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The plan described below is open to suggestions.  I will finalize the plan by Jan 31.  You can contact me at My Contact Info

Day 1: Northern Big Sur – Coastal Vistas and Wildlife

Depart Palo Alto at 7:15am, expect to arrive at Point Lobos State Natural Reserve by 9am-9:30am.  Point Lobos is popular and parking is limited, especially on weekends, expect to wait for significant time if you arrive after 10am.  You may want to consider leaving earlier to take advantage of the 8:00am gate opening.  We will take the following stops on our first day.

• Point Lobos State Natural Reserve (just north of Big Sur): Hike Cypress Grove Trail and Bird Island Trail (most visitors don’t know to visit Bird Island Trail) for twisted cypresses, sea otters, seals, and emerald China Cove. Great for wildlife and seascape photography
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• We will have a Picnic Lunch in Point Lobos.  Bring your own food and drink.  The group will discuss what they thought were good locations for photography, so you may want to visit these stops after lunch.
  
  
• Garrapata State Park: Trails to bluffs and beaches; Soberanes Point for rugged cliffs and waves. Look for seasonal Calla Lily Valley blooms. If you spend too much time at Point Lobos or choose to check into lodging before dinner, so visiting this park does not work, remember that you can stop by here on the day you return to Palo Alto.
  
  
• Bixby Creek Bridge: Iconic arch bridge—shoot from north/pullout viewpoints for classic compositions.

Sunset: is 7:38pm. 

Nepenthe Restaurant (  Website ) for Pre-dinner drinks, dinner & Socializing.  Also, a great spot for sunset photos as long as you don't interfere with other guests of the restaurant or staff.

 Nepenthe Restaurant is exceptional for its view, food and service – Cliffside views, Ambrosia Burger, casual vibe but no reservations. 

Day 2: Central Big Sur – Beaches and Redwoods

Meetup for Breakfast at the Homestead Restaurant in the Lodge at 8:am to discuss plans for the day and possible changes in how we carpool based on interests.

As we are on the West Coast, and sunrise is at 6:38 AM, some may want to do sunrise photography showing how morning light is cast on the cliffs, beaches, ocean, etc.

Places to visit on the second day:

• Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park: Hike to Pfeiffer Falls among redwoods; river and forest shots.

• Pfeiffer Beach (via narrow Sycamore Canyon Rd): Purple sand, Keyhole Arch , offshore rocks, and waves. Sunset magic here.

• Pullouts along Highway 1: Endless coastal overlooks for dramatic cliffs and ocean.

• Picnic Lunch or Lunch at a casual restaurant with views (to be Determined)

Dinner at Nepenthe Restaurant, if the group wants to return, or at the Big Sur Lodge or Fernwood Resort's Tavern Bar and Grill (near the Big Sur Lodge and has good views)

Day 3: Southern Big Sur – Waterfalls and Sunsets

Meetup for Breakfast at the Homestead Restaurant in the Lodge at 8:am to discuss plans for the day and possible changes in how we carpool based on interests.

While we are on the West Coast, and sunrise is at 6:38 AM, some may want to do sunrise photography showing how morning light is cast on the cliffs, beaches, ocean, etc.

Places to visit this day:

• Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park: Short trail to overlook of McWay Falls (80-ft waterfall onto beach—Big Sur’s postcard shot). No beach access; you shoot from trail.

• Partington Cove: Steep trail to hidden cove/tunnel for secluded beach shots.

• Return to spots you saw earlier in the trip that are worth returning to.

• Sunset at coastal pullouts or return to Pfeiffer Beach/Garrapata.

Dinner at 5pm for those interested in Golden Hour/Sunset/Blue hour photos. Restaurant to be chosen based on where people want to go after dinner.

Then the drive home or add a day on your own.

Here is the Link to Register for the Field Trip at the bottom of Trip's Calendar Event page