The 90-mile rugged coastline of California, also known as Big Sur, hides a mystical and luxurious natural beauty that is the envy of other tourist spots. Big Sur happens to be one of the world’s most undeveloped and unincorporated regions on the planet. Despite that, it still boasts a good amount of restaurants, hotels, shops and the likes.
The natural landscapes, rocks, cliffs, and wildflowers provide just the right backdrop for relaxation, recreation, and romance. The possibilities are simply endless, leading visitors to even question whether they wish to leave or not.
Here are some of the best amenities that have helped put Big Sur on the map.
- Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park
If you’re into waterfalls, then you won’t be disappointed with this state park at all. The 80ft McWay Falls is what compels the average visitor. The sparkly waters fall over the granite cliffs and into the ocean that is next to a golden beach. The beach is accessible only by foot, but it is worth the trip.
From the parking, there is a 1.3-mile round-trip known as Overlook Trail that goes downhill to the ocean that passes through a tunnel underneath Hwy 1. The entrance to the park is on the east side of Hwy 1 and is about 8 miles south of the Nepenthe restaurant. So it is fair to say that you already have it made.
- Point Sur State Historic Park
Just because it looks like any other island in the world, doesn’t mean it can’t be anything more. Sitting six miles south of the Bixby Bridge is a green fortitude of excellence. There is a sandbar that connects with Point Sur and leads to another land. Resting atop of the volcanic rock is an abandoned stone lighthouse that has been around since 1889.
Visitors have access to the lighthouse through a three-hour guided tour that goes from April to October. During these tours, you will get a mouthful of scenic ocean views as well as learn about the history of the lighthouse, their keepers, as well as the epic stories of shipwrecks during the time of its operation.
- Have a Romantic Honeymoon at the Post Ranch Inn
Light up your honeymoon evening by bunking at the ocean view cottages of the Post Ranch Inn. It even comes with cliff-edge infinity pools that will elevate the intimacy levels a bit higher. Then head on down to the Sierra Mar restaurant where you can sample Chef John Cox’s latest recipes of the Taste of Big Sur menu such as red abalone marinated in kelp.
- Chillax over at Pfeiffer Beach
Not even the most talented painters or photographers in the world can capture all of the beauty of Pfeiffer Beach in a single portrait. This pristine dog-friendly beach is renowned for its double rock formation. Because it is often windy, the waves are rough, which makes it dangerous to surf.
You will also notice the purple tone of the sandy beaches due to the manganese garnet that washes down from the rocky hillsides above.
- Sweeten Up Your Taste Buds at the Big Sur Bakery
The Big Sur Bakery and Restaurant is a real sweet deal and serves a good bunch of savory sweets like ginger scones, homemade granola, as well as seasonal fruit strudels. The restaurant is actually in a cabin that has been around for nearly 70 years. Apart from sweets, there is also wood-fired pizza that consists of prosciutto and squash toppings which are a menu favorite and blackberry shortcake.
With all that much offering, it is no wonder Big Sur is a popular highlight for tourists.
Author Bio: Megan Brunette works as a Travel Blogger for a Dissertation Writing Service. She is always on the lookout for spots that garner the most visitors and informs her readers about its different facets. You can follow her on Facebook | Twitter | Google Plus.