Big Sur is not a town but a stretch of coast, the rugged, thinly settled shoreline between Carmel in the north and San Simeon in the south. The Santa Lucia Mountains rise almost straight out of the ocean here, and Highway 1 is carved into their flanks, crossing canyons on concrete bridges. Without stops it takes about three hours. With stops it fills a day easily, and it rewards an overnight.
The drive from north to south
Most people start in Carmel. The stops below are in order heading south.
Point Lobos State Natural Reserve
Just south of Carmel, a headland of coves, cypress trees and sea lions with short, easy trails. Parking inside is limited and fills early; arrive in the morning.
Bixby Creek Bridge
About 20 minutes south of Carmel, the open-spandrel concrete arch that appears on half the postcards of California. Turnouts on the north side give the classic view. Park fully off the road and watch for traffic; this is one of the busiest spots on the coast.
Point Sur
A volcanic rock topped by a historic lighthouse, visible from the road. Tours run on some days; check before you go.
Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park and the Big Sur Valley
The road drops into the valley of the Big Sur River, where redwoods grow along the water. This is the closest the coast has to a center, with a few lodges, campgrounds, a post office and stores. Nearby, Pfeiffer Beach is known for its rock arch and purple-tinged sand; the narrow side road to it is easy to miss and not suitable for large vehicles.
Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park
Home of McWay Falls, which drops onto a beach in a small cove. A short walk from the parking area leads to the overlook. You cannot go down to the beach.
The southern coast
South of the park the land grows emptier and the road more dramatic, with long views down the coast. Near the end, at Piedras Blancas, elephant seals haul out on the beach, with a viewing area beside the road. Hearst Castle stands on the hill above San Simeon.
When to go
Spring is green and full of wildflowers. Late summer and fall often have the clearest weather; June and July are known for fog, which can hide the ocean entirely. Weekends from late spring through fall are crowded, and the popular turnouts can be packed by midday. A weekday, an early start or both will make the drive more pleasant.
Winter is quiet and can be beautiful, but it is also when storms bring landslides. Highway 1 through Big Sur has been closed many times, sometimes for long periods, and work zones with one-lane controls are common even when the road is open. Check current conditions with Caltrans the day before and the morning of your drive.
Practical tips
- Gas: there are only a couple of gas stations along the whole stretch, and prices are high. Fill up in Carmel or Monterey, or in Cambria if coming from the south.
- No signal: expect no cell service for much of the drive. Download maps and anything you need to read before you start.
- Food: options exist but are spread out. Bring water and snacks, especially if you plan to hike.
- Turnouts: use them to look and to let faster cars pass. Do not stop on the road itself for a photo.
- Daylight: the road is unlit and narrow. Plan to finish before dark.
- Parking at parks: state park lots fill early and charge for entry. Parking on the highway shoulder is often prohibited near busy spots, and tickets are given.
- Staying overnight: lodging and campsites inside Big Sur are limited and book up far ahead. Carmel, Monterey and Cambria have more choice.
The full route from San Francisco is in our guide to the Pacific Coast Highway, and the road trip packing list covers what to keep in the car.
Frequently asked questions
Which direction is better?
Southbound keeps you on the ocean side, which makes pulling into turnouts easier and gives you the better view. Northbound works too; just be more careful when crossing traffic.
Is Highway 1 in Big Sur open?
It varies. Slides have closed parts of the road repeatedly, and repairs can take months. Always check current conditions before you go.
Can I visit Big Sur as a day trip?
Yes, from Monterey or Carmel you can drive to the Big Sur Valley and McWay Falls and back in a day. From San Francisco, it is a very long day.