The Best Stops on Highway One!
Highway One through Big Sur has all the coastal drive views of your dreams along with breathtaking stops that add adventure and fun! The best part about the coastal drive? YOU get to decide what stops to make and how many times you want to pull over to take in the views!
We have put together a two day itinerary to maximize all that Highway One has to offer between mile markers 36 and 71 in Big Sur. We recommend exploring mile markers 60-71 on day one, and mile markers 36-59 on day two.
Big Sur Itinerary Cliff Notes
- Snap a photo at the Bixby Bridge
- Eat brunch with a view at Café Kevah
- Watch a sunset on Carmel Beach
- Rent a Tesla and drive Highway One
Itinerary At-A-Glance
Day 1
Point Lobos State Park
Whalers Peak Hike
Calla Lilly Valley
Bixby Bridge
17mi Drive – Pebble Beach Golf Course
Shop and Eat dinner at Carmel by the Sea
Sunset on Carmel Beach
Day 2
Andrew Molera State Park
Brunch at Café Kevah
Julia Pfeiffer Burns Park – McWay Falls
Partington Cove Hike
Big Sur Bakery
Sunset on Pfeiffer Beach
To make your life easier, we have listed all the stops we could find between mile markers 36-71 with quick descriptions and photos we took while travelling Highway One. Use this as a guide to determine your “must do’s!” and your “if I have time” stops.
What you drive matters! Rent a Tesla for the Highway One coastal drive on the Turo app (free). Think of Turo as an Airbnb for cars – only you can rent for a couple hours or a couple days. There are many options near San Francisco and Monterrey including convertibles. This app makes it super easy and very fun vs the hassle of a rental car company!
Mile Marker 71: Carmel Beach
This beautiful beach has amazing sunsets and plenty of surfers to keep you entertained all day long. The beach stretches out very long and ends at the famous Pebble Beach Golf Course. If you have the chance, order a pizza to-go, buy some wine, and enjoy the peaceful sunset over the beautiful waters of Carmel Beach.
Mile Marker 70: Point Lobos State Reserve
This state park is full of coastal trails that bring you right to the edge of the Pacific Ocean. Before you go, check out the trail maps here, as there is no cell service in the reserve. You can spend anywhere from 1-4 hours here pending how much you plan to hike. When you arrive, you can either park inside ($10/car) or park on the road at the entrance for free and walk in. The reserve gets very busy, so it is likely the parking lots will be full.
Hike any trail that excites you. You will find all of the trails are easy and most lead to the coast! On a pretty/clear day, these hikes are some of the best on Highway One in Big Sur.
Mile Marker 66: Whalers Peak Hike
You will know you have arrived when you see this peak overlooking the coast. There are technically two peaks side by side that are connected, one taller than the other. The Whalers Peak hike is a 1.8 mile hike that takes you alongside the coast and up to the peak that overlooks the ocean.
There is an option to just do a quick 0.5-mile hike to the top of the peak if you don’t want to commit the time or energy to the full 1.8 miles. Either way, the views are stunning one of the only hikes with elevation on Highway One in Big Sur.
Mile Marker 63: Calla Lily Valley
When in bloom, you will not find anything else quite like this in Big Sur. Calla Lily Valley is located on a trail that leads to Garrapata Beach. You will find ample parking on the side of the road that leads to a 0.5mi trail down to the water. The calla lilies bloom in the spring and fill the hiking trail all the way down to the water.
Mile Marker 60: Bixby Bridge
The most iconic landmark on Highway One in Big Sur, you cannot miss this beautiful bridge that impresses from all angles. You will find ample parking (along with ample crowds of people) on both sides of the road. There are so many angles to snap photos on both sides of the bridge!
Mile Marker 51: Andrew Molera State Park
This state park is more undeveloped than most in the area, but offers coastal and inland trails to hike. You will also find there are options to pre-book horseback rides if you so choose.
Mile Marker 49: Big Sur River Inn
One of a handful of restaurants on Highway One in Big Sur, this famous eater is known for warm hospitality, great food, and efficient service. Rumor has it, they have apple pie that could win contests! You can reserve your table online ahead of time making this a great spot to plan on a delicious meal during your day.
Mile Marker 46: Pfeiffer Beach
Pfeiffer beach is famous for incredible sunset views and rock formations that sit out in the ocean water. One of these formations has a hole in it making for an awesome photo opportunity as the sun falls fitting right in the middle of the hole. To find this beach, you will have to follow directions as it is not clearly marked. If you are coming from Carmel, pass the Pfeiffer State Park entrance, and look for a road to the right called Sycamore Canyon Road. If you reach Nepenthe / Café Kevah Restaurant you have gone 1.8 miles too far.
Once you turn down Sycamore Canyon Road, you will have a 2 mile drive on a one-way dirt road. At the end of the drive, you will find a place to pay $10/car and park with a short walk out to the beach. Pack some snacks to enjoy on the beach!
Fun Fact: This beach has a purple color sand on the beaches. This is pretty neat as the sun reflects off the grains of sand illuminating the color.
Mile Marker 45: Big Sur Bakery
People rave about this little cafe! They serve coffee, desserts, and a small menu of food items such as pizza and sandwiches. I personally liked Café Kevah better but stop at both and tell us what you think!
Mile Marker 44: Café Kevah
MUST DO BRUNCH SPOT! You will not beat the views or the food at this little restaurant right off Highway One. The breathtaking views and the delicious menu options offer the perfect stop to fuel up. You cannot make a reservation here, but it is an outdoor, order at the counter type of place so it moves quick.
Mile Marker 39: Partington Cove
As you approach a large curve on Highway One near mile marker 39, you will find roadside parking and a trailhead that looks pretty steep down. (It is not as steep as it seems!) This 1.1 mile round trip hike takes you to the waters edge at the bottom of the cove for a dramatic view of the ocean. If you have time, it is worth the stop and the hike!
Mile Marker 36: Julie Pfeiffer Burns Park
When you reach this mile marker, park on the road at the entrance of the park or you can pull down into the parking lot ($10 parking fee). You will find the trailhead across from the public restaurants near the entrance. This 0.25mi trail leads through a tunnel under the road and down to McWay Falls. This famous tourist stop has a view of a white sand beach, crystal blue water, and a natural waterfall falling onto the beach. Although you cannot walk down to the beach, you can enjoy the stellar views from the trail.
Where to stay in Big Sur...
Big Sur: If your main reason for visiting the area is driving Highway One, staying off Highway One in Big Sur is best for you!
- AirBnB or VRBO
- Hyatt Residence Club: Great location close to Carmel by the Sea for delicious food options and shopping. But, remote that you are removed from the hustle and bustle. You can check availability here!
Where to stay in Carmel-by-the-Sea...
Carmel by the Sea: If relaxation, golfing, and longer vacation is your plan, staying in Carmel by the Sea will be best for you.
- The Hideaway: This boutique style hotel has all the amenities and warm hospitality to enable you to enjoy your time in downtown Carmen by the Sea. The hotel is located walking distance to many restaurants and shops. Click here to book your stay!
- Colonial Terrace Hotel: Nice hotel 0.9 miles from town and 0.1 miles from Carmel Beach. This hotel includes complimentary breakfast.
Where to eat in Carmel by the Sea
- Cultura: DELICIOUS Mexican food in Carmel. Top notch service, delicious food. Get the mushroom appetizer and chicken burrito for dinner. You won’t be disappointed
- SOTO: Sushi and boy is it good! Get the jalapeno roll and teriyaki chicken along with your usual sushi order. You are going to love it!
- Brophy’s: Bar Food. Really great burgers and fries. All the food looked great – great looking cobb salad and chicken sandwich. Good, cost effective place to eat in town.
Other Activities near Carmel by the Sea
- Pebble Beach – 17mi Scenic Drive: This 17 mile drive through Pebble Beach Golf Course is beautiful and a mix between the coastal drive on highway 1 and the coastal hikes in Point Lobos State Park. This is the only way into the Pebble Beach Golf Course area if you are not staying there. It is $12 to enter and comes with a brochure outlining the 17 stops on the drive. There is plenty of parking lots to get out and walk around. At the end of the drive, you be at the Pebble Beach Clubhouse and a casual restaurant to get a bite to eat if needed!
- Mission Ranch Hotel & Restaurant: Although technically a hotel and restaurant, this place is also a farm with incredible wine & views. You will find adorable sheep in the pasture and a well manicured outdoor dining space to enjoy an afternoon under the sun in Big Sur.