As city dwellers, we’re embarrassingly guilty of having the geographical knowledge of 5th graders, despite Google Maps sitting pretty in our pockets. So when our friend mentioned a magical land called “Big Sur” off the California coast that promised redwood forests, roaring Pacific waves, and sweet solace, we pictured a bougie neighborhood in San Francisco filled with leafy streets and Pilates moms. Boy, were we wrong.
In an effort to escape the concrete jungle, our friend dragged us on a Great Gatsby-esque quest down the Pacific Coast Highway to discover what turned out to be one of the most stunning swaths of West Coast wilderness we’ve ever seen. We’re talking towering cliffs, remote beaches you have to hike to, and views so uninterrupted you can pretend you’re the last people on Earth.
With its natural beauty and emphasis on living that #vanlife, Big Sur turned out to be the perfect antidote for our smartphone-addicted, Type A personalities. As we drove those winding Highway 1 turns, gazing down at waves crashing hundreds of feet below, we literally felt our cortisol levels lowering with every mile. By the time we pitched our tent and watched the sunset at Pfeiffer Beach (with maybe a little campfire golden milk…or three), we were fully converted into crunchy nature lovers.
So fellow frazzled friends, come discover the magic of Big Sur with us through this travel guide. We’ll show you where to chase waterfalls, stargaze until you feel insignificantly small, and clear your mind among those legendary redwoods. Just beware of testing your brakes along the cliffside roads–you definitely need those to get home.
About Big Sur
The town of Big Sur, California is about eighty miles long and twenty miles wide, with a population of fewer than 300 people. The small town is home to a post office, village store, gas station, garage, and restaurant. It is located approximately 150 miles south of San Francisco. This area is very remote and offers a sense of tranquility. The area is home to many kinds of trees. Some of these trees are native to Big Sur, but others are exotic. Monterey pine, for instance, is an important foreign species in Big Sur, and many homeowners planted it as a windbreak.
There are also a lot of broadleaved trees in Big Sur. Eventually, the rain shadow forests disappear, giving way to open oak woodlands and the fire-tolerant California chaparral scrub. A drive down Highway 1 through Big Sur is a stunning experience. You’ll be rewarded with breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean. There are many hikes and scenic overlooks to enjoy, and this area is a favorite of adventurers. Several state parks are located here.
Why Go to Big Sur
Summer is the most popular time to visit Big Sur. This is because of the warmer temperatures and longer days. However, you can visit Big Sur year-round if you want. During the off-season, you will find that many businesses are closed. Regardless of the time of year, the views are spectacular. If you’re an adventurer, Big Sur is the place for you. The area is surrounded by the Pacific Ocean and the bluffs provide beautiful scenery. It is a great place to explore hiking through the redwoods and taking leisurely walks along the bluffs.
You can also enjoy breathtaking views from Highway 1 through the numerous pullouts located along the way. One of the most popular places to get amazing views is Bixby Creek Bridge, which is one of the most iconic spots in Big Sur. If you’re looking for a challenging hike, try the Valley View Trail or Buzzard’s Roost.
Best Time to Go
The best time to go to Big Sur is when the weather is the coolest, and the fog is not as prevalent. This is the prime time to see the ocean and the coastline. Big Sur, CA is a popular vacation spot throughout the year, but you can avoid the crowds and enjoy a more relaxed pace of life by traveling during the off-season. From December to January, the weather is pleasant and the beaches and other attractions are less crowded.
The peak season is from April to October. The hottest months are July and August, but the rainy season can also be beautiful. The fog can make the scenery even more beautiful. It can last for a few hours, but it can also make the roads a bit slick. The fog can make it difficult to see the coastline, but there are plenty of spots that are clear of it. It is also possible to enjoy stargazing in Big Sur during the summer. However, frequent rainstorms are the downfall of this season.
How to Get Around
Big Sur is an incredibly scenic coastal community in California. It offers breathtaking views, lush hikes, and beachfront views. While there is only one main road, it has several different viewpoints and little to no service. It’s a truly unique experience. It is also a must-see destination for those who visit the area. If you’re traveling by car, make sure to use a GPS system that comes with offline maps. This is especially important in Big Sur, where cell service is limited and the road is often one-lane.
You should also carry enough food and water for your trip. Many attractions in the area don’t serve food or water, so plan accordingly and pack snacks and a cooler. If you’re driving, make sure to take the time to slow down. While the speed limit on Highway 1 is 55 mph, it can be dangerous to drive at higher speeds than this. You should also be aware of the fact that the road can be narrow and windy, and the shoulder is often nonexistent. This means that you should be patient and take your time when driving, especially at night or in fog.
Best Restaurants
If you’re staying at the Alila Ventana hotel, you can dine at Sur House, which offers stunning views and Mexican-leaning dishes at lunch. Although this restaurant is exclusive to Alila guests, it’s one of the better lunch options in the area. The restaurant features leather seating, a cozy fireplace, and a large outdoor terrace. The Best Restaurants in Big Sur are perched right on the coast, and many have incredible views of the ocean. They place a high emphasis on the quality of their food, and many serve locally sourced fare and Monterey Bay seafood.
Whether you prefer quick bites or a sit-down meal with a gorgeous view, Big Sur’s restaurants are sure to satisfy your cravings. The Ventana Big Sur Executive Chef creates inventive coastal cuisine using sustainable ingredients from the Central Coast. The view from the outdoor terrace and bar is unbeatable.
Things to Do
While you’re in Big Sur, you’ll surely want to check out the Henry Miller Memorial Library. It’s a world-renowned educational institution and retreat center. Not to mention the hot springs. But even if you’re not a bookworm, you’ll find plenty of things to do in Big Sur. The Pacific Coast Highway runs for almost ninety miles through Big Sur, and the view from this part of the coast is postcard-worthy. You’ll also find the world-famous Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park, which sits on the edge of the Santa Lucia Mountains.
The Big Sur coast is an incredible sight, with cliffs jutting out 300 feet into the ocean. The area has many beaches and hiking trails to enjoy. It’s a great place to picnic and look for birds and minerals. The area is also home to many world-class hotels and restaurants. One of the most popular beaches in Big Sur is Pfeiffer Beach, which hides a magical rock formation. On a few days of the year, this arch lights up. Head up the dirt road to the northern end of Pfeiffer Beach and look for the Keyhole Arch. The small hole in the middle of the massive rock formation makes it all the more magical.
Neighborhoods to Know
There are many things to consider when choosing a neighborhood in Big Sur. One factor to consider is the maintenance of the neighborhood. There should not be a lot of duplication of houses in a neighborhood. Another important consideration is whether there is adequate parking. If the garage is full, it may be impossible to park your car. While some people prefer a more tourist-oriented area, others would rather live in a more local neighborhood. Depending on your personal preferences, there are neighborhoods with many activities and tourist attractions within walking distance.
Some neighborhoods may also feature more expensive lodging options. You can check online travel communities to find out which neighborhoods have the best amenities. The main towns in Big Sur include Monterey and Carmel. Monterey is one of the larger cities in the area, with beautiful views of the Pacific Ocean and the surrounding landscape. You can also find great restaurants, boutique shopping, and art galleries. Carmel-By-The-Sea has many hotels and resorts.
Weather
The weather in Big Sur is generally calm, with the exception of the windy months of April and May. Average wind speeds in these months range from 5.8 knots to 13.3 knots. Windy conditions can make sightseeing difficult, especially in the mountains. However, the coastal areas are less likely to experience severe weather and the windy season does not last for long. The temperature in Big Sur varies throughout the year, although temperatures tend to be most comfortable between 20°C and 26°F.
The highest temperature is usually recorded in August, while the lowest is in December. In terms of rainfall, the most precipitation occurs in February with approximately 65mm, while the least is recorded during the month of May. The climate in Big Sur is generally mild all year round, but temperatures start to rise in April. The Santa Lucia mountains and the Pacific Ocean temper the climate, making it a great place for outdoor activities. You can hike in the area throughout these months, and there are plenty of opportunities to enjoy the scenery.
