Top 5 Most Romantic Hotels in Big Sur For Every Budget

9/1/2025

Few places in the world capture romance quite like Big Sur. With its rugged coastal cliffs, towering redwood forests, and stunning sunsets, this stretch of California’s Highway 1 feels like it was made for couples. Whether you’re planning a romantic getaway, celebrating an anniversary, or simply looking for a place to reconnect, Big Sur has a magical way of slowing everything down. And the best part? You don’t need an unlimited budget to experience it. From cliffside luxury resorts to cozy cabins tucked in the forest, here are five of the most romantic places to stay in Big Sur for every budget.

Top 5 Romantic Hotels in Big Sur

Here's a look at Big Sur lodging at-a-glance:

If you're looking for a modern cabin surrounded by redwoods, check out Glen Oaks Big Sur.
If you're looking for an all-inclusive luxury resort with activities onsite, Alila Ventana Big Sur.
If you're looking for a luxury once-in-a-lifetime experience, check out Post Ranch Inn.
If you're looking for a cozy cabin-in-the-woods stay, check out Deetjen's.
If you're looking for budget-friendly lodging, check out the glampsites at Ventana Campgrounds.
If you're looking for coastal views, check out Hyatt Carmel Highlands and Tickle Pink Inn.

Planning a special occasion? Check out these guides below for more info:

Glen Oaks Big Sur

PERFECT FOR: Couples who love the idea of spending slow mornings walking amongst the redwood trees. Glen Oaks is one of my favorite places to stay because you could spend hours just exploring the trails or sitting in the Adirondacks chairs by the river. Each cabin is unique - some even have kitchenettes, private fire pits, or even outdoor soaking tubs. Complimentary firewood is provided, so don't forget to buy a s'mores kit from the front desk!
INSIDER TIP: Glen Oaks is separated into two parts on either side of Highway 1. For a secluded redwoods getaway, book one of the Redwood Grove cabins.
AVERAGE COST: $500/night
PLANNING A SPECIAL OCCASION? Check out the Glen Oaks Big Sur Wedding and Elopement Guide, or examples of a Glen Oaks Big Sur elopement, wedding, engagement, or proposal.
FOR MORE INFO: https://glenoaksbigsur.com/

Alila Ventana Big Sur

PERFECT FOR: Couples looking for an all-inclusive luxury resort experience, with amenities such as infinity hot tubs overlooking the forest and Japanese hot baths, as well as workshops like falconry or kintsugi so you'll never run out of things to do. The Sur House, their onsite restaurant, has stunning ocean views. Another reason to stay here? It's perfect for couples who want to bring their dog, as it's one of the most dog-friendly hotels in Big Sur.
INSIDER TIP: As a Hyatt property, the best way to book this hotel is using points, since your points will go farther here. You can get 4-6 cents/point compared to the usual Hyatt redemption value of 2 cents/point.
AVERAGE COST: $2,500/night, or 35-45k Hyatt points/night
PLANNING A SPECIAL OCCASION? Check out an example of an Alila Ventana Big Sur elopement, wedding, or proposal.
FOR MORE INFO: https://www.ventanabigsur.com/

Ventana Campground

PERFECT FOR: Couples looking for a budget-friendly place to stay that's a step above camping. Right next to Alila Ventana Big Sur, Ventana Campground has redwood glampsites complete with a fire pit, Adirondack chairs, and modern bathrooms. Each of the glamping sites have ample space for a quiet, romantic stay.
INSIDER TIP: Looking for a similar budget-friendly campground option but want a cabin? Check out the Big Sur Campground A-frame cabins (just note that the sites are very close together!)
AVERAGE COST: $240/night
PLANNING A SPECIAL OCCASION? Check out an example of a Ventana glamping proposal.
FOR MORE INFO: https://ventanacamping.com/

Post Ranch Inn

PERFECT FOR: Couples looking for a once-in-a-lifetime luxury experience. With a variety of rooms ranging from oceanfront houses to freestanding treehouses, Post Ranch Inn is easily the most beautiful place to stay in Big Sur. You won't want to leave - you can spend your evenings watching the sunset from their infinity spa pools, and enjoy meals at their onsite restaurant Sierra Mar.
INSIDER TIP: If Post Ranch Inn is out of your budget, make a dinner reservation for sunset at their restaurant Sierra Mar.
AVERAGE COST: $2,300/night
PLANNING A SPECIAL OCCASION? Check out an example of a Post Ranch Inn maternity session.
FOR MORE INFO: https://postranchinn.com/

Deetjen's

PERFECT FOR: Couples looking for a charming, cozy rustic cabin getaway. This historic inn offers an authentic Big Sur experience - just follow their Instagram @deetjensbigsurinn and you'll immediately fall in love with this place. It's all about vibes here. Note that there's no wifi or cell service.
INSIDER TIP: Don’t skip breakfast at the inn’s restaurant, which is a well-respected local favorite.
AVERAGE COST: $290/night
PLANNING A SPECIAL OCCASION? Check out an example of a Deetjen's elopement.
FOR MORE INFO: https://www.deetjens.org/

Bonus: Hyatt Carmel Highlands

PERFECT FOR: Couples wanting an oceanfront view and easy access to Monterey, Carmel, and Pebble Beach. While Hyatt Carmel Highlands isn't technically in Big Sur, it's the gateway to the Big Sur coast. Some even consider this stretch of Highway 1 part of Big Sur itself, as it's where you'll start to see the epic coastline and rocky cliffs that Big Sur is known for.
INSIDER TIP: Make a sunset dinner reservation for their onsite restaurant Pacific's Edge, which overlooks the gazebo you see above.
AVERAGE COST: $390/night, or 25-40k Hyatt points/night
PLANNING A SPECIAL OCCASION? Check out examples of a Hyatt Carmel Highlands elopement, wedding, or proposal.
FOR MORE INFO: https://www.hyatt.com/en-US/hotel/california/hyatt-carmel-highlands/higph

Bonus: Tickle Pink Inn

PERFECT FOR: Couples looking for Italy and Lake Como vibes in California. This hotel is adjacent to Hyatt Carmel Highlands, and the perfect alternative if you're looking for a more boutique oceanfront experience.
INSIDER TIP: Book one of their ocean view fireplace rooms for a perfect combination of cozy evenings and sweeping coastal views.
AVERAGE COST: $495/night
FOR MORE INFO: https://www.ticklepinkinn.com/

Celebrating a special occasion in Big Sur? Reach out for more info on planning a proposal, engagement, elopement, or wedding here, or if you're just looking for a photographer to document your time here on the California coast!

Let's plan your romantic Big Sur getaway!

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