All in a Good Nest's Sleep

Sleep in a Nest in Big Sur

A befitting way to get a bird's–eye view of Big Sur's beauty? Camp out in a human nest! Big Sur Treebones Resort (famous for its luxury yurts along the Pacific Coast) offers a truly unique way to spend the night in nature with its large, woven-wood art "nest" installation. Spread your wings for an unorthodox escape. You'll climb a 10-rung wooden ladder and enter the aerial wonder, perched in a cliff-front tree eight feet off the ground. The nest fits two people, and a full-sized futon mattress adds extra cushioning. Sticks from the abode frame the cliffy Big Sur coastline as the ocean stretches into the horizon. There's also a ground-level campsite and picnic table below, in case the weather gets wild. You'll have to bring your own sleeping bag, but that's the extent of roughing it here: Nest guests get full access to the Treebones hot tub, pool, and on-site restaurant and sushi bar. Here's a small tip: Arrive at check-in by bicycle, and the staff will hook you up with a free bottle of wine. A little birdie told you.

BONUS: Five minutes north of Treebones is Sand Dollar Beach, the largest sand beach on the Big Sur coast. A 0.7-mile out-and-back trek leads to the beach, a superb spot for sand dollar and jade scouring.

Big Sur Treebones Resort is located at 71895 Hwy. 1 in Big Sur. The nest books quickly: To make reservations, call Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at (877) 424-4787. Two-night minimum stay, $150/night for two guests. No dogs. To reach Sand Dollar Beach, park in the lot on the western side of Hwy. 1, located 3.6 miles north of Treebones. Sand Dollar Beach is dog-friendly.

Trending Stories NorCal

View all Stories
  1. A Hike to the Past

    This 5.2-mile redwoods hike through El Corte de Madera Creek Open Space combines a relaxing stroll with unique geologic formations and historical artifacts.

    View
  2. Golden Mile

    Dubbed the Golden Mile, this car-free stretch of road in Golden Gate Park features rotating art installations of murals, sculptures, and abundant bright yellow Adirondack chairs for kicking back to relax. See Naga, the recent new addition here, an impressive sea serpent art installation at Golden Gate Park's Rainbow

    View
  3. Hike at Olompali State Historic Park in Marin

    Historically Serene

    Olompali State Historic Park is a small park that packs big California history. Go on a mostly easy 3-mile loop hike where oak trees, big-leaf maples, and madrones are stunning in autumn.

    View
  4. Sponsored

    Redding Lights and Silent Nights

    Give your holiday events calendar a major glow up this winter in California’s sunniest city. Redding is a revelation: Surrounded by iconic scenery like Mount Shasta, Lassen Volcanic National Park, and Whiskeytown National Recreation area.

    View

Trending Stories SoCal

View all Stories
  1. The Undead Ghost Town

    Every Halloween, the worlds of the living and the dead blur together. In the “living ghost town” of Randsburg that condition is permanent. This strange gold-rush town near the El P

    View
  2. Montebello Mission

    Adorable animal feeding, peaceful bird watching, and delicious beer drinking? Hello, Montebello! This northeastern city has fantastic views of the hulking San Gabriels and a variety of green spaces, not to mention great spots for beer(s)!

    View
  3. Woman kneeling by the creek at Chino Creek Wetlands

    Wetland Wander-Fall

    Chino Creek Wetlands is proof you don’t always have to go far to find an escape in nature. Located in the heart of Chino in part of the Santa Ana River watershed, the Chino Creek Wetlands has 1.7 miles of trails, but really this is a place to explore without a lot of fuss.

    View
  4. Mulholland's Most Majestic

    Take a leisurely drive along Mulholland Drive to discover beautiful urban scenery and unexpected wild beauty, right in the middle of the city. 

    View