Three Things to Bring When Visiting Big Sur, California!

If you fell in love with the pictures of Big Sur like I did, and you're headed there to take your own photos of these jaw-dropping scenic vistas, there's a few things you won't want to forget on your journey!

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Packing for California wasn't an easy task for me. I wanted to make sure I was prepared for all kinds of weather conditions and different activities, like walking through trendy San Francisco and Monterey, or hiking through the wilderness of Big Sur and mountains in Yosemite. 

I've read about the benefits of carry-on packing before, but wasn't a believer until I tried it for myself. Up until this point, I'd been lugging around TWO bags. Crazy, right?! It's so much easier with one, little, rolling carry-on. Also, I found that when I brought two bags, I honestly wasn't even using all of the clothes. I was just carrying around dead weight. It's all about that minimalist experience, right? Quality over quantity. 

And so I mangaed to pack everything I needed for a week in Cali into a carry-on! Check out the picture below!

Everything I needed for a week in California in a carry-on!

​However many bags you decide on, when packing for Cali, and specifically for Big Sur, there are a few items you won't want to forget that may come in handy! Can you guess which three items I recommend?

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Item #1: Wind-Breaker

It's no surprise that a jacket would make the list for this California destination. While in San Francisco, the weather can be gloomy, foggy, and cool. In Big Sur, it can be all of the above, but with the added effect of robust winds! 

A wind tunnel blasts you when you're hundreds of feet in the air above the ocean on the edge of a cliff. Hot air rises, so on a sunny day, the sun warms the air below, and the wind moves upward. This means crazy winds when you're standing on the edge looking out into that incredible view!
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I highly recommend packing a windbreaker jacket to stave off the wind as you're taking in those iconic views!

Item #2: Binoculars

I bet you never even considered bringing a pair of binoculars with you to this remote region of California! But you absolutely must bring a pair of binoculars if you want a chance at searching for the amazing wildlife that inhabits this region.  

Most people only go to Big Sur for the views, but I was just as excited at the prospect of seeing gray whales, sea otters, seals, and endangered California condors in this incredible part of Cali! The binoculars really came in handy when pulling over on the side of Highway 1 to take in the views and search for wildlife.

We spotted whales as they sprayed water from their spouts out in the ocean. And pointed out the gigantic wingspan of a condor as it would ride the thermals up the sides of a mountain. It was a truly unique experience to be able to see these creatures in their natural setting. 

Item #3: Snacks and Water

Take your time in Big Sur--drive slowly and make frequent stops. It's an untouched landscape that will surely leave you breathless. 

However, keep in mind that what gives Big Sur its appeal--uninhabited wilderness--also limits the traveler with stores that sell resources, such as snacks and drinks. 

Most people stop at the famous Nepenthe restaurant for lunch, and for good reason. It's an adorable stop along this serene stretch of highway. But if you end up driving like we did--stopping every five minutes--you get hungry and thirsty along the way! If you don't want to worry about where to stop for water, bring it with you!

**BONUs TIP**: Check Highway Conditions and DOWNLOAD Your GPS Maps
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I'm including this very important tip as a bonus!

It is so important that you check the highway conditions before you start your journey and download your GPS maps!

At the time of this writing, Highway 1 past Gorda is completely closed! The bridge went out in a landslide almost a year ago, and still hasn't been repaired. I recommend you check the route each day, since another landslide could occur at any moment. You can check the blog page for Big Sur Kate, which I believe is what the locals use. If you're curious on how we got around the bridge closure at Gorda, message me for details!

Secondly, because of the lack of cell signal in most places in Big Sur, you want to make sure you download all maps in Google before you start on your journey! (This is a great tip I usually give to everyone when traveling, especially to cities that you know you won't have cell service.) Did you know you can still use Google maps if you download the map in advance?! Having access to the maps whether or not you have service is incredibly useful, even if you plan on sticking to Highway 1 the whole way, you can still look up that places you want to stop along the way! Just go to google maps and click on the option for "download map". I also use Google maps to star the places I want to stop!

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The Pacific Coast Highway, or Highway 1, along the coast in Big Sur, is a truly memorable experience. If you haven't been there yet, I hope you make it there one day! Just don't forget these few items with you when you go! Where there any other items you would recommend to take here?

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