Photo by Michael Edward Smith Big Sur is back! After the tragedy of last year's fires, Mother Nature and dedicated community members have both put in their best efforts to restore the area, with smashing results that have everyone talking. Photo by zxxzooz The wildflower season this year is the best in memory. Seasonal Wisdom posted wildflower photos from Andrew Molera State Park, which give only a taste of this year's beauty. California Photo Scout has more jaw-dropping photos of this year's wildflower bounty, as well as some great tips on how to get a perfect shot suitable for framing. Photo by Karen Nordstrand It's not just the wildflowers that make Big Sur special; it's also the drive along Highway One. Singer Mandy Moore says Big Sur is her favorite weekend getaway. "I find that the drive is one of the best parts of the trip," she says. Travelogged has beautiful photos of a drive on Highway One through Big Sur. Photo by Michael Edward Smith Still searching for a reason to head down? Lolalina has 10 reasons you should go to Big Sur, including the jaw-dropping views at Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park, the camping at Andrew Molera State Park, the quirky clientele at Deetjen's, the local crafts and foods sold at Nepenthe, the ahi tuna at Big Sur River Inn, the yurts at Treebones, and many more, all with beautiful photos. Photo by mycranium1 And if you need a reason to start Memorial Day weekend early, the ribbon cutting ceremony for Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park's new bridge is Friday at 1:15pm. Then head on over to the shore. It's humpback whale migration season, and the whales are visible with the naked eye from Big Sur's coast. (Like these photos? Check out more at our Flickr group, and contribute your own favorite photos of Big Sur!)