After a three-year closure due to the St. Regis landslide, Highway 1 is now fully open through Big Sur.
Spring is a perfect time to experience this iconic stretch of coast before the crowds return this summer. Drive north to south for the best coastal views and to easily pull off at the lookout points along the way.
Start the roughly 90-mile drive in charming Carmel-by-the-Sea, where you’ll find storybook houses, cozy inns, dog-friendly beaches, world-class art galleries and seaside dining.
This is where the Big Sur journey begins. Here are the most worthwhile ways to experience this dramatic coastline right now.
Bixby Bridge: About 15 miles south of Carmel-by-the-Sea is the historic Bixby Bridge (also referred to as the Bixby Creek Bridge). The 1932 bridge, with its concrete arch design, is the most photographed landmark along the Big Sur Coast. There is a small lookout point from which you can gaze at the bridge, but it can be tough to find a spot to park there. Keep in mind that the structure can be shrouded in fog.
Big Sur River Inn: The Big Sur River Inn is a quintessential stop if you want to experience the tranquil Big Sur River. It is known for having Adirondack chairs situated in the shallow riverbed — the perfect place to take a break and enjoy a snack while putting your toes in the water to cool off. Full-service dining is also available at the restaurant, and overnight accommodations overlook the river.
Nepenthe Restaurant: For dining with the best view of the picturesque coastline, make a reservation at Nepenthe. It has been welcoming travelers since 1949 and was a popular gathering place for writers and artists in the ’60s and ’70s. Today, guests can dine on the outdoor patio or, on foggier days, inside by the roaring fire. Café Kevah offers more casual outdoor dining, and the Phoenix Shop sells a variety of goods and souvenirs, including works by local artists.
Henry Miller Memorial Library: American writer Henry Miller was known for his nontraditional style of writing, explicit content and Bohemian lifestyle in the 1930s. The Henry Miller Memorial Library carries his literary and artistic works, as well as a collection of books with a wide range of viewpoints. It also hosts outdoor concerts and book readings.
Limekiln State Park: For those wanting to explore the redwoods, Limekiln State Park has scenic hiking trails, including the half-mile Limekiln Trail, which leads to impressive limekilns used in the 1800s to make mortar for construction. The park also features beach access and a campground with redwood and ocean campsites.
Willow Creek Beach: About 10 miles south of Limekiln State Park, you’ll see the pull-off for the Willow Creek View Point. From the parking lot, take the road down to Willow Creek Beach, which has a picnic area and restroom. The rocky beach is a beautiful, hidden spot that is a great place to stretch your legs, take in the views and have a snack.
Ragged Point: Ragged Point offers food, lodging, ocean views and hiking. Whether you want to restock on snacks from the market or enjoy fine French cuisine at the restaurant, there’s something for everyone to fill up on. There are also public picnic tables, if you brought your own food. Take a stroll along the cliff to see the iconic “Portal to Big Sur” art piece with the dramatic coastline in the background. Too tired to continue? Stay the night in one of the ocean view rooms at the dog-friendly Ragged Point Inn.
Elephant Seal Vista Point: Witness up to 22,000 elephant seals, weighing up to 5,000 pounds each, sprawled along an eight-mile stretch of beach located about eight miles north of San Simeon. Watch the seals safely from an accessible viewing platform as they scooch along the sand, frolic in the water, snuggle together and bark at one another.
Hearst Castle: About five miles south of the Elephant Seal Vista Point is the ornate Hearst Castle. Visitors must sign up for a guided tour to experience the castle — allow about two hours. Advance reservations are recommended, since the tours can sell out. This one-of-a-kind estate, which was once home to media mogul William Randolph Hearst, is a state historical monument. The 127-acre property features a 115-room main house, three guest houses and two pools.
After exploring the majestic coastline, end the road trip in the quaint town of Cambria with a stroll along Moostone Beach Boardwalk; shopping, dining, or wine tasting on Main Street; or visiting the Cambria Historical Museum to learn about the pioneering families from the 1860s. Before heading home, spend one last night being lulled to sleep by the melodic ocean waves as you dream about time spent on one of the world’s most scenic routes.
If you go
Bixby Bridge Vista Point: 39020 Coast Road in Monterey County; visitcalifornia.com/experience/bixby-bridge
Big Sur River Inn: The restaurant is open 8 a.m.-9 p.m. daily; the general store is open 8 a.m.-8 p.m. 46800 Highway 1, Big Sur; bigsurriverinn.com
Nepenthe Restaurant: The restaurant is open 11:30 a.m.-10 p.m.; Cafe Kevah is open 9 a.m.-3 p.m. 48510 Highway 1, Big Sur; phoenixshopbigsur.com
Henry Miller Memorial Library: Open 11 a.m.-5 p.m. daily. 48603 Highway 1, Big Sur; henrymiller.org
Limekiln State Park: Open 8 a.m.-sunset; vehicle fee is $10. 63025 Highway 1, Big Sur; parks.ca.gov/?page_id=577
Willow Creek Beach: Open 10 a.m.-6 p.m. daily; vehicle fee is $10. 74644 Highway 1, Big Sur; fs.usda.gov/r05/lospadres/recreation/willow-creek-beach-day-use
Ragged Point: The Ragged Point Inn restaurant is open 8-11 a.m, noon-4 p.m. and 5 p.m.-8 p.m. Mondays-Saturdays and 8 a.m.-3 p.m. and 5-8 p.m. Sundays. 19019 CA-1, Ragged Point; raggedpointinn.com/
Elephant Seal Vista Point: Docents are available 10 a.m.-4 p.m. daily. Highway 1, San Simeon; elephantseal.org
Hearst Castle: Open at 9 a.m. daily. Advance reservations are recommended; tour prices start at $35 for adults and $18 for children. 750 Hearst Castle Rd, San Simeon; hearstcastle.org
