• Bixby Bridge, 11 miles north of Big Sur Village. Iconic bridge built in 1933. One of the most photographed in the world because of its location within such beautiful scenery.

• Henry Miller Memorial Library, Highway 1, a quarter mile south of Nepenthe Restaurant, 831-667-2574, [3]. Wi-Fi interest access.

• Point Sur Lighthouse, 5 miles north of Big Sur Village, [4]. Point Sur is a dominate feature along Highway 1. It is a National Historic Landmark and is one of the only complete turn-of-the-century light stations open to the public in California. Allegedly one of the most haunted places in America. Spectacular views can be had from atop Point Sur. Tours (3 hours) are offered, check website for times. $8 adult, $4 children.

• McWay Falls, 12 miles south of Big Sur Village. One of the most spectacular places anywhere in Big Sur. There is a hike out to a view point but it can also be seen from the road just before Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park.

• New Camaldoli Hermitage, located in Lucia off Highway 1 (25 miles south of Big Sur village), 831-667-2456, [5]. Monastery offering guided retreats, also sells gifts and food items.

WARNING: As of early July 2008, Highway 1 through the Big Sur is closed because of a large, fast-moving forest fire that has destroyed thousands of acres of forest and a growing number of homes and businesses. Travel into this area is strongly discouraged and is simply forbidden for much of the region. Inquire locally before passing into or through this area, or check the Monterey County web site on the fire [1], which is updated frequently.

Big Sur is a remote area accessible only via Highway 1. The easiest and most common way to get there is by car, though some enthusiastic adventurers can be seen riding bicycles to the area along the highway as well.

From San Francisco take US-101 south to CA-156 west which merges with Highway 1 20 miles from the beginning of the Big Sur area. Approximately 125 miles and 2-3 hour drive.

From Los Angeles take US-101 north and exit onto Highway 1 toward Morro Bay/Hearst Castle which is 45 miles south of the end of Big Sur. Approximately 250 miles and 4-5 hour drive.

Monterey-Salinas Transit Route 22 bus runs from Monterey to Big Sur (April - October), 888-678-2871, [2].

There is no public transportation within Big Sur. Private driving along Highway 1 is the most common mode of transportation. Bicycling along Highway 1 is also popular, though challenging. Much of the region is only accessible via hiking.

There are art galleries and gift shops throughout Big Sur all along Highway 1.

• Ars Studio & Gallery, located at Loma Vista, 831-667-2618, [9]. Local artists featuring paintings, sculptures, exhibits, and workshops.

• Big Sur Arts Center, located in the Big Sur Village Shops, 831-667-1530, [10]. Home to Big Sur Arts Initiative non-profit organization. Features a Hidden Garden Tour.

• Big Sur Garden Gallery, located at Loma Vista, 831-667-2000. Local and exotic gifts and jewelry.

• Big Sur Spirit Garden, located at Loma Vista, 831-667-1300, [11]. Botanical garden featuring exotic succulents and plants. Also provides cultural, musical, artistic, and educational programs and classes.

• Chappellet Studios, Rancho Rico, 831-238-6943, [12]. Gallery by appointment only.

• Hawthorne Gallery, located across from Nepenthe, 831-667-3200, [13]. Open daily 10:30am - 6:30 pm. Representing works of the Hawthorne family and other internationally known artists.

• Heartbeat Gift Gallery, next to Big Sur River Inn, 831-667-2557, [14]. Shopping featuring jewelry, clothing, and collectibles.

• Local Color, located in Big Sur Village Shops, 831-667-0481, [15]. Local artists and craftsmen featuring Big Sur jade, redwood bowls, and tie-dyed cloths.

• Post Ranch Mercantile, 831-667-2347, [16]. Open daily 10:30 am - 7:00 pm. Natural products featuring tableware, clothing, bedding, and body care products.

• Sofanya's Art Gallery, at Fernwood Resort, 831-667-2130, [17]. Personalized artwork, portraits, sculptures and wearable art you can take with you.

• Big Sur Bakery & Restaurant, 831-667-0520, [18]. Wedding cakes, desserts, pastries.

• Big Sur Lodge Restaurant & Espresso House, 831-667-3111, [19]. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner. On the banks of the Big Sur River, views of redwoods.

• Big Sur River Inn, 831-667-2700 or 800-548-3610, [20]. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Deck overlooking Big Sur River. Live entertainment on Sundays.

• Big Sur Roadhouse, 831-667-2264, [21]. Open for dinner 5:30 - 9 pm. Closed Tuesdays. Call for reservations. Californian-Latin American cuisine.

• Cafe Kevah, located on a terrace just below Nepenthe, 831-667-2344, [22]. Open March - December, 9 am - 4 pm. Brunch and light lunch.

• Cielo, located at Ventana Inn, 831-667-2331, [23]. Open for lunch and dinner seven days a week. Offering 50-mile vistas of the Pacific from the outdoor terrace.

• Deetjen's Big Sur Inn, 831-667-2378, [24]. Breakfast 8 am - noon, dinner 6 pm - close.

• Lucia Lodge, (866) 424-4787 or (831) 667-2391, [25]. Open for lunch and dinner from 11 am - 9 pm. Excellent Fish & Chips (judged as one of the Top 10 in the US by Coastal Living Magazine).

• The Maiden Publick House, next to Big Sur River Inn in the Village Center Shops, 831-667-2355. Classic affordable pub with food and drinks.

• Nepenthe, Highway 1, 831-667-2345, [26]. Picturesque dining location overlooking 40 miles of coastline.

• Ragged Point Inn, located 15 miles north of Hearst Castle, 805-927-5708, [27].

• Redwood Grill, located at Fernwood Resort, 831-667-2129, [28]. Open 11 am - 9 pm. Serves buffalo burgers, salmon burgers, hamburgers, veggie burgers, sandwiches, salads and more.

• Ripplewood Resort, 831-667-2242, [29]. Open 8 am - 2 pm. American cuisine with Spanish flair. $5-$12 per entree.

• San Simeon Beach Bar & Grill, 805-927-4604, [30]. Panoramic ocean view. Pool table, TV's, live entertainment. Wi-Fi internet Access.

• Sierra Mar Restaurant, located at the Post Ranch Inn, 831-667-2800, [31]. Light lunch noon - 3:30, drinks 3:30 to close, dinner nightly. At 1,149 feet the restaurant offers great views of the coastline.

• The Grill at Treebones Resort, 805-927-2390, [32]. Casual dinners nightly starting at 7 pm.

Many local restaurants also contain bars and/or provide drinks.

• The Maiden Publick House, next to Big Sur River Inn in the Village Center Shops, 831-667-2355. Classic affordable pub with food and drinks.