Scenic drive · Highway 1 south of Carmel
Big Sur and Bixby Creek Bridge
The dramatic stretch of Highway 1 south of Carmel, with Bixby Creek Bridge, redwood state parks, and cliffs dropping into the Pacific.
Photo: John Dillenbeck, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons
South of Carmel, Highway 1 follows the Big Sur coast, one of the most dramatic drives in the country. Bixby Creek Bridge is the classic first stop, and farther south you will find redwood groves, waterfalls, and trails in parks such as Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park and Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park.
Big Sur is remote. Services are spread out, cell coverage is patchy, and the highway is occasionally closed by landslides or roadwork, so plan before you go.
Good to know
- Check Caltrans road conditions for Highway 1 before setting out.
- Fill up on gas and download offline maps in Monterey or Carmel.
- Use designated pullouts only, and never stop on the bridge.
For current hours, tickets, and conditions, check the official source: Caltrans QuickMap (road conditions).
Where to stay
Stay close to Big Sur and Bixby Creek Bridge
Monterey Peninsula Stargazer Hotel
Monterey, CA
A newly renovated coastal retreat in the heart of Monterey.
Explore
Monterey Peninsula El Castell Hotel
Monterey, CA
A boutique hotel in the heart of Monterey, minutes from Cannery Row.
Explore
Monterey Peninsula Scottish Fairway Inn
Monterey, CA
A warm Monterey stay with easy Highway 1 access.
Explore