A trail leads under the highway bridge to McWay Cove and a waterfall, which plunges into the ocean. Other things to do include visiting the Henry Miller Library . Big Sur is, of course, the home of the Esalen Institute, the famed residential center which focuses on human existence and potential. Ventana has a year-round campground, set in the redwood forest. This fine piece of architecture is set high on a hill overlooking the ocean and forest.
Staff provide guided nature walks and complimentary breakfast is served.
Some rooms have fireplaces and others have kitchens. The lodge features a heated pool and is near several nature trails. Limekiln Creek Redwoods Campground is south of Lucia. Public campgrounds are in the Pt. Lobos Reserve and in the state parks, including Plaskett Creek and Kirk Creek.