Travel guide // big sur, california

At the risk of being trite, I want to cut to the chase with this post. See everything. Drive the wildly windy roads that traverse many miles and stop at each pull off to take in new views of the coastline. Observe topography and landscapes you didn’t quite contrive to be possible. Walk down to Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park and catch a view of the sparkling turquoise water fall that cascades bit by bit into the ocean. Eat at Nepenthe, a restaurant high up in a canopy of trees, with an eclectic shop and bookstore attached. Stop at Bixby Canyon Bridge and be overtaken with emotion at how surreal a feat it is that there are bridges stretching across the jutting mountainsides. Most of all, take it all in. The PCH1 is an iconic road trip, and Big Sur might be the most magnificent spot you'll encounter.

WHAT TO DO :

Bixby Canyon Bridge

The iconic bridge, featured both in Kerouac's eponymous novels and a Death Cab for Cutie song, was constructed in 1932 and made the PCH1 passable during the winter months. It is one of the most photographed bridges in America, with an aesthetically pleasing design and surreal view surrounding it to all directions. 

Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park

Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park offers a plethora of scenic hikes, overlooks, and jaw-dropping waterfalls. The vistas are some of the best on the entire West Coast. The water, which is often churned up while crashing loudly upon the shores, is a mixture of blues and greens, and feels almost tropical in its composition. 

Nepenthe 

Nepenthe, which literally translates in Greek Mythology to "a fictional drug that fosters forgetfulness," is fitting in its name. Nepenthe will cause you to lose yourself in enveloping views, topography, and atmosphere. Attached to the restaurant is their iconic bookstore that features local finds and treasures. We bought a poster and a book, the former which hangs in our home present day. This photo displays the aforementioned views from the balcony of Nepenthe. 

Big Sur is picturesque, offers truly jaw dropping views and is mind-expanding in its beauty. 

It is a must on any PCH1 road trip.

Coming next Carmel by the Sea, Monterey and Pebble Beach!

Thanks for traveling with us!

-Ty