{"id":6537,"date":"2015-10-19T18:54:23","date_gmt":"2015-10-19T18:54:23","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/offmetro.com\/sf\/?p=6537"},"modified":"2020-02-16T01:19:10","modified_gmt":"2020-02-16T01:19:10","slug":"big-sur-activities","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/offmetro.com\/ca\/6537\/big-sur-activities\/","title":{"rendered":"Weekend Getaway: The Best Big Sur Activities By Bus and Bike"},"content":{"rendered":"

Big Sur is not something a lot of people do car-free. It takes an adventurer to respond to the challenge of taking a carless trip down the infamously winding two-lane road called the Pacific Coast Highway. But, if you do have that wild free spirit in you, it\u2019s much more doable than you might ever expect.<\/p>\n

Our two favorite options are by bike or bus. Biking is a spectacular choice if you’re experienced in the sport. The terrain is tough and the road is narrow (and situated next to plunging cliffs). But if you consider yourself an avid cyclist and know you can handle it, you’re going to have an unforgettable ride.<\/p>\n

\"\"

For the less experienced riders out there, the key to car-free Big Sur is the Monterey-Salinas Transit System<\/a>\u2014the 22 bus<\/a> to be more specific. It\u2019s a seasonal ride starting in Monterey, winding down through Carmel all the way to Big Sur, and then back up again. It only makes eight official stops over about 30 miles, but each of those stops offers a different milestone of an outdoorsy weekend trip.<\/p>\n

The first couple of bus stops are in Monterey and Carmel\u2014they\u2019re the best places to board the bus. This also means that if you\u2019ve got a little time, doing Monterey<\/a><\/strong>\/Carmel<\/a><\/strong> and Big Sur in the same trip is an awesome double-whammy.<\/p>\n

Where the Land Meets the Sea
\n<\/strong><\/h4>\n

There’s a reason Big Sur is coined “the greatest meeting of land and sea in the world,” and you can see it for yourself by diving right into the coastline with the ragged beauty of Point Lobos State Park’s<\/a>\u00a0<\/strong>headlands. Take advantage of this curious coastland by hiking,\u00a0picnicking, or animal-watching from above the shore or below the waterline, where you can catch the underwater jungles of Northern California’s seaweed habitats. (Visit pointlobos.org<\/a> for information about diving.)<\/p>\n

“Descend a Dusty Gravel Ridge Beneath the Bixby Canyon Bridge”<\/strong><\/h4>\n

Take a hint from Death Cab for Cutie and make a stop at what’s properly called the Bixby Creek Bridge\u2014a famous and historic overpass that was the very first of its kind in Big Sur\u2014connecting the area to the cities up North. If you’re doing the trip by bus, the driver will make an unofficial stop here, as long as you ask nicely.<\/p>\n

Cool Your Jets<\/strong><\/h4>\n

\"Big

If you’re up for a camping adventure, Andrew Molara State Park<\/a><\/strong>\u00a0is accessible by the 22 bus and has 24 hot spots for tents along the main trailhead. Plus, you have your entertainment right where you sleep, as you can take off right into the wilderness\u2014one of Big Sur’s less well-groomed parks, Molara offers more than 20 miles of hiking, biking, and horseback riding trails, with options to surf and fish as well. The camp grounds are first come, first served, so we recommend getting an early start and calling the park before bringing all your gear.<\/p>\n

Deck With a View<\/strong><\/h4>\n

\"\"

Nepenthe<\/a><\/strong>\u00a0Restaurant is one of the best places to stop for a bite along the PCH. Offering slightly overpriced but hearty fare (try the Ambrosiaburger for $14.50) the place is more known for the vision of Big Sur’s coastline, which always seems to be breathtaking from the mistiest mornings to the clearest nights.<\/p>\n

Catch some Culture<\/strong><\/h4>\n

Big Sur has long been home to famous writers and artists looking to get away from it all, including novelist Henry Miller, whose namesake memorial library provides one of the most engaging cultural outlets that Big Sur has to offer. A library and non-profit arts organization, the Henry Miller Memorial Library<\/a>\u00a0is a wonderful place to enjoy art shows, theater, lectures, and book signings.<\/p>\n

\"Big

Directions<\/strong><\/h4>\n

Take\u00a0Caltrain<\/a>\u00a0to the\u00a0San Jose Caltrain Station<\/a>. From there, walk to\u00a0Cahill\/Diridon Station\u00a0and take the MST 55 Bus <\/a>to the Monterey Transit Plaza – from there you can either catch the 22 Bus<\/a>\u00a0or hop on your bike.<\/p>\n

Photos: California Bicycle Tour Company, Jordi Fumad\u00f3<\/a>, Big Sur, Karen Smith<\/a>, Tom Birmingham
\n<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Big Sur is not something a lot of people do car-free. It takes an adventurer to respond to the challenge of taking a carless trip down the infamously winding two-lane road called the Pacific Coast Highway. 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