Big Sur on 35mm Film

Big Sur has long been a bit of a mystical retreat.  Writings by Henry Miller in the 1950s and Jack Kerouac in the 1960s only increased the area's allure to artists, naturalists, hippies, hikers and everyone in between. The drive along the coast on Highway 1 is widely considered to be one of the most beautiful in the country, and rightfully so. While the summer may bring swarms of drivers pulling off for selfies with the Pacific Ocean and certain lodging may price out plenty, remnants of the earlier years still linger. 

Some historic lodges in Big Sur and the surrounding area have been gracefully updated and are quite affordable. Deetjen's, the Big Sur River Inn and Lucia Lodge remind us what the region once was. You can almost expect to see their turnoffs full of 1950s Bel Airs and Fairlanes to accompany the carved signs. But newer hotels have also capitalized on the million dollar views and charge almost as much per night.

But the views truly haven't changed, so whether you take the fifteen hour drive from Seattle or fly to San Jose and drive a little bit further south, it's one of the most enjoyable trips in the country.

Photos were shot on Kodak Ektacolor Pro 400 and developed here in Seattle by Moody's Film Lab.