A Journey Through Big Sur & Monterey
Located between San Francisco and Los Angeles, Big Sur is a place where you can drive along California’s Highway 1 (Pacific Coast Highway) and enjoy the endless Pacific Ocean and majestic coastal cliffs. This area, which retains its natural beauty, is great for enjoying the scenery while driving or hiking. North of Big Sur, Monterey is a coastal city famous for its marine ecosystem, seafood, and historic atmosphere. Once a hub for fishing and sardine processing, it has now become a tourist destination where you can leisurely enjoy the sea and delicious food. I wanted to experience the charm of these two places firsthand, so I took a trip over the weekend. The harmony of the majestic nature and the tranquil beach town, along with the landscapes I encountered, exceeded my expectations.
Monterey Bay Aquarium
The first place we visited, the Monterey Bay Aquarium, is a world-renowned aquarium located in Monterey, California, where you can vividly experience the Pacific marine ecosystem. Since its opening in 1984, it has actively engaged in marine conservation and research activities while also serving an educational role. We tried to book tickets online the day before our visit, but we kept encountering errors, so we ended up leaving early to purchase tickets on-site when it opened. As soon as we arrived, there was a long line of people waiting to enter the aquarium, and it was clear that it was a popular destination.
The Monterey Bay Aquarium is not just an ordinary aquarium; it features large tanks and ecosystems that seem to replicate the Pacific coastline. One of the main exhibition areas, the Open Sea exhibit, allows you to observe large tuna, rays, sea turtles, and jellyfish up close. Additionally, one of the most popular exhibits, the Jellyfish Experience, showcases jellyfish that shimmer transparently in the light, creating a dreamlike atmosphere. However, there was a disappointing aspect as well. I had hoped to see the sea otters again, which had impressed me during my visit about five years ago, but due to aquarium cleaning, the exhibit was closed until March 6, so I couldn’t see them. Although it was disappointing that the exhibit I was looking forward to was closed, it was still a meaningful visit as I could enjoy plenty of other marine life.
Monterey Bay Aquarium
Carmel-by-the-Sea
The next destination, Carmel-by-the-Sea, is a small coastal town located south of the Monterey Peninsula in California, filled with a fairy-tale atmosphere and artistic sensibility. Quaint cottage-style buildings line the streets, and unique galleries and upscale restaurants attract many visitors. This place, with its quiet yet sophisticated vibe, is perfect for leisurely strolling and exploring its sensory spaces.
We also enjoyed exploring Carmel-by-the-Sea. We spent a leisurely time admiring the hidden pretty alleys and unique galleries. Just in time for lunch, we found a Korean restaurant called Jeju Kitchen, which turned out to be much tastier than we expected, and I would highly recommend it. We ordered steamed dumplings, jajangmyeon, and dolsot bibimbap, and each dish was satisfying. The jajangmyeon was less salty and more mild than the typical version, yet it had an addictive flavor that made us keep reaching for more.
Jeju Kitchen (Carmel-by-the-Sea)
17 Mile Drive
After finishing our sightseeing in Carmel-by-the-Sea, our next stop was 17-Mile Drive. This is a famous coastal drive that stretches from Pacific Grove to Pebble Beach on the Monterey Peninsula in California, where you can enjoy the beautiful coastline along the Pacific Ocean, luxurious golf courses, and impressive natural scenery. You can visit several attractions while driving, and the entrance fee is $12 per vehicle. You can stop at major points along the route to enjoy the views, making the drive itself a part of the journey.
On that day, the weather was cloudy, so I honestly didn’t expect much from the beautiful scenery, but surprisingly, the color of the sea looked transparent like emerald even under the cloudy sky. Moreover, due to the strong winds, the waves were crashing fiercely, allowing us to enjoy an even more dynamic landscape. We paused the car at various viewpoints along the route to gaze at the sea or take photos, savoring the moment. The scenery of the rough waves and the vast coastline was impressive enough, even in the cloudy weather.
Highway 1 Gate – 17 Mile Drive
Monterey Plaza Hotel & Spa
The accommodation we stayed at during this trip was the Monterey Plaza Hotel & Spa, a luxurious oceanfront hotel located on Cannery Row in Monterey. With fantastic views of the Pacific Ocean right in front, along with top-notch spa facilities, it was the perfect place to enjoy a relaxing getaway. The hotel itself is situated right above the beach, allowing for beautiful ocean views from the rooms, restaurants, and terraces, and it was conveniently located near the Monterey Bay Aquarium, Fisherman’s Wharf, and the shops and restaurants of Cannery Row. It was an ideal place to spend leisurely time while gazing at the sea.
In particular, we visited the Schooners restaurant inside the hotel several times, where we could enjoy a variety of dishes from fresh seafood to breakfast options, providing great satisfaction during our trip. There were also terrace seats where we could enjoy the view of the sea right in front, making it a perfect spot to relish the relaxed atmosphere while dining. Even amidst a busy travel schedule, being able to take a break here with delicious food made it a memorable place.
Monterey Plaza Hotel & Spa
Point Lobos State Natural Reserve
The next morning, we headed to Point Lobos State Natural Reserve, a nature reserve located near Carmel-by-the-Sea. This place is famous for its cliffs, coastline, wildlife, and beautiful hiking trails set against the backdrop of the Pacific Ocean, offering a chance to enjoy the beauty of nature as it is. The entrance fee is $10 per vehicle, and since parking is limited, it is recommended to visit early in the morning.
We decided to hike the Bird Island Trail among several hiking courses due to time constraints. This trail is relatively short and easy to walk, making it a great path to enjoy the beautiful coastal scenery. At the beginning, we could overlook a small beach called China Cove, where the emerald waters and tranquil atmosphere were impressive. As we reached the end point, we saw numerous seabirds gathered on a rocky island, and we could experience the untouched ecology up close with the sound of waves blowing in the wind. It was such a beautiful place that if we had more time, we would have liked to explore other trails as well.
Point Lobos State Natural Reserve
Calla Lily Valley
Leaving behind the regrets of Point Lobos State Natural Reserve, we moved on to Calla Lily Valley, looking forward to the next destination. This beautiful valley, located in the Big Sur area of California, is famous for its calla lilies that bloom between February and April. The valley is within Garrapata State Park, and the sight of pure white calla lilies blooming along a gently curving stream is quite impressive.
After a short trail of about 5 to 10 minutes, we arrived at Calla Lily Valley, and seeing the lilies blooming in such a place was both amazing and awe-inspiring. The naturally grown calla lilies were blooming abundantly along the stream, making it feel like we had entered a hidden garden. Many people gathered to see the lilies, but the trail was narrow and somewhat steep, so we had to be careful not to slip. Walking cautiously along the path, we slowly enjoyed the beautiful scenery of the fully bloomed lilies. If you are planning a trip to Big Sur & Monterey between February and April, I highly recommend that Calla Lily Valley is one of the must-visit places.
Calla Lily Valley
Bixby Creek Bridge
Bixby Creek Bridge is an iconic bridge representing the Big Sur area of California, harmonizing with the majestic coastal cliffs against the backdrop of the Pacific Ocean, boasting a landscape that is difficult to capture in a single glance. This bridge was constructed during the Great Depression in the 1930s and served as an important transportation route to connect the Big Sur area more easily. The arch-shaped concrete structure blends naturally with the coastal cliffs and is now famous as one of the most photographed bridges in the United States. It is a must-visit spot while driving along Big Sur.
We parked and approached Bixby Creek Bridge, where we could enjoy a stunning view of the bridge, the Pacific Ocean, and the cliffs all at once. The grand arch structure, the endless sea, and the rugged coastline combined to create an even more impressive landscape. Cars passed over the bridge, while below, the waves of the Pacific crashed, allowing us to feel the raw power of nature in that moment.
Bixby Creek Bridge
McWay Falls
McWay Falls is one of the representative natural landscapes located in Big Sur, California, famous for its waterfall that drops directly into the ocean. The height of the waterfall is about 24 meters (80 feet), and it is situated within Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park, making it relatively easy to access. For reference, the entrance fee for Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park is $10 per vehicle, and after parking, a short trail leads to a viewpoint where you can enjoy a wonderful view of the waterfall and the Pacific Ocean together.
As we arrived at the viewpoint, the sight of McWay Falls flowing into the ocean caught our eye in the distance. The waterfall cascading straight down from the cliff and the emerald sea combined to create a picturesque scene. Although it was a bit far away, which was somewhat disappointing, it made the preserved beauty of this place feel even more special. Watching the quietly falling waterfall accompanied by the sound of the waves, we were able to momentarily escape the noise of everyday life and fully enjoy the wonders that nature provides.
Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park
This trip was filled with moments spent in the nature of Big Sur & Monterey. The breathtaking landscapes created by the open coastline and crashing waves, along with the leisurely time spent in a quiet coastal town, made every moment feel special. There were places that left a sense of longing, but that only gave me more reasons to return. Big Sur & Monterey, where beautiful scenery unfolds no matter when you visit, is a place you should experience for yourself if you get the chance.
