Driving up the coast from Los Angeles to Big Sur at the end of February was quite the treat. My eyes definitely weren’t prepared for the grandeur about to be bestowed upon them once we reached Big Sur. A note to all you global travelers: if you’ve never been to Big Sur or driven up the coast of California, you must add it to your bucket list now. After stopping at the Hearst Castle, which we were not able to see on the very cloudy day, we cruised up the coast and stopped at San Simeon Piedras Blancas to check out the elephant seal rookery. The coastline of San Simeon was lined with yellow wildflowers, and the elephant seals flooded the beach! It was so special to see all the baby seals just born a few months earlier. Next up was Ragged Point Inn & Resort. Ragged Point boasts one of the most iconic views overlooking the Big Sur Coast. Seeing this landscape was awe-inspiring and quite frankly an instant reminder of how diverse the state of California is. It sure is nice to venture outside of the LA bubble. Lunchtime was approaching, and we stopped at Nepenthe Restaurant, a true staple and must-try while in Big Sur. After a light lunch and a cold brew, we headed to Pfeiffer Big Sur State Beach. I felt like I was back in New Zealand and not in California at this point in the trip. Pfeiffer Beach is located in the heart of Big Sur and is famous for the rock formations and rocky beach. It’s definitely located off the beaten path; you’ll drive down a choppy road and walk through a dense area of trees before arriving on the beach. The beach is dog-friendly, too. We stopped along a few other spots, including the California Sea Otter State Game and Forest area; once again I was amazed by nature’s beauty. Last stop before we reached Monterey and Carmel was the Bixby Bridge at sunset for absolutely stunning views.   Pictures of Big Sur just don’t do justice to its true magnificence. I can’t wait to drive up the coast again and experience more of this scenic state. Maybe I’ll even make it all the way up to Vancouver. There’s never a shortage of adventures to take in life, especially if you live in California. — Rafie Iannello, account director, Pacific Rim