Visiting Big Sur? Here are some things you should know.

Do

Do Take Lots of Pics — Leave plenty of extra time to snap memorable photos along your journey. Use caution and safely use the parking pullouts on Highway 1 to capture epic snapshots of the Big Sur coastline. Don't forget to share you pics using #SeeMonterey!

Do Stay on the Hiking Trails — Be respectful and stick to the trails and adhere to signage. This is not just for your safety but also important for habitat restoration. 

Do Recycle — Most businesses have blue recycling bins. Please treat Big Sur gently and with respect so that it will remain the beautiful place we all love.

Do Be Mindful of Poison Oak — This toxic plant is found in Big Sur in abundance. Exposure to the plant can be spread by hands, clothing, pets, or equipment which has come in contact with the plant or from the smoke generated when burning it. Much of the reactive substance can be removed by immediate washing with cool water and soap. Look for the triple leaf pattern, with prominent veins and a shiny surface. During the summer and fall, the leaves take on reddish hues. Try to avoid this plant.

Do Respect Private Property — Please be mindful and respectful of the property rights of others. Most of the land adjacent to the highway is posted private property, and trespassing laws are strictly enforced.

Do Park on Designated Pull Outs — Use caution and safely use the proper parking pullouts on Highway 1. If it is full simply continue on to the next one and ensure that your vehicle is completely off of the roadway. 

Don't

Don't Start Fires — The biggest concern during the dry season are wildfires. Please extinguish cigarettes in your ashtray. Be extra careful, making sure that your fire is safe and legal. Be sure to extinguish your fire when you leave.

Don't Collect — Plants, animals, rocks and artifacts of Big Sur’s cultural and natural history are protected by law and should not be disturbed. Rockhounding and collection of driftwood and firewood may be allowed in certain designated areas. Collectors should contact the nearest ranger station for specific information.

Don't Set Up Camp on the Roadside — Roadside camping is prohibited along Highway 1 from the Carmel River to the Monterey-San Luis Obispo County line as well as Nacimiento-Fergusson Road. This does not apply to tired motorists stopping for a temporary rest. Illegal campers will be cited!

Don't Treat the Side of the Road Like a Restroom — Public restrooms are scarce along Highway 1 so be sure to make a pit stop in Monterey or Carmel beforehand. Restrooms at California State Parks within Big Sur are also open to the public. Click here for a list of public restrooms in the Big Sur area. 

Don't Let Pets Run Wild — In State Parks, pets must be on a leash at all times and are not allowed on the trails. On US Forest Service lands, pets must be leashed in developed campgrounds, picnic and day use areas. This is not only for their safety but for other visitors including hikers and local wildlife, which can be intimidated, injured, or killed by unleashed pets.

Don’t Use Drones Illegally — Motorized aerial vehicles are not allowed along Highway 1, over the ocean or within Big Sur as these devices can harm local wildlife. Click here for more information about drone usage and permitting in Monterey County.

Visit the Big Sur Visitor Guide and Love, Big Sur websites for more travel tips. 

Graphic provided by Jasmine Menor for Inns-by-the-Sea. 

DRIVING TIPS FOR HIGHWAY 1

State Highway 1 through the Big Sur is recognized internationally as one of the world’s most beautiful highways. It is also one of the most maintained highways in America. Keep these tips in mind when you travel this route:

1. Drive defensively! You never know what hazard may be around a blind curve.
2. Buckle up! It’s the law.
3. Keep your eyes on the road — if you want to enjoy the scenery, please use turn-outs.
4. Maintain your speed and abide by the posted speed limit which is 55 MPH unless otherwise posted. Slower traffic should pull over.
5. When pulling over, avoid quick stops on the unpaved turn-outs and shoulders.
6. Watch for touring bicyclists.
7. Leave the driving to someone else. The Monterey Salinas Transit bus (line 22) runs daily between Monterey and Big Sur Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day

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