There is an outside seating area and overview deck at the restaurant on the top level. You can obtain food and drink by waiting for a table (outside or inside), or order drinks from the bar and take them outside.to the deck and fire-pit. Views are extensive over the Pacific Ocean and the Santa Lucia Mountains, looking south. 

The food and drinks are excellent (and pricey) but the views are superb on a sunny day. It is not unusual to see hawks, ravens, and vultures from the outside deck of the restaurant, and if you are lucky, a California Condor. An occasional rarity has turned up, including a Great-tailed Grackle at the fire-pit.

Nepenthe is a set of restaurants, south of Big Sur, with outstanding views of the Pacific Ocean and the Santa Lucia mountains. There is also a book store. There is no fee to visit, but dining with the view will be as paying visitors. Nepenthe can be very crowded in summer or sunny weekends or holidays at any time.