After visiting Big Sur for 15 years, and now a happy home owner, I am still in awe of the incredible scenery to be found just off of Highway 1. It’s been a wet and wild winter with over 10″ of rain at a time. Don’t get me wrong, California still needs the rain and we are appreciative of every drop…just not all at once. When we do get a few dry days, I head up to our home in Big Sur. Winter days can be some of the most spectacular, so I make many stops along Highway 1 to try and take in the beauty and share some photographs along the way…
Between Carmel and Big Sur lies Garrapata State Park. The almost 3000 acre park lies just off the highway, and can be accessed by trails from the many turnouts along the road. There is also a 50 foot climb for a birds eye view of the Pacific. I finally did it!
Further down the road, I always like to look for Wild Bird, the circa 1958 house, perched 600 feet above a sheer cliff.
In the evenings, it is common to see cars pulled off the side of the highway to catch the sunset.
With another storm looming, I headed back to Santa Barbara. I decided to take my time and make some stops along Highway 1 including San Simeon (home to Hearst Castle) and Cambria’s Moonstone Beach.
It’s hard to believe, but in all the years I’ve made the drive to and from Big Sur, I’ve never actually visited the beaches in Cambria. I’m so glad I stopped to do a little exploring!
There is so much to see along Highway 1, and with the change of weather and seasons, it is always different. I headed back to Santa Barbara with a grateful heart to have been able to savor its magic.
Your pictures are truly breathtaking! You have captured so much of God’s gift to all of us. They certainly make me want another trip to California.
Thank you so much, Reba! I’m truly blessed to be able to call this place home. Hope you make it back to California in the near future! 🙂