I think Big Sur is one of my favorite spots in California, maybe the world, and with the warm fall weather California is having, I wanted to share some great spots to visit there.
These photos were from a late spring visit, but fall is a perfect time too. The weather tends to be even nicer than summer. This was a day trip, but we spent the night in nearby Carmel, which is just half hour or more drive to Big Sur depending on your destination.
The drive is one of the best parts. It can be foggy in mornings, but most days it burns off by afternoon and can get very sunny and warm.
One happening spot on the way for breakfast or lunch is The Big Sur Bakery.
Charmingly housed in a cottage with an adjoining garden and a makeshift art gallery, it’s worth a stop. They have fantastic cappuccinos and pastries and sell their own granola among other cute items.
Plants really seem to thrive here with the mix of fog and sun!
Some of the art and a stick sculpture in the garden.
Love, love, love this place!! So Northern Cal.
They have a cookbook out now, The Big Sur Bakery Cookbook.
Our goal this day ways to take a small hike at Julia Pfeiffer Burns Park and lunch later.
This beautiful state park is about 37 miles south of Carmel on Highway 1.
We did the Ewoldson Trail, which was under 5 miles and crosses small streams.
There are some of 2,500 year old redwoods in this park!
Mischief! The boys made a seesaw with logs and scrambled up the trails faster than we could. There are bridges and streams to hop and cross and a few banana slugs to check out as well.
A squiggly redwood, which is a genetic mutation of the tree. Beautiful!
Took some fail selfies. 😀
An alligator-like log we found.
At the end, of the trail, you can walk a short distance and see the famous McWay Falls and an amazing hidden beach.
Looking at McWay Cove from the Waterfall Overlook Trail.
The sun was beginning to push the fog away and boys were hungry, so it was time for lunch at another Big Sur landmark, Nepenthe.
Nepenthe is a breathtaking spot perched above the Pacific. This multi-level restaurant and gathering spot has been serving travelers, artists and Bohemians since 1949. It’s open most everyday of the year for lunch and dinner.
The colorful outdoor seating area by the entrance.
We chose to eat inside as it was still a bit chilly. It’s still like open-air dining though, with
great views, but heaters and a fire pit.
This day the fog obscured some of the ocean, but it was still gorgeous.
(My son Griffin had just shaved his head for St Baldrick’s Day!)
(My son Griffin had just shaved his head for St Baldrick’s Day!)
Love this fence on at Nepenthe made of the squiggly redwood.
The long outdoor tables are good for people watching and panoramic views on clear days.
I bought the pretty, My Nepenthe cookbook at The Phoenix Shop, below the restaurant, which is always good to peruse after a meal. The book chronicles the story of Nepenthe and the talented Fassett family who have run it all these years. I’m crazy for the photographs and recipes. It’s probably my favorite cookbook right now. Romney Steele, author and granddaughter of the creators, lives in Oakland and also has a lovely blog.
The shop has a wonderful mix of handmade local goods from soaps to quilts, pottery, jewelry, and much more. A wonderful spot for souvenirs from Northern California!
Another cool book they carry, The California House, is all about the homes of Old California.
On the way back we passed pretty Deetjen’s Big Sur Inn below, another Big Sur institution that also serves breakfast and dinner. More information about it’s very interesting rooms and history here.
Make sure you plan for plenty of drive time going through here. There are many photo opportunities and funky spots to check out.
Our day was mostly foggy, but the sun broke through many times. I recommend wearing layers when visiting Big Sur. It’s very casual and anything from chunky sweaters to fleeces and down jackets work. You may also want to throw some shorts in your car. Comfy shoes or boots are smart here as are scarves.
Big Sur really is like no place else on earth. Do not miss an opportunity to visit!
You might also want to check out the Big Sur Food & Wine Festival, November 6-8 this year. More information and tickets on their site.
Kim
All photos property of NorthernCalStyle.
