THE RAW, UNFILTERED BEAUTY OF BIG SUR, CALIFORNIA
Driving down Pacific Coast Highway in Big Sur, California. Photo by Renata Amazonas
AN ADVENTURE IN BIG SUR, CALIFORNIA
Contributed by Rebekah Bell,
I was 16 when I saw the ocean for the first time. My family and I had caravanned halfway across the United States for our summer vacation, leaving landlocked Kansas behind in favor of coastal Virginia Beach. It was nighttime when we reached our ocean side hotel, but my siblings and I couldn’t contain our excitement. We donned our swimsuits, grabbed some towels, and raced to the sandy white beach. Never ones to do something halfheartedly, we dived into the ocean with reckless abandon. I marveled at the way the full moon above cast a silvery shadow over the wind-whipped waves and listened as the ocean tide created a gentle lullaby.
It’s been nearly a decade since I first saw the ocean, but the childlike sense of wonder I experienced upon initially seeing it has never left me. When I moved to Southern California to attend college, I fell head-over-heels in love with the palm tree dotted beaches, gentle ocean spray, and crystal blue water of the Pacific Ocean. From the bluffs of San Diego the otherworldly beauty of the Bay Area, California is filled with gorgeous ocean views.
Although I’ve explored several California destinations throughout the last few years, one of my favorite spots is Big Sur. Located around 300 miles up the coast from Los Angeles, this idyllic, picturesque stretch of land is one of the Golden State’s biggest treasures. The raw, unfiltered beauty of Big Sur extends over an 85-mile stretch of coastline between San Simeon and Carmel. Because the area is so spread out, it’s worthwhile it to spend at least an afternoon exploring the region.
Beautiful giant Redwood trees line the cliffside along Highway 1 in Big Sur, California. Photo by Renata Amazonas.
I looked up countless pictures of Big Sur before visiting, but none of them adequately prepared me for the immense natural beauty of the region. The water is breathtakingly blue, and the craggy cliffs provide perfect vantage points for the shimmering ocean below. The turquoise blue water melds into white foam as the waves touch the shoreline, creating a gorgeous visual image.
Road tripping to Big Sur, California. Photo by Renata Amazonas.
During my road trip to Big Sur, I hiked to McWay Falls, an 80-foot waterfall in Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park. The scenic waterfall cascades over a cliff onto the beach below, where a cove is nestled into the cliff. The waterfall is one of the most photographed destinations in the area, and for good reason. Although hikers cannot go down to the beach where the waterfall is, the overlook above provides a birds-eye view of the waterfall.
McWay Falls, where you can see a waterfall cascade over the cliffs to meet the sea. A favorite place of ours. Photo by Braxton Stuntz.
If at all possible, make it a point to watch the sunset in Big Sur. As afternoon turns to evening, golden rays of sunlight dance over the ocean below, creating a beautiful masterpiece. The sun reflects off the cliffs, bathing them in amber hues of light.
Big Sur is the perfect place to watch the sunset with someone you love. Photo by Renata Amazonas.
Big Sur is mostly unhindered by traffic, buildings or construction, which makes it the perfect getaway for city dwellers eager to spend the day in nature. It is a wonderful place to enjoy a romantic date, spend some quality time with friends, or soak in the solace and tranquility of nature. Cell reception in the area is spotty, but the views are so breathtaking that you’ll forget all about your phone. If you’re trying to decide what part of California to visit next, Big Sur should be at the top of your list.
Golden Hour Sunset along the coast in Big Sur, California. Photo by Renata Amazonas..
Golden Hour at Pfieffer Beach near Big Sur, California. Photo by Renata Amazonas.
Highway 1, aka Pacific Coast Highway, goes all the way along the California coastline. It’s one of the best ways to explore the Golden State. Photo by Renata Amazonas.
Highway 1 on the way to Big Sur, California. Photo by Renata Amazonas.
Big Sur is a favorite for those looking to escape the city life in Los Angeles and San Francisco. It’s the perfect place to unplug and enjoy one of the many hidden gems found amongst the giant Redwoods. Photo by Renata Amazonas.
Breathtaking views of the California Coastline. Photo by Renata Amazonas.