Mark C. Anderson, Author at Local Getaways

A modern, curved white building sits on the edge of a rugged cliffside overlooking the ocean. The sun sets, casting a warm glow over the landscape. This stunning sight could easily be part of the ultimate guide to Big Sur, where lush greenery and rocky terrain blend nature with innovative architecture.

Best Waterfront Hotels in Big Sur

When travel takes you to Big Sur, it comes with infinite ways to interact with the ocean, by way of Highway 1 views, beach rambles […]

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A person with blonde hair is relaxing in a large, elegant bronze bathtub on a wooden deck. Surrounding the deck are lush green trees and plants. In the background, there are scenic mountains and a clear sky, creating a tranquil outdoor setting reminiscent of Big Sur spa and wellness hotels.

Best Spa & Wellness Hotels in Big Sur

Big Sur contains multitudes. More specifically, it offers multiple ways to relax, by way of cliffside views, local food and drink, soothing redwood walks and…world-class

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An elevated outdoor restaurant with wooden furniture and warm lighting nestled amidst lush greenery and mountains in the background during twilight. Located within a luxury hotel in Big Sur, the setting includes string lights and fire pits, creating a cozy and inviting ambiance.

Best Luxury Hotels in Big Sur

Big Sur was associated with untamed and unmapped wilderness long before it gained the name El Sur Grande. That makes the world-class luxury its most

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A modern wooden house with large windows and a curved balcony overlooks an expansive ocean landscape at sunset. Reminiscent of Big Sur romantic hotels, two lounge chairs are placed on the balcony, providing a relaxing spot to enjoy the serene view. The sky is painted with hues of purple and orange.

Best Romantic Hotels in Big Sur

The murmur of the tides next to your hotel room. The smell of blooming wisteria. The cry of a red-tailed hawk. The beach picnics, the

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Two people enjoy a scenic ocean view from an elevated wooden platform. One stands by the railing while the other sits on a chair, surrounded by lush greenery and trees. The sky is partly cloudy, and the ocean is calm, mirroring the tranquil ambiance found at many Big Sur hotels.

Best Hotels in Big Sur for Group Getaways

Divinity professor H.E. Luccock was not standing on the cliffs of Big Sur when he said, “No one can whistle a symphony. It takes a

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A wooden surface displays various mushrooms including clusters of small white ones, large brown-capped ones, and others with spotted and textured caps. Some have visible roots and moss attached. The variety in size, shape, and color showcases the diversity of fungi—reminiscent of the best things to do Monterey Peninsula January 2022.

Best Things to Do on the Monterey Peninsula this January

New year, new hope, new energy, new you — and new events. A number of the latter await in January, and appear below. That said,

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A bustling street decorated with festive garlands featuring red bows and white snowflakes captures the essence of the holiday spirit. The lively scene, filled with people enjoying the bright atmosphere, epitomizes one of the best things to do on the Monterey Peninsula in December. Various shops line both sides, adding to the vibrant ambiance.

Best Things To Do on the Monterey Peninsula this December

Sometimes an event is actually dozens — even scores — of events in one. So it goes with one of the most popular family-focused “events”

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A group of seven people seated at a table outdoors near the ocean, smiling and raising glasses for a toast. The table is decorated with a pumpkin centerpiece and plates of food, and they are dressed casually with sunglasses and hats. Enjoying gatherings like this is one of the best things to do on the Monterey Peninsula in November. Waves are visible in the background.

Best Things To Do on the Monterey Peninsula This November

For its modest dimensions, the Monterey Peninsula packs in a lot of history and happenings. To wit, Monterey played host to California’s first public building,

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Close-up of a sunflower showing its vibrant yellow petals and intricate central brown disk. The image captures the details of the tiny florets at the center and the vibrant texture of the petals. The background is blurred, highlighting the flower—reminiscent of radiant scenes you’d find exploring Monterey Peninsula in October.

Best Things to Do on the Monterey Peninsula This October

Birds and jets, rebels and renegades, art and music, food and farms. October brings a lot of things to Monterey Peninsula, including temperate weather, world-class

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A lone cypress tree stands on a rocky outcrop overlooking a vast, calm ocean. The coastline stretches in the background, with misty hills visible in the distance. Green foliage is in the foreground, adding depth to this iconic scene—a must-see among Monterey things to do.

Best Road Trip Sights in Monterey Not to Miss

There’s no way to sum up all the things the original capital of Alta California offers in a succinct way. Which is a good problem.

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Mark C. Anderson