Why Big Sur?
My favorite place to travel to in the US is Big Sur, California. A couple of reasons why I am so in love with this area..The scenic views, undoubtedly, and the limited/no service or connection to the outside world. There’s something about being “off the grid” that makes me feel an extra sense of free and adventure. Another wonderful thing about the sights in Big Sur is they are forever changing. Each time I am there it feels like the first time, and I always find new places to explore.
The very first time I had the privladge to see Big Sur I was pregnant with my son Cruz. This was the most incredibly magic time. My best friend Kate flew into CA and together we made our way to this new land. Prior to our grand adventure, I had been working full time as a server/bartender. A couple days before our trip I made an emergancy trip to the doctor. Cruz had stopped moving around in my tummy..so I panicked. The vertic was stress and over working- Cruz, overall was healthy! It turns out this trip was exactly what Cruz and I needed! As soon as we drove onto that beautiful picturesque road, we lost service, turned up the music, and I felt a complete sense of ease. Cruz immediatly started moving/dancing, and rarely stopped up until the day he was born.
Where to stay
On this trip Kate and I stayed in a wicked cute Air Bnb over in the Carmel Valley. Our private little home was on a beautiful ranch filled with wildlife. The village in Carmel Valley has restaurants, wine tastings, shops, and even a farmers market on the weekends! If your making this trip with a larger group I would highly recommend getting an Air Bnb somewhere in this area. It’s the perfect way to make yourself at home using new local resources. Oh and it’s only about 25 minutes to Big Sur!
The second time I visited Big Sur was with my new 3 month old, James, and one of my best friends Carmen. This trip was very spuratic! While Carmen and I were indulging in wine one night, I asked her if she had ever seen Big Sur. Her anser was “no”, so I got online and booked us a two day trip- to leave the next day!
Big Sur Lodge
We stayed at the Big Sur Lodge this time, which is right in the heart, directly off Highway One. We had about a day and a half to explore, so this location was great to get things done quickly. The lodge provided us with a parking pass for 4 of the different national parks in the area! Our little cabin was spacious and came equpped with a wood burning fireplace (bundle of wood included), games, and delicious coffee. I would stay here again in a heart beat! It was so cozy, surrounded by nature, and the staff were friendly.
One tiny issue
The one complaint I have was upon arrival we found an unlabeld capsel pill on the floor in our cabin. I am so happy we found it before my son did, luckily he was not crawling yet! We took this as a lesson for the future.. Always check an accomidation throughly if you have kids before letting them explore.
Great places
While you are in this land of enchantment you absolutly have to do some of these things. First and foremost, visit the Bixby Bridge, yes this is the bridge featured many times on Big Little Lies. It is absolutely incredble.. pictures can not do justice to what the eyes see.
Monterey Bay is a unique little area right by the water. We always visit for beer/wine and a good meal.
The scenic 17 Mile Drive in Pebble Beach is a beautiful self driven tour. I would strongly recommend setting aside a day to do this. There are so many incredible sights to see and a couple beaches to explore! Definitely pack a lunch or bring snacks, you’ll want to be fuled and have plenty of time.
Point Lobos State Park is filled with alluring ladscapes and more views of the Pacific Ocean! This walk was lovely- all along the water. There were easy paved ways along with some rugged dirt paths, you really can’t go wrong here!
My favorite spot
One of my favorite stops in Big Sur, so far, was Andrew Molera State Park. When we drove into the parking area we had no idea what we were about to see. We spoke to one of the trail guides to make sure we chose something suitable with a 3 month old. He directed us towards a smooth loop through the woods, assuring us that the trail to the beach would be a bit difficult. When we asked him why, he said we would have to trek through a small river. We took his word for it and started off..When I saw the sign that said ‘Beach—>’ naturally I had to check out the circumstances. There was a decent sized river, about two feet deep, and freezing..we crossed it! I have never been one to pass up a beach.
When the trail through the woods finally opened up to the sand, I was in awe.. This beach was absolutely breathtaking. Have you ever felt the feeling of being in the right place at the right time? That is exactly how I felt here. As we looked along the sand we saw about 20 different driftwood huts people had made. The huts were perfect little spaces to sit and enjoy all this area has to offer.
Mama moment
This moment, at Ander Molera State Park, streamed the happiest tears down my cheeks. We were in the midst of a busy day complete with nature, excitement, and mom duties! Cruz started to cry in the middle of our very sunny beach stop and I knew I had to feed him, like right that minute. I scrambled to find a little spot of shade, semi overwhelmed, sat down and began to feed him. As I looked around at all the elements surrounding us and back down at my little miracle, I was in complete bliss. This life we’re living in is extraordinary. All my thanks be to God.
Where we ate
A great place to grab drinks and a bite to eat, right in the middle of Big Sur, is The Frenwood Restaurant Bar and Grill. It has a super chill backwoods vibe, our waitress and busser were extremaly friendly and accomidating, and the food was good! What more can you ask for?
On our way home, the first time I visited, Kate and I were STARVING. We planed on going to a restaurant that was a little too far away.. so as we passed Rocky Point Restaurnt we made a quick turn around and decided to give it a try. I am so happy we did, this place was delicious, and had the most spectacular view. We shared the crab cakes, cheese bread, and an arugula salad. After we finished eating we explored the grounds a little. We saw mama bunnies and baby bunnies, butterflies, and of course new views of the Pacific Ocean, cliff side. I can’t wait to go back!
Reminisce
Leaving Big Sur is always a little heartbreaking..I never want the moments there to end. On the way out I always try as hard as I can to keep my eyes open wide, hardly blinking, if you will..Because I figure the longer and harder I look, the better my memories of it will be.
If you’re looking for another fun CA vacation spot, check out my post from Malibu! 🙂