Summer vacation and stay-cations on the Central Coast are looking a little different this year as people adapt to pandemic challenges.
Ragged Point Inn and Resort near Big Sur has adapted to these new safety precautions in order to stay open and allow vacationers.
The destination location provides breathtaking views overlooking the coastal region.
One couple said it's a special place they visit each year.
“My family for about ten years we have a tradition, in the middle of July we camp up in Big Sur," said Richard Jones, who is from Riverside, CA.
Masking up this year is a new-normal, as changes to summer travel continue amid the pandemic.
Jim Ramey, the Ragged Point Inn and Resort general manager, said the past three months have been an adaptation to the new risk.
"This is nowhere near what we would be accustomed to on a normal July Wednesday in the summer," said Ramey.
Employees have spaced out tables and chairs for outdoor dining which makes it feasible to enforce social distancing while still allowing guests.
"Fortunately, is big enough that there's plenty of room," Ramey said.
Embracing the changes, some vacationers are still determined to make memories this year.
The Gubler's traveled from the Los Angeles area to the Inn last week. They said traveling with kids, who are not able to attend school in person, has been a challenge.
"We've done fine, but it's the longer it hangs on, the more frustrating it gets," Leron Gubler said.
Despite cancellations to trips across the globe, they are keeping their heads up throughout the pandemic by staying local.
"We're just making the best of it and then hopefully, we'll be able to go further away," Audrey said.
Employees at the Ragged Inn are now also having to follow new safety protocols including wearing masks, minimizing contact with guests, and utilizing plexiglass barriers.
“We're still doing, you know pretty well," Ramey said. "People I think are itching to get out, and I think people want to go to a safe place.”
Reservations are still needed for weekend visits at the Inn, but Ramey says there is often availability during the week.
