Nepenthe is located in the heart of the Big Sur Country. Click here to see the map.
Situated on the ocean side of Highway One, our property is 29 miles South of Carmel and 63 miles North of San Simeon.
Between these two points, Highway #1 is a spectacular, scenic coastal highway.
Our sign, driveway and parking area are directly adjacent to Highway #1. You can't miss us.
VISITOR TIP: Although Big Sur is beautiful in the summer and the days are long, you'll be able to enjoy it's majestic views, unencumbered trails and roads if you plan your visit for the off peak season from November to April. In addition, many hotels in the area offer greatly reduced winter rates.
From Los Angeles -
The Quicker Route
The Scenic Route
From San Francisco -
The Quicker Route
The Scenic Route
Our Favorite Beach -
Pfeiffer Beach -
Just two-miles north of Nepenthe, with a five minute drive down Sycamore Canyon Road is one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. Pfeiffer Beach has been photographed by Ansel Adams, and is featured prominently in "The Sand Piper." Coming to Big Sur, and not enjoying a walk on this beach would be a real shame.
To get to Pfeiffer Beach, drive north from Nepenthe on Highway One. After you crest the hill, in about half a mile you will pass Big Sur Center Deli and the US Post Office on your left. In another quarter mile you will go over an unmarked bridge. Just 300 yards later you will see an unmarked, paved road, heading downhill to your left. Take this road two miles to the end and park. There is a short path through cypress trees opening onto the mile long Pfeiffer Beach.
Be careful, it is easy to miss the turn from Highway One. Though there is no sign, after you make the turn you will see a sign which reads "Narrow, winding road, trailer traffic not recommended." There is a $5.00 dollar charge for parking at Pfeiffer Beach, but the visit makes the parking fee a bargain.
If you take the wrong road, you will find yourself on private property. So please watch where you turn.
Other Beaches of note include Garrapatta, Jade Cove, Pacific Valley Store and Sand Dollar Beaches. Stop by Nepenthe and ask directions to any of these great spots.
Our Favorite Hike-
Seven miles north of Nepenthe is the Andrew Molera State Park. By parking in their lot, downhill, on the ocean side of Highway One, you get access to some beautiful and easy hiking trails.
During the winter, no footbridge crosses the Big Sur River, so, without taking your shoes off you are restricted to the two-mile round trip through the campground, past the Cooper Cabin and on to the promontory above the river mouth. There are two benches to sit and watch the birds or the surfers on this jagged rocky hill, so it is nice to bring a snack and plan to relax for a bit.
After the rainy season is over, access to the West Side of the Big Sur River is available across a narrow footbridge. Across the river you can follow a level path to the beach, where beachcombing is possible for several miles south at low tide. Just before the beach, a left turn on the path will bring you up to the Bluff, Ridge and Panorama Trails. Here you can choose between a three-mile stroll above the ocean, an eight-mile loop overlooking the Big Sur Valley, or a wooded walk up river. These paths are well marked, with clear maps at each turn.
Lounging by the river, strolling at the beach and hiking the many trails in the Big Sur Country is the favorite pastime for all of us at Nepenthe. When you visit, the staff at Nepenthe can direct you to some other great hikes including, The Coast Ridge Road, The Tan Bark Trail to The Tin House and The Cone Peak Trail.
NEPENTHE
Highway #1, Big Sur, CA. 93920
(831) 667-2345
Fax: (831) 667-2394