Along scenic Highway One approximately 150 miles south of San Francisco lies a 90-mile stretch of awesome beautiful coastline – Big Sur. Its dramatic meetings of rugged cliffs and raving waves of the Pacific Ocean create a spectacular view of land and sea, offering an irresistible reason for an excursion from Silicon Valley.
The weather of this Memorial weekend couldn't be better. The bright sunshine of May breathes new life into every form of being. Flowers are blossoming, vegetation is green, and the smell of the ocean washes away any tension and distress in modern life. Here, technology doesn't matter and business is irrelevant.
Among its numerous state parks and beaches, my favorite spot is McWay Waterfall. A short trail leads to an astonishing 80-foot waterfall, dropping off a cliff onto the beach nested in a little cove. The aqua blue water gently taps onto the white sand shore, as ceaseless pulses of the ocean. The sublime beauty of the scene cheers my heart and uplifts my spirit. To say it is a paradise on earth is an understatement!
A day hike of Tan Bark Trail sees the best of the Big Sur wilderness. The trail goes up through redwoods and tan oaks, with slopes as steep as amost 90 degrees and a running creek streaming down crystal-clear waters. Near the top of the mountains, a waterfall runs under a short wooden bridge. Sitting on the bridge and listening to nature rejuvenate me. On the way back, a grand ocean view of California bays overlooking Highway One came into sight – it literally took my breath away!
Nothing can end the day more delightfully than watching the sunset at Pfeiffer Beach. A secret of Big Sur, Pfeiffer Beach is hidden in the far end of the winding Sycamore Canyon Road. The beach is spotted by rough rocks, 
with an arch magically standing amidst roaring waves. It is said at certain time of the year, the sun actually sets exactly in the arch. As the wind blew stronger toward dusk, the setting sun shining through flying clouds presented a drastic seascape that I would never forget.
I am immensely humbled by the beauty of nature at Big Sur. Isn't it a luxury, or a necessity, to be able to pause and reflect in life? To be harmonious with nature is to be harmonious with our inner selves. Big Sur, it's not just a spectacular coastline, it's also a destination of natural beauty and harmony.
Copyright (c) 2006 Helen Wang A Taste for Good Life
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Comments: 34
Excellent job showing us around one of the most beautiful places in the US! Of course, drumming up additional visitors will spoil this place more quickly, but I think it's worth the risk.
Thanks, Betty!
Eric, yes, it's one of the most beautiful places in the US. It's fun to write my experience.
Wery well organized and splendidly crafted travel essay, Helen. You should publish this in a travel, airline, or regional magazine!
California, please visit home soon :-)!
Jessie, thanks for stopping by. I always enjoyed your travel photos and articles.
John, welcome back! That comment from you - a real writer - is a real complement to me! Thanks a lot! Perhaps I should publish it somewhere like travel jounal, airline, etc, but I don't know how???
Jerry, welcome to Gather. Loved your poem about your daughter. Hope to see you more!
Edward, thank you for being a my very loyal reader!
Aileen, thanks for stopping by and I remember of reading your story of "We had to meet", and would like to have follow-up on that...
David, thanks for connecting. I am glad this article brought back your good memories.
I used to camp in Hot Springs Canyon, just north of Esalen. I'd walk up the canyon to a flat spot where I could lay my sleeping bag and stay in the canyon for a week. I don't know if that's still possible, with the siege mentality that's so prevalent in California now, but you would love it. Another version of serenity, with an exultation of butterflies.
George, thanks for sharing your memories of 1970. That's very intersting. We didn't go for camping - it must be very fun too! I believe there are still nudist communes there.
Diana, thanks. I am glad you like the article. Honestly, Big Sur Rier Inn is little over-prices, in my opinion. But it's hard to get rooms there so we had to go what we got.
Martin, I will definitely go back in March to see the butterflies. Thank you for letting me know!
The coast highway is so beautiful.
Laurie, yes, it's one of THE most beautiful places I've visited. Hope you can go back there again soon.