Julia's Style October 6, 2015
GMG Essential Guide To Big Sur
Outfit Details:
Look 1: J.Crew Sweater (old, similar here), Joe’s Jeans, Sperry Boots, APC Beanie, Thomas’s Scarf
Look 2: Acne Cardigan, MICHAEL Michael Kors Sweater, Joe’s Jeans, Converse Sneakers
Look 3: Details all in this post
Look 4: Free People Dress, J.Crew Flats
Big Sur is known for spectacular scenic views, serene landscape, and secluded destinations. It is Thomas and my goal to offer the most intimate details about this coastal oasis through our Essential Guide to Big Sur. Through our eyes, you can travel to key photo locations, quintessential Big Sur luxury hotels, and award-winning restaurants, whether you’re planning a one or two night stay, or just passing through. After all, a trip to Big Sur is not about the destination, but about the journey, so sit back, relax, and enjoy the ride!
Essential Packing List for Big Sur
Hat- Beanie or Ball Cap/ Boots for exploring (I like to put my Hunter boots to good use)/ Running shoes for activities/ T shirt/ Jeans / Coat/ Knit Sweater/ Backpack & crossbody bag/ Scarf (for misty mornings)/ Sweatshirt / Shorts/ Dress (for dinner)/ Swimsuit– Especially if you are staying at Post Ranch Inn.
Essential Photo Locations in Big Sur
The natural beauty of Big Sur makes it easy to find photo opportunities at every turn. With that said, it is also very easy to get distracted while driving Highway 1, so if you are the driver, please be sure to slow down and focus on the road instead of the view. Allow your significant other to evaluate what turn-offs are worth stopping for.
Bixby Bridge – The historic Bixby Bridge was built in 1932, and connects Carmel to the rest of Big Sur. It’s also one of the most famous spots along Highway 1.
To arrive at Thomas and my favorite angle, turn left, just before the bridge if you are headed south. If you are headed north, turn right, immediately after the bridge. This will take you to a road that goes up into the mountains. Follow the road just a little ways and look for parking. You should be perfectly angled so that you can shoot out towards the ocean and the bridge.
McWay Falls – This beautiful, ethereal waterfall never stops raining down onto the untouched beach below and can be enjoyed year round. It is also an ideal location to experience a magnificent sunset view.
Pfeiffer Beach – In order to capture amazing photos of this iconic purple beach and rock formation, schedule your arrival time around sunset. Be forewarned, however, that, although Thomas and I did see some “purple” sand, it was nothing like the photos we had seen on social media, indicating that either the lighting was a large factor in creating the purple color, or the pictures were heavily enhanced through photo editing.
Essential Places to Stay in Big Sur – Thomas and I just recently stayed in Big Sur for the very first time. We stayed at Post Ranch Inn and absolutely fell in love with the modern yet rustic architecture that blended in so well with the natural environment. Two other Big Sur hotel properties that come highly recommended are Ventana, which offers high-end cabin-like charm, and Treebones Resort, which is known for its “glamping”, combining lodge-styled Yurts with an upscale camping experience.
Post Ranch Inn– What can we say about Post Ranch Inn other than it just took our breath away! Everything was so gorgeous in a very humble way. And, though it may be a more pricey choice, it is more than worth it. The infinity-styled hot tubs with 180-degree views of the ocean will amaze you. And the food, especially the breakfast buffet, is divine.
Essential Places to Eat in Big Sur – Thomas and I ventured out to explore Big Sur and enjoyed a delicious lunch at the Big Sur Bakery. We were also told to visit The Nepenthe for wonderful home-style food and whimsical tales!
Sierra Mar at Post Ranch Inn – The Sierra Mar is the Post Ranch Inn’s award-winning restaurant that not only features exquisite displays of culinary delights, but includes organic ingredients grown right on the property, which Thomas and I most enjoyed! The views from the dining area are unsurpassed, with floor to ceiling windows that bring the ocean view right to you!
As if Big Sur isn’t amazing on it’s own, if you continue to travel on Highway 1, past Big Sur, you will end-up in Carmel if heading North or San Simeon, where the famous Hearst Castle is located, if heading South. So, when planning a Big Sur getaway, you may want to add-on a day or two in order to experience everything this magnificent stretch of the California coastline has to offer!
Amazing photos!
Paola
http://www.lechicchedipaola.it/
Such a fun little getaway (and beautiful)! Big Sur is most definitely on my list of trips and thank you for the packing advice. I think packing is one of the hardest parts about traveling. I live on the east coast so whenever I travel to out west I never know what is needed and it truly depends on where you are going or maybe I am just a horrible packer, which could very well be the case!
Have a wonderful day // http://www.lifeloveandbe.com/
My favorite item is the white cable sweater!!! Looks so cozy!! xo yael
http://www.yaelsteren.com/blog/
I’m from there and you’ve perfectly described it. Such a wonderful place to visit and you CANNOT beat the scenery!! Those sunset pictures are perfection.
http://www.kristajacobs.blogspot.com
The name goes synonymously with the delightful breathtaking sceneries this mythical has to offer. Captivating and fascinating, the feel of being in the middle of nowhere, yet modern amenities appeared every so often. Yes, you have rather brought me back to this fabulous place of much the unknown, mystically secluded only for those with an adventurer hearts will only know . . . Simply magnificent!
La Bijoux Bella | by mia
HI Julia- Love the weekender bag- do you have a suggestion for one similar?
I soooo love your sweater!
http://simplychristianne.com
Julia, your pictures are absolutely breathtaking! Your ability to capture the scenery is impeccable! And I love all of the comfy yet perfectly stylish looks :) Please do continue to inspire!!!!
Red Lipstick Optional
Wow! This guide is beautiful and so helpful. I had been hoping you guys would start doing more travel guides after using your alaska one for our trip. We have highway 1 on our list of must go places so we will definitely be using this one as well. Please keep the travel guides coming
Dresses & Denim
The Big Sur looks so amazing – those sunsets! Wow!
Katie
Find out where I had my best pizza ever on the blog today!
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The Big Sur looks amazing! It seems like you had an incredible trip. The pics in this post are stunning. Definitely will use this guide when I go to the Big Sur.
xx Kate
Simply by Kate
Your pictures (especially the sunset ones) are gorgeous! Big Sur looks so beautiful and relaxing. Thanks for sharing some of the tips on how to get to your favorite picture locations!
Nicole to the Nines
Wow these photos are amazing! Did you take lots of them with your new camera!? gorgeous quality!!
-Meg
http://www.withlovemeg.com
Stunning photos, as always!
http://www.gleeoflife.eu
such a cozy cold beach look! I love the chunky knit sweater
emmastyleguide.blogspot.com
Wow it looks incredible there! I would love to visit
xo
http://www.laurajaneatelier.com
Love the picture of you by the sunset! Gorgeous colors! http://www.kblossoms.etsy.com
Love the cable knit sweater and the photos are just stunning!
Lauren,
http://www.atouchofsoutherngrace.com/
You guys’ trip looked so heavenly! I loved following along on Snapchat. Beautiful looks!
Shae @ Current Habits
Highway 1 is such a beautiful drive! I’ve only stopped on the way to SF in Big Sur, but now I want to stay a night or two.
xo Adri
http://www.adrilately.blogspot.com
It looks so beautiful there! Gorgeous pictures!
Madison Martine
http://www.madisonmartine.com
That sunset is one of the most beautiful you’ve posted. What a beautiful spot, and I love how you’re sharing all the tips with us. You two have an amazing life with all your travel!
xo, jill
http://www.BornFancy.com
Oh my goodness, Julia and Thomas, these pictures are incredibly stunning. I traveled to Big Sur this time last year and it’s such a gorgeous time. The sunsets are unreal! Now I”m dreaming of staying at the lodge. Love your first outfit. These photos take me into a dream land. Oh and I love the one of Thomas with his hand in his pocket looking at you. Moment captured!
xo, Holly
http://www.theglossylemon.com
Love the variety of photos in this post! Your photographic skills are really apparent here. I love that you show your beautiful outfits, but also shots that emphasize the texture of the ground, the mist of the trees, etc. It really tells a story and helps build a strong sensory visual for us readers. Great job!
I love Big Sur! We are so lucky to live in San Francisco and have all these amazing destinations only a road trip away. Thanks for sharing, this could be the perfect getaway for my boyfriends upcoming 30th birthday!
xo Annie
http://www.laircake.com
What beautiful photos! Looks like a fantastic trip. Thanks for the recommendations!
Tasha Juli
stylesplendorbliss.com
wow, just wow. Love all of this cant wait to go!
I live in Monterey so I make the thirty minute drive to Big Sur quite often. I would add garrapata state park for hiking. The Big Sur river inn has a wonderful brunch and you can also grab a drink at the bar and put your feet in the river. The Henry Miller library is beautiful, full of history and tends to have live music on the weekends. Also you can only enter the private Esalen Institute if you are taking a workshop there but their hot spring baths are open to the public from 1am-3am!
These pictures are all so gorgeous!
Paige
http://thehappyflammily.com
Thank you for this post! It’s on my bucket list to make it to Big Sur and Monterey soon, and these are great suggestions!
http://www.maggiealamode.com
Oh it looks so serene I can’t wait for my trip next month. Loving your cream sweater.
http://www.freedupgirl.com
loving the beach side photos!
http://www.atlantastateofmind.blogspot.com
So stunning. Adding to the travel list!
fantastic pics the last ones :*
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The place looks stunning. I will go there any day.
Love
http://www.thestyleventure.com
all of these photos are simply gorgeous! looks like a great place to visit.
http://www.giltedgeblog.com
I love how comfy this outfit is while still looking cute! That sweater looks like the warmest and most comfortable thing! Those photos are also beautiful!
Jen | Knots and Ruffles
What a gorgeous play to get away! I would love to go there someday <3
Isle of Style
This place looks absolutely amazing! wow- and you look gorgeous! Love the sweater you posted– buying that!
Ashley
http://www.girlabouttownfashion.com
These photos are just beautiful! Thomas does such a great job at capturing your photos and the scenery! :)
StyledByBlondie.com
That sunset you two captured is spectacular! Wow…those clouds. Love all your outfits, Julia :)
xo Azu
http://www.raven-locks.blogspot.com
So in love with your outfit and the scenery! <3
Xx
L&A
http://www.la610wayoflife.blogspot.com
Totally love your transition to winter wear! Those sweaters are totally adorable and Big Sur is beautiful. Oh how I miss the West Coast…
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– Stephanie
Your outfits are always so perfect for every occasion! I’m loving the Big Sur guide. I’ve been to California many times but I haven’t been to Big Sur yet.
http://memoriesofthepacific.blogspot.com.es/
Big Sur looks absolutely breathtaking. I’m adding it to my list!
And you look fabulous as always :)
http://mademoiselleaventure.com
Just so you know its just Nepenthe, not The Nepenthe!
Love this post! I can’t wait to make my way down to Big Sur and this post just makes me itch to do it sooner rather than later. Love the J.O.A. fringe sweater and may or may not have purchased it ;)
I love this post! We are going to be traveling in California next summer, and I can’t wait to come back to this post to make a note of your photo stops when we drive along Big Sur!
https://roamingelsewhere.wordpress.com
Wow…the location is so stunning. I can’t stop looking at that hotel pool!!
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Big Sur seems amazing — I love your weekend bag btw
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