California Big Sur, Hwy 1 Tour
Welcome to our ultimate journey down one of the world’s most scenic highways, the California Big Sur, Hwy 1! Our Big Sur tour is designed to immerse you in the breathtaking beauty of California’s central coast, taking you on an unforgettable adventure from rugged cliffs to charming coastal towns and in the end, serve you up some good food in Carmel-by-the-sea!
- Jaw-dropping cliffs, misty forests, and ocean views that look straight out of a movie set
- Hike through ancient redwoods, spot seals basking on the coast, and breathe in air that feels like magic
- From Bixby Bridge to McWay Falls, every sunset here feels like the universe showing off
Want help turning these into an Instagram caption or a teaser for your blog? I’m totally game!
Need a map? Here is our shared map of all the great locations.
Stops Along the California Big Sur on Hwy 1
- Santa Cruz
- Monterey
- Point Lobos State Natural Reserve
- Bixby Bridge
- Garrapata State Park
- Pfeiffer Beach
- 17-Mile Drive, Pebble Beach
- Carmel-by-the-sea (our personal favorite!)
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Things to know before leaving for Big Sur
Driving through Big Sur on Highway 1 is an incredible experience, but it requires careful planning.
- First and foremost, check current road conditions before you leave, as landslides and emergency repairs can cause closures, especially during rainy seasons.
- Cell service is virtually nonexistent throughout much of Big Sur, so download offline maps and mark your planned stops.
- Gas stations are few and far between and prices are significantly higher, so fill up your tank in Monterey or Carmel-by-the-Sea if coming from the north, or San Simeon/Cambria if coming from the south.
- Pack plenty of snacks and water, dress in layers as weather can change quickly, and take your time on the winding roads to truly soak in the breathtaking views, pulling over at designated turnouts for photos.
Best Places to See Along Hwy1
Santa Cruz
Things you can’t miss in Santa Cruz California:
- Walk the Santa Cruz Wharf (our person favorite!)
- Walk the Santa Cruz Boardwalk
- Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park, The Redwood Grove Loop Trail
- Bill’s Wheels Skateshop – fun and big Skateboard shop in Santa Cruz
Monterey
Monterey, California, is a picturesque coastal city rich in history and natural beauty, famously situated on the southern end of Monterey Bay. Once the “Sardine Capital of the World,” as immortalized in John Steinbeck’s novel Cannery Row, it’s now a vibrant tourist destination. Key attractions include the world-renowned Monterey Bay Aquarium, dedicated to marine research and conservation, and Old Fisherman’s Wharf, offering fresh seafood, shops, and whale-watching tours. Monterey also holds historical significance as California’s first capital, with numerous well-preserved adobe buildings and a charming small-town atmosphere.
Things you can’t miss in Monterey California:
- Monterey Bay Aquarium
- Cannery Row
- Elkhorn Slough Reserve
- Monterey Whale Watching
- Old Fisherman’s Wharf
- Mission San Carlos Borromeo de Carmelo
17-Mile Drive, Pebble Beach
Things you can’t miss in 17-Mile Drive in Pebble Beach:
- Lone Cypress
- Spanish Bay
- Bird Rock
- Seal Rock
- Pebble Beach Golf Course
- Pebble Beach Visitor Center
Point Lobos State Natural Reserve
Visitors can explore a network of scenic hiking trails that offer stunning views of the Pacific Ocean, where they can often spot seals, sea lions, sea otters, and even migrating gray whales. The offshore area is also part of the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary, boasting one of the world’s richest underwater habitats, making it a popular spot for divers. Point Lobos seamlessly blends historical significance, with its preserved Whaler’s Cabin, and unparalleled natural beauty, attracting photographers, artists, and nature enthusiasts alike.
- Length: Approximately 0.9 miles.
- Difficulty: Easy.
- Features: Explores the historic Allen Memorial Grove, passes through scenic coves and headlands, and offers views of the Pacific Ocean.
- Wildlife: You may spot sea lions, whales, seals, and various birds, especially from the viewpoints overlooking the water.
- Algae: You’ll notice an orange-colored coating on the cypress trees, which is a harmless green alga called Trentapohlia.
Things you can’t miss in Point Lobos State Natural Reserve:
- Walk the The Cypress Grove Trail – a popular, easy, 0.9-mile loop trail in Point Lobos State Natural Reserve that offers close-up views of Monterey cypress trees and dramatic coastal scenery
- China Cove
- Sea Lion Point Trail
- Monterey Cypress trees
- Sea Lions
- Whales
Bixby Bridge
Bixby Bridge, often called the “Golden Gate Bridge of Big Sur,” is one of California’s most iconic and photographed landmarks. This stunning reinforced concrete open-spandrel arch bridge, completed in 1932, gracefully spans a dramatic canyon along the rugged Big Sur coastline on Highway 1.
Standing 260 feet above Bixby Creek, its elegant design and breathtaking natural setting, with the Pacific Ocean on one side and the Santa Lucia Mountains on the other, make it a magnet for photographers, tourists, and filmmakers. The bridge is not just an engineering marvel but also a symbol of the wild and scenic beauty that defines this renowned stretch of California’s Central Coast.
Things you can’t miss around Bixby Bridge:
- Bixby Bridge Vista Point
- Castle Rock Viewpoint
- Hurricane Point
- Big Creek Bridge
Garrapata State Park
Garrapata State Park, a hidden gem along California’s Big Sur coastline, offers a rugged and unspoiled natural experience with two miles of beachfront and diverse terrain. This less-traveled park is celebrated for its spectacular coastal headlands at Soberanes Point, where visitors can enjoy panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean and spot marine wildlife like sea lions, harbor seals, sea otters, and migrating gray whales.
Inland, the park features trails that lead into dense redwood groves and steep mountains, providing a stark and beautiful contrast to the ocean vistas. Garrapata is also known for its vibrant wildflower displays in the spring, making it a paradise for nature lovers and photographers seeking the wild essence of the Central Coast.
Things you can’t miss around Garrapata State Park:
- Garrapata Beach
- Garrapata State Park Bluff Trail
- Garrapata State Park Vista Point
- Garrapata Creek Bridge
Pfeiffer Beach
Pfeiffer Beach, a secluded gem within the Big Sur region of California, is renowned for its unique purple sand, caused by manganese garnet particles from the surrounding cliffs, which is particularly visible after rain. This picturesque beach is also famous for its dramatic offshore rock formations, most notably Keyhole Rock, a natural arch through which the setting sun dramatically shines on specific days in winter, creating a spectacular photographic opportunity.
Access to Pfeiffer Beach is via a narrow, winding road off Highway 1, adding to its mystique as a truly special and somewhat hidden coastal treasure, perfect for beachcombing, photography, and soaking in Big Sur’s raw beauty.
Things you can’t miss around Pfeiffer Beach:
- Pfeiffer Beach
- Keyhole Arch at Pfeiffer Beach
- All the great mom & pop shops on the way from Big Sur!
Carmel-by-the-Sea
Things you can’t miss around Carmel-by-the-Sea:
- Carmel Beach
- Carmel Sunset Beach
- Carmel Sunset Beach Viewpoint
- Shop – Forever Carmel, Carmel Surf Shop
- Dine – Portabella, Seventh & Dolores, The Annex Wine Bar, Bar Napoli, Little Napoli, Catch,
