BIG SUR

I love Big Sur! It’s magical. Serene. Inspiring. Gorgeous. Sometimes we’ve gone just for one night. It’s worth the drive! If you’ve never been, it’s important to know that it’s a lot like Malibu in that it’s incredibly spread out. There’s not one spot or a downtown or the place to be. It’s a convergence of the sea, towering pines, a river and plains.You can focus on just one or you can mix it all up; stay still or spend your time driving and connecting all the points. I prefer to be still and explore where I am. And dream, just dream. My favorite place lately has been Plaskett Creek campground in the south. I love that you camp in the pines, and walk across plains to the sea. It’s one of the few spots where there’s a great beach that’s easy to access. Heading north, Kirk Creek campground is stunning because you’re right on the bluff with an amazing view of the ocean. But there’s a shit-ton of poison oak — it’s actually the greenery that’s used to cordon off each campsite. I also really love camping at Ventana and can’t wait to try the glamping cabins. I’ve never stayed at the hotel and can’t wait for that splurge! We’ve camped at a few places by the river north of the post office and I don’t like them as much. They are privately owned and you’re really on top of each other with the campsite next to you. But the river is fun! When there’s not a drought (isn’t there always a drought?) it’s fun for swimming but it’s always fun for exploring. I still use this map. Staying at the cabins at Ripplewood is on my list. They are deep in the trees next to the river, gah! I really, really can’t wait to go to Esalen. There’s literally not a wrong or bad thing you can do. It’s all good.