deetjen's this time which was another highlight of the trip. |
Glad your trip worked out and the weather cooperated. Thanks for reporting back.
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