Big Sur

Big Sur 

On my recent trip to the Monterey area, I drove the beautiful scenic Big Sur section of California Highway 1. This is a wonderful and sometimes scary section of road that climbs and descends the cliffs over looking the Pacific Ocean. The Big Sur section is roughly 100 miles and stretches from just south of the town of Carmel to the town of Cambria / Moro Bay.

Along this part of the highway has several state parks and small 'towns', plus interesting stops at Institutes and retreats. The road at times can be closed due to rock slides and the ever construction to fix the damage. In most cases the road is passable but there may be a spot where the traffic is controlled. But this is no reason to skip the drive. You can do the drive in a day, stopping along the way, starting from either end. Try to see the sun set while there, it can be truly amazing.  Below are a few places to stop and enjoy the views.

Big Sur Bakery in the 'Town' of Big Sur. Now to call Big Sur a town is really separating it from the Coastal Area of called Big Sur. The town is really a few houses and business that hug the coastal cliffs. The Bakery is a cross between a true bakery and a restaurant. Each part is great, the bakery has some wonderful treats and the food is wonderful. I had dinner there and it was amazing. To drive there from Carmel or Monterey takes about 35 to 50 minutes depending on the speed of car in front of you and how fast you drive on twisty roads.

Sea Lions are making a come back on the central coast. There are several beaches that are breading beaches and there are trails that allow you to walk up to the edge and watch these animals. They are protected so you can not get to close but the sea lions can be quite easy to see them. Just don't approach them, on one occasion a 'stupid' tourist actually tried to put they small child on the back of a 1000 pound wild animal. Luckily they were not killed, but it was a stupid thing to do...
 

Hotels and look-outs are on the route, one is at Ragged Point. Stop and walk the grounds and enjoy the views, there is a gift shop and restaurant.

Beautiful views are common along the drive, at sunset it can be spectacular. Here is Cape San Martin at sunset, this is a very picturesque spot.

There is a road that allows you to drive down to the beach below. This is a beach where surfers go to try the cold water and the waves. In general the waves here can be very large and the currents strong, but on the occasion that the ocean is flat, there can be some good waves to ride.

One stop is the restaurant Nepenthe, this is a great spot with a great view. But be warned, it can be expensive to eat there. But, it is worth a stop to even just stop and walk around and look out at the ocean.

They have a couple of look-outs and some nice benches to sit on if you don't go into and eat.