Free! • Big Sur Guide • Free! Summer 2010 - Spring 2011 Big Sur Coastline and Bixby Bridge ~ Photo by Daniel Bianchetta “The Greatest Meeting of Land & Sea” ig Sur is located along Scenic High- redwood lumbering industry provided livelihoods inches fills the many streams that flow down the way BOne approximately 150 miles south of San for many. The Old Coast Trail, which had been redwood-lined canyons. Coastal fog cools the summer Francisco and 300 miles north of Los Angeles. the only link between homesteads, was still little mornings, but it usually lifts by early afternoon. Historically, the name Big Sur was derived from more than a wagon trail. Steamers transported that unexplored and unmapped wilderness area heavy goods and supplies and harbored at Notley’s It is wise to include both warm and cold weather which lays along the coast south of Monterey. It Landing, Partington Cove, and the mouth of the clothing when packing for Big Sur. A damp, foggy was simply called el país grande del sur, the Big Little Sur River. morning can be followed by a warm afternoon. In the South Country. Today, Big Sur refers to that 90- interior valleys of the Wilderness Area, the tempera- mile stretch of rugged and awesomely beautiful Navigation was treacherous, and in 1889, the tures are more extreme; the fog bank seldom crosses coastline between Carmel to the north and San Point Sur Lighthouse began sending its power- the coast ridge, so the days are likely to be hot and Simeon (Hearst Castle) to the south. Highway ful beam to protect ships from the hazards of the the nights chilly. One winds along its length and is flanked on one coastline. side by the majestic Santa Lucia Mountains and The scenic qualities and the natural grandeur of on the other by the rocky Pacific Coast. In 1937, the present highway was completed the coast which result from the imposing geography, after eighteen years of construction at a consider- the rich vegetative compositions, and the dramatic Although there were two Mexican land grants able expense even with the aid of convict labor. meetings of land and sea are the area’s greatest awarded in the 1830’s, which included most of the The highway has since been declared California’s single attraction to the public. Big Sur has attained area north of the Big Sur Valley, neither grantee first Scenic Highway, and it provides a driving a worldwide reputation for its spectacular beauty. settled on the land. It was little more than a cen- experience unsurpassed in natural beauty and Hiking, backpacking and scenic driving are major tury ago when the first permanent settlers arrived scenic variety. recreational activities. in Big Sur. In the following decades other hardy persons followed and staked out their homesteads. Electricity did not arrive in Big Sur until the Highway 1 through Big Sur is a designated Ameri- The landmarks bear the names of many of those early 1950’s, and it still does not extend the length can National Scenic Byway and California Scenic early settlers — Mt. Manuel, Pfeiffer Ridge, Post of the coast or into the more remote mountainous Highway, an honor reserved for highways that are Summit, Cooper Point, Dani Ridge, Partington area. so distinctive they Cove and others. Some of their descendants still are destinations unto live in Big Sur. The proximity of the Pacific Ocean pro- themselves. For more vides for a temperate climate. Winters are mild, information visit At the turn of the century Big Sur sustained and rainy days are interspersed with periods of www.byways.org. a larger population than it does today. A vigorous bright sunshine. An average rainfall of over 50 www.bigsurcalifornia.org Page 2 Big Sur Guide Big Sur Guide The official, complete and definitive travel guide to California’s Big Sur Coast Summer 2010 through Spring 2011 Table of Contents • Handling Big Sur with Care ... page 2 • Point Sur Lighthouse ............ page 3 • Hunting & Fishing ................. page 3 • Ventana Wilderness ............... page 3 • Map..................................... page 4-5 • Big Sur Visitor Resources ..... pages 6-7 • Reservations ........................ pages 6-7 • Where’s the Beach? ................ page 8 • Redwoods ........................... page 8 Orca breaching in Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary - Photo by Daniel Bianchetta Acknowledgements Big Sur Guide is a publication provided as a public service by : • Big Sur Chamber of Commerce • Monterey County Convention & Visitors Bureau Big Sur Chamber of Commerce editorial committee – Chris Counts, Rick Aldinger, Dan Priano, Stan Russell. If you have any questions about the articles, information or revisions of this publication, please send them to: Big Sur Chamber of Commerce P.O. Box 87 Big Sur, CA 93920 Call (831) 667-2100 www.bigsurcalifornia.org [email protected] Humpback whales breaching in Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary - Photo by Daniel Bianchetta Photography Stan Russell bigsurinternet.com How to handle Big Sur with care Brock Bradford creationslight.com Big Sur is a special place to many people. To PETS — Pets frighten wildlife and disturb Daniel Bianchetta bigsurphoto.com help keep it that way and ensure your own safety, visitors. On U.S. Forest Service lands, pets must observe some simple rules and follow these basic be leashed in developed campgrounds and picnic About the Big Sur Guide safety tips. areas only. In the State Parks, they must be on a leash at all times and are not allowed on trails. This publication is supported in part by FIRES — Our biggest concern during the dry the Monterey County Convention and Visi- season is wildfire. Please extinguish cigarettes in POISON OAK — This toxic plant is found in tors Bureau. Through this guide we hope to your ashtray. Be extra careful, making sure that your Big Sur in abundance. Exposure to the plant can answer your questions regarding the Big fire is safe and legal. Be sure to extinguish your fire be spread by hands, clothing, pets, or equipment Sur Coast. when you leave. which has come in contact with the plant or from the smoke generated when burning it. Much of The Big Sur Guide is printed on post COLLECTING — Plants, animals, rocks and the reactive substance can be removed by immedi- consumer waste. Please recycle. artifacts of Big Sur’s cultural and natural history ate washing with cool water and soap. Look for are protected by law and should not be disturbed. the triple leaf pattern, with prominent veins and a Emergency Information Rockhounding and collection of driftwood and fire- shiny surface. During the Summer and Fall, the wood may be allowed in certain designated areas. leaves take on reddish hues. Try to avoid this plant. IN CASE OF EMERGENCY DIAL 911. Collectors should contact the nearest ranger station Other emergency phone numbers include: for specific information. • AAA (800) 400-4222 DRIVING TIPS FOR HIGHWAY 1 • Big Sur Health Center (831) 667-2580 State Highway 1 through the Big Sur RECYCLE — Most businesses have blue • Big Sur Ranger Station, State Parks, U.S. is recognized internationally as one of recycling bins. Please treat Big Sur gently and with Forest Service, Cal-Trans (831) 667-2315 the worlds’s most beautiful highways. respect so that it will remain the beautiful place we • Community Hospital of the Monterey It is also one of the most maintained highways all love. Peninsula (831) 624-5311 in America. Keep these tips in mind when you Community Hospital is the nearest hospital to PRIVATE PROPERTY — Please be mind- travel this route: Big Sur. It is located approximately 30 miles ful and respectful of the property rights of others. 1) Drive defensively! You never know what north of Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park. Follow Most of the land adjacent to the highway is posted hazard may be around a blind curve. Highway 1 to Carmel, taking the Highway 68 private property, and trespassing laws are strictly 2) Buckle up! It’s the law. exit (west) to the hospital. enforced. 3) Keep your eyes on the road — if you want Monterey-Salinas Transit to enjoy the scenery, please use turn-outs. 4) Maintain your speed and abide by posted The Route 22 bus runs daily from ROADSIDE CAMPING — Roadside camp- limits which is 55 MPH unless otherwise posted. Monterey to Big Sur ing is prohibited along Highway 1 from the Carmel Slower traffic should pull over. April - October River to the Monterey-San Luis Obispo County line. 5) When pulling over, avoid quick stops on www.mst.org This does not apply to tired motorists stopping for the unpaved turn-outs and shoulders. 1-888-MST-BUS1 a temporary rest. (1-888-678-2871) 6) Watch for touring bicyclists. Page 4 Big Sur Guide Carmel Carmel Mission Point Lobos Bottchers Gap Campground Garrapata State Park Rocky Point Restaurant Hurricane Bixby Bridge Point Point Sur 1 Lighthouse Old Coast Road "VILLAGE SHOPS" Andrew Molera State Park Heartbeat Gift Gallery Ventana Wildlife Discovery Center Big Sur River Inn B Big Sur Campground & Cabins i g Local Color Sur River Riverside Campground & Cabins Maiden Publick House Ripplewood Resort Soul River Studios Glen Oaks Motel Photograph by Daniel Bianchetta Fernwood Resort/Campground Hummingbird in Big Sur Big Sur Roadhouse Big Sur Lodge Redwood Grill Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park Coast Ridge Outfitters Ranger Station (Info.) Ventana Inn & Spa Pfeiffer Beach Hawthorne Gallery Post Office Henry Miller Library Big Sur Deli Deetjen's Big Sur Bakery Coast Gallery Big Sur Garden Gallery Big Sur Coast Real Estate Partington Cove Del Campo Gallery Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park Post Ranch Inn/Sierra