Deetjen's Big Sur Inn
A historic, bohemian inn nestled in redwoods, offering a magical escape with no Wi-Fi and acclaimed dining.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

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From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Beat the weekend brunch rush
Deetjen's Big Sur Inn
Best Time
Beat the weekend brunch rush

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A historic, bohemian inn nestled in redwoods, offering a magical escape with no Wi-Fi and acclaimed dining.
"This is one of the single most magical places on the planet."
🎯 Book Restaurant Tables
Reservations are essential for dinner and highly recommended for breakfast to secure a spot.
📵 Embrace No Wi-Fi
Prepare to disconnect; there's no cell service or Wi-Fi. Enjoy the peace and quiet!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Historic Inn Charm
Step back in time in this bohemian, rustic inn nestled among redwoods. A truly unique and charming stay.

Enchanted Dining Experience
Enjoy delicious, creative dishes in a magical setting with fairy lights and vintage china.

The Thirteenth Room
A special cabin where the creek roars outside your window, offering a unique nature immersion.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Disconnect
Book Ahead for Dining
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Book Restaurant Tables
Reservations are essential for dinner and highly recommended for breakfast to secure a spot.
📵 Embrace No Wi-Fi
Prepare to disconnect; there's no cell service or Wi-Fi. Enjoy the peace and quiet!
🍳 Don't Miss Brunch
The breakfast burrito is legendary! Arrive early for the best experience.
🚗 Drive Safely on Hwy 1
The drive to Deetjen's is scenic but winding. Take your time and enjoy the coastal views.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Book Restaurant Tables
Reservations are essential for dinner and highly recommended for breakfast to secure a spot.
📵 Embrace No Wi-Fi
Prepare to disconnect; there's no cell service or Wi-Fi. Enjoy the peace and quiet!
🍳 Don't Miss Brunch
The breakfast burrito is legendary! Arrive early for the best experience.
🚗 Drive Safely on Hwy 1
The drive to Deetjen's is scenic but winding. Take your time and enjoy the coastal views.
🥾 Explore Nearby Nature
While direct beach access is limited, nearby parks offer stunning hiking and ocean views.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Deetjen's Big Sur Inn is lauded for its incredibly charming, historic ambiance and its magical, disconnected atmosphere. Guests rave about the exceptional food at the on-site restaurant, particularly the breakfast and dinner offerings. However, some visitors note the lack of direct access to hiking trails and the ocean from the property itself, requiring driving to nearby parks.
"Beautiful place, however, it lacks many things. If you just want to go over and stay in a quiet cabin this is the place. However my idea of going there, to Big Sur, was to be able to find several trails to hike and to have access to the ocean. However I was not able to do any of that from this location. The cabins are surrounded by nature but if you wanna go hiking or see a river/creek or even walk to the beach this is the worst place to stay at. This is just a place to take pictures. There’s only one trail which leads up the mountain by a dirt road which is really sunny. And as you walk you find a sign that says that you can’t trespass so practically you can just see the ocean from far away but you can never access it from there and you cannot really walk into the woods. There is no TV or radio no amenities close by. The restaurant is closed in the afternoon. this is just a place to spend the night but not really enjoy your vacation because you have to drive out to dine or to hike or to go to the beach.. it’s very sad that such a beautiful location doesn’t have enough to offer"
Moni A (Fa)
"If you are reading this before 12:00 noon, quick, you do NOT have a lot of time. GET THERE RIGHT NOW (for the brunch service)! If you were to look up the words « yum.com » « delightful » and « good as a mug » in the dictionary, deetjen would be used in the example sentences or beside the word in a photo if it was one of those kind of dictionary’s. Get the breakfast burrito. It is delectable and massive. Got recommended this place by a staff member in the Henry Miller library and BOY OH BOY they were right. Lovely staff and wonderful interior. 7 hell yeahs."
Luke Murphy
"If you're lucky enough to visit the northern Cali coastline, Deetjens is a must! It has the rustic Big Sur charm combined with exceptional and creative dishes. It's a popular breakfast destination for eggs Benedict and French toast. But dinner is equally delicious. Best crab cakes ever! Definitely try the chef's specials. He has been the head chef for over a decade for a reason. So come hungry and cozy up to the fireplace and enjoy the quaint ambiance and gardens."
Ursula Calef
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Deetjen's Big Sur Inn is located directly off Highway 1. The drive itself is a significant part of the experience, offering breathtaking coastal views. Be prepared for winding roads.
Yes, parking is available for guests. However, spaces can be limited, especially during peak times. Arriving earlier in the day can help secure a spot.
Many travelers recommend driving Highway 1 from north to south for the best ocean views. Check road conditions before you go, as closures can occur.
Public transport is very limited in Big Sur. Most visitors drive. Consider ride-sharing services if available, but be aware of spotty cell service.
The closest major airports are Monterey Regional Airport (MRY) and San Jose International Airport (SJC). From there, you'll need to rent a car.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No tickets are required to visit the inn or its restaurant. However, reservations are highly recommended for dining, especially dinner.
The restaurant typically serves breakfast and dinner. Hours can vary, so it's best to check their official website or call ahead. They are often closed in the afternoon.
There is no entrance fee to access the grounds of Deetjen's Big Sur Inn. If you plan to hike in nearby state parks, those may have separate entrance fees.
Yes, rooms and cabins can be booked directly through their website or by calling. Booking in advance is strongly advised due to high demand.
Standard check-in and check-out times apply, typically in the afternoon for check-in and late morning for check-out. Confirm exact times when booking.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Deetjen's Big Sur Inn intentionally has no Wi-Fi or cell service to encourage guests to disconnect. Embrace the digital detox!
While surrounded by nature, direct access to extensive hiking trails or the ocean from the inn itself is limited. You'll likely need to drive to nearby parks for more options.
Rooms and cabins are cozy and country-style, offering a rustic and historic charm. Each has its own unique character.
Information on pet policies can vary. It's best to contact the inn directly to inquire about bringing pets.
The ambiance is bohemian, rustic, and incredibly charming, often described as a magical refuge or a cozy burrow.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The restaurant is highly praised for its creative and exceptional dishes, with a focus on fresh, local ingredients. It's a must-try for breakfast and dinner.
The breakfast burrito is legendary, and the crab cakes and chef's specials for dinner are also highly recommended.
The restaurant is often closed in the afternoon, focusing on breakfast and dinner services. It's advisable to check their current hours.
Due to its secluded location, dining options are sparse. Driving to nearby towns or other Big Sur establishments is necessary if you miss the restaurant hours.
While they focus on fresh ingredients, it's always best to inform the staff of any dietary restrictions or allergies when ordering.
📸 📸 Photography
The charming rustic architecture, the cozy restaurant interior with its fairy lights, and the surrounding redwood forest offer numerous picturesque opportunities.
Yes, the waterfall near The Thirteenth Room is a beautiful natural feature and a popular spot for photos, especially after heavy rains.
Early morning or late afternoon light can create a magical atmosphere among the redwoods. The restaurant's ambiance is also great for evening shots.
Drone usage is typically restricted in natural areas and private properties. It's best to check local regulations and the inn's policy before flying.
A versatile lens for landscapes and a prime lens for low-light restaurant shots would be ideal. A wide-angle lens can capture the grandeur of the redwoods.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While direct beach access from the inn is limited, nearby state parks like Pfeiffer Big Sur offer opportunities for family-friendly hikes and exploring the river. Pack accordingly for outdoor activities, and be prepared for the winding roads of Highway 1. The restaurant's cozy atmosphere can be enjoyable, but it's always wise to check if they have kid-friendly options or if reservations are essential.
💸 Budget Travelers
To make it more budget-friendly, consider visiting during the shoulder seasons or weekdays. Dining at the restaurant for breakfast can be more affordable than dinner. Alternatively, you could opt for a picnic lunch sourced from a market in a nearby town, enjoying it amidst the beautiful Big Sur scenery.
❤️ Couples & Romantic Getaways
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast, explore the redwood forest hand-in-hand, and savor a memorable dinner. The 'Thirteenth Room' with its roaring creek offers a particularly enchanting experience. It's a place to truly unwind and enjoy each other's company in a magical setting.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Deetjen's Legacy: A Historic Big Sur Gem
The inn's philosophy extends to its intentional lack of modern amenities like Wi-Fi and cell service. This deliberate choice encourages guests to disconnect from technology and reconnect with themselves, their companions, and the stunning natural environment. It's a place where conversations flow easily by the fireplace and the sounds of the forest take center stage.
Visitors often describe the atmosphere as magical, enchanted, or like stepping into a fairytale. The 'Thirteenth Room' cabin, for instance, is known for the creek roaring just outside its window, a testament to the inn's integration with the surrounding landscape. This dedication to preserving its unique character is what draws travelers seeking an authentic and memorable Big Sur experience.
Culinary Delights at Deetjen's Restaurant
Breakfast is a particularly popular meal, with dishes like the legendary breakfast burrito and perfectly executed eggs Benedict and French toast drawing crowds. For dinner, the crab cakes and chef's specials are frequently mentioned as highlights. The cozy dining room, adorned with vintage china and twinkling fairy lights, creates an intimate and enchanting setting, perfect for a romantic evening or a celebratory meal.
It's important to note that the restaurant is often closed in the afternoons, focusing on breakfast and dinner services. Due to its popularity, making reservations well in advance is highly recommended, especially for dinner, to avoid disappointment. The unique charm and exceptional food make dining at Deetjen's a quintessential Big Sur experience.
Exploring the Natural Beauty of Big Sur
Just a short drive away, Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park offers numerous hiking trails through redwood groves and along the Big Sur River. This park is also home to the famous Pfeiffer Beach, known for its purple sand and Keyhole Arch, though access can sometimes be restricted. Other nearby attractions include McWay Falls at Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park, a stunning waterfall that cascades onto the beach.
When planning your outdoor adventures, always check current road conditions and park advisories, as Highway 1 can be subject to closures. The drive along Highway 1 itself is an attraction, with numerous pull-offs offering panoramic views of the dramatic coastline.
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