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Big Sur was one of those California destinations I dreamed about for years. Then came Big Little Lies, and suddenly I was even more obsessed. The winding cliffside roads and epic ocean views. Add in a playlist that makes you want to roll your windows down and you have the perfect road trip down Highway 1.
Below you’ll find my guide to driving Big Sur in a day: the best stops, iconic viewpoints, hidden gems, foodie breaks, and the little pitfalls to avoid so you don’t miss anything.
Tips for Driving Big Sur
- Stop on the way south. Most pullouts are only on the west/ocean side of Highway 1. If you skip a stop thinking you’ll hit it on the way back, you’ll probably miss it. (Learn from my Bixby Bridge fail.)
- Download offline maps. Service is almost nonexistent. You won’t get totally lost, there’s one road, after all, but you don’t want to miss Pfeiffer Beach because your GPS bailed.
- Expect delays. Highway 1 is two lanes. Accidents, construction, or rock slides can mean long waits. Instead of stressing, make it fun: pull into a beach, grab a drink at Nepenthe, and call it part of the adventure.
- Check road closures. Fires and landslides are not uncommon in this area. Always double-check the Caltrans Highway 1 road conditions before heading out.
Starting in Carmel-by-the-sea, you’re going to have a delicious breakfast before beginning your journey. Stop at La Bicyclette and make sure to indulge in one of their amazing pastries. When you are well caffeinated, turn on this playlist and enjoy the road.
Point Lobos State Natural Reserve ~10 minutes
Your first official stop is Point Lobos State Reserve, known as the “crown jewel” of California’s state parks. The $10 entry fee is well worth it. Inside you’ll find rugged coves, turquoise water, sea lion colonies, tide pools, and hiking trails that range from easy strolls to moderate treks.
If you have the time, I recommend the Cypress Grove Trail, which winds through one of the only two naturally growing stands of Monterey cypress trees left on Earth. If you have time and the legs for multiple hikes, this one is another great option.
Ready to Explore? Book Here ↓
Garrapata Vista Point ~5 minutes
Next up is Garrapata State Park Vista Point, a quick but jaw-dropping pullout. From here, cliffs plunge straight into the Pacific, waves crash against the rocks, and wildflowers often blanket the hillsides. It’s one of those “how is this even real?” views. If you head down to Garrapata Beach in the spring, you will be rewarded with a field of Calla Lilies. Coincidentally called Calla Lily Valley, you’ll find a sea of white lilies that line your walk down to the beach, so lovely!
Obviously, please do not pick or cut the flowers. We want everyone to enjoy their beauty while they bloom!
Bixby Creek Bridge (~10 minutes)
Bixby Bridge is Big Sur’s celebrity landmark. Opened in 1932, this elegant concrete arch spans 714 feet and sits 260 feet above a canyon. You’ve seen it in car commercials, postcards, and yes, Big Little Lies.
Remember: the pullout is only accessible driving southbound. Do not skip it thinking you’ll catch it later. The view here is the definition of iconic Big Sur.
Hurricane Point ~2 minutes
At Hurricane Point, the coastal highway unfurls below you, with sweeping views of the rugged coastline and another distant glimpse of Bixby Bridge. In spring, wildflowers line the roadside, adding pops of color against the blue ocean backdrop.
Great Sur Vista Point ~1 minute
Another quick-but-worthy pullout, Great Sur Vista Point offers wide-open views of white sand beaches and jagged cliffs tumbling into the ocean. It’s a classic Big Sur photo stop, no hike required.
Little Sur River Beach ~3 minutes
This underrated gem was one of my personal favorites. Little Sur River Beach combines Big Sur essentials: a sandy beach and a scenic viewpoint. The winding river cuts an S-shape through the sand before meeting the waves, and during wildflower season, the hillsides burst with color.
Point Sur State Historic Park ~10 minutes
The massive volcanic rock crowned with a historic lighthouse is impossible to miss. Point Sur Lighthouse has guarded this stretch of coast since 1889, and ranger-led tours let you climb up for history and panoramic views. Even if you don’t go inside, just admiring the lighthouse from afar feels very “California coast.”
Pfeiffer Beach & Pfeiffer Falls ~15 minutes
Pfeiffer Beach is one of Big Sur’s must-sees. With its dunes on the left and lagoon created by the Sycamore Canyon Creek runoff on the right, it is an essential Big Sur stop. It’s famous for its keyhole rock arch where the sunset light beams through the opening in winter months. Photographers from around the world flock here for that shot. On the north side of the beach, look for patches of purple sand, created by manganese garnet in the surrounding cliffs.
Across the highway, hike to Pfeiffer Falls. The 1.6-mile trail climbs about 450 feet through shaded redwoods to a 60-foot waterfall. It’s short, refreshing, and a perfect break from the car.
Lunch or Drinks: Nepenthe vs. Big Sur Taphouse
At this point, you’ve earned a food and drink stop.
- Big Sur Taphouse: Casual, laid-back, with local craft beers and pub food. Perfect if you want a quick, budget-friendly break.
- Nepenthe: Iconic restaurant perched high above the ocean with jaw-dropping views. The patio is perfect for sipping a glass of wine. Reservations recommended in peak season.
Both are great, it just depends if you want cozy pub vibes or sweeping coastal glamour.
Partington Cove ~10 minutes
One of Big Sur’s hidden gems. From the road, hike down a dirt trail, cross a wooden bridge, and walk through a tunnel to emerge at Partington Cove. The rocky inlet sparkles turquoise on sunny days, framed by steep green cliffs. It feels almost tropical, like you’ve stumbled into a secret Hawaiian cove.
McWay Falls ~10 minutes
The finale: McWay Falls in Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park. This 80-foot waterfall tumbles from a granite cliff directly onto the beach below. While photos make it look huge and dramatic, in person it’s smaller than expected, but still absolutely worth the stop.
Currently, access is limited to the overlook platform near the highway while trail repairs continue. Even so, the view of the cove, waterfall, and crashing waves is unforgettable.
Heading North
From McWay Falls, you can turn around and head north to Carmel or continue farther south if your road trip allows. Either way, by the end of the day you’ll have seen beaches, redwoods, waterfalls, lighthouses, and some of the most dramatic coastline in the world. Big Sur truly lives up to the hype.
The Bottom Line
Big Sur is not just a road trip; it’s a pilgrimage for anyone who loves dramatic landscapes and coastal beauty. From iconic stops like Bixby Bridge and McWay Falls to hidden gems like Partington Cove, every viewpoint feels like a postcard come to life.
Take your time, stop often, and let Big Sur wow you at every curve. Trust me, you’ll already be planning your return trip before you even leave Highway 1.
