Make it a trip: Deetjen's Big Sur Inn
Apr 03, 2025
Any trip to Big Sur is magical on it's own, but this trip had an extra special touch to it. We got the opportunity to stay amongst the history and charm of Deetjen's Big Sur Inn!
Honestly, I'll take any excuse to drive down the coast and take in the scenes of the high cliffs, diving into the beautiful blue waters of the Pacific Ocean... but on this trip specifically, I was excited to drive out of the "cell service zone". I was excited to disconnect from the notifications, the calls, and the emails - and reconnect with the more simple things in life. And Deetjen's did just the trick.
If you don't know the place, here's some information about the Inn, sourced from their website:
"In the early 1930’s, Helmuth and Helen Haight Deetjen lived in a tent beside the Castro Canyon Creek. Helmuth constructed a redwood barn with reclaimed materials from Monterey's Cannery Row. Word spread, and adventurous travelers came for weeks to hike and write, dine and play. In 1939, Barbara Blake transformed the main building into a restaurant similar to those of her native English countryside. Today, this space is the heart of Deetjen's; filled with guests enjoying meals by candlelight, sipping wine and warming themselves by the fire. (...)
Deetjen's Inn exists today because in 1972 "Grandpa” Deetjen (Helmuth) bequeathed his Big Sur home to be forever enjoyed by guests wanting to enjoy the peace, friendship, and beauty of this place. In 1990, the US Department of the Interior placed Deetjen's Big Sur Inn on the National Register of Historic Places. The rustic, hand-crafted quality of the Inn and its old-world ambience recalls visitors' experience in Big Sur's early days. Currently, the Inn is operated on a not-for-profit basis by the Deetjen's Big Sur Inn Preservation Foundation."
We only had time for a one-night stay at the Inn, but we were lucky enough to spend it in "Grandpa's Room". A cozy and comfortable room at the front of the property, featuring a wood burning fireplace, and a collection of Grandpa Deetjen's old vinyls. It was a the perfect blend of amenities to feel like you had everything you needed, but also feel like you've been taken back in time. A much simpler time.
Additionally, The Inn is a perfect distance to so many great stops along Highway 1! Just around the corner, you'll find the Henry Miller Library. Another treat in the woods - The library is a fun place to let your mind and imagination run wild, while thumbing through pages of some of the greats. Like Deetjen's, it's nestled perfectly amongst the redwood trees. And If you can catch a live music event or other happening here, you should not miss it!
If you're in town for sunset (or any time of day really...), the views from Nepenthe are unbeatable. The food is quite lovely as well! (Hot Tip: Deetjen's has a wonderful restaurant on site, but Dinner service is not available on Wednesday and Thursday, so plan accordingly! )After a hike to the beach at Andrew Molera State Park, we stopped at Nepenthe to enjoy a warm meal and a pot of tea, perfectly timed with the sun dipping down into the ocean and painting the sky with hues of purple and pink. It felt so good to be amongst the breathtaking natural beauty of the Pacific Coast.
After the sun was down, we headed back to Deetjen's, where we started up a fire and tossed on some tunes. Flipping through the vinyls to find sounds we've never come across before. As the needle touched down on the spinning disc, there was a crackling and a popping as the muddy sounds of music began to fill the room. (Now, I really felt like I was transported back in time!)
We spent the evening disconnected from the outside world. Writing, reading, relaxing. (I may or may not have lost a friendly, but competitive game of chess... but hey, you win some, you lose some..) And, even beyond the feeling of the fireplace, I can truly describe my experience in this room as "warm". It was like I was spending the night at my own grandpa's cabin, or even more... It felt like coming home. The wood structures, the textiles and accents in the room, the recliner chair, the carpet, the creaking floors and doors... it all felt like a "big warm hug", wrapping me up and tucking me in for a peaceful, good night of sleep.
I was dreading my alarm, as it signaled that it was time to wake up and return to the busy, modern day world... But it also meant Breakfast! And we were excited to fill our bellies with a full stack of Blueberry pancakes, covered in butter and dripping in syrup! We also took down a plate of Eggs Benedict, and a couple cups of warm Jasmine Tea. Mornings in the canyon and the shade of the redwoods can be chilly! Breakfast warmed me right up, and I felt alive and refreshed. The hustle and bustle of the locals getting to work, and chatting about the happenings of town gave off a strong sense of community. You could feel a "togetherness" about the group, and everyone on property felt like "Family". It's a special kind of magic you just have to feel for yourself!
Don't just take our word for it... Make it a stop on your next trip! If you can't spend a night at the Inn - I encourage you to visit the restaurant, or take a tour of the property! You can find more information and details on their direct website, or instagram page. They'll happily point you in the direction of some other great recommendations in the area for trails and treasures alike. Not far from the Inn you'll find: Pfeiffer Beach, Big Sur Station, Point Sur Lighthouse, Hawthorne Gallery, Big Sur Lodge and much more...
Wether you've been to Deetjen's Big Sur Inn, or have traveled through the area on your own adventure, We'd love to hear your story! Let us know about your experience, tips, or recommendations by commenting below!
