Big Sur
Even though Big Sur may be considered sparsely populated, it is that very reason that contributes to its spectacular beauty. Interestingly, the area known as Big Sur has no real specific geographic boundaries since the name is derived from the region’s original Spanish-language inhabitants of “el sur grande” which translates to “the big south.” However, many define the area as the 90 miles of coastline between the Carmel River and San Carpoforo Creek and extending inland 20 miles to the eastern foothills of the Santa Lucia Mountains. Situated just 120 miles south ofSan Francisco and 245 northwest of Los Angeles the area (however geographically bounded) is a stunning respite for many travelers. The economy of the area is based almost entirely on tourism and much of the land is privately owned. However, there are several state parks to the north and south including:
- Carmel River State Park
- Point Lobos State Reservre
- Garrapata State Park
- Point Sur Lightstation Historic Park
- Andrew Molera State Park
- Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park
- Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park
- John Little State Reserve
- Limekin State Park
We suggest that once you tire of the magnificent views the area offers that you perhaps retire under a tree in any of the above parks with a copy of Jack Karouac’s Big Sur, his 1962 novel that depicts fictional sojourns to nearby Bixby Canyon and its famous bridge that introduced automobiles to the stunning area known as Big Sur.