Big Sur, a Honeymoon Destination for Biophilic souls
Big Sur is a region in western California with majestic coastlines. This scenic rugged stretch of around 100 miles land encompasses an extended beautiful seacoast along the famous Pacific Coast Highway. It extends southwards from Carmel, just south of Monterey to the Hearst Castle at San Simeon. The highway offers panoramic and eclectic beauty with unbridled nature rules, and it is bordered by the Santa Lucia Mountains and the Pacific Ocean
Famous novelist and poet Jack Kerouac has described Big Sur aptly:
“The empty blue sky of space says ‘All this comes back to me, then goes again, and comes back again, then goes again, and I don’t care, it still belongs to me”
The spectacular setting of redwood and fog-trimmed coastlines draws in honeymooners with a magic palpable allure. This is place welcomes nature freaks with untouched bluffs, woods, sea lines, or colourful sky.
This is one of the most unforgettable long stretches of picturesque landscapes with sparkling ocean lines, moonwalks and misty strolling through old redwood forests. This mystical paradise of nature is a perfect destination to celebrate the nuptials. The awe-inspiring natural beauty of Big Sur makes it a romantic destination for couples to unfurl and soak in to each other. Big Sur is brimmed with romantic activities for a soulful experience with your significant half.
This magical Californian road trip on Highway 1 is quintessential to Big Sur and only one way to experience Pacific Ocean coastline. This stretch of roughly 90 miles goes from Sam Simeon in the south to Carmel and Monterey in the north and has some of the country’s most beautiful coastal views. The road trip on Highway 1 is full of breath-taking stops, where you will find a crowd of tourists on every turn on the road. Here we are revealing some of the most striking spots on the Pacific Coast highway journey.
McWay Falls
Located in Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park, McWay Falls is an 80-foot cascade and is probably the most well-known stop in all of Big Sur. This famous waterfall gushes directly onto the beach. Come here to watch colourful sunset views. The scenic sunset will remain in your memories for real long. Depending on the tide, McWay Falls either falldirectly into the Pacific Ocean, or onto a pristine little cove. Either way, it is one of the most beautiful sights in California.
Limekiln State Park
Andrew MoleraState Park
Limekiln State Park is a beautiful beginning of Big Sur and its history. This state park has a great beach and campground, a 716-acre piece of Big Sur just outside the Alila Ventana resort, but the main draws are the hiking trails that head inland. The Limekilns are from which the park gets its name and are nestled in the trees back at the end of the trail.
Set in 4,800 acres, Andrew MoleraState Parkis the largest state park of Big Sur. It gives you plenty of options to experience. If you are a rambler, then hike through the trails, venture through redwood groves and meadows, or take a dip in the river. It is a happy spot for surfers as well.
Nepenthe Restaurant
Nepenthe is a great stop; this cliff-topping restaurant is nestled here since 1947 rightfully and makes it onto everyone’s bucket list. A combination of Californian and Greek Mediterranean food on your drive, they make a great burger called the “Ambrosia Burger” that’s always a highlight on their menu. But, food is not the main attraction of this restaurant. It has an amazing open-air bar seating which looks out over the incredible views of the Big Sur Coastline. Nepenthe is also well-known for its long wine list, which features several hundred bottles of various local and global wines.
Explore Hearst Castle
Henry Miller Memorial Library
Point Sur Lighthouse
Partington Cove
This man-made marvel is majestic, and one of a Big Sur wonders. Drive 65-miles south to San Simeon where the castle is tucked in. It had been built somewhere between 1919 and 1947, designed by famous architect Julia Morgan. The globally famous Hearst Castle is an ideal getaway to enjoy nature and art. This iconic landmark is a masterpiece of art and architecture and it played an important role in several historical events in US.
This funky library is dedicated to works of those who have lived in or nearby, particularly the late Henry Miller. Writer and artist Henry Miller once lived in this house for few years in the 1940s. This is a little outdoor/indoor book store tucked back in a cabin amongst the redwoods with a beautiful history. The book store occupies the living room. This place is a hidden gem with outdoor art installations. The library also supports artists of all walks, providing a workshop and performance space with regular events. There are short film screenings, story competitions, author readings, live music shows, and even an occasional outdoor dinner.
The Point Sur Lighthouse is jutted out on one of the westernmost points along the Big Sur Coastline. It is not only beautiful to see from afar while you’re driving, but also really impressive to tour. You can take a scheduled guided tour, but you’ll need to check the restrictions and guidelines and will have to make the booking in advance. There are only a few tours every week, and that too on specific times and specific days. So, you need to check the next tour timings well in advance. The hill on which the lighthouse is situated provides beautiful views of the crushing ocean, besides having an interestinghistory. Point Sur Lighthouse stands as a silent sentinel to the bygone era. Erected in 1889, this lighthouse has stayed in continuous operation ever since, and is the only complete lighthouse of its era open to the public in California.
Partington Cove is a hiking trail which is a part of Julia Pfeiffer Burns State. This short hike can be hard to find with no signs, but is a great way to explore the dramatic waterfront on the Big Sur coast. The parking is just along the side of the road, and from there a trail takes you downhill to a historic loading area with a 60-foot tunnel that leads to Partington Cove. The tunnel was constructed in the 1880s for John Partington, who transported oak from the Tanbark Forests in the mountains above to ships moored in the eponymous cove. So, you can still see some of the old pieces of wood sticking out of the rocks and a bench to relax at.
Bixby Creek Bridge
Pfeiffer Beach
Built in 1932, Bixby Creek Bridge is an architecturally unique bridge, which makes it an iconic stop on the highway. It is a single-span concrete arch that sits 280 feet above the bottom of a steep canyon carved by Bixby Creek, making it one of the highest bridges of its kind in the world. One of the most photographed spots on the entire drive, there is a small pull-out on the north side that lets you get some stunning views of the bridge, looking down on the crushing ocean as well as over some of the area’s most picturesque coastline.
Pfeiffer Beach, famously known as “purple sand beach”, is a fantastic beach that has a beautiful keyhole rock arch which is embedded offshore on the beach. Pfeiffer Beach can be hard to find and does require you to drive on a sketchy, one-lane road all the way down to the parking area. No doubt, it is worth the effort.The superb scenery and serene ambience will make you adore this beautiful spot instantly. Pfeiffer Beach is one of the most stunning spots along the entire Big Sur coast.
Monterey & Carmel-by-the-Sea
Monterey & Carmel-by-the-Sea California are located at the northern end of the Monterey Peninsula, about two hours south of San Francisco, on California’s central coast.Visit the famous Monterey BayAquarium and Cannery Row. Take in the ocean vistas along the 17-mile drive and experience the coastal California epicurean scene. Lover’s Point Beach is the perfect spot for a romantic walk and falling in love with the charming beauty of the place. The beach offers stunning views of the Monterey Bay coastline. There are many beautiful beaches, many of them being sandy beaches, and all of them are ready to give romantic vibes. In Monterey, Parker-Lusseau Patisserie is the perfect spot to have a breakfast to start your day in Hartnell Street. Another breakfast option is the Alta Bakery with its large garden patio. The old fisherman’s wharf is definitely a tourist centre with souvenir shops and restaurants. Sightseeing boats depart from the end of the wharf to cruise around Monterey Bay. Cannery Row is one of the most widely recognizable areas of Monterey. Barely a minute away from the Cannery Row is the Monterey Bay Aquarium which was established in 1978. This aquarium was initially known for its kelp forest and was the first kelp forest exhibit in the world. Living here are otters, penguins and a large exhibit of jellyfish. The open sea is full of other sea life attractions which give a captivating view. Down the road from the aquarium there is Monterey wine bar for a sample tasting of local wines while overlooking the water. Portabella at the Carmel-by-the-Sea is a restaurant with a European flair which is a great pick for dinner. The Sandbar & Grill is great for seafood in the Monterey harbour area. Monterey is famous for scenic beauty, but it offers much more than your expectations.
Soak in the coastal sight
The region of Big Sur has abundant amazing coastal views, some of the best of which are located in the southern part of Big Sur, along the drive from Limekiln to the next few stops. Keep your eyes on the road so as to stop at many of the different pull-outs. As there are so many great places to take photos along this drive, drive slow and pull-out whenever you want, and enjoy all the views.
The Piedras Blanca's Elephant Seal Rookery
A visit to Mission San Carlos Borromeo del Rio Carmelo
Shopping on Ocean Avenue
The Piedras Blanca’s Rookery is the only elephant seal rookery in the world that is easily accessible. Elephant Seals are seen year-round at the Piedras Blanca’s Rookery. If you’re looking for something a little bit different, then you must visit Piedras Blanca’s Rookery to see them relaxing on the beach. Maintain a distance as elephant seals are not always easy to see. Their natural camouflage blends into sand and driftwood, but it is surelyan amazing experience to watch elephant seals in their natural surroundings. It will leave a lasting impression on nature lovers.
Mission San Carlos Borroméo del Río Carmelo is located in the southern part of Carmel-By-The-Sea, only a few minutes off Highway 1 on Rio Road. It is a perfect break from hiking and trekking in the mountains. Learn the interesting history of this church which was built in the year 1797. This area is also home to a fountain and a lovely garden that you can walk through. There is a small museum room showcasing few artefacts from the area and the statue of Father Serra. The chapel is one of the most beautiful of the 21 California missions. The cemetery is along the side of the mission and has many unique gravestones, some being ornate while the other being just small crosses. It can be refreshing to visit this incredibly beautiful place with arich history.
It is a beautiful market area which is full of local artisan shops, cute cafes and bars, bakeries and restaurants, jewellery stores, some chic clothing brands and shoe stores, art galleries, and much more. This is an ideal shopping and chilling place for honeymooners. To feel the vibes and essence of the Ocean Avenue, you can plan to spend few nights at any one of bed ‘n’ breakfasts in the region.
Glamping In Big Sur
Camping on honeymoon creates a spark between the bonded souls, but Big Sur offers an over-the-top experience to camping couples. Glamping is a great outdoor activity-camping with all the comforting luxuries such a hot tub, fire pit, and even a private deck with a view;ensuring that you don’t have to leave your comforts but enjoy them along with scenic charms.
The Big Sur coastline is rugged and spectacular, with towering cliffs and rocky beaches. There are plenty of forests and hills to explore, making it a perfect place for nature frenzy honeymooners.
