Big Sur has been at the top of our dream getaway list for years now. Only a 3 hour drive from San Francisco and yet we only made it here for the first time last week! Last November, we booked a cabin at Riverside Campground and Cabins . When we arrived last week, we pulled into a summer campground wonderland. The staff was extremely friendly and helped inform us about the area.
Unfortunately, the devastating and ongoing effects of the Soberanes Fires required the State Parks to be closed so we were informed of the area logistics. They then directed us to our little home away from home for the next 3 nights. The cabin was sparsely decorated (as cabins should be!) ) but had adequate amenities to enjoy the comforts of home on one of the most beautiful coastlines in California, regardless of the fires.
For us, the price of the cabin was somewhat expensive, mostly due to the fact we we're gone from 8am to 6pm in the evening and just looking for a comfortable place to lay our heads. That being said, if we we're a family looking for an all exclusive camping experience, they have everything one could ever hope for including a treeline bridge, river tubing, and kayaking.
It's incredibly saddening to realize that an illegal campfire has been the cause of the most expensive fire fighting pursuit in US history. I want to take a moment to thank those valiantly keeping this devastation contained in order to preserve many of the landmarks in the area, from Julia Pfeiffer Burns to Hearst Castle.
Even with the State Parks being closed, we found little difficulty filling our time by exploring Highway 1, local eateries, and our new favorite Cove, Sand Dollar Beach.
First full breath in Big Sur, what you dont see is the ash slowly raining from the sky due to the fires.
Sand Dollar Beach, Big Sur
The view everyone is waiting for when they finally enter Big Sur, Bixby Bridge.
Deetjen's Big Sur
During one of our daily adventure's South on Highway one, we drove passed a quirky B&B, called Deetjens. It caught our eye so much we turned around and decided to see if they we're serving brunch. We enjoyed the most amazing Hollandaise sauce ever, clearly homemade with love and care, so we returned again that night for dinner.
In our opinion, this B&B has the best food by far of all dining options in Big Sur. We ended up sitting at the bar for dinner due to a full main dining room, but the service there was attentive, and just plain kind. The conversations had we're like those one has with friends in a small town. A very welcomed change from the touristy restaurants like Nepenthe.
Grandpa's Cabin, Deetjens
The incredibly endearing little Guest Library at Deetjens!
I don't think I was quite prepared for the Disney-esque feel of the main restaurants and bars in Big Sur. Other than Deetjen's, I really felt like I was on a tourism conveyor belt when dining out.
Next time around I would love to bring our own food, drinks, and just stick to the landscape for most of the trip. I still think we would stop by Deetjen's for a drink though!
Though most of our hiking plans we're thrown out the window once we entered Big Sur. Plan B was to explore the open coastline and, of course, look for a good wave. Thankfully we found a beautiful cove called, Sand Dollar Beach. The waves weren't incredible, but they we're big enough to have fun.
Both of these sites have reserved and walk up campgrounds. Chris and I decided next time we venture down, we'll try to snag one of these sites near Sand Dollar. The experience for us is more about being in this natural wonderland than staying at a posh resort, however both are in supply!
Chris' "fun" wave, Big Sur
McWay Falls, Big Sur
It's an incredible feat that California has been able to keep much of this coastline free from development, but especially impressive that this beach has been kept so pristine! Gazing down onto this delicate natural cove is definitely one for the bucket list! If you have the patience to watch the sunset fall through the marine layer, you could be rewarded with a beautiful golden glow like this one.
Overall our first trip to Big Sur was one we'll remember for a life time. There's something truly healing about this place. Every breath of fresh air came with a release of day to day stress and worries.
We'll be patiently waiting until the next time we are able set our eyes upon these azure blue waters. Now it's time to finalize packing for our next adventure,
Vive la France!
