Big Sur. It’s been called “one of the most beautiful coastlines anywhere in the world, an isolated stretch of road, mythic in reputation.” This picturesque stretch of California’s Central Coast attracts upwards of 4-million visitors per year and its name dates back to the Portolá expedition of 1769. During this time, Spanish explorers referred to the region as el país grande del sur, or “the big country of the south.” The name “Big Sur” was solidified in 1915 when English-speaking settlers chose it as the name for their post office.

Today, Big Sur is still a majestic place that offers countless camping and hiking opportunities; and points of interest like the Bixby Creek Bridge and McWay Falls provide an endless canvas for photographers. One of my favorite hiking trails is the Andrew Molera loop in Andrew Molera State Park. This is a moderate 8.8 mile hike with an elevation gain of 1,100 feet. The trail takes you up through the coastal bluffs and through some small redwood and oak groves. Winding back toward the coast, you’ll even get access to some amazing remote beaches.

Take time to drive California’s scenic Highway 1 from San Simeon to Monterey and explore the surrounding attractions; such as Hearst Castle – a unique private residence built for wealthy newspaper magnate William Randolph Hearst over the course of 28 years. Today, Hearst Castle is an accredited museum, State Historical Monument and a designated National Historic Landmark operated by the California State Parks Department which offers a variety of daily tours of the property. If you’re a John Steinbeck fan, then you’ll definitely want to take a stroll down Cannery Row in Monterey and visit the National Steinbeck Center museum in neighboring Salinas, where Steinbeck grew up.

#ExploreAlways #BigSur #HistoricPlaces #ExploreCalifornia #Travel #NeverStopExploring #travelblogging #tourism #wanderluster #inspiredtravels #exploringtheglobe #getaway #adventuretime #adventureseeker

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