3 Days in Big Sur, California

On the way, be sure to stop to see the view from Bixby Creek Bridge. There is plenty of parking before the bridge to pull over and snap photos. If you want a once-in-a-lifetime luxury hotel experience, stay at Post Ranch Inn or Ventana. Interested in glamping? Opt to stay at one of Ventana’s charming glamping cabins, which come with gorgeous linens, a private sink, gas fire pit, picnic table and more. For dinner, grab cocktails and the ambrosia burger at Nepenthe (they don’t take reservations.)

Grab coffee and breakfast at Big Sur Bakery — the baked goods and scones are delicious. Wander through the outdoor Henry Miller Memorial Library before heading over to the Bluffs Trail in Andrew Molera State Park. This light hike ends at a small beach, so bring a bathing suit and towel! After the hike, stop for lunch at Big Sur River Inn, where your lunch can be served to you as you dip your feet into the river while sitting on a lawn chair — a very unique experience surrounded by friendly locals and tourists alike. Finish off the day with dinner at the charming Deetjen’s Big Sur Inn.

In the morning, get up early and check out Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park, and be sure to pull over to see McWay Falls on the way. You can also explore the Point Sur Lighthouse and Limekiln State Park, before packing up the car and heading back north to San Francisco.