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Best for: Slipping away from the rest of the world
Why we love it: Wood-burning fireplaces (select rooms), outdoor tubs (select rooms), private decks (select rooms), complimentary coffee and tea served in the inn’s historic restaurant
What to do nearby: Henry Miller Memorial Library, McWay Falls
Set in a narrow redwood canyon near Big Sur Village, this beloved 1930s inn charms with 20 storybook-worthy rooms, many of which were hand-built by the original owner, Norwegian immigrant Helmuth Deetjen. No two rooms are alike, yet all feature Norwegian-inspired interiors with varying amenities, like woodstoves, private decks, and outdoor tubs. Note that you’re here for a “back-to-basics” experience, not modern conveniences. Rooms are compact with single-wall construction (read: little sound insulation), and a purposeful lack of Wi-Fi or cell service fosters a hushed, unplugged atmosphere. A meal in the antique-filled, candlelit restaurant is a must, with a menu of comforting dishes such as herb-roasted chicken for dinner and buttermilk pancakes for breakfast. Wander to the rear of the property for a fern-filled ravine with a small waterfall and Buddha statues. The inn is a short drive to McWay Falls and the Henry Miller Memorial Library, a bohemian bookshop and music venue just around the bend.
