The Pacific Coast Highway: the back story

About The Pacific Coast Highway: the back story

By the ULTIMATE California Editorial Team

Highway 1, the Pacific Coast Highway, follows the coast for much of the way between San Francisco and Southern California. The most famous stretch is Big Sur, between Carmel and San Simeon, where the road clings to the cliffs above the ocean.

North: San Francisco to Monterey

Leave San Francisco on Highway 1 and follow the coast south past Half Moon Bay and Santa Cruz to Monterey, with its aquarium on Cannery Row, and Carmel-by-the-Sea.

Big Sur

South of Carmel come Point Lobos, Bixby Creek Bridge, the Big Sur valley with its hotels and state parks, and McWay Falls in Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park. Highway 1 reopened in full between Carmel and Cambria on 14 January 2026. Parts of Big Sur were affected by the 2026 Timber Fire, and some trails remain closed, so check park pages before you go.

Highway 1 through Big Sur reopened in full on 14 January 2026, when Caltrans finished the repairs at Regent’s Slide (Office of the Governor).

South: San Simeon to San Diego

At the southern end of Big Sur, Hearst Castle stands above San Simeon. The road then runs on through Cambria and San Luis Obispo to Santa Barbara, Los Angeles and, finally, San Diego.

Before you drive

Check Caltrans road information for closures before you set off (roads.dot.ca.gov, 1-800-427-7623): storms and roadwork can close parts of Highway 1 at short notice. Driving north to south keeps you on the ocean side of the road, which makes the viewpoints and pull-outs easier to reach.

Our advice: give Big Sur at least one night, and drive it in daylight.

Opening hours, prices and seasonal openings change, so please check with The Pacific Coast Highway: the back story before you go.