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!
Hi Julia –
Gorgeous photos of Big Sur! I love the area and am glad readers can also see what a special place it is! I was reading through your review and having been to the area a few times, a few things stuck out to me:
– It’d be helpful to provide readers a variety of options for varying budgets. Big Sur can be as cheap as you’d like (grabbing a camp site or staying in nearby Carmel and finding a picnic spot along the road, or staying and dining at Ventura/Post Ranch Inn).
– Would be helpful to post times to visit each roadside destination as Pfeiffer Beach has always been at capacity each time I’ve gone.
– More details and photos of area dining (menus, reviews, and cost) would be helpful!
– Perhaps even creating a sample itinerary for first-timers?
Oh wow! This post is gorgeous! I’ve always wanted to go to Big Sur especially with my Husband! your photos just make me want to book a trip right now! The fog makes it look so ethereal. Your outfits look great as well, so cozy and stylish!
Ellie
MapleSyrupandTeacups.blogspot.coY
Those sunset pictures are unreal!! I just get more and more surprised with how talented your husband is. Y’all make a great team :)
XO, Maci
http://www.xomaci.com
Looks like such a fun trip!
http://thegirlswhobrunch.com
seriously beautiful photos! now I can’t wait to visit!
http://heyprettything.com
omg! I want to leave to Big Sur right now! Great guide girly!
http://www.ONTHEKATTWALK.com
Wow these photos are stunning! It looks like such a magical place!
http://www.lucylovestosparkle.com
What stunning pictures! xo
Big Sur is definitely one of the most special spots in central California. I love it there. And I need to add staying at the Post Ranch Inn on top of my list. It’s beautiful. Great post!
http://beyondbasicblog.com/
Such a great guide! And stunning photos :)
http://www.skinnybelle.com/
One of my favorite posts you’ve done!
I am so in love with Big Sur’s beauty! These pictures are unbelievable. Thank you for this wonderful guide! http://www.chasingbelle.com
you and your pictures are beyond amazing! u take my breath away…
Gorgeous photos. I’ve heard about Big Sur, but had never really paid much attention to it until recently…and then I saw this post. Bixby Bridge looks really magnificent and Post Ranch Inn really seems like a nice rustic laidback place to enjoy the scenery. I love the glass deck overlooking the cliff. Breathtaking!
https://sartorialisttoujours.wordpress.com/
I love the pictures! They’re amazingly beautiful!
Gorgeous view & gorgeous outfits! I hope to go there someday!
xoxo, Julia Chic
{www.littlechicfreak.com}
Oh so dreamy! I love it all definitely saving this post! :)
Yara
( http://www.thetwentiesguide.com )
Which of the accommodations at the Post Ranch Inn did you stay in/would you recommend?
I’m planning a road trip down the Pacific Coast Highway through Bir Sur next year so this makes me super excited! Your photos are gorgeous and that sunset is just stunning :)
Ayla | http://mrsaylasadventures.com
I just got back from a weekend down there and it is breathtaking! Love your guide and where you stayed!
francesca
Frank Vinyl: A California Fashion Blog
I have to say this is probably my favorite post you’ve done yet! Beautiful!
Wow, just wow. Lovely photos as usual and lovely style. Thanks for the daily inspiration <3
livinglifecrazy.com/
Wow, it looks like you had an incredible time in Big Sur! Post Ranch Inn looks gorgeous and their pool on the edge of the cliff certainly provides stunning views.
http://www.thelavinlabel.com
Wow. So stunning. Lived in the Bay Area for 6 years and I still haven’t made it out to Big Sur yet. May have to check this place out!
http://www.havingamoment.net/
Loved the post. Beautiful ensembles. And it so makes me wanna leave everything and travel right now.
x https://ahsknaka.wordpress.com/
Looks great, I have been wanting to visit.
Where is your watch from? SO cute!
Big Sur is one of my favorite places in the world. I really enjoyed this post. Thanks for sharing your review all the beautiful pictures.
What a dream get away in that tree house, heath taking! Need that chunky cream sweater in my life as well!
http://www.tusksandtails.com
Julia, I love you! This post is awesome!
Claire
Love your sweater <3
http://www.oliviaponcelet.com :-)
this looks incredible! also, your photography is so incredible. looks like a great trip! xo
http://dearserendipity.com/
WOOOW !!! So stunning sets :) I adore your stly e ! :*
P.S – You are PERFECT couple guys !!!!
I loved this post! I would love to see more posts like this – travel guides especially with all the travel you and Thomas do. It would be nice to have a few more affordable hotel recommendations as well! Look forward to the next travel post
Wow. Those photos are stunning. I appreciate the substantive recommendations of places to visit. I’ll have to visit someday!
XO, Jennifer Almarine
Hi!
Great post! From where is the adorable weekend tote?
Thank you for sharing the details of your trip! It was helpful! We took our two kids to Highway 1/Big Sur a few weeks ago. If anyone is traveling with kids and would like a few pointers that we found helpful, you can read my blog post here: http://www.snugglebuguniversity.com/2016/01/a-big-surmonterey-adventure.html
I am actually grateful to the owner of this web site who has shared this great article at at this place.
Where did you get your baseball cap? I can’t seem to find the link to it. Thanks :)