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
Our journey begins in the vibrant beach town of Santa Cruz, famous for its boardwalk and surf culture. From there, we’ll head south to the historic fishing village of Monterey, where we can explore its famous bay. The wild, untamed beauty of the coast truly begins at Point Lobos State Natural Reserve, a ‘crown jewel’ of the State Park system, before we arrive at the iconic Bixby Bridge, a sight you’ve surely seen in countless photos. Next, we’ll discover the dramatic seascapes and hidden coves of Garrapata State Park, and then a quick side trip to the stunning and often-photographed Pfeiffer Beach with its unique purple sand. We’ll then enjoy the scenic wonders of the world-famous 17-Mile Drive, Pebble Beach, and finally, we’ll end our day in the enchanting town of Carmel-by-the-sea, arriving just in time to catch one of its spectacular sunsets.
If you are looking for some local airports to fly into to start your journey, we usually fly into San Francisco International Airport (SFO) or San Jose Mineta International Airport (SJC).
Stops on this adventure:
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!)
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.
Santa Cruz
Santa Cruz, California, nestled on the northern edge of Monterey Bay, is a vibrant coastal city renowned for its laid-back surf culture, stunning beaches, and majestic redwood forests. It offers a unique blend of natural beauty and recreational opportunities, from catching waves at famous surf spots like Steamer Lane to exploring hiking trails among ancient trees. The city also boasts the historic Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, a classic amusement park that adds a nostalgic charm to its lively downtown area. With a Mediterranean climate and a diverse community, Santa Cruz serves as a popular destination for tourists and a thriving hub for technology, agriculture, and tourism.
Santa Cruz is approximately 30-35 miles south of San Jose International Airport (SJC) and about 60-65 miles south of San Francisco International Airport (SFO). Driving times can vary significantly depending on traffic, but generally, it’s about a 40-minute drive from SJC and around a 1 hour and 10 minute drive from SFO.
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.
- Monterey Bay Aquarium
- Cannery Row
- Elkhorn Slough Reserve
17-Mile Drive, Pebble Beach
The 17-Mile Drive in Pebble Beach, California, is a world-renowned scenic road that winds through a dramatic landscape of rugged coastline, pristine beaches, and mystical Monterey cypress forests, all within a gated community that is also home to some of the world’s most famous golf courses, including Pebble Beach Golf Links. Along this iconic route, visitors can marvel at natural wonders like the resilient Lone Cypress tree, observe marine wildlife at Bird Rock, and soak in breathtaking ocean vistas. While there’s an admission fee to access the drive, it’s a truly unforgettable experience that showcases the unparalleled beauty of the Monterey Peninsula.
- Lone Cypress
- Spanish Bay
- Bird Rock
- Seal Rock
- Pebble Beach Golf Course
- Pebble Beach Visitor Center
Point Lobos State Natural Reserve
Point Lobos State Natural Reserve, often hailed as the “crown jewel of the California State Park System,” is a breathtaking coastal haven just south of Carmel-by-the-Sea. This reserve is celebrated for its dramatic headlands, hidden coves, and picturesque rolling meadows, all teeming with abundant wildlife. 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.
Try to see the following things:
- 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.
- 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.
Try to see the following things:
- 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.
- Pfeiffer Beach
- Keyhole Arch at Pfeiffer Beach
Carmel-by-the-Sea
Carmel-by-the-Sea is an enchanting, one-square-mile village on the Monterey Peninsula, renowned for its storybook cottages, charming cobblestone streets, and a vibrant arts and culture scene. It attracts visitors with its numerous art galleries, boutique shops, and a high concentration of exquisite restaurants, many of which are dog-friendly. The town also boasts a beautiful white-sand Carmel Beach, lined with picturesque Monterey Cypress trees, offering stunning sunsets and opportunities for leisurely strolls. With a rich history that includes being a haven for artists and writers, and even a former mayor in Clint Eastwood, Carmel-by-the-Sea exudes a unique blend of elegance, bohemian spirit, and natural beauty.
- 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,
