: 5 Things NO ONE Tells You About Visiting Big Sur but I’ll! 1️⃣ No Gas for Miles ⛽ – There are NO gas stations between Carmel and Big Sur. Fill up before you start your drive, or you’ll be stuck paying premium prices at the one station in Big Sur Village! 2️⃣ No Cell Service 📵 – You’ll lose service after Carmel, so download Google Maps offline and have your stops planned in advance! Some must-visit spots: ✅ Bixby Bridge (iconic coastal view!) ✅ McWay Falls (waterfall into the ocean) ✅ Pfeiffer Beach (purple sand!) ✅ Henry Miller Library (quirky bookshop + hidden gem) ✅ Partington Cove (short hike to a secret cove) 3️⃣ Limited Restrooms & Food 🚻🍽️ – Public restrooms are rare, and food spots are limited. Either stop in Carmel before the drive or bring snacks! Big Sur Bakery is a solid option if you’re craving something fresh. 4️⃣ Sunset > Sunrise 🌅 – Big Sur looks its BEST during golden hour. If you can, plan to stay for sunset—watching the sun dip below the cliffs is unreal. 5️⃣ Not Everything is Worth the Hype 🤔 – Calla Lily Valley blooms in spring, but it’s just a small patch—not as grand as Instagram makes it seem! Instead, visit the Henry Miller Library (a unique bookshop & event space) or Partington Cove for a hidden coastal trail. Save this for later & tag your road trip friend! 🚙 #bigsur #californiaroadtrip #visitcalifornia #scenicdrives #highway1 #hiddengems #roadtripusa #sfbayarea #daytrip