Nepenthe

If there is one must-stop in Big Sur, it is Nepenthe, located on the right side of the road (going south) a few miles past a series of small resorts on the Big Sur River. It is well marked (approx. one hour south of Carmel on Route One).

The name comes from a mythical Egyptian drug meaning "no sorrow." Sitting 800 feet above the ocean with a remarkable view of the coast, Nepenthe has a restaurant, a gift shop, and plenty of places to sit in the sun.

A protegé of Frank Lloyd Wright designed the main restaurant. Following the teachings of the master, the buildings look as though they have always been part of the landscape. The design is spectacular in its simplicity, and whether you are outside on the huge deck or inside the dining pavillion, you always have the sense that you are connected to the striking landscape.

The place has a romantic history. The original main house was spotted in the 1940s by Orson Welles and Rita Hayworth as they were driving from Carmel to Los Angeles on Route One. They decided it would be the perfect honeymoon cottage and bought the place, although they only stayed one day.