Chill out in California
April 2007
Big Sur, 500 km north of LA is a popular tourist spot that includes state parks and public land in the Los Padres National Forest. California Route 1 runs beside the vertical landscape of this area and is classified as an American National Scenic Byway. This region is well known for its hot springs, which you can enjoy free in the wilderness, or for a price in areas built for more comfort. If you are willing to pay to relax, you can choose from a variety of places, such as the new-age retreat Esalen Institute, the Tassajara Zen Mountain Centre that is a working monastery, the Ventana Inn and Spa and the Post Ranch Inn. However, you can also opt to camp along a creak in one of the many campgrounds that are accessible from Route 1.