See This, Skip That: Big Sur

— -- Big Sur’s effect on the traveler stems from its magic -- sweeping beaches, breathtaking sunsets and natural wonders as far as the eye can see. One of the most beautiful destinations in California’s Monterey County, it’s also one of the most desirable coastal enclaves in the country and a haven for unique experiences. Here are a few of our favorites.

Skip the Spa, Dip in the Springs

The posh spas in Big Sur are destinations all their own. But geothermal springs reign supreme here, too, and can be a wonderfully effective way to unwind. Hidden among redwoods that soar hundreds of feet into the sky, the natural pools at Sykes Hot Springs simmer at a steady 100 degrees, ideal for melting away stress. At the famous Ventana Inn & Spa, the Japanese-inspired hot baths are open at night, too. And at the Esalen Institute, the lavish personal retreat that draws inner peace-seekers from all over the world, the hot springs are purported to possess healing powers.

Skip the Hotel, Hit the Campgrounds

Here, it’s OK to ditch the traditional hotel; Big Sur is any camper’s dream, with a myriad of option from the beach to the forest. Big Sur Campground and Cabins is set on 16 redwood-studded acres, offering easy access to the river, beach and hiking trails. There are plenty of sites here to pitch a tent or park the RV. The tent cabins feature queen beds. And the wooden cabins -- there are 12 -- feature fireplaces or wood stoves to keep you warm at night. Mandatory quiet time begins at 10 p.m.

Skip the Tent, Sleep in a Nest

Want an even more rustic overnight experience? Treebones Resort is home to a Human Nest -- an intricate shell of woven wood by artist Jayson Fann that allows you to sleep secluded under the big open sky, and with amazing views. The Nest is not waterproof, so bring a tent as backup. There’s a two-guest maximum, and a two-night minimum stay. Treebones also features camping sites and upscale yurts, as well as award-winning dining.

Skip Lookout Point, Visit the Lighthouse

Your drive through Big Sur will generate endless vantage points that’ll take your breath away. But the visuals from Point Sur Lighthouse are tough to beat. Set upon an offshore volcanic rock that juts close to 400 feet above the ocean, it’s one of the only lighthouses still in operation on the West Coast. You can only visit via private walking tour -- it costs $12 for adults, $5 for children and is free for kids under 6 -- and is first-come, first-served. Times change seasonally, but on just 11 days out of the year, when conditions are just right, tours are offered at night, by the light of the moon. The Point Sur Lighthouse dates back to the 1880s and is on the National Register of Historic Places.

Skip the Jewelry Shop, Hunt for Jade

Every coastal nook and cranny here is worth a visit. Jade Cove, located just down the coast from Sand Dollar Cove, offers something extra special, though. Nephrite jade -- a smooth, waxy stone -- flourishes here, and avid hunters will tell you that the best times to find it are early mornings and at low tide. There are rules to know: You can only collect jade that’s already loose and only what you can individually carry -- and you should stay mindful of the oft-powerful surf behind you. Find the trailhead along Highway One and park at one of the pull-outs.

At the Beach, See the Falls

My brother, Christian Saglie, an L.A.-based film composer, makes regular road trips up the California coast to hike Big Sur. One of his favorite finds is McWay Falls, an 80-foot waterfall that runs year-round off a granite cliff inside Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park. At high tide, it meets the ocean; when the tide rolls back, the falls hit the sand. “When I was there last, the sun was setting and several people had their cameras set up on tripods to photograph the sunset,” he told me. “They also have placards along the way with a description of the history of the area, which is quite interesting.” From the park’s entrance, the falls are only about a half-mile hike away along Overlook Trail.

Skip the Beach, Head to the Forest

The Los Padres National Forest is a natural gem that covers close to two million acres of California land. The portion that envelops Big Sur is an outdoor enthusiast’s sanctuary, with hundreds of miles of trails for hiking, biking and horseback riding. You can fish and hunt here, too, and find some of the most unspoiled campsites Big Sur has to offer.

Skip the Souvenir, Get Granola

Want a genuine taste of Big Sur to bring back home? Try granola. It’s homemade at Big Sur Bakery and features old-fashioned oats, seeds, nuts, cinnamon, sea salt, dried cherries, cranberries and currants; it’s sweetened just right with Big Sur honey. This wood-fired bakery also gets high marks for its seasonal Pink Pearl apple butter, chocolate cherry babka and traditional Christmas stollen.

Skip the Theater, Hit the Library

Just browsing through all the books can be an escape of sorts at the Henry Miller Library, which champions the literary contributions of the famous Big Sur resident who passed away in 1980. But this is also where myriad live performances take place, mainly on Friday nights, and mainly outdoors, under the redwoods. Folk and indie musical artists -- some famous, some up-and-coming -- perform here, and the scheduled talks and seminars cover a slew of subjects. The Henry Miller Library is a non-profit organization.

Don’t Just Jog, Go Far

Ready to try your first marathon? Distraction can help conquer the 26-mile trek, especially when it’s in the form of majestic redwood trees and spectacular ocean views. That helps explain why the Big Sur International Marathon draws runners from all over the world every year and why it, along with offshoot, day-of events like a 21-mile power walk and a kids’ 3-kilometer run, help raise $150,000 for local charities each year. You have until April 26, 2015 to train.

Gabe Saglie is Senior Editor for Travelzoo, which features a bevy of deals to Big Sur and all of Monterey County here.