TRAVEL GUIDE | CABANA TRAVEL | WORLD OF CABANA

For architect Cayley Lambur, co-founder of California design studio Electric Bowery, Big Sur is much more than home - it's a community woven from creativity, nature, and kinship. From forest-framed cafes and candlelit dinners to eccentric fashion shows beneath the redwoods, Cayley shares the places that capture its spirit. 

BY CAYLEY LAMBUR | CABANA TRAVEL | 10 OCTOBER 2025

My Favorite Places to Stay

I’m always happiest at home, but when friends come into town and want to experience Big Sur, I send them to one of two places depending on their vibe. Deetjen’s is rustic and charming, it’s perfect for someone who wants to really disconnect. Post Ranch is the other end of the spectrum, offering individual cabins beautifully designed by Mickey Muennig, with incredible views, and Sierra Mar restaurant for fine dining.

My Favorite Restaurant 

Deetjen’s is very Big Sur, rustic and full of character. Nestled into the redwoods, it’s the kind of spot where time slows down. Whether it’s breakfast or dinner, there’s something grounding about being in that dining room, surrounded by candlelight, history, and of course, classical music!

My Favorite Museums and Galleries

The Hawthorne Gallery is a stunning space designed by Mickey Muennig, featuring work by local artists, many of whom are close friends, located directly across the street from Nepenthe. It’s peaceful, inspiring, and open to the public everyday. 

The Emil Norman Arts Foundation, while private, is equally special. The Foundation has restored Emil’s personal home and studio which is open for events throughout the year, offering a rare glimpse into his life’s work and creative world.

My Favorite Coffee Shop or Café: The Village Bodega 

This is a small, carefully curated local spot with great coffee, snacks, and the essentials you never thought you'd find in Big Sur. You’ll likely run into someone you know grabbing a coffee or in and out of Word of Mouth Yoga that runs in the upstairs studio, and there’s something comforting about that. It’s one of those places that's a welcome spot to meet a friend, perhaps lounging on the riverside lawn.

My Favorite Cozy Pubs and Bars

Fernwood is where the community comes together. It's casual and unpretentious. And if you’re lucky, Fernette (its tiny pop-up sibling) might be open; a secret little next door bar that’s intimate and full of charm. 

My Favorite Book Store: Henry Miller Library 

This is one of the most unique places in Big Sur -- a quirky, literary cultural center that is dedicated to the life and work of Henry Miller. Set beneath the redwoods, it's part cultural community center, part performance venue, part outdoor screening room, and part library / bookstore -- most importantly, a local piece of history. Its rustic charm is deeply reflective of the unconventional, creative spirit of Henry Miller and Big Sur itself. 

My Favorite Shop: Mother Botanical & Shop

Mother feels really connected to the energy of Big Sur—everything they carry has a sense of purpose and place. From herbal tinctures and skincare to ceramics and home goods and coffee table books, there’s this beautiful balance between usefulness and artistry. I love that they work with makers from the area, and always carry a fun selection of vintage Big Sur t-shirts -- you can always find something here that feels special.

My Favorite Parks and Green Spaces

Big Sur isn’t short on incredible natural spaces, but these are the ones I return to. Andrew Molera Beach is a bit of a walk in, which keeps it quieter. Pfeiffer Beach has that wild, cinematic feel with the rock formations and the purple sand.

Coast Ridge Road is a steep hike but gives you these sweeping views of the coast once at the top, and a view back into Ventana wilderness. Meanwhile, Tanbark Trail takes you up through the redwoods, before opening up those quintessential Big Sur views down the coast on the descent.

My Favorite 'Hidden Treasure'

Sushi Jawn at Riverside Campground (summer only) is amazing. Also the Big Share, which happens on Mondays at the Grange. Sushi Jawn is a perfect blend of what I love most - nature and amazing amazing sushi. Ordered from a food truck parked under the redwoods, it's only operational during the long summer days on Fridays and Saturdays. It’s playful and unexpected: genuinely good food in the most unexpected environment.

The Big Share was born out of Covid and has evolved into an absolutely incredible community initiative to share farm fresh produce and pantry staples among community members every Monday from 12-2pm rain or shine. Here in Big Sur so many are often left with excess from their own gardens while others may be in need - The Big Share is a venue to share in the abundance and distribute it amongst neighbors and the community in an effort to create less waste and reach more people, every week. Led by an amazing group of people, it's always a lot of fun to visit and participate.

My Favorite Thing to Do in Big Sur

Big Sur Softball throughout the summer season -- another amazing community event. Also, participating in the Big Sur Fashion Show -- held every year at the Henry Miller Library, it's a lot of fun. Softball is a big deal here in the summer. It’s not just about the game, it’s about the community. Even if you’re not playing, it’s a great place to visit with friends and it's the after school (or after camp) social hub for local kids.

The Big Sur Fashion Show is an annual, one-night-only spectacle held at the Henry Miller Library—a wildly creative, offbeat event that’s not your typical fashion show. In fact, it’s barely about fashion at all. The only rule? No traditional fabrics. Each piece is an imaginative, often humorous, response to a central theme—crafted from unexpected materials and set to music chosen by the designers themselves. The show is artful, eccentric, and totally unforgettable, all emceed with flair by the Library’s director, Magnus Toren. It’s a celebration of invention, community, and creative freedom—a parade of Big Sur’s most wonderfully weird ideas brought to life. Not to be missed.