I'm not sure if I was born with a case of wanderlust or if I've acquired my jet setting addiction in adulthood, but my travel bucket list is a serious mile long. With the third trimester upon us and a few extra days of holiday break to spare, Aaron and I decided to cross one of our destinations off that list last week with a road trip to Big Sur. It was so incredible! Like up-there-with-one-of-our-favorite-trips-ever incredible...
We started in Los Angeles, stopped in Carpinteria for lunch with friends, and made it to Morro Bay just in time for sunset. That's Morro Rock in the background and my 27 week baby bump in the foreground. (Unpictured: dozens and dozens of barking seals that were swimming in the water! Incredible!) We continued up to Monterey Bay where we spent our first night. In the morning after breakfast we started off to Big Sur by way of Pebble Beach, the 17 Mile Drive, and Carmel. Check out these views...
Aaron was pretty much in photo heaven...
You know you're getting close to Big Sur when you spot the Bixby Bridge. Aaron gave me a little bit of a panic attack with some of his choice spots for taking photos...
We arrived in the afternoon and checked into our cabin at Glen Oaks. If you're venturing to Big Sur, I highly recommend this place! Think rustic cabin in the woods meets modern San Francisco design with a fire pit and a great little restaurant next door. In the mornings we would hike the little paths around our cabin then head over to Big Sur Roadhouse for coffee and breakfast.
During the day we ventured to McWay Falls and hiked around the coast. Aaron would be rock climbing these jagged cliffs (cue more panic attacks), while I was determined to spot my first whale... and did!
In the evening we went to Pheiffer State Beach to check out this stunning view at sunset...
...then roasted marshmallows on our campfire before dinner at Big Sur Bakery.
I turned 30 on Sunday, so Aaron surprised me with this plate of birthday marshmallows late Saturday night! Sorry for the blurry picture-- I was too excited about my marshmallows to keep the camera still!
On Sunday, we took Highway 1 back down to LA, stopping along the way for the elephant seals, cinnamon rolls in Pismo Beach, and views like these...
This weekend is going to be equally as adventurous in a very different way. We are taking a baby care class tomorrow hosted by The Pump Station! It should be interesting! What are all of you up to this weekend? I hope it's a great one!
Photography by Aaron Pinkston
Kimberly says
I love this post! My husband and I are planning our Big Sur babymoon for April. Thanks for the inspiration!
Megan says
Jen,
I hope you don't mind my stalking, but I found this picture via Pinterest! In one of the pictures Aaron is standing under the redwoods. I was wondering if you could tell me what trail this was? I am heading there over Thanksgiving and would love to go along that trail. Thanks!
Megan
Jen Pinkston says
Hi Megan, it was actually right outside of our cabin at Glen Oaks Big Sur. Enjoy your trip! It is still one of our favorite things we have ever done!
Megan Richford says
Jen, Thank you for your response! I didn't see it until today! Can't wait to visit this week!
Amy K says
Love this post on Big Sur! My husband and I are going there the week of 4th of July and staying 3 nights at Glen Oaks. We also are planning to stay 2 nights in Monterrey, and was wondering if you would recommend where you stayed while you were there?
Jane says
Beautiful pictures. Thank you for sharing.
Jessica says
Beautiful photos! Big Sur is a beautiful place. I spent NYE 1998 there. Thanks for reminding me how lovely it is!
Jen Pinkston says
It really is so stunning. On our drive in and out of there we were stopping every 5 minutes to get out of the car because there was a new breathtaking view to behold!
mish says
Wow, I think I just added Big Sur to my travel list too. We are going to Crater Lake this summer for my birthday, and I cannot wait!! You are such a cute preggo, Jen!
Jen Pinkston says
I just googled images of Crater Lake and it's gorgeous! Now I have added that to MY travel list 😉 Hope you three are well!
andreavytlacilova says
Lovely photos! 🙂
ANDREA
Jen Pinkston says
Thanks, Andrea!
chel says
happy 30th birthday...so thoughtful how your husband use 3o marshmallows to celebrate your day...clever!
Jen Pinkston says
Thank you, Chel! I thought so too!
Ashton Roberts says
Absolutely adore these pics. Big Sur looks completely gorgeous, as do you! Pregnancy definitely agrees with ya. Glad you had a happy 30th!
Jen Pinkston says
Thank you so much, Ashton! So far 30 is pretty great!