The Area, Big Sur

Known for its dramatic coastline and rugged beauty, Big Sur has always been a place to get away from it all. It attracts bohemians, beatniks, and a small, albeit thriving, cultural community. In the 1940s Orson Welles and Rita Hayworth purchased a romantic hideaway on the site where Nepenthe Restaurant now sits. The literary and artistic contributions of longtime Big Sur resident Henry Miller are celebrated at a library bearing the American author’s name. Trent Reznor of Nine Inch Nails is rumored to write in isolation here and a few years back, The Red Hot Chili Peppers wrote their hit song “Californication” at Post Ranch Inn. Even George Clooney is narrating a PBS documentary on this quiet, unconventional community. Best of all, when it’s cool and foggy elsewhere on the peninsula, outdoor enthusiasts know it’s typically warm and beautiful in the mountains, meadows, and on the miles of sandy beaches of Big Sur.

GUESTLIFE DON'T MISS

Hip Hideaway

Gisele and Leonardo, Cameron and Justin, and Demi and Ashton are only a few of the celebrities who’ve spent a romantic weekend at Post Ranch Inn. For those who want to get away from it all, literally in high style, the 98-acre Mickey Muennig-designed resort is perched 1,200 feet above the Pacific. The 30 treehouse and mountain top units are named for local pioneers and come with oodles of amenities including wood-burning fireplaces and indoor spa tubs. Post Ranch Inn’s stunning restaurant, Sierra Mar is at the end of a long flight of stairs perched precariously atop a bluff. The breathtaking setting for a sunset cocktail or an intimate meal is equal to Chef Craig Von Foerster’s creative preparation and presentation of California and French-influenced cuisine. Dinner reservations are limited for non-hotel guests, so lunch may be the best bet to enjoy the panoramic views of the Big Sur from Sierra Mar’s patio.

Information: (831) 667-2800.