Travel Guide: Big Sur

My husband and I have just come back from doing the Pacific Coast Highway Drive. We rented a Mustang convertible (as you do) and embarked on an Americana experience. Everybody tells you how spectacular the drive is, but even so we were not prepared for just how stunning the coast was.  I loved the colours, and if I were a designer my next collection would be in the blue and brown tones pictured below.  Please see below for a mini guide.

WHERE TO STAY

Post Ranch Inn:  If you wanna splurge, this is one of the places well worth it.  The rooms are BUILT INTO the rock, with the most amazing views of the Pacific.  Its a honeymoon/special occasion kind of place.  No children allowed so go while you can!

Ventana:  Just across the Post Ranch Inn on a huge estate, the Ventana has an awesome spa, inclusive of onsen and all.  The rooms are very spacious and cute.  A pretty good place to go if you want some healthy living.

Glen Oaks Lodge: Cozy lodge in the forest, well priced, rustic wooden decor with built in fire place.  A good place to stop at night one the way through Big Sur.

Esalen:  For the hippie in you. Part hippie commune, part nudist retreat, part healing centre. For non-guest the hot springs are open from 1am onwards.  Clothing optional. Sadly my husband refused to go.

RESTAURANTS 

Post Ranch Inn:  For high end cuisine, with an amazing view.  Date night material.

Big Sur Bakery:  Amazing breakfast with a huge selection of green teas and eggs.   I had the avocado toast with radish which was very good.  My husband waxed lyrical about the mocha cookie.

Nepenthe:  Food is average but the view is pretty good.

River Inn:  The food is not bad, and there is the added bonus that you can lounge in large wooden chairs smack in the middle of the river, with your feet in the water.  There are worse ways to spend an afternoon.

HIKES 

Julia Pfieffer Trail:  A two hour hike but worth it.  Through a redwood forest to the summit with spectacular views.

McWay Cove and McWay Falls Trail:  A quick 20 minute walk but with some great views. Pictured below.