Alexandra Restrepo Photographs

This past weekend was a-MAAAY-zing. Eric and I had bought tickets to Sunday’s portion of the U.S. Open back in February, so we used the event as an excuse to get away for a much-needed weekend on the coast. Having both already spent quite a bit of time in the Carmel/Monterey area, we were looking for new adventures to be had.

And then we stumbled upon Big Sur.

Now, I’m sure as most of you read this, you’re saying to yourself, “Um, hello? Duh. Big Sur is like one of the most beautiful places on Earth.” Yes, well phenomenal as it is, neither of us native Northern Californians had heard anything about it until about 6 months ago, much less ever been there. So we made our plans to go without too many expectations. Needless to say, when we got there, we were blown away.

Big Sur is a place of extremes. Gorgeous mountainous coastlines crash explosively into unbelievably turquoise water in a breathtaking way you’d swear was somewhere more remote than California. I snapped pictures the entire time, but this is one of those places that humble photographers (and anyone else) because the grandeur and beauty are simply too much to be captured, controlled, or possessed by any one person. Still, I had to share what beauty we were privileged to behold while there.

The pristine coast stretches on like this for some 90 miles.

Shots from Big Sur Bakery, a definite highlight of the weekend.

I kept thinking the water looked nice to swim in because of how turquoise it was. No doubt it’s freezing though!

I took this photo while we were driving and absolutely love the motion in the trees that resulted…

Interesting cloud formation

Lovely bright white breakers

Distant shot of Bixby Bridge, one of the most photographed bridges on the West Coast.

Can’t get over how gorgeous that water is.

After sharing these photos, I almost feel like I shouldn’t have to say this. But just because I loved it that much, I will. If you haven’t been to Big Sur yet, YOU MUST GO!