A cozy winter getaway in Big Sur, CA

When you think "Winter in California", the first places that likely come to mind are Lake Tahoe or Mammoth Lakes, and you would be hard-pressed to find more beautiful winter wonderlands than these world renowned skiing destinations. While they absolutely should be on your travel bucket list, these are not the only destinations worthy of a winter getaway in the Golden State- especially if embracing the snow isn't your idea of the perfect vacation. Winter is a great time to find solace in the mild-temperate coastal towns that are much less crowded than in peak season.

California's Big Sur coast is a masterpiece of nature: towering cliffsides with majestic redwood forests breaking way to dramatic, panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean. This rugged, scenic stretch of coastline is the most breathtaking portion of California Highway 1, the PCH, known as one of the most scenic drives in the world.

Note: While I wouldn't recommend a long, extended PCH drive in the winter due to the chance of rain and potential road closures (you can always check the status of current road conditions on the Big Sur's Visitor Guide) Deetjen's is located just 30 miles south of the town of Carmel, 16 miles south of the famous Bixby Bridge, and only 4.5 miles south of Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park, meaning most of the highlights of the area are in close proximity to your hotel. Closest airports: Monterey, San Jose, and San Francisco.

You'll find Deetjen's nestled on the edge of a redwood forest, seemingly preserved in a time capsule from the 1930's when the family first built it. While living in a tent beside the Castro Canyon Creek, Helmuth Deetjen and his wife Helen first constructed a barn with local reclaimed redwood, (now the restaurant and heart of the property) and over the years continued to add to the Inn in their native Norwegian architectural style that would eventually define the Big Sur vernacular. Even in the earliest years, adventurous travelers came to stay for weeks to hike, eat, and write- the area inspiring artists and attracting famous writers such as Henry Miller and Jack Kerouac. For decades guests have added to the Inn's journals, which are available to read in each of the cozy rooms.

The property immediately takes you back to it's history and rustic charm. It is off the grid, allowing for full connection with the landscape. The process of checking in involves signing a large, vintage bookkeeper's log before being shown to one of your rooms, each cabin with a unique name and style.

The rooms are tastefully simple and full of ambiance, some with their own wood-burning fireplace to curl up at. The furnishings are quaint and timeless. You can purchase a bottle of wine from the onsite restaurant and bring it back to your room or private deck for a cozy evening. We stayed in the Fireplace Room (pictured below), and would also recommend the Creek House Rooms and New Room with a windowpane view of the redwoods and canyon below.

Just a short path from your room is the restaurant, where you dine at candle lit tables in the intimate rooms. When you enter, classical music plays softly, a fireplace crackles and burns, and delicious meals are being served on various vintage plates. We ordered the Seared Duck Breast and the Filet Mignon with the Black Truffle Roasted Potato Corn Cake (both excellent) for dinner and had breakfast there each morning. The ambiance and decor is a charming ode to the English countryside.

A stay at Deetjen's should always consist of spending time enjoying the grounds. Take a leisurely stroll through the property, which boasts a canyon, waterfall and walking path through the redwoods. We felt so renewed and ready to explore Big Sur thanks to our amazing stay here.

What To Do:

• Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park for a gorgeous waterfall and hike
• See the iconic Bixby Bridge
• A massage and soak at the luxurious eco-spa at Ventana Big Sur
• Visit Point Lobos Nature Preserve & the famous 17-mile scenic drive
• Grab a hot coffee and go whale watching: Gray whales can be seen from Big Sur from December through April as they migrate south
• Daytrip to the town of Carmel, with it's English cottages and Swiss Alpine chalets housing restaurants, art galleries, and shopping

Where To Eat:

• Sierra Mar at the Post Ranch Inn for fine dining in the sky
• The Sur House at Ventana Big Sur for a celebratory meal
• Nepenthe for cliffside California dining
• Coast for coffee or wine on the many terraces overlooking the Pacific

Big Sur was our first trip we took when we moved to California and our last before we left for New York, and a place we visited many times in between. It always draws me back!

We'd love to hear what you discover!

XO,

Jess