Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Stay & Dine at River Inn Of Harbor Town - Historic Hotel & Restaurant in California's Redwoods
Established in 1934, River Inn Of Harbor Town stands as Big Sur's first hotel and restaurant, blending historic charm with modern hospitality. Nestled along the scenic Big Sur River amid towering redwoods, we offer comfortable guest rooms, riverside dining, and a vibrant community hub for locals and travelers. Our dedication to preserving tradition while embracing innovation has made us a beloved gathering place for nearly a century.We prioritize guest comfort through thoughtfully designed accommodations, including ADA-accessible options, and foster environmental stewardship through partnerships like our $1-per-night donation to Big Sur Health Center. With decades of collective experience in hospitality, our team ensures every visitor experiences the unique magic of Big Sur through personalized service and immersive natural surroundings.
Services
Hotel Accommodations
Riverside Dining
Wedding Hosting
General Store
Live Music Events
Details
- Year established: 1934
Highlights and features
- Family-owned since 1988 with multi-generational hospitality expertise
- Historic landmark offering authentic Big Sur experience since 1934
- Community-focused with 100% donation matching to local health center
- ADA-compliant accommodations and accessible natural surroundings
- Unique riverside amenities including trademarked 'chairs in the river'
What people say
Chairs in the river
Friendly staff
Delicious dinner
Beautiful area
Perfect location
Services
Hotel Accommodations
Stay in our historic Big Sur hotel featuring clean, comfortable guest rooms with both riverside suites and highway-adjacent ridge rooms. Our smoke-free accommodations include ADA-compliant options with accessibility features, while maintaining the rustic charm of Big Sur's original hotel since 1934. Guests enjoy convenient access to natural surroundings and on-site amenities.
Riverside Dining
Dine at our full-service restaurant serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner daily. Experience unique riverside seating with Adirondack chairs in the river water, outdoor decks, and manicured lawn areas. Our menu features locally-inspired cuisine including a burrito bar and seasonal specialty events, complemented by craft beverages and California wines.
Wedding Hosting
Host your special event at Big Sur's premier venue featuring both indoor and outdoor spaces. Our experienced team coordinates weddings and group events with access to 22 guest rooms, a heated pool, and redwood-lined ceremony sites. We partner with local vendors to create customized experiences from intimate gatherings to large celebrations.
General Store
Shop our curated general store offering groceries, local merchandise, and Big Sur souvenirs. The store features a burrito bar with customizable tacos and bowls, ice cream bus, and exclusive BSRI-branded apparel and gifts. Open daily for both guests and day visitors seeking authentic Big Sur products.
Live Music Events
Enjoy regular live music performances and seasonal events at our outdoor venues. Our summer concert series and holiday celebrations create community-focused entertainment experiences. The property hosts special events like movie nights and fundraisers, maintaining Big Sur's tradition of gathering through music and shared experiences.
Questions
What types of accommodations are available at River Inn Of Harbor Town?
We offer clean, comfortable guest rooms including riverside suites with king beds and optional Murphy beds, and ridge rooms with queen beds. One ADA-compliant suite features accessibility features for guests with mobility needs.
Can I bring my pet to River Inn Of Harbor Town?
While we currently don't allow pets in guest rooms, well-behaved dogs are welcome in outdoor spaces including restaurant decks, lawn areas, and riverfront seating. We're working toward expanded pet-friendly accommodations.
What dining options exist at the property?
Our full-service restaurant serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner daily with indoor and outdoor seating. Additional options include the burrito bar (8am-6pm), ice cream bus (9am-5pm), and general store for groceries and snacks.
How does River Inn Of Harbor Town support the local community?
Through our partnership with Kind Travelers, we donate $1 per night stay to Big Sur Health Center, with matching contributions doubling the impact. We also host fundraisers and support local organizations like the Fire Brigade and schools.
What makes River Inn Of Harbor Town historically significant?
Established in 1934 as Big Sur's first hotel and restaurant, we've preserved our historic legacy while evolving with features like the original Apple Pie Inn name, 'chairs in the river' tradition, and continuous family ownership since 1988.
What special events does the property host?
We feature live music events, holiday celebrations, and seasonal activities like summer concerts and movie nights. Our event spaces accommodate weddings and group gatherings with customized planning support and local vendor partnerships.
