Big Sur: One With Nature’s More Luxurious Side

Accommodations

Building upon my recent obsession with yurts, I have had my eye on Treebones resort for quite some time. Treebones is a luxury yurt resort in the south of Big Sur that offers furnished, heated, high end yurts and stunning coastal views. A few things to note about Treebones: (1) The secret is out, if you want an ocean view yurt for a weekend night, you need to book several months in advance. (2) The resort is quite far south; to get there it is about an hour’s drive past downtown Big Sur. (3) Unlike other yurt options in Northern CA, this tent will cost you $300/night, compared with other Big Sur options, that is actually a steal. (4) Although the resort claims to have wifi in the Lodge, it is spotty at best; absolutely no service in the yurts. These $300 accommodations were on a whole ‘nother level than our quaint $70/night Calistoga yurt.

More more detailed information on the yurt, check out my review of Treebones.

Food and Beverage

In terms of culinary offerings, Treebones scored well with their Oceanview Sushi Bar. Even in the downpour we experienced, the Chef, Sarah, brought her A game and delivered a meal, fit to accompany the view. Did I mention that Sarah is from Pennsylvania? Yep, she is obviously awesome.

A general theme of the Big Sur culinary scene is that you “pay for the view”. My husband and I each had a mediocre $5 coffee at Big Sur Coast Gallery & Cafe and thoroughly enjoyed the caffeine content and, of course, the view. We were lucky to get great advice from a local that led us to a perfectly satisfying, reasonably priced lunch at the Big Sur Taphouse. This lunch came with a view of flat screen TVs and board games. Worked for us!

Activities

There are so many parks and sights along the coast that it can be overwhelming. In some ways, that is good, because it gives you a reason to justify coming back more than once! There is also a balancing act as the most popular, iconic, locations are often so packed with visitors that you can’t fully enjoy the experience. Given the southern location of the resort, we were able to explore a few of the more out of the way scenic spots. One favorite, Limekiln park, is located eight miles north of Treebones and offers a dabbling of everything: redwood grove, waterfall, ocean access, and limekiln ruins. Note that although the name is “Limekiln State Park” the State no longer owns it, it is now privately owned. That means that your $10 entry fee does not buy you access to the other State Parks.

If you are looking for a wide beach to lay out or play catch, Sand Dollar Beach is a great option. Five miles north of Treebones, take the path from the parking lot and veer to the left to reach a set of steps leading to the sandy beach. Parking in the lot is $10.

Some iconic Big Sur views are worth navigating the crowds. Visit Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park to see picturesque views of the coast including an 80-foot waterfall that drops from granite cliffs into the ocean from the Overlook Trail. Many tourists park along the busy highway, but I encourage paying the $10 fee to park in the official lot. This park is still owned by the State, therefore, your $10 fee will buy you daily access to all other State parks in the area.

Possibly our favorite find was the off the beaten path, Partington Cove. It’s easy to miss the dirt turnout, but look for cars parked on either side of the higway, immediately following a sharp curve two miles north of Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park. Walk through the gate, down the fire road until you reach a fork. Take the left fork over a footbridge and through a tunnel to reach the breathtaking cove. The right fork is also worth a visit, leading you down to a rocky beach with large, loud, breaking waves.

Wrap Up

Our weekend featured many sides of nature. Friday night involved huddling in the yurt as the season’s first downpour pounded against the canvas. The sun came out Saturday morning and that evening brought rainbows and a gorgeous sunset. I can’t wait to celebrate our 30 month anniversary someplace equally entrancing!

What is your favorite way to escape the stress of everyday life?