HOW 2 HWY 1

From the charm of Monterey and Carmel-by-the-Sea to the wild beauty of Big Sur, the grandeur of Hearst Castle, and the sun-soaked vibes of the Santa Barbara and Ventura regions, there’s so much to explore on Highway 1. Iconic destinations that are currently accessible include:

• 🌊 Monterey
• 🏖️ Carmel-by-the-Sea
• 🐋 Point Lobos State Natural Reserve
• 🌲 Miles of Big Sur Coast
• 🌻 San Luis Obispo County
• ⛰️Central Coast Region

Big Sur is Open & Stunning

Big Sur is currently open and accessible for visitors to enjoy natural wonders, wildlife and beautiful vistas. The majority of hiking trails, campgrounds, hotels, restaurants and quaint shops remain open and accessible.

• Highway 1 in Northern Big Sur
• Highway 1 in Southern Big Sur
• Highway 101
• Plan Your Trip Like a Pro
• The Right Path: Responsible Travel Tips for a Better Visit
• Discover the Region: Highway 1 is All Connected

Explore Highway 1 in Northern Big Sur

Travelers can explore Northern Big Sur via the Highway 1 coastline from the Monterey Peninsula to just past the Esalen Institute. In Northern Big Sur, you'll have access to renowned hotels and resorts like Big Sur River Inn, Post Ranch Inn and the Esalen Institute, as well as restaurants like Nepenthe and attractions including Henry Miller Memorial Library and McWay Falls. More iconic spots not to miss:

• 🌉 Bixby Bridge – Iconic Highway 1 bridge with epic ocean views.
• 🌸 Garrapata State Park – Wildflowers, coastal cliffs and redwood hikes.
• 💧 Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park – Famous for McWay Falls and ocean vistas.
• 🔦 Point Sur Lightstation – Historic lighthouse with guided coastal tours.
• 🟣 Pfeiffer Beach – Purple sand and dramatic rock formations.
• 🌲 Andrew Molera State Park – Laid-back hikes, beach access and big views.

*The Highway 1 closure is between Esalen Institute (north of the closure) and Lucia Lodge (south of the closure). Access all Big Sur businesses as far south as Esalen Institute by taking Highway 1 South from Monterey/Carmel. Travelers coming from San Luis Obispo County are encouraged to access the Northern Big Sur region from Highway 101 via Highway 68 to connect to Highway 1.

Explore Highway 1 in southern Big Sur

Southern Big Sur remains open and welcoming, offering breathtaking coastal views, peaceful campgrounds and unforgettable oceanfront stays. Whether you're soaking in the serenity at Treebones Resort, exploring the shoreline at Sand Dollar Beach, or unwinding at Lucia Lodge, this stretch of Highway 1 delivers the wild, rugged charm Big Sur is known for. More iconic spots not to miss:

• 🏕️ Local Campgrounds – Coastal camping beneath redwoods and stars.
• 🏖️ Sand Dollar Beach – Big Sur’s best beach for surfing and sunsets.
• 🌊 Mill Creek Day Use Area – Quiet cove with tidepools and picnic spots.
• 🌅 Willow Creek Day Use Area – Scenic stop with epic ocean views.

*The Highway 1 closure is between Esalen Institute (north of the closure) and Lucia Lodge south of the closure. Southern Big Sur and Highway 1 can be reached through San Luis Obispo County. Visitors coming to Southern Big Sur from the North can enjoy a scenic inland alternative route by looping back through Monterey or Carmel, taking Highway 68 East to U.S. 101 South, and reconnecting with Highway 1 near Cambria or San Simeon. Another option is to take Carmel Valley Road from Highway 1 to Highway 101.

Highlights Along Highway 101 

While you can drive Highway 1 from Monterey up to just before the Regent’s Slide closure, the road is not currently passable all the way to Los Angeles. To continue south beyond Regent’s Slide, take the roads less traveled. Explore Highway 101 and uncover the hidden gems and incredible beauty of California’s heartland. Discover gems like:

• 📚 National Steinbeck Center – Dive into the life and work of John Steinbeck in Salinas.
• 🌄 Pinnacles National Park – Explore caves, cliffs, and condors in this unique national park.
• ⛪ Historical Missions – California Mission San Antonio and Mission San Miguel.
• 🍷 Wine Tasting – Savor local wine in Salinas Valley and Paso Robles.
• 🏞️ Lake San Antonio – Boating, fishing, and lakeside camping.
• 🌳 San Lorenzo Park – Shaded camping with a local museum.

Plan Your Trip Like a Pro

A little planning goes a long way! By doing your research ahead of time, you’ll have a more rewarding Highway 1 and Big Sur experience, while helping to protect this iconic place. Stay informed and avoid surprises with real-time alerts and insider tools. Here are a few key tips: 

• 🚧 Check Conditions – Stay up to date on recent road closures and travel alerts on the See Monterey Travel Alerts Page.
  • For real-time updates and official resources, go to Dot.CA.Gov or follow Caltrans District 5 on Twitter (X).
  • For information on Highway 1 Conditions in Big Sur, visit BigSurCalifornia.com.
  • CHP Traffic Incident Information Page.
• 🌦️ Know the Forecast – Weather can change quickly, so be prepared for all conditions.
• 🗓️ Time Your Trip – Visit mid-week, during the off-season or during non-peak hours to avoid crowds and minimize your environmental impact.
• 🎒 Pack Smart – Bring layers, sunscreen, water and other essential outdoor items.

If you're visiting Monterey County and your plans are impacted by a road closure, use the See Monterey App or the AI Trip Planner to find alternative hotels, restaurants and activities.

The Right Path: Responsible Travel Tips for a Better Visit 

The Central Coast and its many paths offer countless ways to disconnect, recharge and immerse yourself in its natural beauty. There is nowhere else in the world quite like it…leaving its soul-changing mark on each visitor and those that call it home. As a place that is so extraordinary and filled with diverse ecosystems, it requires careful handling and thoughtful stewardship to preserve its majesty for future generations. 

• 🚗 Drive with Care on Highway 1 – Stay focused, follow speed limits, use designated pullouts for views, park legally and fully off the road.
• 🌿 Stay on Trails & Leave No Trace – Stick to designated paths, respect closures, pack out all waste, avoid disturbing wildlife or plants and help protect Big Sur’s fragile ecosystems by not spreading invasive species.
• 🔥 Fire Safety First – Only build campfires in designated fire rings at approved campgrounds, fully extinguish them before leaving, follow local fire restrictions and never have fires or camp along Highway 1 or side roads to prevent wildfires.
• 🦌 Respect Wildlife – Observe animals from a distance, never feed them, keep pets leashed and off trails and always clean up after them to help protect Big Sur’s natural habitats.
• 🏕️ Camp Responsibly – Always stay at designated campgrounds, book in advance, and explore private options if needed. Never camp along Highway 1 or side roads to protect the land and prevent wildfires.
• 🌄 Honor Indigenous Lands – Help protect the cultural and natural legacy of Big Sur for future generations.
• 🛍 Support Local, Stay Local – Help sustain Big Sur’s unique community by choosing locally owned businesses for lodging, dining, and activities.
• 🤝 Respect One Another – Be patient, considerate, and mindful of others—fellow visitors, groups and residents alike—to preserve the special spirit of Big Sur for everyone.

Discover the Region: Highway 1 is All Connected

Highway 1 is a network of vibrant communities from Monterey to San Luis Obispo and beyond. Learn how it’s all connected.

Additional Resources