20 Photos to Inspire Your Big Sur Trip

One of the best road trips ever can be found in California: if you start in L.A., & head north up the 101, you’ll eventually land right near the ocean, on iconic Highway One.  The route between Santa Barbara, ending up in Big Sur, Carmel, & the Monterey Peninsula (also home to the 17-Mile Drive) ~ is quite possibly my favorite drive in the world.  It’s just you, the open road, & views so gorgeous, you’ll want to pull over every chance you get.  To get you in the mood, here are “20 Photos to Inspire Your Big Sur Trip!”

McWay Falls, one of the most famous images of California & Big Sur.

 20 Photos to Inspire Your Big Sur Trip

If any photo strikes your fancy, simply click on it, & you’ll be able to search hotels in that specific area.

World-famous Bixby Bridge, on the road from Carmel to Big Sur.

Another angle of McWay Falls, in Julia Pheiffer State Park.

 20 Photos to Inspire Your Big Sur Trip

It’s impossible to go wrong either south or north of Big Sur.  To the south, you’ve got winding highway through Gorda & Ragged Point.  You’ll eventually drop into San Simeon, home of Hearst Castle.  But to the north, you’ve got the legendary Monterey Peninsula ~ home to Carmel, Pebble Beach, Pacific Grove, & as much golf as you can afford.  There’s a wide diversity of accommodations here, from motels to world-class resorts, like the Lodge at Pebble Beach.

My dog, Dylan, admiring the view on Highway 46, near San Simeon.

Highway 46 is less well-known than Highway One, but equally gorgeous ~ especially at sunset.

The “Lone Cypress,” found north of Big Sur, along the 17-Mile Drive.

 20 Photos to Inspire Your Big Sur Trip

If you’re in the area, a visit to the Monterey Bay Aquarium is a must ~ especially if you have kids.

Carmel’s Main Beach is one of the most dog-friendly beaches in the world. And one of the prettiest, with its cresent-shape, & Pebble Beach Golf Course to the right.

Pacific Grove, California.

Carmel-by-the-Sea, from above.

20 Photos to Inspire Your Big Sur Trip

Thanks for reading this article on Big Sur.  If you’re road-tripping up to Big Sur from Los Angeles, check out this article on the best off-leash dog beaches in all of Central California. 

Trust me: I’ve done the research! 

xoxo Noelia 

Read Next: Best Pet-Friendly Hotels in Carmel & Monterey

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