Traveling Highway One Through Big Sur
Traveling from Los Angeles to San Francisco to college became routine for me. I spent many hours driving on Interstate 5. I did it so much that I felt I was on auto pilot most of the time. When I had time I would drive Highway 1 to replenish my battery. This drive is far different. It takes longer but what you lose in time you gain in beauty. Driving through Big Sur area is more like driving through a natural cathedral dedicated to nature. The drive makes you feel alive. I compare it to driving through Yosemite. The curves of the coastal road slow you down almost forcing you to enjoy the serene drive and marvel at the ancient majestic redwoods. Now that I am a family man I bring them here to enjoy the natural delights that Big Sur has to offer.
The Pacific Coast Highway or route 1 in California covers most of the coast of California. Big Sur sits right on the Pacific Coast Highway some 120 miles south of San Francisco and 310 miles north of Los Angeles. The rugged, rocky coast line is famous for its tall majestic coast redwoods. These dinosaur like trees reach a height of 350 feet, making the redwood the tallest growing species on the planet. A 350 foot tree can be 2,000 years old and over 20 feet in girth. The big trees attract visitors from all over the world.
The remote location and sheer beauty of Big Sur provides an ideal location for many local writers and artists. Big Sur is a must stop to enjoy the town. Many small and quaint motels and bed and breakfast places dot the area.
The beaches of Big Sur differ greatly than the sandy warm covered beaches of the south. Big Sur’s rocky coast protects many species of marine creatures, more specifically the endangered California sea otter. The fun loving creatures spend much time basking along the coast in the sun and can be seen from the highway. At one time these marine mammals were almost hunted to extinction and wiped from the face of the Earth. In addition, bring warm clothing to these shorelines. The beaches are great for exploring, but not so great for tanning. A thick fog usually covers these remote beaches. Most of the shoreline belongs to national parks or state parks. Access to the beaches means hiking. Family picnics and exploring has been my families favorite past time in Big Sur. Many delights await your family in Big Sur. A great day trip packed with exploration and fun for all.