An end of summer getaway. . .

Before school begins, we headed down the coast on a road trip

Our first stop was lunch in Pacific Grove.  

Their BLT sandwiches topped with caramelized onions on a soft roll are so delicious! 

On a hot day, nothing beats fetching sticks in the Big Sur River

or sampling a treat from the Big Sur Bakery

Nearby is the Big Sur Spirit Garden

Flags with handprints crisscross the garden.

I realize this would create a wonderful sense of belonging in our Kindergarten play yard to have every child represented with their handprint on a banner. . . 

A visit to one of Big Sur's most historic locations, Nepenthe, with its expansive deck overlooking the Pacific 

Another historic dining spot, set at the edge of a redwood forest, is the quaint restaurant in Deetjen's Big Sur Inn

Walk in along a tree-lined path to the hidden Pfeiffer beach. 

(From Highway 1, about ¼-a-mile south of the ranger station at Pfeiffer State Park, look for the road sign marking a narrow road ahead, turn in and drive 2 miles to the beach parking lot.)

Pfeiffer beach is known for its purple sand

There are tunnels and unusual rock formations

And dogs are allowed on the beach!

The most dog friendly beach in the area is found at Carmel

Dining at Carmel’s Casanova Restaurant not only feels like you’re transported to a charming French village café because of its rustic food but also . . .

Dogs are welcome, too!

Before leaving we noticed something else unique to this area, 

the road signs to watch out for wild boars crossing Highway 1 near the Carmel River!