A drive along the California Central Coast’s legendary Highway 1 to Big Sur ranks at the top of many a bucket list of do-before-you-die experiences. For good reason: this is one of the planet’s most rewarding road trips, with gorgeous vistas, unlimited nature encounters and countless opportunities to sooth the human spirit. We recommend at least a few days to dive deep into the mystical Big Sur world. But many of the millions of visitors who drive along this magical road find themselves limited to a quick trip, tucked between meetings or travels to other destinations.
For all you time-challenged travelers, we offer these suggestions for a perfect one-day Big Sur adventure. It takes you from Monterey or Carmel into the heart of Big Sur and back. Check it off your list and make plans for a longer sojourn as soon as possible.
Breakfast awaits in Big Sur.
Big Sur River Inn, California 1, Big Sur, CA, USA
Nepenthe, California 1, Big Sur, CA, USA
Big Sur Bakery, California 1, Big Sur, CA, USA
Bixby Creek Bridge, California 1, Monterey, CA, USA
Henry Miller Memorial Library, California 1, Big Sur, CA, USA
COAST Big Sur, California 1, Big Sur, CA, USA
Big Sur Smokehouse, California 1, Big Sur, CA, USA
The Sur House, California 1, Big Sur, CA, USA
Alila Ventana Big Sur, California 1, Big Sur, CA, USA
Sierra Mar, California 1, Big Sur, CA, USA
Post Ranch Inn, California 1, Big Sur, CA, USA
Big Sur Deli, California 1, Big Sur, CA, USA
Glen Oaks Big Sur, California 1, Big Sur, CA, USA
Big Sur Lodge, California 1, Big Sur, CA, USA
Fernwood Resort, California 1, Big Sur, CA, USA
Hawthorne Gallery, California 1, Big Sur, CA, USA
Deetjen's Restaurant, California 1, Big Sur, CA, USA
Big Sur Station, California 1, Big Sur, CA, USA
Big Sur Smokehouse, California 1, Big Sur, CA, USA
Best Places for Breakfast in Big Sur & Highway 1
Best to arrive early in Big Sur, and you have several options for breakfast, including Big Sur River Inn and Big Sur Bakery (details below). Big Sur’s best breakfast, by many accounts, is at Deetjen’s Restaurant, if you can ignore your hunger pangs until you reach Deetjen’s at the southern end of “town.” They don’t serve lunch, but it’s open daily for breakfast from 8 to noon.
Big Sur River Inn
You’ll know you’ve entered the main 5-mile stretch of Big Sur “town” when you see the Big Sur River Inn amid a collection of shops and other services. Stop here for breakfast or a snack, and if you must, connect to WiFi. Also order a slice of the legendary apple pie — they’ve been serving it for decades. Mile marker 49.
Big Sur Bakery
Mmmm. The scent of fresh-baked pastries wafts through the redwoods and leads to the beloved Big Sur Bakery, in a funky, unassuming 1936 ranch house. A loyal following congregates here every morning to pick up their daily cuppa joe, breakfast items, and healthful breads and croissants along with sinful delights like jelly doughnuts. Mile marker 45.
Best Things To Do in the Morning in Big Sur & Highway 1
Bixby Creek Bridge
Before this bridge was completed in 1932, the Big Sur coast was pretty much inaccessible because of the steep terrain, creeks, and canyons. Enter Bixby Creek Bridge, a 714-foot-long engineering marvel. Its 320-foot span is one of the world’s top 10 highest single-span bridges. The bridge completion (along with Highway 1) opened the floodgates to Big Sur auto tourism. Pull into the parking area on the north side and the scenic lookout on the south to see the bridge from different vantage points. Snap away like everyone else — it’s one of the most photographed structures on the West Coast. If the parking areas are full, keep driving and plan a stop on your way back to Carmel or Monterey.
Big Sur Station
Here you can pick up heaps of information on hiking, camping, and activities in the area, state parks and national forest lands, plus maps, books, gifts and more. Big Sur Station staff are available to answer questions and point you in the right direction. Be sure to check out the exhibits and nature displays while you’re there. It’s also a great place to pull over because there are ample restrooms and most cell phones work here. Just north of mile marker 46.
Best Places for Lunch in Big Sur & Highway 1
You have several options for lunch along the 5-mile stretch of Highway 1 that is considered the “town” of Big Sur. For budget or mid-range options, consider Coast Café or Nepenthe (see below), or Big Sur Smokehouse, Big Sur Roadhouse, or Big Sur Deli. For a special foodie treat, make reservations well in advance for ocean-view tables at the upscale Sur House at Alila Ventana Big Sur, or Sierra Mar at the luxurious Post Ranch Inn.
Nepenthe
Legendary Nepenthe, famed for its terraces overlooking miles of Pacific coastline to the south, draws a steady stream of visitors year-round. Nosh on an Ambrosia burger, shrimp BLT, or other casual California dishes and sip wine while enjoying stunning panoramic ocean views.
Best Things To Do in the Afternoon in Big Sur & Highway 1
Time to put your trip in reverse and head back north up Highway 1. On the way, stop at Coast Gallery, Henry Miller Memorial Library (details below) and Hawthorne Gallery.
COAST Big Sur
This historic landmark opened in 1958 as a place to display local art — the first official gallery in Big Sur. Coast Gallery’s buildings were made from recycled redwood water tanks. Today’s renovated and expanded COAST Big Sur carries exclusive and rare fine works produced by local and other artists. A tad south of mile marker 41, south of Deetjen’s and Nepenthe.
Henry Miller Memorial Library
This quirky cultural center, in a peaceful setting surrounded by redwoods, honors the life and works of writer Henry Miller. It holds a diverse book collection and gift shop, and hosts special events. Just north of mile marker 43.
Best Places for Dinner in Big Sur & Highway 1
If sunset is approaching and you want to get on the road (highly advisable if you are not overnighting in Big Sur), get going and plan to dine in Carmel or Monterey. Otherwise, your dining options are somewhat limited. Go by the same suggestions as earlier for breakfast and lunch, or for a super-special dinner, opt for the two suggestions below. Post-pandemic staffing shortages are still plaguing many establishments, so doublecheck opening hours/days closed.
The Sur House
The elegant Sur House, perched on a bluff overlooking the Pacific at Alila Ventana Big Sur resort, serves creative locavore dishes in a sophisticated dining room and spacious outdoor terrace. The menu focuses on what’s available from local purveyors and the onsite chef’s garden. Try the three-course Bounty of Big Sur prix fixe dinner for a good sampling of local flavors.
Sierra Mar
This slick, romantic restaurant sits right on the edge of the cliffs, 1,200 feet above the ocean. It’s a special-occasion place where you might pop the question and slide on a ring, and celebrate anniversaries and major milestones. Or just splurge and treat yourself to the fantastic views and some of the most delectable cuisine on the coast, derived from mostly local, organic, in-season ingredients.
Best Places to Stay in Big Sur & Highway 1
It’ll take about an hour to return to Carmel or Monterey. Tempted to stay? You might be able to get a room at the two mid-range Big Sur lodges detailed below. But don’t count on any availability anywhere on weekends or during summer months and holidays. Apart from the two I’ve called out below, consider these other options:
High-end: Post Ranch Inn, Alila Ventana Big Sur
Mid-range: Big Sur River Inn, Deetjen’s Big Sur Inn, Fernwood Resort
Budget: Uhhh…..camp? Big Sur Lodge in Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park is a great deal, but not exactly cheap.
Wherever you stay, make reservations well in advance!!!
.
Big Sur River Inn
Big Sur River Inn edges the Big Sur River at the north end of Big Sur. Built in the 1930s, folks have stopped at this iconic landmark for decades to dangle their feet in the river, savor a slice of old-fashioned apple pie, and overnight in the rustic stone lodge.
Bonus Pro Tips
Before you go:
• Highway 1 is sometimes closed for road repairs, so you can’t always drive all the way down to San Luis Obispo County. Best to check on Highway conditions before you make plans.
• Download a list of mile markers so you know where you are and what’s up next along the road. GPS doesn’t work in most places!
• Read about sustainable practices to protect and preserve Big Sur.
Start your trip from Monterey or Carmel. Depart early, ideally by 8 am, to maximize your time and beat the traffic. It’s 26 miles from the Carmel River to Big Sur (the town clusters along a 5-mile stretch of the highway) —but you will be traveling about 20 miles an hour, and sometimes slower. This is a two-lane road, and many travelers (including yourselves) will make frequent use of turnouts to gaze at the stunning views and snap photos. Again, this is not a freeway, so plan accordingly.
It’ll be tempting to stop at every scenic lookout but stick to the highlights on the way down so you can return home (or to your next destination) before dark. (Believe us, you should avoid driving along the cliffs at night, as there are no street lights along most of the route.)
Big Sur: Deep Dive for Nature Lovers, North End