Portola Book Club! May Pick: Big Sur by Jack Kerouac
May 6, 2026
Happy May! We’re excited to share another Portola Book Club novel this month. With every selection, we highlight a story that connects in a meaningful way to our beautiful destination. Monterey County has a rich literary history, making it a dream for literary tourism, and allowing visitors to explore the places that have shaped some of the most iconic stories while discovering new favorites along the way. As always, we’ll have copies of this month’s book available to borrow in our lobby library.
May Pick
This month’s novel features a famous author who lived in this area for part of his life and inspired his novel, Big Sur. Jack Kerouac uses the rugged Big Sur landscape as the backdrop of this novel, and the remote solitude to set up this deeply personal story of reflection and escape.
About the Book
Big Sur is based on Kerouac’s time that he spent in Big Sur, in a cabin in Bixby Canyon, in a time in his life after finding mainstream success with his previous works. The novel talks about his recovery from alcoholism and is a reflection on his experiences and struggles with mental health. While the book uses different character names, everyone in the book is based on a real person from Kerouac’s life as the novel dives into his relationship with his close friends.
Where to Visit
Bixby Creek Bridge
Bixby Creek Bridge is one of the most photographed bridges in the U.S., with panoramic views of the rugged California coastline. Bixby Canyon is featured in the novel as the location of the cabin where Jack Duluoz's resides for the majority of the novel.
Highway 1
To experience Big Sur, the journey there is just as beautiful as the destination. Highway 1 offers sweeping ocean views and is one of the most iconic drives in California. While not directly featured in the book, this route is essential for taking in the landscapes that inspired it. Pfeiffer State Beach and Sand Dollar Beach are perfect places to pull over, explore, and soak in the scenery.
Image courtesy of See Monterey
Point Sur Lighthouse
Point Sur Lighthouse is a historic lighthouse with stunning coastal views, and is popular for sightseeing and photography. While not featured in the book, the dark and moody atmosphere of the lighthouse will transport you into the same ambience of the book, making it the perfect addition to your literary itinerary.
Where to Read
This book covers darker themes, calling for a moodier reading spot, which can be found in our lobby at nighttime. Take in the ambient lighting and moody atmosphere while diving into this novel. If you’re out exploring Big Sur, take the book to Garrapata State Beach, for a view landscape that inspired Kerouac’s writing.
Cocktail Pairing
Pair this novel with our Jacks Mule at Jacks Monterey. It’s crisp, refreshing, and simple without being too sweet. Plus, the name offers a subtle nod to Jack Kerouac.
Book Your Literary Itinerary
Explore Big Sur and experience beauty of the scenic views that inspired Kerouac to write about this area. Portola Hotel & Spa is a great home base for your literary adventure as it’s only a short drive from Big Sur and just minutes away from Monterey’s most popular attractions. To book your stay, visit our website or call us at (888)-222-5851.
Featured image courtesy of See Monterey
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Happy May! We’re excited to share another Portola Book Club novel this month. With every selection, we highlight a story that connects in a meaningful way to our beautiful destination. Monterey County has a rich literary history, making it a dream for literary tourism, and allowing visitors to explore the places that have shaped some of the most iconic stories while discovering new favorites along the way. As always, we’ll have copies of this month’s book available to borrow in our lobby library.
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