Big Sur is the No. 1 of top 10 romantic places nominated by gayot.com. "Big Sur" means "big mouth" in Spanish. It is not a spot in the map, instead, it is a coastline on Highway 1. The scenic charm can be extended from between Santa Cruz to San Simon. From Carmel to Lucia alone, touring Big Sur on Highway 1 is one of the most captivating drive anywhere. The inland strip along Highway 1 provides access to state parks, redwoods, coastal streams and Los Padres National Forest. As you drive south along the Pacific Coast, you will discover a largely untouched coast, but before you arrive at Hearst Castle in San Simeon, you will see elephant seal.

The last time we visited Big Sur was mid spring 2006, driving from Mountain View (where Goolge is headquartered) to San Simeon, Hearst Castle. The mode of our trip was relaxing. We stopped many times at the turnout along Highway 1. It seemed that I will never be bored by the deep blue of the Pacific Ocean, and you will easily understand why this place is so beloved around the world.

Before Big Sur, you should stop by Monterey Peninsula where you can either go golfing in Pebble Beach golf course or bring your kids to Monterey Bay Aquarium. In the aquarium, you can have a closer and deeper look at Pacific Ocean with more than 350,000 marine animals and plants on display.

We stayed at a tent cabin in Fernwood Resort in Big Sur. It is on the right hand side of road if you drive towards south. All the lodgings in Big Sur don't have specific address but a common simple address "Highway 1, Big Sur". So I will recommend you do some homework about your hotel's location if you will check in after sunset. The tents area is next to Big Sur river in the redwoods, you can hike easily to Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park. We got an special rate by mentioned the lodging website. Find more accommodations and review here.

Carmel (aka Carmel-by-the-sea) is a very cosy small town around that area. It was once and for many still is a bohemian enclave, a haven for artists and a refuge for writers and intellectuals. There are nearly 100 art galleries in this small city which continues to celebrate both the heritage and the future of a community whose vision is still to advance the knowledge of and interest in art, and to create a spirit of cooperation and fellowship between local artists and the public. What an rt lovers' ideal romantic getaway spot.