Big Sur

 

One of my favourite parts of our retirement trip had to be our drive down the California coastline and through Big Sur in particular.  Although we had taken this route before, we were rushed and only had a couple of days to experience it. This time, we took our time and enjoyed the drive.

Big Sur is the area of the rugged California coastline that stretches from Carmel-By-The-Sea on the north, to San Simeon on the south.  Driving along Highway 1 the road winds its way along the coast and some of the most incredible views. The drive itself is spectacular but throughout this 150 km (90 miles) stretch there are endless spots to hike and explore. It's easy to see why this area is popular with road-trippers and outdoor enthusiasts alike.

As Monterey is just north of where Big Sur begins, I am including it in this blog post.

Monterey

Monterey sits on a very picturesque section of the Pacific Ocean. The infamous cannery row, which  was once the centre of the sardine packing industry, has been transformed with luxury hotels, shops and restaurants.  Its breathtaking scenery, rich history, and wide array of attractions draw visitors from around the world, making it a must-see destination.

We spent one night in Monterey with most of our time enjoying the cannery row. As with so many places, I wish we had more time to explore and enjoy the area.

lots of deer in Monterey	these guys were very interested in us

17-Mile Drive

The following day, we said good-bye to Monterey and headed south towards Big Sur. The drive, called the 17-Mile Drive, took us from Monterey to Carmel-By-The-Sea, through a

the gated community of Pebble Beach.  The cost to drive this road is $12 per vehicle but worth every penny as it offers breathtaking views of the rugged California coastline. As the road wound it's way around the coast we had many opportunities to stop and enjoy the views.

 Big Sur

For the outdoor enthusiast, there is so much to do and see in Big Sur. The hiking trails are numerous, many of which take in the stunning coastline.  For us, we chose a couple of shorter, easier hikes to do along the way.  Mostly, we drove the Pacific Coast Highway and enjoyed the views from the roadside.

Heading south, one of the first stops we made was at the Bixby Bridge.  Bixby Creek Bridge is one of the most iconic landmarks along the Pacific Coast Highway. It's a bridge that is used for a lot of car advertisements and commercials. The bridge spans 714 feet across Bixby Creek and rises 280 feet above the canyon floor. The views of the surrounding coastline are spectacular.

Making a stop in Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park, we saw the McWay Falls.  Years ago, this 80-foot waterfall plunged right into the ocean.  In 1983, a landslide caused sand to form at the base of the waterfall creating a picturesque cove.  Today, the Falls only touch the ocean during high tide.

Farther south we stopped at the Elephant Seal Vista Point to watch the massive Northern Elephant Seals that use this stretch of beach to mate and birth their pups. During peak times there could be as many as 17,000 Elephant Seals on these shores.

Our time in Big Sur was incredible.  Although we had driven through once before, we left feeling like there was so much we didn't get to do. I would love to be able to get back to Big Sur and spend some time hiking the trails that wind along rivers, waterfalls, beaches, and the coastline.