Monterey, Pfeiffer Big Sur and the surrounding areas have some of the most pristine and beautiful landscapes in the world, This list must include the Bixby Bridge. From glittering sand and crystal-clear water to lush forests and towering cliffs, the views make for an amazing trip. Completed in 1932 for just over $200,000, the concrete span, one of the highest bridges of its kind in the world, soars 260 feet above the bottom of a steep canyon carved by Bixby Creek. One look at the canyon’s steep and crumbling cliffs, and it’s obvious that building the bridge wasn’t exactly a cakewalk. Some of my earliest memories were of my puke bag as we wound our way around the towering cliffs a thousand feet above the threatening pounding surf far below. As a child it was the most terrifying thing in the world, thankfully though I got over it.
Highway 1 in Big Sur is famous as one of the crown jewels of the America's Byways program. Along this beautiful coastal highway it is not unusual to see soaring California Condors, migrating Gray, Humpback and Blue whales. In the southern part of Big Sur you can drive right up to the beach and witness the annual mating rituals of the elephant seals. December through February is the peak of the season when the large males are competing for their mates. This can make for some very exciting viewing.