Big Sur Romance: Camping, Coastal Hikes, and Anniversary Adventures
Celebrating a decade of love deserves something special, and for Daniel and Chris, that meant escaping to the majestic beauty of Big Sur. Their anniversary camping trip to Big Sur Campground & Cabins promised stunning scenery, outdoor adventures, and quality time together. The drive down Highway 1 is an attraction in itself, but be warned: Big Sur weather is notoriously unpredictable. Check road conditions on the Caltrans website. before you go to avoid potential fog or landslides. It's a drive you won't regret, especially when you finally arrive, check-in, and start setting up camp, a feeling nothing short of pure excitement.
Setting Up Our Home Away From Home
After the long, winding drive, arriving at Big Sur Campground & Cabins felt like entering another world. The check-in process was smooth, and soon we were at our campsite, ready to transform it into our anniversary haven. Our trusty North Face Wawona 6 tent became our home for the weekend. We've always appreciated its spaciousness and how quickly it sets up, even with us bickering about who holds which pole.
Organization is key to a happy camping trip, especially when celebrating a special occasion. We carefully arranged our gear, making sure everything was easily accessible. And, of course, the centerpiece of our setup was our Yeti Tundra 45 cooler. Inside, we had carefully packed our anniversary treats: artisanal cheeses from Cowgirl Creamery, a selection any cheese lover will appreciate, and a bottle of Schramsberg Blanc de Blancs sparkling wine, because what’s an anniversary without bubbles?
Big Sur Camping: Safety First (And Bears!)
Big Sur's natural beauty comes with a responsibility to protect it. Fire restrictions are serious here, and for good reason. We made sure to familiarize ourselves with all the rules and only used the campground’s designated fire pit. Bear safety is another crucial aspect of camping in Big Sur. These creatures are beautiful but potentially dangerous, so proper food storage is essential. We meticulously planned our meals and stored all food (and anything with a scent) inside the provided bear-resistant food locker. Remember: pack it in, pack it out. We made sure to leave no trace behind, including packing out all our trash.
Navigating Campground Amenities: Showers and Suds
The campground's bathhouses were clean and well-maintained, a definite plus. We were pleasantly surprised to find eco-friendly Dr. Bronner's soaps provided, which added a touch of luxury to our camping experience. One thing to note is that hot water availability can be limited during peak hours (6-8 PM). Chris braved a cold shower after our long hike, claiming it was “refreshing,” while Daniel managed to snag some hot water. Lucky guy! It’s all part of the camping adventure, right?
Exploring Big Sur: Hikes, Tides, and Stars
Big Sur offers a wealth of outdoor activities, and we made sure to take full advantage of them.
Andrew Molera State Park: Creamery Meadow Trail
Our first adventure was a hike on the Creamery Meadow Trail in Andrew Molera State Park. The scenery was incredibly diverse: meadows filled with vibrant wildflowers, secluded beaches, and dramatic coastal bluffs overlooking the Pacific. 
We even spotted a family of deer grazing peacefully in the meadow, a truly magical moment. The Creamery Meadow Trail is a relatively easy hike, making it perfect for a leisurely afternoon.
Tide Pooling at Pfeiffer Beach
Pfeiffer Beach is known for its unique rock formations and, of course, its amazing tide pools. We spent hours exploring these miniature ecosystems, marveling at the unique marine life. We saw purple sea urchins, bright orange starfish, and scurrying hermit crabs. It’s crucial to remember to respect this delicate environment. We made sure not to touch or remove any creatures, leaving everything as we found it.
Stargazing Under the Big Sur Sky
One of the most incredible aspects of Big Sur is the lack of light pollution, which creates amazing stargazing opportunities. We used the Star Walk 2 app on our iPhones to identify constellations. We easily spotted the Big Dipper and Orion's Belt. Lying beneath the vast expanse of stars, holding hands, felt incredibly romantic and peaceful.
Connecting With Nature and Each Other
Camping in Big Sur wasn't just about the beautiful scenery; it was about connecting with nature and reconnecting with each other. We had a good laugh while trying to pitch the tent, our teamwork skills clearly needing some practice! We also had a heartwarming experience helping a family with a flat tire. Sharing a small act of kindness created a sense of community that made the trip even more special.
Our favorite moment was watching the sunset from Pfeiffer Beach, the sky ablaze with color. It was a moment of pure bliss, and it strengthened our bond in a way that only shared experiences can. The simple act of sitting side-by-side, listening to the waves crash, and feeling the cool ocean breeze, was incredibly romantic.
Reflections on a Decade of Love and Adventure
Big Sur is a truly special place, a reminder of the beauty and power of nature. Celebrating our 10th anniversary here was the perfect way to reconnect and create lasting memories. The shared adventure, the stunning scenery, and the quiet moments of connection all contributed to an unforgettable experience. It was a reminder that sometimes, the best way to celebrate love is to escape the everyday and be completely present in the moment, surrounded by the wonders of the natural world. We left Big Sur feeling refreshed, renewed, and more in love than ever before.
Plan your trip, pack your bags, and get ready for an adventure, you won't regret it! And don't forget to watch our video!
