[IMAGECAPTION]PHOTO: Finish your e-bike ride at McWay Falls. (photo by Janeen Christoff)[IMAGECAPTION]
The closure of a popular portion of California's scenic Highway 1 has created a unique opportunity.
For active travelers who want to explore the region by bike, this is possibly the only chance to ride Pacific Coast Highway between Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park and Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park completely undeterred by vehicular traffic.
Part of the Pacific Coast Highway has been rendered unreachable by cars due to the collapse of the Pfeiffer Canyon Bridge and a landslide to the south. It is now been dubbed "Big Sur Island."
The bridge is on track to be completed this fall. So, this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity is swiftly coming to an end. For now, visitors can cycle on the highway without worrying about cars, trucks and RVs that whizz along this scenic road.
Two boutique properties in Carmel-by-the-Sea, the Hotel Carmel and La Playa Carmel, have teamed up with Big Sur Adventures, which rents e-bikes to visitors in Big Sur, to offer this unique experience.
Why stay in Carmel? At the moment, it's pretty hard to reach Big Sur. In fact, some Big Sur hotels are offering helicopter rides into the area to guests due to the difficulty.
Each of these properties offer an inviting seaside experience for guests.
Hotel Carmel is steps away from the renowned shops, art galleries and restaurants of Carmel-by-the-Sea and features cottage-style architecture and newly renovated guest rooms.
La Playa Carmel is known as the "Grande Dame of Carmel." Guests will find newly renovated guest rooms at the historic property located and the sands of Carmel Beach.
Biking Big Sur Island
Driving to Andrew Molera State Park and taking a shuttle is definitely one of the easiest ways into the Big Sur area right now.
The shuttle operates from noon to 7 p.m., picking guests up at Andrew Molera State and taking them to the trailhead at Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park.
Fans of the hit HBO television show "Big Little Lies" will recognize some of the scenery along the drive to Andrew Molera State Park. Visitors will cross the famed Bixby Bridge and pass through Garrapata State Park. Both were featured prominently in the series.
Combining the two areas of Big Sur and Carmel can also transform a weekend getaway into a weeklong stay with so much to do in both Big Sur and the Carmel/Monterey area.
After biking Big Sur Island, visitors can take in the Monterey Bay Aquarium, enjoy wine tasting in the Carmel Valley, go hiking in Point Lobos State Natural Reserve (don't miss the cabin at Whalers Cove) and explore the Old Fisherman's Wharf and Cannery Row.
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