PCH Leg 5: Big Sur to Los Angeles

Known as a "mini Yosemite", Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park will provide endless adventure and enviable Instagrams. The park is located on the western side of the Santa Lucia Mountains, and allows a glimpse at the well-known Big Sur region, home to some of America's most beautiful views. The park has a variety of flora and fauna, including towering redwoods, colorful wildflowers, lush ferns, and even bobcats. Visitors can experience the wildlife and the amazing view firsthand on one of the park's many hiking trails. Entry to the park is $10 per day (per vehicle). (THOR)

A cruise far enough up Highway 1 will take you right to the most stunning state park in the country: Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park. It's home to thousand-year-old, 300-foot redwoods, but the main attraction is the view of McWay Falls, a secluded, 80-foot tidefall (did you know that a waterfall that empties into the ocean is called a "tidefall?") in a gorgeous cove. While you can't actually walk down to McWay Falls itself, the view is one that you absolutely cannot miss. And, bonus! The trail to the overlook is only a half-mile round-trip hike. If you want more hiking here, Ewoldsen Trail shows off the redwoods quite nicely.

When you need to unwind and unplug, visit Esalen Hot Springs. This retreat has hot springs with incredible views...and they open them up to the public, but only between 1AM and 3AM. Book online and make the trip up to soak in the mineral rich waters and stunning views of the night sky!

Towering above Big Sur River Gorge lies Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park Campground, the most romantic site to camp out on your trip. The campsite offers 184 sites for RVs, trailers, and tents, and even offers free Wifi. The campground is one of the most popular in the area, due to its natural beauty and convenient location, so sites can get filled up over 7 months in advance. Make sure to reserve your site well in advance... but it'll be worth it once you catch a glimpse of those views! (THOR) Towering over the Big Sur River Gorge, Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park is a California adventure that you won't forget. The park allows you to walk along the scenic riverbanks and spot the iconic redwoods, conifers and other trees that are abundant throughout. The park is also right on the coast, allowing you to hike to the scenic overlook above McWay Falls, a gorgeous tidefall in a lush cove, and to the Sun Portal, a sea stack that the waves have bored a hole through; during December and January, the sun rises and shines right through the portal, creating an amazing photo op or sunrise-spotting experience. Oh, and the beaches here have purple sand, thanks to swirls of finely ground manganese garnet. The park's campground is located along the Big Sur River, and has a large space to accommodate lots of campers, including those with RVs. So no matter if you're in the most compact pop-up from Thor, or you're riding in a luxurious RV, there's space for you here. Dogs are allowed in campgrounds and day use areas when on a leash. You can also bring your dog onto USFS property, like Pfeiffer Beach. You can also hike Pine Ridge Trail from Big Sur Station USFS's Ventana Wilderness with a leashed dog. Otherwise, check local regulations!

The insane Big Sur scenery doesn't end at Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park. Head a bit further north to Pfeiffer Beach and check out the stunning sun portal. While the sun aligns most perfectly with the keyhole arch in the cliff in December and January, it's still an absolutely jaw-dropping site to watch a sunrise or a sunset any time of year. Plus, the rest of Pfeiffer Beach is stunning too, with rocky coves and streaks of striking purple quartz sand at the north end of the beach. Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park is a gorgeous slice of Big Sur beauty that is an iconic PCH stop, and the park's crown jewel is McWay Falls. The 80-foot cascade flows year round, and you can view it from an overlook reached the half-a-mile Waterfall Trail that starts at the park's parking lot. You even walk through a tunnel below the PCH! Tip: A waterfall that's on the beach is actually called a "tidefall". You can't actually get down to the beach to see this one up close, since it's a very fragile ecosystem and too rocky and dangerous, but it looks pretty amazing from afar. (KOA) Located at Big Sur on Pfeiffer Beach is the ethereal Sun Portal. This natural sea arch allows a stream of light to flow through during the months of December and January each year. This spot is a photographer's dream, with many making the trek to take the perfect shot of this natural wonder. It's just as pretty any other time of the year as well, and a bit less crowded, too! For those that have never been to Pfeiffer Beach, it can be difficult to find. The park lies off of Sycamore Canyon Road, which is completely unmarked. The trick to finding the access street is to find the only paved and ungated road between the Big Sur post office and the entrance to the park. Once you follow the road, you will find a parking area and then the access point to the portal! (THOR)

Since those views of the coast are one of a kind, finding a place to spend the night immersed in nature isn't a half bad idea. Splurge for a yurt with a view at the Treebones glamping resort; a yurt is basically a pimped out tent with a queen bed, a deck, and running water. Or, if you're feeling extra adventurous, book a stay in their human nest. I seriously can't make this up. Treebones is a perfect destination for those who want to experience the natural beauty of Big Sur. They have 16 yurts, all of which feature comfy amenities and stunning views of the ocean and the mountains. However, there are some who argue that staying in a yurt is too easy and takes the fun out of camping. If that's the case for you, don't worry... Treebones has something extra special for the more adventurous outdoor enthusiast: their so-called "human nest". It's pretty much exactly what it sounds like-- branches have been twisted into a hideaway big enough for two people to cuddle up in. It's slightly off the ground, offers seclusion and privacy, and features breathtaking views, but the nest isn't quite as all-inclusive as the yurts. For example, it's about as waterproof as you'd expect, so if the forecast is predicting rain, you should probably bring a tent to set up nearby, just in case. There's a mattress, but not much else, so you'll have to either cook your own food or be forced to walk through the gorgeous surroundings to their on-site sushi bar or restaurant. It's also not cheap, at $150 a night with a two-night minimum. That being said, it's a camping experience you won't find anywhere else in the world-- and waking up to a brilliant sunrise over the ocean, framed by the door of your nest is totally priceless.

Dinner with a view is required when driving through Big Sur, and the menu at Ragged Point Restaurant befits the million-dollar view. Consomme, filet, and creme brulee make for a meal that's just a lovely as the scenery. (PHOTOS - Tatiana)

The word "castle" may conjure up images of medieval European estates, but San Simeon's Hearst Castle is a thoroughly modern mansion, sitting atop "Enchanted Hill.” The 170-room home was completed in 1919, after 28 years of construction. The owner was newspaper magnate William Randolph Hearst. He was known to entertain Hollywood's elite here during his heyday. There are several tour options, so definitely book one in advance. The Roman and Neptune Pools are highlights, so whichever tour you take, make sure it includes stops at one or both. And be sure to check out the zebras that reside on the estate... they're descended from the animals that once lived in the castle's zoo! Take a break from nature and visit one of the country's most fabled historic homes: Hearst Castle. Built by newspaper tycoon William Randolph Hearst, it's a seriously opulent and extravagant estate. Featuring 165 rooms, 3 guest houses, two massive pools, and 127 acres, the Moorish Castle is unlike anything else in America. The rooms are ornately decorated, and the gardens are impeccable, but the absolutely decadent pools are the real stunners. Tip: Tours sell out fast here, so book yours online in advance. They're the only way to see the castle. Ticket prices start at $25 a person, but trust us... it's worth it. (KOA) With natural scenery as fabled as that of the California coast, is it any wonder that one of America's richest newspaper moguls chose to build his legendarily opulent estate here? The Hearst Castle in San Simon is actually a collection of luxurious mansions built by William Randolph Hearst between the 1920's and the 1950's. Here, he entertained the most fabulous movie stars and other members of the social elite at the time. Today you can tour the buildings, which are kept up by the California State Park Service. Tickets might seem pricey at $25 a pop for adults, but once you see the massive, gorgeous pool, you'll realize that it's worth it.