Mother’s Day usually calls to mind images of flowers, breakfast in bed, and heartfelt cards. But this year, we decided to flip the script in the best way possible. Instead of the usual Mother’s Day routine, my wife and I agreed on something a little more adventurous—a day trip to Big Sur. And you know what? It turned out to be one of the best Mother’s Day celebrations we’ve ever had. Here’s how it all came together and why it might just become a new tradition for our family.
The Idea That Sparked It All
A few weeks before Mother’s Day, my wife casually mentioned how much she missed being out in nature. Between work, kids, and all the chaos that comes with life, we hadn’t had much time to step away from the grind. So I figured, why not combine her love for the outdoors with a celebration that’s all about her? Hiking in Big Sur, followed by a relaxing brunch, seemed like the perfect mix of adventure and indulgence. And, it gave me the chance to plan something special and take the load off her shoulders—something all moms deserve on their day.
Starting the Day Bright and Early
We’re not exactly morning people, but on this day, we made an effort to get up early. The kids were with their grandparents for the weekend, so it was just the two of us—a rare treat in itself! We packed a small day bag with water bottles, snacks, sunscreen, and a camera. By 7:30 AM, we were on the road, coffee cups in hand, driving down the scenic Pacific Coast Highway.
If you’ve never driven along the PCH, it’s an experience in and of itself. The winding roads, the cliffs dropping off into the ocean, the morning mist—it’s like something out of a movie. As we chatted and sipped our coffee, the stress of daily life melted away with each passing mile.
The Hike: A Perfect Balance of Effort and Beauty
We chose the Andrew Molera State Park for our hike—a spot that offers a mix of coastal and wooded trails. It’s not the most challenging hike, but that’s exactly why I picked it. The goal was to enjoy the journey, not exhaust ourselves.
The trail started off gently, leading us through wildflower-covered meadows. It felt like stepping into a painting. The air was crisp, filled with the scent of eucalyptus and saltwater. As we made our way toward the coastline, we passed a few other hikers, most of whom greeted us with friendly smiles and nods. There’s something about being out in nature thatbrings out the best in people.
The highlight of the hike was reaching the bluff overlooking the ocean. We stood there for a while, watching the waves crash against the rocks below. The view was absolutely breathtaking—a reminder of how small we are in the grand scheme of things, and yet how lucky we are to experience moments like this. My wife turned to me and said, “This is exactly what I needed.” Hearing that made every bit of planning worth it.
Taking a Moment to Pause
About halfway through the hike, we found a shady spot under a large tree and decided to take a break. I had packed a couple of granola bars and her favorite trail mix as a surprise. As we sat there snacking and talking, it struck me how rare it is to have uninterrupted conversations these days. No phones buzzing, no kids asking for snacks or help with homework—just the two of us, reconnecting.
We talked about everything: our goals, memories, and even random things like what we’d do if we won the lottery. It felt like the kind of conversation you have when you’re dating, before life gets so busy. I realized that this hike wasn’t just a gift for her—it was a gift for both of us.
Brunch: A Well-Deserved Treat
After our hike, we headed to one of Big Sur’s cozy brunch spots, Nepenthe. If you’ve been there before, you know it’s more than just a place to eat—it’s an experience. Perched high above the cliffs, the restaurant offers panoramic views of the coastline. It was the perfect way to transition from the earthy tones of the trail to the indulgent part of our day.
We started with mimosas because, well, it was still Mother’s Day after all. For the main course, she ordered their famous Ambrosia Burger while I went for the Eggs Benedict. The food was as delicious as the view. We lingered at the table longer than usual, soaking in the atmosphere and enjoying the feeling of having nowhere else to be.
At one point, I caught her staring out at the ocean, a soft smile on her face. “I think this might be my most favorite Mother’s Day ever,” she said. Hearing that was all the validation I needed. Sometimes, the best gifts aren’t things—they’re experiences.
The Drive Back: Reflection and Gratitude
As we made our way back home, the afternoon sun casting a golden glow over the landscape, we talked about how much we’d needed this day. It wasn’t just about celebrating Mother’s Day—it was about taking the time to step away from our daily routines and reconnect with each other and with nature.
We also talked about how we could incorporate more days like this into our lives, even if it’s just a short hike or a spontaneous day trip. Life gets so busy that it’s easy to forget how rejuvenating it can be to pause and take a breath. This day reminded us of the importance of doing just that.
If you’re searching for a meaningful way to celebrate Mother’s Day—or any special occasion—consider planning a day like this. Whether it’s exploring Big Sur or visiting another breathtaking spot near you, a thoughtfully planned experience can make a lasting impact. It doesn’t need to be extravagant or expensive; what matters most is the intention behind it.
This Mother’s Day was more than just a celebration for us—it was a chance to reset. It highlighted the beauty of simplicity, the joy of shared moments, and the importance of carving out time for one another. As we pulled into the driveway, tired but content, I realized this wasn’t just a one-off experience. It felt like the beginning of a new tradition, one that we’ll cherish for years to come.
For all the dads and families out there: think outside the box. Sometimes breaking away from the usual routine and trying something fresh is the best way to celebrate. You might just discover how much it strengthens your connections and creates memories to treasure.
