Route 1 - Big Sur Coast Highway
Driving Directions

Driving the Byway

  • From San Luis Obispo, continue north on Route 1 through Morro Bay and Cambria, on to San Simeon. The spectacular Hearst Castle lies just beyond San Simeon.
  • Within a few miles north of Hearst Castle, the Piedras Blancas Lighthouse marks the Big Sur Gateway (not to be confused with the official starting point of the byway, which is still further north).
  • Continuing up the coast, Route 1 winds along coastal terraces offering views of the Pacific and its ragged coastline on the west, and the Santa Lucia Coastal Range on the east.
  • As the highway approaches the Monterey County Line, it begins its traverse along the Santa Lucia's sheer cliffs.
  • Ragged Point marks the official entrance to the Big Sur All-American Road. Ragged Point has incredible views in every direction, and features a restaurant, gas station, and hotel.
  • Not far after Ragged Point, the byway enters Los Padres National Forest.
  • Continuing north, the byway will travel past the Southern Redwood Botanical Area, and then the Alder Creek Botanical Area.
  • Lucia, consisting of a restaurant and small motel, is the next major point of interest along the corridor.
  • From Lucia, the byway passes several state parks, including Limekiln and Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Parks.
  • Following the Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park, the corridor soon enters the expansive Big Sur area. The Big Sur area consists of several inns, restaurants, and other shops scattered along the corridor.
  • Another important point of interest near the Big Sur area is the Point Sur State Historic Park, home to the historic Point Sur Light House.
  • Historic Bixby Bridge lies further north of Point Sur.
  • From Bixby Bridge, the byway continues north to its ending point in Carmel. There isn't a practical turning point at the county line where the byway officially ends, so continue on to Ragged Point to turn around.

Other Road Names

This list of road names make up or are part of the byway and may prove helpful for finding and navigating the byway

  • Highway One-Big Sur