Budget Travel Friday: Big Sur
Posted on March 2, 2012 5 Comments
Today’s photo inspiration comes from Big Sur, Calif.:
A beach at Big Sur
Big Sur, land of oceans, mountains, and forests, is my happy place. I know this because during the worst of the half-marathon I did in St. Louis this year, I was visualizing myself running along Highway 1.
I’ve been to Big Sur in 2004, 2006, and 2011. And I intend to go back often throughout my life and perhaps one day run the Big Sur half-marathon or full marathon. Even if you’re not a runner, consider the photo above. It was taken while we sat on a beach with our shoes off after a day of hiking to watch the sun set, a slight chill in the air, drinking an adult beverage, and listening to an impromptu acoustic guitar trio that had set up next to us.
And there’s more:
I could ride on Highway 1 all day.
Our "private" pebble beach at Lime Kiln State Park, as the fog rolls in
Hiking among sequoias in the state parks
The most budget trip we took to Big Sur involved staying at Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park, in the main lodge. That was very rustic, but very affordable (you need to book well in advance though). Next time we stay inside any of the three parks that make up Big Sur we’d prefer to camp. In addition to the parks, we have found very affordable lodging at Inns in Carmel-by-the-Sea for around $100 per night during the months of June and September — I haven’t posted pictures of Carmel here since that’s technically another Friday feature. If I were planning a trip here, I’d fly Southwest into San Jose or Oakland during the next flight sale (just bargain shop for the best price to any relatively close airport). Of course, if you’re already living in San Francisco or Los Angeles, why not make a road trip up the coast and take in the sights, sounds, and smells (hint: strawberry field) of Highway 1?
If you go, spend the $15 on a good guide book; you’ll need it to navigate restaurants, trails, and activities. Big Sur can be quite posh at some of the four star resorts that overlook the ocean, and certain restaurants cater to the upscale crowd.
About Budget Travel Friday – Photo Inspiration
The idea is this: I am a champion budget traveler. I have traveled to beautiful places, both remote and urban, across the United States, every year since I’ve had my own job, and have never needed to dip into my savings to do so. I have this crazy wanderlust that drives me out of the city every so often and pushes me to learn about new places, explore them, and meet new people along the way.
I also happen to love photography and while I’m less great at it than budgeting, I have a collection of photos from the east coast to the west coast and everywhere in between to share with you.
You know the tactics behind budget travel: research and plan ahead, go off-season, use Hotwire or Priceline for hotels – or try camping, purchase air fare when prices are cheap (or just fly Southwest ;), shop at grocery stores and local markets instead of eating at fancy places, visit museums on free days, etc.
OK, you have the tools, but where should you go? I hope you’ll check in with me every Friday for a photo example. If I’ve been there, you know it’s on the cheap, and you’re only a few clicks away from being there yourself.
Category: Life
Tags: Travel
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5 Responses to “Budget Travel Friday: Big Sur”
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March 2nd, 2012 @ 8:20 am
So pretty!
March 2nd, 2012 @ 10:14 am
Ahh, beautiful pics. This is more my neck of the woods, being from Northern CA.
If you ever have the chance to take Hiway 1 all the way up to the Mendocino Coast, I highly recommend it. I lived for 15 years in Mendocino and it’s one of the most beautiful places in CA.
You can camp in plenty of places or maybe find a deal in a B&B.
March 2nd, 2012 @ 2:13 pm
That picture of the beach is so pretty. Stop making me want to travel! ha
March 2nd, 2012 @ 2:15 pm
How’s your diet going, btw? Are you feeling any better?
March 3rd, 2012 @ 3:19 pm
Hey Michelle, the diet is going pretty well. I’ll post about it for you