Fora’s Take
Welcome to the breathtaking Bay Area, a land where innovation and nature coexist in perfect harmony. This guide is an effort to unlock some of the wonders of the Bay Area, where every corner reveals a new facet of this remarkable region.
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Where to stay in the Bay Area
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Things to do in the Bay Area
Start the beautiful Big Sur along the Pacific Coast Highway 1! It is about a three-hour drive from San Jose.
McWay Falls at Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park
An easy hike inside the park will take you to the viewing area of the falls. The falls are also easily visible from the highway; you can park on the side of the road in the assigned area and there is a short walk from there to see the falls.
For more information on the park, please visit: Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park.
The Henry Miller Memorial Library
A unique, quirky library nestled in the redwoods. They have a beautiful collection of books covering varied topics.
After taking many pictures in and around the library, do take a short walk in the redwoods behind the library.
Find interesting facts about the library here: Henry Miller Memorial Library
After the walk and hikes, Nepenthe is the best place to enjoy a quick — or not-so quick — bite. The restaurant has some of the best views in the area.
Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park
Good place for a quick hike to the quaint Pfeiffer Falls, a one and a half-mile moderate out-and-back hike.
More information about camping and trails can be found at: Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park.
Bixby Bridge Vista Point
Park a bit further away to get a better view of this expansive bridge.
The Calla Lily Valley
In brief, it's an amazing place with white calla lilies; the blooming season is typically from March to June, and the valley comes alive with thousands of calla lilies in full bloom.
Here is a glimpse: Calla Lily Valley.
The Point Lobos State Natural Reserve
The park is famous for its breathtaking coastal scenery and is a treasure trove for marine wildlife.
While there, keep an eye out for sea lions, harbor seals and otters lounging on the rocks and various seabirds gracefully gliding through the air.
It is also a paradise for divers and snorkelers — permit required — with its rich kelp forests, which are home to many colorful fish and kelp-loving sea otters.
More information about the park's trails and conservation efforts can be found here: Point Lobos State Natural Reserve and California State Parks.
Here are some beautiful places to stay on the way:
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This guide is part of our ongoing series on Off-the-Beaten-Path Travel. For more travel tips, check out Kris Weir's guide, Boutique Hotels in Palm Springs.