Stipulated: the perfect travel time for a three-day weekend getaway is four hours. More, and you waste your vacation. Less, and you’re still near home. Hence our series, The 4hr. Rule, dedicated to revealing the best destinations that are far away, yet still close to home.
Today: the ultimate California glampsite, which you’ll find down Big Sur way.
THE RESORT
Treebones is the ultimate Northern California glamping experience. Rent a yurt, the grand “autonomous tent” or just grab a Pacific-view campsite. Forget about campfires (they’re verboten), but instead of s’mores, you have an outdoor sushi bar plus lodge dining at lunch and breakfast. Think salmon piccata and filet mignon.
THE MEAL
If you don’t feel like settling in for a sushi lunch at Treebones’ on-site fish bar, head into town to the beautifully designed Big Sur Roadhouse, a low-key temple to California Modernism. Unsurprisingly, the philosophy is local, local, local, with some notes reminiscent of the chef’s N’Awlins upbringing, like po’ boys and oysters.
THE ACTIVITY
First trip to Big Sur? Don’t miss McWay Falls. There’s no access to the beach (unless you like fines), but it’s a quick walk to the viewing spot that launched 1,000,000 Instagrams. If you’re a vet, consider the less crowded interior waterfall: Pfeiffer, in Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park. More forest, fewer people, same killer views.
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