100 Places to See in Your Lifetime Heaven On Earth-#9-Big Sur, Monterey County, California "There is a stretch of Highway 1 in California about a hundred miles long that is, for many, the most awesome place anywhere. On one side forest and mountains rise up to the sky, while on the other the Pacific Ocean stages a dizzying series of ravishing tableaux. Miraculously, the area has endured a minimum of developement, though there are a few excellent places to eat and sleep. This one is a must."