Treehouse Vacations on the Ocean in the USA
Adventurous travelers looking to combine the remarkable treehouse experience with coastal views have just a few places to go in the United States — and they’re in Big Sur, California.
This hilly town on the western edge of the country boasts two spots where you can climb a tree to get to your bed and enjoy spectacular views of the Pacific Ocean, in addition to the rest of what Big Sur has to offer.
Out on a Limb
The Post Ranch Inn provides a total retreat into the cliffsides of Big Sur. The accommodations come in all shapes and sizes, including several treehouse rooms, set 9 feet above the ground among the coastal pines. Each treehouse room has a private deck, king bed and a skylight.
To preserve the feeling of sleeping in nature, rooms do not include televisions or alarm clocks. This full resort boasts two infinity spas that look out onto the Pacific Ocean, and you’ll find a stunning ocean view through floor-to-ceiling windows when you dine on beef tenderloin and Wagyu short ribs at the resort’s restaurant, Sierra Mar.
Nesting Place
Treebones Resort, set on another of Big Sur’s renowned cliffsides, caters to the camping and glamping crowds. Primitive campsites and 16 yurts house most guests, but the resort also includes a very unique accommodation: the human nest.
Walk up a wooden ladder into a work of art made of winding tree branches shaped like a tree with a giant nest woven into the middle of it. A wide opening in the front of the nest provides a sweeping view of the Pacific. The nest is considered a campsite, and is not waterproof, so it’s best to bring a tent in case of rain.
Beach Time
When it’s time to come down from the trees, continue to enjoy Big Sur’s wide variety of outdoor activities. Half the fun of visiting here is driving the winding path of the Pacific Coast Highway along the coastal cliffs and soaking in the breathtaking views of the rugged coastline and the ocean beyond.
The town makes it easy to keep your trip ocean-themed, with six sandy beaches open to the public. It takes a bit of a hike to get to some of them, but you’ll find some of the area’s best surfing, surf fishing and secluded sunning.
Artist’s Delight
The dramatic scenery of Big Sur’s coastline has attracted artists for centuries, so it’s no surprise that the town has a thriving arts scene. Local artists host open mic nights and pop-up galleries at the Henry Miller Library, named after the writer who was first captivated by the area’s landscape in 1945.
Countless art galleries featuring the work of local painters and sculptors pepper the town, including several stand-alone galleries near the Big Sur River, and other informal setups in restaurants, bars, hotels and even freestanding by the side of the road.
