California condors tilt and wheel over twin-topped trees fiercely clutching jagged cliffs and reaching for the fickle sun along this mythic strip of Central California Coastline, namesake of a famed Kerouac novel written about the author’s stopover here in a secluded cabin. Troops of golden California poppies and deep purple lupines dance in the fog along the windy asphalt ribbon of highway 1; the sky seems closer, here. This magnificent 90-mile stretch of deep, dark forested ravines, breathtaking seascapes, landmark bridges, enchanting hidden beaches strewn with driftwood, state parks laced with miles of trails and stunning watercolor vistas, at one time traversed by 3 nomadic Native American Tribes, remains an exclusive home and playground to fewer than 1000 year-round residents. Public beach and attraction access is tricky and can be an adventure in itself; be sure to plan your group’s Big Sur exploration bearing this in mind. With the wide, blue Pacific sparkling to the West and nature’s dramatic and unspoiled handiwork all around, it is no surprise long-time residents hold fast to their stakes here. Relatively undeveloped and richly bio-diverse, the many climates of Big Sur host scores of rare-to-endangered species and a fascinating variety of native flora and fauna. Overnight guests without sleeping bags will find no less than the best in store – fabulous artisanal restaurants and gourmet cafes, unique local galleries and attractions and simply wonderful to luxuriously upscale accommodations – extraordinary trappings affording groups devising that quintessential North Coast getaway a civilized, yet wild escape.