Endless blue oceans reflecting bluer skies on one side. Towering mountains on the other side. A narrow strip of road that is the US Highway 1 in between. Big Sur is a dream for nature lovers and avid road-trippers. It is not a town or a specific destination you can point out on a map; if anything, I would describe it as a journey of sorts. No traffic lights or outlet malls, just the unwavering coastline and countryside vistas for miles.
Big Sur is the perfect setting to experience a tranquil state of mind that comes from imbibing fresh pacific coast air and just driving. (I had Dory’s voice going “Just Keep Driving” in my head like a mantra!)
A special beauty among the many must-see spots on this coastal highway is Point Lobos. Often called the “greatest meeting of land and water”, Point Lobos is a marine preserve; a sanctuary for fishes, animals, rare plants and ocean life to exist and thrive.
From afar, Point Lobos is a headland with mega sized cliffs and rocks that pit against the ocean to create dramatic pools of water that I can only describe as being so blue. The artsy part of my brain was constantly trying to identify all the different shades of blue my eyes could perceive – Prussian, Cerulean, Ink blue to name a few. It really is a treat for the eyes.
Midway, we had a brief sojourn at the Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park (this is now closed until further notice due to a forest fire 😦 ) Named after one of the pioneer women of Big Sur, this park boasts a large variety of trees, including the famous Redwood trees, and waterfalls.
Walking through the 1 mile long Waters trail, we got views of some lovely creeks, streams and picnic spots.
The awesome thing about Big Sur and the Coastal drive is that there are lesser known spots and treasures to look out for every few miles or so. One such place is the Elephant Seal Beach. These seals had been hunted to almost extinction, and have made an amazing recovery thanks to preserves such as these. In all honesty though, what I remember about this place is the nauseating smell; this is probably why I would make this place a one time visit in my books.
How awesome would it be to spend days just lazing around in the sun like these seals!
If anyone is planning to do this trip, I would definitely recommend staying somewhere overnight and making this at-least a 2 day trip to completely savor the experience. We booked an absolutely charming cabin and spent the night sharing horror stories around a campfire we built.
What I absolutely loved about this trip is that we didn’t know in advance where our next stop was going to be. It was a liberating experience to just keep driving and stumble upon hidden treasures and secluded beaches that beg to be explored.
With one last picture for the road, here is to more journeys with dusty shoes and beautiful views *Just keep living!* 🙂
Thanks for reading!
dustyshoesandbeautifulviews 
This looks so fun! I love the photos of the seals! I had wanted to go to Big Sur for a race but now maybe I’ll just go for funsies!
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Are seals really lazing around like that! I am going to California soon and have a lot of time to explore so Big Sur is gonna be on my priority list 😀
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The azure beaches and the landscapes around Big Sur are stunning. We love road tripping so this is definitely our kind of a trip. Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park definitely is worth a stop for nature
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I love exploring and not really having any plan and coming across some beautiful places. It’s such a pity about Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park. Was the fire an accident or did someone do it on purpose?
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Looks like you’ve had a wonderful time. Big Sur looks like a place where you can enjoy the beach without too much craziness. And I’d totally love to lounge with those seals! They look pretty relaxed to me!
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The landscapes look absolutely stunning! Would really enjoy a nature break there, seems perfect for a vacation!
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How lovely! California truly is a beautiful state and has such beautiful areas to explore. I would love to see the seals. Animals and nature truly resonate with me.
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Oh my, this looks exciting and refreshing I always love the beach. Cliffs makes my stomach turn but that’s also the exciting part. Glad you enjoyed your vacation!
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I’ve been to big sur but never to point Lobos. And it was years ago before I had a decent camera. Guess it’s time to go back to this beautiful place!
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I have never been to a marine preserve, and this looks so dream like! for a photographer ! Big Sur seems so full of blue and green; two of Mother Nature’s favourite colors.
This should be a must-visit place for someone who is around!
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As a nature lover, traveling on this road would make a perfect trip! The scenery is so beautiful and I love it that you have plenty of opportunities to stop and hike, for an ever better feeling of freedom. I would definitely like to be a seal for a few days and just relax in the sun, as they did when you met them.
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Wow! I love such unpredictable journeys!
You did come across wonderful sights 🙂
Those seals are so cute lazing around. Are they scary? You didn’t go closer?
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This is definitely a perfect place to hike. And those seals. Sooo cute. I would love to go lazying with them. 😀
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I absolutely loved traveling all down the pacific coast highway in California…especially through Big Sur. It is truly heaven for nature lovers, because you get to see the beautiful coast and hike through amazing national parks.
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Big Sur is gorgeous. I love those sea lions hanging by the beach. Did you stay at Carmel by the sea.? Loved your pics.
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Such a stunningly beautiful place. You have captured some amazing pictures. I would defo stay a night or two to explore more thanks for that tip.
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