How long is the drive to Big Sur from Dublin, CA?

About 2h 40m, roughly 127 miles.

How much does a family trip to Big Sur cost?

Around $1,500–4,000 for 2 nights, family of four, including lodging, food and activities.

Big Sur with kids

Big Sur is a 2h 40m drive from Dublin, CA (127 miles) and rates 2.6 out of 5 for families with young kids. The most dramatic stretch of the California coast, with a waterfall that falls onto a beach. Good for 1–2 days. Budget roughly $1,500–4,000 against a fixed yardstick of 2 nights, family of four. Best months: April / August.

Bixby Creek Bridge & Coastline Cliff View

Drive from Dublin, CA

2h 40m

Recommended stay

1–2 days

Best for ages

5-14

Distance

127 mi

Cost, 2 nights, family of four

$1,500–4,000

Kid score

2.6/5

Grown-up score

3.3/5

Best window

April / August

Route: CA-1 S
Written 2026-07 · drive time routed · prices checked 2026-08.

What to do with kids in Big Sur

Pfeiffer Beach (Purple Sand!) $15 day use
Beach with genuine purple sand & keyhole rock arch.
Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park $10 day use
McWay Falls — waterfall dropping directly onto beach! 0.5mi flat trail.

Prices link to the operator, last checked 2026-08. They change - check before you go.

Where to eat

Nepenthe — Cliffside restaurant with ocean view patio
River Inn — Sit in wooden chairs IN the Big Sur River!

How it scores

Weighted for families with kids aged roughly 3-8.

Things kids enjoy3

Logistics & naps1

Food3

Drive ease2.9

Value4

The same destination, scored for a trip without the kids.

Dining3

Romance5

Scenery5

Walkable1

Nightlife0

Weather by season

Month	High / Low
Apr	67/44°F
Aug	77/50°F
Dec	59/43°F

Common questions

How long is the drive from Dublin, CA?
About 2h 40m - roughly 127 miles.
What does it cost for a family of four?
Around $1,500–4,000 for 2 nights, family of four, including lodging, food and activities. Not the cost of the stay we recommend.
When is the best time to go?
April / August.

This trip appears in

Beach days that actually work with kids · Best in April · Best in August

What we checked, and when

Fact	Where it comes from	Checked
Drive time	routed from Dublin, CA	Jul 2026
Attractions still open	operator sites and park agencies	not yet
Attraction prices	operator sites, linked above	Aug 2026
Opening hours	we do not publish opening hours	-
Restaurants	from the guide	not yet
Watch-out notes	we found nothing to flag	-
Trip cost	our own estimate	not yet

True on the dates above. Prices and opening hours change without notice - check with the operator before you drive.

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Costs are a fixed yardstick: 2 nights, family of four, lodging, food and activities. Not the cost of the stay we recommend.