There is a common saying on the Monterey Peninsula that Big Sur is more a “state of mind” than anything else. 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 an unconventional library and art center bearing the American author’s name. 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. This breathtaking area of the Pacific is home to California condors and, depending on the season, many species of whales, sea otters, and elephant seals.
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GuestLife Romance
Love is in the Air
Meander down the famously gorgeous coastal Highway 1 that runs along the Pacific Ocean to Big Sur for the ultimate in romantic expeditions. Consider popping the question at Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park. Take the Pfeiffer Falls trail for 1.4 miles roundtrip and end up at its majestic 60-foot-high waterfall. Spread out a blanket and wait for her to say, “I do.” Watch fearless surfers take on the waves at Pfeiffer Beach, one of the best local stretches of pristine sand. Sunsets take center stage, with cocktail in hand of course, from the deck of Sierra Mar at über-exclusive Post Ranch Inn. Situated 1,200 feet above the Pacific Ocean, the panoramic views are mesmerizing. Across the street, slumber at the utterly romantic Ventana Inn & Spa, easily one of the most intimate places on the peninsula. Clothing optional Japanese baths and an incomparable couple’s massage add to the mood.
