Golden sunlight streaks through patches of fog; frothing waves ravage the shore below.
If that sounds dramatic, its because the drive truly is.
Whether you have 24 hours or a weekend, heres how to do it right.
Credit:Lauren Breedlove/Travel + Leisure
You cant count on hotels and restaurants for Wi-Fi, either.
And without reliable connection to Google or Yelp, researching and flagging points of interest beforehand is a must.
Dont skip the popular spots
Theres a reason why visitors flock to certain destinations time and time again.
Sita Fidler
Luckily, theres a ranger station just a few minutes away, which is a convenient place to wait.
Book hotels smartly
Popular hotels sell out months in advance, especially for weekends.
The good news is that, contrary to popular belief, there are hotels for every budget.
Getty Images
Thankfully, Big Sur offers a range of establishments for all types of hungry road-trippers.
Over at Glen Oaks,Big Sur Roadhousegoes modern with a New American menu and a contemporary mountain look.
Safety comes first
Safety guidelines are taken very seriously in Big Sur, and violations can have severe consequences.
Sita Fidler
With warnings against wandering posted in many locations, off-trail rescues may come with a hefty fine.
Sita Fidler
Getty Images
Sita Fidler
Sita Fidler
LA Times via Getty Images
Getty Images/Lonely Planet Images
Getty Images/Lonely Planet Images
Sita Fidler
Sita Fidler
