Big Sur: What not to miss?
May 10th, 2007, 12:22 PM
#21
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River Grill is sounding better and better. Better than the one at Nepenthe for a nice dinner out?
Also, I've been through Big Sur 3 times, just never stayed there so I'm familiar with teh curvy hilly windy coastal road. I love that area. I'm not too worried about it but I agree to try avoiding it in the dark. It's prettier in the daytime anyway and we won't be speeding or anything.
Also, I've been through Big Sur 3 times, just never stayed there so I'm familiar with teh curvy hilly windy coastal road. I love that area. I'm not too worried about it but I agree to try avoiding it in the dark. It's prettier in the daytime anyway and we won't be speeding or anything.
May 10th, 2007, 02:09 PM
#22
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The River Inn had great food the last time I was there. They have a wonderful seared ahi salad. You can check out their menu at www.bigsurriverinn.com. It's nothing fancy at all, but the atmospher is nice. No ocean view though.
May 10th, 2007, 04:35 PM
#24
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Ok folks, letting go of the idea of hot springs and big sur, I've been looking at the different hikes. Wow, I didn't realize that was 3000+ feet elevation gerdafaust! I'm considering the other one that everyone else goes to (the one with only 1300 ft elvation). I know I want to see the Pfieffer beach one with the waterfall. That's a given. Can anyone else suggest nice short hikes like the one in pfieffer? I think we want to stick with beach type hikes or riparian hikes too.
I spoke to him about dinner and riverinn sounds good for an early dinner or perhpas even just lunch. Heard a bit about cielo, can anyone tell me if they've been there and how they liked it? Thanks!
I spoke to him about dinner and riverinn sounds good for an early dinner or perhpas even just lunch. Heard a bit about cielo, can anyone tell me if they've been there and how they liked it? Thanks!
May 10th, 2007, 06:35 PM
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Sorry, can't help you with the hikes. The hike to McWay Falls is more of a stroll, but it's very pretty.
Cielo is very nice. It's been years since I've been there, but I'm sure it's still good and they have a distant ocean view. It's more high end than the River Inn for sure. Sierra Mar is also very nice. It is WAY more high end than the River Inn and right above the ocean.
You could get a drink at the River Inn or Nepenthe to get the more rustic Big Sur feel and then splurge on a nice dinner at either of the restaurants I mentioned.
Try looking around www.bigsurcalifornia.org
Cielo is very nice. It's been years since I've been there, but I'm sure it's still good and they have a distant ocean view. It's more high end than the River Inn for sure. Sierra Mar is also very nice. It is WAY more high end than the River Inn and right above the ocean.
You could get a drink at the River Inn or Nepenthe to get the more rustic Big Sur feel and then splurge on a nice dinner at either of the restaurants I mentioned.
Try looking around www.bigsurcalifornia.org
May 10th, 2007, 08:52 PM
#27
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Pfeiffer Beach does not have a waterfall, the beach waterfall is at Julia Pfeiffer-Burns State Park, at McWay Canyon.
There is yet another Pfeiffer park, Pfeiffer-Big Sur State Park (this is the most well known, has a large campground back in the redwoods, there is a waterfall there too, back in the redwoods). The Pfeiffers were one of the original pioneer families in the area, so there are at least three different Pfeiffer parks through Big Sur.
The 1300 foot hike you're talking about is probably the Ewoldsen Trail on the inland side of McWay Canyon at Julia Pfeiffer-Burns. It goes through redwoods then up to an ocean view.
There is yet another Pfeiffer park, Pfeiffer-Big Sur State Park (this is the most well known, has a large campground back in the redwoods, there is a waterfall there too, back in the redwoods). The Pfeiffers were one of the original pioneer families in the area, so there are at least three different Pfeiffer parks through Big Sur.
The 1300 foot hike you're talking about is probably the Ewoldsen Trail on the inland side of McWay Canyon at Julia Pfeiffer-Burns. It goes through redwoods then up to an ocean view.
May 10th, 2007, 09:52 PM
#28
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Sequoia370,
I definitely want to do that first one witht he only waterfall that empties into the ocean. What would you suggest for 2 other hikes and if you can give it an order of preference. Something like that first one as far as length and difficulty, perhaps.
Many thanks!
I definitely want to do that first one witht he only waterfall that empties into the ocean. What would you suggest for 2 other hikes and if you can give it an order of preference. Something like that first one as far as length and difficulty, perhaps.
Many thanks!
May 11th, 2007, 02:30 AM
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For your honeymoon, I would suggest dinner at the restaurant at the Post Ranch Inn, which is spectacular. However, you must reserve far in advance, and make sure that the restaurant has reopened. I stayed here last month, and they were renovating the restaurant... they had built a "temporary" structure (quite nice, actually) on the grounds, in a meadow, but lacking the ocean views.
If the restaurant has reopened and you have a meal here, you will never forget the view or the great food!
If the restaurant has reopened and you have a meal here, you will never forget the view or the great food!
May 11th, 2007, 08:07 AM
#31
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Yes, Sierra Mar looks pretty good, thanks!
Another question: I like reading books relative to the area before my travel dates. I'm planning to re-read On The Road by Jack Kerouac but I wanted also to pick up something from Henry Miller. What would you suggest would be the most relevant to Big Sur. Also, recommend others. It doesn't have to be this type of book. For example, I loved reading Edward Abbey's "Desert Solitaire" on my first trip to Utah. Thanks!
Another question: I like reading books relative to the area before my travel dates. I'm planning to re-read On The Road by Jack Kerouac but I wanted also to pick up something from Henry Miller. What would you suggest would be the most relevant to Big Sur. Also, recommend others. It doesn't have to be this type of book. For example, I loved reading Edward Abbey's "Desert Solitaire" on my first trip to Utah. Thanks!
May 11th, 2007, 08:48 AM
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Hi Maria, what a great year of traveling for you! Really enjoyed your recent trip report. And congrats on your wedding!
There's also a place along big sur called 'Partington Ridge', recommended by very helpful fodorites. You can walk down a semi-steep hill and often see whales there-- we did in july 05!Its in my trip report - click on my name if you want to read more details.
There's also a place along big sur called 'Partington Ridge', recommended by very helpful fodorites. You can walk down a semi-steep hill and often see whales there-- we did in july 05!Its in my trip report - click on my name if you want to read more details.
May 11th, 2007, 10:35 AM
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Here's a great site for Big Sur hikes:
http://www.hikinginbigsur.com
http://www.hikinginbigsur.com
May 11th, 2007, 01:17 PM
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Hi sequoia, I did see that link (and have it bookmarked) from another thread where you offered that. It IS a great link for hiking and have already so many I want to do!
Ellen, what a great trip report. Sorry it took me awhile to respond but I've been reading your report. It's funny and full of information. Ok, so now I'm curious about Point Lobos - it seems to be mentioned alot in coastal threads. Will we be missing a bunch if we skip this? We'll be comg from 2 days in Carmel (and you know Ellen, I've been to CArmel 3 times beofre and never bothered to see the mission - I'll have to do that now!) and was planning to leave fairly early and stopping some on the way to Big Sur on some of the recommendations like Nepenthe and the McWay falls, etc. What is there in Point Lobos?
Also Ellen, wow! When I was in Yosemite a few years ago, we did the mariposa grove hike and we drove to the parking lot. They closed that down now to tram only? I can't get to the parking lot to start hiking? I don't recall trams when I was there at mariposa grove - or a track for trams.
Also, J-Correa, was reading a post you did on another thread last night where you talked about growing up with not enough money and being happy. I have to say that was such a lovely thing to share. It really touched my heart and I just want to say thanks for people like you in this forum (and Ellen, and sequoia, and glimmer, and everyone that has been so kind to respond and give advice).
Maria M
Ellen, what a great trip report. Sorry it took me awhile to respond but I've been reading your report. It's funny and full of information. Ok, so now I'm curious about Point Lobos - it seems to be mentioned alot in coastal threads. Will we be missing a bunch if we skip this? We'll be comg from 2 days in Carmel (and you know Ellen, I've been to CArmel 3 times beofre and never bothered to see the mission - I'll have to do that now!) and was planning to leave fairly early and stopping some on the way to Big Sur on some of the recommendations like Nepenthe and the McWay falls, etc. What is there in Point Lobos?
Also Ellen, wow! When I was in Yosemite a few years ago, we did the mariposa grove hike and we drove to the parking lot. They closed that down now to tram only? I can't get to the parking lot to start hiking? I don't recall trams when I was there at mariposa grove - or a track for trams.
Also, J-Correa, was reading a post you did on another thread last night where you talked about growing up with not enough money and being happy. I have to say that was such a lovely thing to share. It really touched my heart and I just want to say thanks for people like you in this forum (and Ellen, and sequoia, and glimmer, and everyone that has been so kind to respond and give advice).
Maria M
May 11th, 2007, 01:21 PM
#36
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Oh! (I always have one more thing....)
I ended up getting Henry Miller's "Big Sur and the Oranges of Hieronymus Bosch". Duh, I should've just looked at all his books. The reviews of this book in amazon are amazing! I can't wait to get it and start reading! Has anyone here read this book and can give their opinion?
I ended up getting Henry Miller's "Big Sur and the Oranges of Hieronymus Bosch". Duh, I should've just looked at all his books. The reviews of this book in amazon are amazing! I can't wait to get it and start reading! Has anyone here read this book and can give their opinion?
May 11th, 2007, 02:07 PM
#37
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What a nice thing to say Maria 
Regarding Point Lobos, it is a state park set on a really beautiful stretch of coastline. There are hiking paths, nothing strenuous, and places to picnic. Just a really beautiful place. It is only about 3 miles south of Carmel, so you could either go while you are in Carmel or stop on your way south. If you don't end up stoping there, all will not be lost
You only have so much time and this area is full of beautiful coastline - but you definitely will not regret stopping if you do go there.
Regarding Point Lobos, it is a state park set on a really beautiful stretch of coastline. There are hiking paths, nothing strenuous, and places to picnic. Just a really beautiful place. It is only about 3 miles south of Carmel, so you could either go while you are in Carmel or stop on your way south. If you don't end up stoping there, all will not be lost
You only have so much time and this area is full of beautiful coastline - but you definitely will not regret stopping if you do go there.
May 11th, 2007, 02:28 PM
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Ok, thanks for that J_Correa. I think with so many other things in my list, I may skip point lobos this time.
No, honestly, it really was such a nice thing to share and you're absolutely righttoo! You're so lucky to have parents that instilled that in you as you grew up. You seem to be so grounded and I'm sure you made that original poster for that thread feel better after that particular prickly comment.
No, honestly, it really was such a nice thing to share and you're absolutely righttoo! You're so lucky to have parents that instilled that in you as you grew up. You seem to be so grounded and I'm sure you made that original poster for that thread feel better after that particular prickly comment.
May 11th, 2007, 03:51 PM
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Best thing in the area, in my opinion, is Point Lobos. If 6 miles is about the right distance for you, park on the highway and walk in and do the perimeter hike. It is a bunch of smaller hikes combined and will take you through mossy forests, along rugged cliffs and coastline, past tide pools and seal rocks and everywhere you'll see interesting wildlife, flora and fauna. It's been called the most beautiful meeting of land and sea. And I would agree. It's is just south of Carmel the town. It's well worth a few hours.
May 13th, 2007, 07:12 PM
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JCorrea - your friends from Germany are correct. Two of our local high school boys died driving off the cliffs of Big Sur last summer. Two other boys riding with them were seriously injured. We need guard rails desperately.
Maria - great restaurants in our area - Christophers in Carmel, Roy's at the Inn at Spanish Bay, Pebble Beach (dined there just last night), Club XIX Pebble Beach, Marinus Bernardus Lodge. Stay away from Casanova, Forge in teh Forest and Nepenthe, unless you enjoy mediocre tourist traps.
Julia Pfeiffer state park is glorious, no real hiking and you'll enjoy it. Same with Pt. Lobos. Make sure you go to Asilomar and take that all in.
Maria - great restaurants in our area - Christophers in Carmel, Roy's at the Inn at Spanish Bay, Pebble Beach (dined there just last night), Club XIX Pebble Beach, Marinus Bernardus Lodge. Stay away from Casanova, Forge in teh Forest and Nepenthe, unless you enjoy mediocre tourist traps.
Julia Pfeiffer state park is glorious, no real hiking and you'll enjoy it. Same with Pt. Lobos. Make sure you go to Asilomar and take that all in.
