A veritable jewel along Big Sur’s winding path lies the Pacific Coast Highway, known for its awe-inspiring panorama of the limitless coastline. Dramatically perched high above the surf, this famous roadway winds its way along the region’s cliffs, continually providing ever-changing perspectives on the breathtaking terrain below. But the calming and contemplative culture pervading Big Sur extends far beyond just the mighty beauty of the landscapes surrounding it.
Many of the world’s most visionary artists, writers, and musicians have looked to Big Sur as a source of inspiration, refuge, and transformation. From the pages of Jack Kerouac’s “Big Sur” to Henry Miller’s “Big Sur and the Oranges of Hieronymus Bosch,” this location has long been a home to those seeking inner peace, creativity, and personal growth. Despite the passage of time, Big Sur continues to inspire awe in travelers, defying definition and description.
Today, visitors come from far and wide to experience Big Sur’s incredible offering, but its rare sense of place still exists. Independent art galleries, retreats promoting wellness, and picturesque restaurants perch atop the cliffs or discreetly nestle within the region’s dense forests. But the breathtaking landscape remains at the heart of it all. Big Sur’s state parks, beaches, rivers, valleys, creeks, coves, and wildlife are, quite simply, unparalleled. While some of Big Sur’s natural attractions remain unmarked to protect the sense of isolation that its visitors find so alluring, other areas boast well-maintained trails and facilities to make the most out of an unforgettable journey.