Big Sur: California’s Hidden Gem
Last week I wrote about why you should visit San Francisco, which you can read here. Today I want to explain why you should plan a trip to Big Sur, San Francisco’s next-door neighbor and one of the most scenic parts of the entire country. If you are a fan of beautiful places, beach getaways, or incredible photo-ops, you should take a look at Big Sur the next time you are planning a visit to Northern California.
If you’re looking to explore and appreciate the majestic beauty of the Pacific coastline of California, you’re going to want to book a stay in Monterey. This quaint, small coastal city is the perfect place to spend a few days or a week just soaking up the sun and breathing in the salty air. There are fantastic restaurants and shops all around town, like on Fisherman’s Wharf and in the historic Cannery Row. You should also take a visit to the world-famous Monterey Bay Aquarium, located right on the ocean.
Outside of Monterey itself, there are of course gorgeous beaches if you want to spend a day just relaxing. It’s also just a short trip to the towns of Pebble Beach and Carmel-by-the-Sea, with plenty more fine dining and shopping if you’re interested. However, the crown jewel of the California coast is of course Big Sur, miles and miles of almost completely undeveloped coastline where the mountains meet the sea. Driving along Route 1 at sunset has without a doubt been one of the most memorable and amazing things that I have ever seen, and it is truly something you cannot miss out on. If you are staying in Monterey, I recommend driving down at least to the Bixby Creek Bridge, an iconic part of the PCH where you can stop to get out and snap some photos.
If you make it out to Big Sur I can guarantee that it will be unforgettable and you will come back with plenty of incredible shots for the Gram!