A Rugged Coast: Big Sur and Central California

The Central California coast between Carmel and San Simeon is a rugged and often remote coastline that was until the 1930’s considered one of continental America’s last frontiers. Finally in 1937 its first road was completed, a beautiful 71 mile stretch of highway that runs directly between seaside mountains and the jagged coastline. The “Pais Grand Del Sur” or “The Big Country Down South” from Monterey was finally open for the world to see.

The “Big Sur” name stuck.  The highway has been closed 55 times since it has opened (at the time of writing, is still closed in a few spots due to landslides) – indicative of the treacherous terrain the highway crosses.  There are waterfalls and redwoods, land bridges and mountain ranges. There’s even a castle.  Visit in the off season and you’ll have a chance to have the highway all to yourself. This gallery covers roughly the area of Pismo beach in the south, to Monterey in the north, but you’ll also see a few pictures from other coastal communities in California. Click here for the gallery.

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