There is a reason California is legendary. Sure, the movie industry created a hype, but those who has spent any time exploring California can tell you, the land makes you fall in love with California - and Big Sur is one of those reasons.
The dramatic cliffs dropping straight to the ocean which appears in lightest of turquoise to the deepest navy as well as all the blues in-between, and the waves crashing against the rocks is a jaw-dropping, awe-inspiring and memorable sight.
It compels you to come back over and over again.
If you have only time for a drive-by, check out this post which has a list of sights you might want to stop and check out.
Day 1: No matter if you are driving north from Los Angeles or south from San Francisco, you cannot speed your way down here - the road is windy and windy. I mean, the wind will pummel you while you navigate twist after blind turn.
And why would you even want to speed through this? The Pacific Coast Highway was built for cruising and rushing through it is an insult to this gorgeous view!
Ragged Point is a great first stop if you're coming from the south. The turn to leave PCH and enter their lot is large and easy. It is a great spot to stretch your legs a bit, enjoy the view at a leisurely pace, grab dinner, and even do a small hike. Click on the linked name above for more info.
Day 2: Start your day out with a hot hearty and homey breakfast from Deetjen's Big Sur Inn in their home-like dining room. Take your time meandering around their garden and creek as it is beautiful!
Head out to Limekiln Creek Falls for a relaxing hike and beautiful waterfalls. If you take your time, it might take 1.5 hours. The park has several trails you can take if you have the time and inclination, but make you you don't miss the waterfalls!
After those hikes, you'll probably need a big and relaxing lunch. And boy is Big Sur River Inn just for you! Order your customized burrito at the back of the general store, park your behind on one of their chairs in the river and dip your feet in the flowing Big Sur River while you enjoy said burrito. You won't regret it.
Make sure you head on over to Pfeiffer Beach before sunset and try to catch the sun in the keyhole arch. You can catch it only during winter, or as close to winter solstice as possible. We went during spring and didn't catch it. I hope you do!
Day 3: Once you've had some good breakfast at Big Sur Roadhouse Restaurant (in Glen Oaks Big Sur), it's time to go cruisin'.
Try the Garrapata Bluff Trail or the Soberanes Point and Whale Peak Trail at Garrapata California State Park. They are easy and fairly short with unbeatable views.
Calla Lily Valley, Notley's Landing and Rocky Point are also only a short drive south of here.
You'll see Rocky Creek Bridge as you drive further
south, but you'll have a better viewpoint for pohotos if you drive a bit further south to Bixby Bridge. That's why Bixby Bridge is more photographed than Rocky Creek Bridge.
McWay Falls is iconic. You can make a list of waterfalls that drain to the ocean. I think someone actually did and it's not that long and we have one right here in our backyard! It's not just famous for the novelty of it; it is also breathtaking! The first time my eyes landed on it, my heart skipped a beat
and I couldn't believe I was seeing this much blue!
Visit Hawthorne Art Gallery for some garden sculptures and fantasize you have the space and the money to display such beautiful pieces.
Visit the Henry Miller Memorial Library, and bookstore, for some local authors and history.
Make your way to Nepenthe to watch the sunset and have dinner.
For lodging, I have been meaning to try any of the following:
I can only personal vouch for Kirk Creek Campground which is probably the best campsite I've stayed in - in terms of weather, comfort and view. There are, however, some disadvantages.
If you have suggestions, stories, comments or memories, I would love to hear them in the comments below.
Interactive Google Map of places mentioned in this post.
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