Spectacular Big Sur Won't Disappoint
California's Big Sur Coast is truly one of the most stunning places in the world.
Stretching between Carmel and San Simeon, the 90-mile span known as the Big Sur Coast is the jewel in California's crown. With the rocky Pacific coastline to the west and the spectacular Santa Lucia Mountain Range to the east, the breathtaking scenery here simply stops people in their tracks.
You'll be awed by the gigantic California Redwoods and gasp at the sight of the majestic rocks that line the beaches and the precarious cliffs that jut out over the water, daring drivers to take their eyes off the scary road for just a minute to enjoy the scenery.
Rest, Relaxation, and Romance
Most travel experts will agree that Big Sur, California is one of the Golden State's most peaceful locations. With no big cities close by – San Francisco is 130 miles north, L.A. 240 miles south - this central California stretch of coastline enjoys relative calm, especially in the off season.
There's really no need to do anything here except perhaps find the perfect spot on the beach or, if you're more ambitious, venture into the mountains for a bit of exploration.
When it comes to romance, Big Sur can't be beat. Country inns are cozy and warm, with glowing fireplaces and incredible views of the oceans, redwoods, and mountains. Restaurants offer satisfying cuisine and an occasional spa will gladly oblige with a massage for two.
Mostly, however, lodging here is simple, so if you prefer a cabin in the woods for your vacation on the Big Sur Coast - so that you can truly escape the everyday rat race - you won't have any problem finding one.
Attractions and Activities
If you're looking for man-made attractions like museums, you've come to the wrong place. The Big Sur Coast is a nature-lovers paradise.
Just south of Carmel, you'll find the Point Lobos State Reserve, a magnificent 1,300-acre protected area where you'll see tons of seabirds and plenty of sea lions, otters, harbor seals, and even an occasional whale. Trails take hikers to romantic hidden coves.
Another great place for hiking and biking is the expansive Andrew Molera State Park, the largest on the central California coast at about 5,000 acres. The trails here lead visitors through some of the loveliest parts of the coast, across beaches, and through beautiful wildflower meadows. Horseback riding trails are available as well.
Still more hiking can be enjoyed at the Ventana Wilderness, a stunningly attractive area maintained by the U.S. Forestry Service. This is where hardcore backpackers head to enjoy more than 200 miles of trails through the Santa Lucia Mountains, where they'll be greeted by crystal clear streams, tall waterfalls, and bubbling thermal hot springs.
If you want to capture some great photographs while you're in Big Sur, grab the camera and head to Bixby Bridge, one of the highest single-span concrete bridges in the world; Point Sur Lighthouse, perched 360 feet above the pounding surf of the Pacific; or Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park, with its magnificent 80-foot-high McWay Waterfall.
There's a bit of Hollywood in every California town and the Big Sur area is no exception. You'll want to make a stop at Nepenthe, now a restaurant, but purchased in 1944 as a retreat for Rita Hayworth…a gift from the magnanimous Orson Welles. There are several art galleries nearby as well.
Getting Here
If you're flying to the central California coast, there are a few airports from which to choose. Monterey Airport is the closest at about 30 miles from the Big Sur Coast. Other options are San Jose and San Francisco airports, both a little more than 100 miles to the north.
Once you get here, you'll want to have a car, because driving on winding Route 1, California's coastal highway, is half the fun! It does, however, get a little scary at times, so be prepared for a nail-biting drive.