| |
|
THINGS
TO DO IN CALIFORNIA |
|
|
|
| |
|
|
Big
Sur Central Coast California
|
|
| |
Big
Sur, California is one of the most beautiful
regions in the world with visitors coming from thousands of miles
away to drive along the California Pacific Coast Highway. Big Sur
is about 150 miles south of San Francisco and about 300 miles north
of Los Angeles. It covers a 90 mile stretch of wilderness from the
north at Carmel, by Monterey, to the south at Hearst Castle.
The untouched landscape with aromatic redwood trees soaring overhead
has a temperate climate. It is always a good idea to pack both cold
and warm weather clothes when visiting this area. The morning fog
can burn off and leave a warm afternoon. The climate and beauty
of this area is what brought the first rugged settlers over 100
years ago.
Through most of the 1800’s, Big Sur was still uninhabited,
named Big Sur from its original name, “El Sur Grande”,
or “The Big South.” Most people did not see a way to
live on the rugged coast and mountainous region. Gradually in the
late 1800’s, people started moving there, creating logging
companies and homesteads.
Many of the ancestors of these people still live there today and
names of places are named after them. The
current highway took 18 years to build and was completed in 1937.
It is one of the best maintained highways in the world but because
of the twists and turns, one is forced to drive slowly and enjoy
the view.
There are many places to stop and look at the scenery, take photographs,
or explore the beaches and waterfalls. Many people make it a day
trip just to drive up this scenic coast. This
drive along Pacific Coast Highway is one of the most scenic in the
world.
|
|
|
Big Sur California |
| Pfeiffer Big State
Beach is loved and referred to by many as the most beautiful secluded
beach in the world. It can be hard to find, you will want to turn
in at mile marker MON 45.64, but when you find it, you will be rewarded
with a gem that is worth the effort.
The Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park is another great beach with
an 80 foot waterfall dropping from the cliffs into the ocean. It
is a photographer’s dream and a great daytime getaway for
the entire family. Another stop along the beaches is the Point Sur
State Historic Park.
The sandy beaches and rocky views are protected by the Point Sur
Lighthouse making this a favorite stop for anyone driving up the
coast. The bridges along the coast are worth stopping for as well.
The Bixby Bridge, the Little River Bridge, and the Big River Bridge
are just a few that photographers drive for miles just to get the
chance on a nice day to get a great shot. To relax and stretch your
feet, stop in at the Henry Miller Library. You can check your email
for free, play a free game of ping pong, sit and relax, or wander
around and look at some amazing photography. It is a really nice
spot to enjoy with the family when you are ready to get out of the
car.
The waterfalls are more spectacular sights to see at Big Sur. The
one at Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park, McWay Falls, is worth the
stop and the others are Limekiln State Park, Salmon Creek, and Ragged
Point Inn. |

Big Sur Coast |
Highway 1 Big Sur California |
| The restaurant at Big Sur River
Inn is another great stopping place for your drive. You can order
from the restaurant, eat in a relaxing environment, or out on the
lawn, porch, or even eat on a chair in the middle of the creek with
water bathing your feet. Let the kids play on the playground and
get that pent up energy out.
If you don’t want to do the driving yourself, take a guided
central coast tour. The enthusiastic guides will leave you with
lifetime memories, a detailed history of the region, and breathtaking
views for photos.
Another popular tour is the one you do on horseback. Molera Horseback
Tours is located at the Andrew Molera State Park and takes you through
meadows blanketed by flowers, babbling creeks, dense redwood forest
groves, and out onto the beautiful beaches. It is a day trip in
itself! Big Sur will leave you wanting more and more and might be
best seen as a passenger.
Make more than one trip and take turns driving. You don't want to
miss anything when drive the beautiful Pacific Coast Highway. |
| More
California Day Trip Ideas:
|
| |
Stinson
Beach California a 30-minute
drive on California's Highway 1 from the Golden Gate Bridge.
A popular summer day trip. |
|
|
|
Santa
Cruz California
offer the perfect setting for nearly every type of activity.
Santa Cruz Boardwalk is classic California theme park. |
|
|
|
|
|
Locke
Historic District
only a 45 minute drive from Sacramento. Historic building
and quaint shops make this a fascinating day trip. |
|
|
|
Sausalito
waterfront community that is across the Golden Gate Bridge.
Inspiration for many artists and musicians
over the years.
|
|
|
|
|
| Where
to Stay In Big Sur California:
|
| |
Big
Sur Lodge located in ancient groves of redwood
and oak trees in Pfeiffer Big Sure State Park. Only a few
minutes wlak to Big Sur River |
|
|
|
Post
Ranch Inn Big Sur luxury 30-room hotel on the
Big Sur Coast. A romantic hideaway with unparalleled views
and world class cuisine. |
|
| Attractions: |
California Vacation Ideas: |
|
Regions:
|
| |
|
|
|
| |
|
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
|
|
| |
|
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|