The Spanish called this area of the California Central Coast the "big country to the south." Not a great name, but when you see how the redwood groves, waterfalls and massive cliffs dramatically meet the Pacific Ocean there's no way you can nail it down to one thing. It's just uniquely Big Sur. Learn about Willow Creek Trail Big Sur from our friend Corey (@coreyxtwin).

What's the must do and see here?

Willow Creek, surf spot.

What makes this a special place to connect with nature?

What makes this place special to me is the feeling I get when I am surfing or hiking out here, no big buildings or parking lots around, it seems this place hasn't changed much for hundreds of years.

Favorite memory here?

My favorite memory is waking up one morning in one of my favorite campsites and being above the cloud line as far as you could see.

What superlative would you give Big Sur?

Magical!

Tell us about yourself!

My name is Corey Smith I grew up in Florida where I learned to surf at a young age, I moved out west after a couple years of living in New York. After being surrounded by concrete and traffic for those years, I began spending most of my free time in the mountains of the Sierras and exploring the California coast. I currently live in Leucadia CA with my wife, we've been here a little over three years and love it more everyday. The past couple years I've been spending most my time trad climbing from Yosemite down to Taquitz. My passion for the outdoors and wild places deepens with each venture into the ocean or up the mountain.

BIG SUR OVERVIEW

Big Sur is one of the gems of the California central coast. It feels a world away from everything, but it's only about a two hour drive away from the Bay Area. Take Highway 1 from San Jose for the full coastal experience and enjoy the view of the Pacific and some big trees.

Big Sur is a "I gotta go there before I die" surf spot and there's plenty of spots to do some SUPing and kayaking. The waters a little chilly so make sure you wear a wet suite. Take a longer hike on the Andrew Molera Loop to see some amazing views of the ocean or spark your wanderlust on the shorter Willow Creek Trail that takes you deeper into the forest.

What's your favorite pair of Rheos shades?

Style: Sapelos
Frame Color: Gunmetal
Lens Color: Deep Sea
Description: Big Sur brings up memories of the late 1960s in California. Classic times with people being free and connecting with the outdoors. They'd have look pretty good in the iconic design of Rheos Sapelos in gun metal. Like Big Sur somethings never go out of style.

• 

  @alessandroarcuri77

   

• 

  @yhaphotography

   

• 

  @huttemetu