Before coming to college, I had never been camping – I had never even been “glamping.” My family preferred to go on vacations where we stayed in hotels rather than tents, so camping was completely unfamiliar to me. But in October of my sophomore year, my roommate wanted to go camping for her birthday. Being from Boulder, Colorado, she had been camping countless times before and convinced a big group of us to spend the weekend in Big Sur.
We left early in the morning to get a spot at one of the campsites right on the water. As soon as we parked, we hurried down toward the cliffs to claim our spot. Walking out to the campsite felt unreal. The second we reached the edge, the entire ocean suddenly opened up in front of us. It felt endless, miles of blue water stretching farther than I could see. I had never experienced a view that made me feel so small yet so calm at the same time. The rest of the trip felt perfect. We spent our days exploring hidden beaches, hiking to waterfalls, and watching sunsets from our campsite. Everything seemed to align perfectly: the weather, the scenery, and especially the people I was surrounded by.
After that weekend, camping stopped feeling like a random getaway and slowly became a ritual. Now that the weather is warmer in the spring, I spend almost every weekend exploring a new campsite or taking day trips to Big Sur. As Cal Poly students, we are incredibly lucky to be surrounded by so much natural beauty. In between busy schedules, deadlines, and constant stress, being outside gives me a chance to completely reset. Camping forces me to unplug from my phone, stop thinking about school for a little while, and be fully present. Some of my happiest college memories have come from sitting around a campfire, waking up to the sound of the ocean, or spending hours outside without another worry. It has become one of the healthiest outlets I have found during college.
Camping has also strengthened many of my friendships in ways I did not expect. There is something about spending an entire weekend outdoors together that brings people closer. Whether we are struggling to set up tents in the dark, cooking dinner over a tiny camping stove, or laughing around the fire late at night, those experiences create memories that feel more meaningful than a normal night out. Being away from distractions allows for real conversations and quality time together. Looking back, my first camping trip pushed me far outside of my comfort zone, but it introduced me to some of the best experiences and friendships I have had in college. It taught me how important it is to try new things, especially the ones that might seem unfamiliar or uncomfortable at first.
Camping ended up becoming one of my favorite parts of college so far and something I never expected to love so much. One random trip to Big Sur turned into a tradition that has given me some of my favorite memories with my best friends and a break from the stress of everyday life. Living right off of U.S. Highway 101 means we are surrounded by so many unreal places, and every trip reminds me of how lucky we are to go to school here. From hidden beaches to small towns along the coast, there are so many spots that have become part of my favorite college memories.
My top six favorite stop along U.S. Highway 101
1. Salmon Creek Waterfall
Salmon Creek Waterfall is one of the prettiest and most peaceful stops along U.S. Highway 101 and makes for the perfect day trip, being only about an hour from Cal Poly. It’s easy to get to but still feels hidden enough to be peaceful. The water is absolutely freezing, but somehow it feels wrong not to jump in every time I visit.
2. Elephant Seal Vista Point
Seeing the elephant seals is a mandatory stop whenever I’m driving up the coast. There are always so many spread across the beach, and they’re honestly hilarious to watch.
3. Sand Dollar Beach
Sand Dollar Beach is my favorite beach in Big Sur. It’s a huge stretch of coastline with clear water and endless sandy beach to explore. I love watching surfers brave the massive waves and spending time walking through the tide pools along the shore.
4. Henry Miller Memorial Library
The Henry Miller Memorial Library is one of those places that makes Big Sur feel so unique. Tucked away behind the trees just off the highway, it feels like a hidden treasure. Whether you stop by for a concert, browse the books, or simply enjoy the atmosphere, it’s a place that captures the creative and laid-back spirit of Big Sur.
5. Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park
Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park is home to the most beautiful waterfall I’ve ever seen. McWay Falls pours directly onto the beach below, creating a view that almost doesn’t look real. There’s no beach access, which helps preserve the area and makes the overlook one of the most breathtaking spots on the Central Coast.
6. Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park Creek
On a hot day, the creek running through Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park is the perfect place to cool off. The water is shallow in many areas and there are plenty of small coves where you can relax, sit by the water, and enjoy the peaceful surroundings.