Exploring a Digital Detox Journey in Big Sur California with Reset by the Pacific
- Your Adventure Awaits
- Apr 24
- 3 min read
This post will take you through the enriching experience of disconnecting digitally while embracing the natural beauty at Reset by the Pacific.
Understanding Digital Detox
A digital detox is more than just a break from your phone; it is a conscious choice to unplug and embrace your true self and the environment around you. The goal is to create space for self-reflection, mindfulness, and reconnecting with nature. Reset by the Pacific offers customized experiences that help facilitate this journey, allowing participants to appreciate the rewards of digital detoxing in a supportive atmosphere.
📍 Why Big Sur Is the Perfect Digital Detox Destination
Big Sur isn’t just a destination—it’s an invitation to pause. With little to no cell service, towering redwoods, and rugged coastal cliffs, this peaceful slice of California pulls you into the present moment.
🛏️ Where to Stay
1. Glen Oaks Big Sur – Stylish cabins and retro-modern vibes tucked into a redwood grove. No TVs, just a fire pit and forest whispers. $385-$2,200/night
2. Treebones Resort – Sleep in a yurt on a bluff overlooking the ocean. It’s part glamping, part wild escape $430-$955/night
3. Off-the-Grid Cabins via VRBO – Look for listings marked “no Wi-Fi” or “solar-powered”
4.Big Sur Resorts- Various of pricing options.
🥾 What to Do (That Doesn’t Involve a Screen)
🌲 Hiking
Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park – Great trails like the Valley View Trail and Buzzard's Roost.
Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park – Short but powerful trail to McWay Falls, an 80-foot waterfall tumbling onto a secluded beach.
Andrew Molera State Park – Less crowded, with a beach hike and scenic bluff trails.
🌊 Beaches & Coastal Fun
Pfeiffer Beach – Known for its purple sand and the famous Keyhole Rock.- $15/car.
Sand Dollar Beach – Big Sur’s largest sandy beach, great for picnics and surfing.
Garrapata State Park – Cliffside trails and coastal wildflowers in the spring.
🚴♀️ Biking
Big Sur's Old Coast Road eBike Tour Sightsee around California's Central Coast and discover the beauty of Big Sur with ease on the back of your own electric bike and a local guide to show you around.
Old Coast Road – A challenging dirt road with stunning views of the coast and redwoods (gravel or mountain bike recommended).
Highway 1 also has sections suitable for road biking, though traffic and narrow shoulders make it best for experienced cyclists.
🏕️ Camping
Ventana Campground – Forested and close to amenities. (3 night minimum during summer months)
Kirk Creek Campground – Perched on a bluff overlooking the Pacific. (2-3 night minimum stay)
Limekiln State Park – Coastal and redwood scenery with short hikes to waterfalls and historic kilns. ($10/vehicle- can use at other State Parks on same day)
🧗♂️ Other Outdoor Fun
Wildlife Watching – Watch sea otters, whales (seasonal), condors, and more.
Photography – Sunrise/sunset shots at Bixby Creek Bridge or the cliffs of Garrapata.
Hot Springs (Hike-In) – If you’re up for a long trek, Sykes Hot Springs is a remote gem.
🥗 Eat Slow, Local, and Beautiful
Nepenthe – A classic cliffside spot with ocean views that pair perfectly with their Ambrosia burger. (indoor/outdoor dining, many reviews indicated it is "pricey" but beautiful)
Deetjen’s Big Sur Inn – Rustic, romantic, and full of charm. Come for breakfast and feel like you’ve time-traveled. (Deetjen's in a non-profit dedicated to the preservation and rehabilitation of the historic Deetjen's Big Sur Inn at Castro Canyon. There is no cell service. There is no Wi-Fi. The restaurant serves Breakfast daily from 8:00am. Dinner is served Friday through Tuesday starting at 5:30pm. A reservation is necessary for dinner. (No Dinner Wednesday/Thursday)
🧘 Digital Detox Tips for Big Sur
📵 Let loved ones know you’ll be offline (signal drops fast past Carmel).
📍 Download Google Maps & trail guides before you arrive.
📚 Bring a journal, sketchbook, or book—something analog.
🌀 Embrace the flow. Ditch the strict itinerary and see where the day takes you.
Unplug here. The rest of the world will still be spinning when you get back.
Ultimately, a digital detox is not just about stepping away from technology. It’s about uncovering the richness of life that exists outside the screen. In Big Sur, each step of the journey invites travelers to explore, reflect, and reset—not just digitally, but in life itself.
