There is a small town named Big Sur, but the term more often refers to a section of coastline that stretches for 90 mi/145 km, from just north of San Simeon to just south of Carmel. Take in the scenery and enjoy good hiking or beachcombing in the area's excellent state parks. The vistas are grand. Who could ask for more?

Some on-foot exploration is mandatory. But once you're out of your car, heed warnings about unstable cliffs and treacherous wave action and offshore riptides. Some people die unnecessarily in and around Big Sur each year simply because they underestimate the genuine wildness of this environment. Even Big Sur's history sounds a warning: It took 15 years for Chinese laborers and workers from the state's prisons to build Highway 1 through this inhospitable terrain, and in the process many lives and much equipment were lost to the sea.

All is not so severe there, however. A classic stop for the road weary is the striking seaside restaurant Nepenthe, almost as legendary as Big Sur itself. (Weather permitting, take in the sunset views from the upper deck.) Unfortunately, Nepenthe and the rest of Big Sur can be overwhelmed by sightseers during the summer and on warm-weather weekends. September and October are usually good months for a visit.

The town of Big Sur has an appropriately relaxed attitude—except in pricing: Lodging and dining bills can run a little high. You'll notice signs of development, but all in all, Big Sur is more protected than it was at the turn of the 20th century. The town of Big Sur is 100 mi/160 km south of San Francisco.