Mount Mars is one of my favorite spots in coastal Big Sur. Despite being the furthest destination along the coast when approaching from the Bay Area, I find myself returnign to this region time and time again. The incredibly steep west ridge of the Mars rises over 2,600 ft in a little over 1.25 miles as the crow flies from the ocean. During a visit in the spring, the spectacular grassy ridge of the mountain became a paradise with a field of lupine on the north side of the ridge overlooking a deep blue and turquoise ocean with excellent clarity. South of Mars is County Line Ridge with more beautiful grassy ridges tumbling toward the ocean. On the ocean side of County Line Ridge there are numerous use paths and old roads to explore in the area known as Williams Ranch with excellent panoramas of Piedras Blancas to the south and the rugged South Big Sur coastline to the north. A dirt road exists on the crest of the ridge with borad views into the interior of the Silver Peak Wilderness around Dutra Flats, the San Carpoforo River drainage to the south and peaks on the Hearst Castle lands. GPS route here.
The peaceful meadows of Dutra Flats are a delight and I made sure to return to this beautiful spot on the route I did this day. After descending the pleasant Spruce Creek Trail from Dutra Flats, I made a side trip to visit Upper Salmon Creek Falls, which is a gem. Located off trail, the 25 ft falls is not impressive by most metrics, but it has a beautiful unspoiled setting with a large circular pool. About 3.5 miles from the trailhead, one can catch glimpses of Upper Salmon Creek Falls from the trail, but bay trees and tan oak largely consceal the falls and a steep loose slope guards easy access. The easiest way to access Upper Salmon Creek Falls and its circular pool is to continue along hte Salmon Creek Trail beyond the falls and then head downhill off trail towards Salmon Creek. Then, take the creek a short ways downstream to the top of the falls where once can scramble down to the pool on skier’s left. Meanwhile, by all metrics the main Salmon Creek Falls is impressive: it has great volume with its location near Salmon Creek’s outlet into the ocean, its a strikingly tall falls (for Big Sur), and the setting is stunning with a large pool, boulders and cliffs. The only detraction from an otherwise beautiful falls is its close proximity to the highway and the resultant overuse of the area with careless visitors leaving trash and tramping over everything. 
Leor Pantilat's Adventures
One of my fave places in the Sur, as well. There’s a Tibetan Buddhist retreat waaaay back in there, as well, at the old Baldwin Ranch.