Jagged cliffs. Stunning scenery. Big Sur is right up there with the most photographed places in the US for sure, and if you haven’t driven on Highway 1 between San Simeon and Carmel before, it should be on your bucket list. Heading north, the drive starts out pretty flat and then you suddenly find yourself driving along steep, cliff-hugging winding roads. Although Nick and I did the drive from Santa Barbara to Half Moon Bay a few years ago, Big Sur is definitely the type of place to visit more than once, so we were excited to get back and explore. This time, we met up with my best friend and her boyfriend in Big Sur for a couple nights of camping to ring in the new year… 30 degree weather and all. Believe it or not, we weren’t the only ones who had this brilliant idea — there were lots of campers!
Really, there’s not much to say about the Big Sur area other than it’s more magnificent than the photos make it seem. The water really is that blue/green and the trees really are that green! No Photoshopping here (PS, I don’t ever Photoshop my pics). Enjoy!
Around every curve there seems to be a picture perfect opportunity, and plenty of professional photographers capturing its essence.
The ocean takes on several different shades of blue and green along the coast.
Standing on the cliffs really showcases how vast the ocean is.
Our campsite amongst the Redwoods:
No, that’s not our VW Bus, but it turned out to be a postcard worthy photo…
Hiking in Julia Pfeiffer State Park.
The view from the top.
I mean, come on! How gorgeous is the sun shining through the trees onto the babbling brook?
One of the most photographed places in all of Big Sur — McWay Falls, which has an 80 foot waterfall. There’s no fee to visit this beauty, either.
The view from Nepenthe, a popular spot for a drinks and food.
After camping for two nights, we made a quick stop for one last photo while en route to a hot shower!
Tips: If camping isn’t your thing, there are more luxe places to stay like the Ventana Inn & Spa or Post Ranch Inn. I hear the Post Ranch Inn actually has 7 tree houses you can stay in, which might have to go on my bucket list! For a more affordable option, try staying in a yurt on the hillside at the Treebones Resort.
December and January are whale watching season in Big Sur, and it’s nearly impossible to not see spouts along the coast from dozens of whales.
Cell service isn’t available for most of the drive, so just take in the view without worrying about work emails or Instagram.
Lastly, bring your camera!
4 comments
Nice post! I’m thinking I might have to visit Big Sur in the near future :)
Thank you! It’s a must for any nature or photography lover! Cheers.
Awesome coastal road trip! I have a great wine scoop for you when you return. My wife is the sommelier, server and wine director for Barbareno, the newest farm to table restaurant that was featured in the last Sentinal. Her name is Lenka Davis, she’s 28 and from Slovakia, we met in while working in Glacier National Park. I call her story a Sommderella Fairytale. She is a joirnalist and radio producer, but her passion, determination and enthusiasm for wine crossed paths with many people in the wine industry who helped her along the way. Not sure if you ever showcase Somm’s in your articles, but I think you would have a lot to talk about. Her email is lenka@barbareno.com and her number is 813-217-3433, if you ever want to come in a taste all the great local wines Barbareno is showcasing. She also brings in winemakers for taste and training for the staff and I’m sure she would love to have you join anytime!
Hi Christopher,
Thanks for your note! I do profile influential and interesting people in the wine industry (somms included) in my Q&A series, “!2 Questions With”. I’d be happy to chat with her! Also, Barbereno has been on my list of restaurants to try, so I will definitely make a point to reach out. I always love meeting new people in the industry! Thanks for the tip and happy sipping.
Cheers