Big Sur starts just south of Carmel and unspools down one of the great coastal drives on earth. From the Peninsula it makes an easy day trip, if you plan for the winding road, the thin cell service, and the crowds that fill the pullouts by midday.
Point Lobos is the first stop and worth a couple of hours on its own. Farther south, Bixby Bridge is the photo everyone stops for, Pfeiffer Beach hides its purple sand down a narrow side road, and the state parks offer redwood walks a few steps off the highway. Julia Pfeiffer Burns and its waterfall cove sit farther down if you want to commit to the full drive.
Go early to beat the pullout crowds and the afternoon fog, fuel up before you leave since gas is scarce and pricey down the coast, and always check Highway 1 for closures, because this road washes out and reroutes more than any other in the state.
Pack layers, water, and snacks, and treat the drive itself as the destination. See what is happening closer to home on our events calendar, and our hikes guide covers the trails along the way. For road conditions, California State Parks and Caltrans post the latest.
