Hollywood Then and Now: 11 US Destinations That Keep Celebrities Coming Back

Perched cliffside overlooking the Pacific Ocean, Big Sur includes some of the most striking stretches of coastline along California’s iconic Highway 1. The Central Coast destination encompasses many of the state’s most breathtaking examples of unspoiled natural beauty; highlights include the oceanfront McWay Falls, the rock formations at Pfeiffer Beach, and a series of stunning (yet secluded) hiking trails at local state parks. Besides the unforgettable views and Instagrammable experiences, celebrities love Big Sur for its seclusion — despite increasingly popularity, the destination has retained the integrity of the landscape and culture. Basically, it’s an escapist’s dream vacation.

Where to stay: When celebrities need some time to reconnect with nature — or at least escape the paparazzi — they consistently turn to Big Sur’s Ventana Big Sur. Natalie Portman, Orlando Bloom, and Kate Winslet have all enjoyed the resort’s panoramic ocean vistas, acclaimed onsite restaurant, and spectacular hillside location.