California is a destination full of cinematic roads and paradisiacal landscapes. The stretch of Highway 1 known as Big Sur is the dream of everyone who goes on a road trip to the United States.
Highway 1, also known as the Pacific Coast Highway - one of the best roads for driving in the USA - runs from Washington to California, all the way along the Pacific Ocean. It is one of the most famous highways in the world.
If you haven't been yet, this is sure to be one of the most unforgettable trips of your life. Now it's time to buckle down and enjoy the scenery with a complete post I've prepared for you. From planning before you leave to the main stops and places you can't miss, I've put together a complete itinerary. Enjoy and let's get on board!
Planning your trip to Big Sur
As I've already mentioned, Highway 1 is very long and you can take the Big Sur stretch in two directions. Most travelers make the trip from San Francisco to Los Angeles, but it is possible to do the opposite. And the best option for all this is to rent a car.
There are excursions that travel the route, but your freedom to choose stops and use your time is limited in order to keep up with the group. But the advantage of leaving San Francisco with a car is that you can enjoy the scenery better, always facing the sea, and it's easier to see the sights and viewpoints along the way.
If you choose to rent a car, it's essential to have a GPS so you can get around more easily. You can rent a car with this feature and invest a little more or use an international SIM card. Just be aware that there may be times when you run out of signal. Download the maps of Big Sur in advance so that you can use them offline.
Where does Big Sur start?
The stretch of the Pacific Coast Highway known as Big Sur officially begins in the southern city of Carmel-by-the-Sea and ends in San Simeon. It is approximately 140 kilometers along a rocky coastline with lush landscapes.
7 must-see stops on the Big Sur route
There are many places to stop along the Big Sur route. The number of stops will depend a lot on the time you have to do the route, and I recommend at least 5 days to be able to enjoy everything.
1. Point Lobos State Natural Reserve
Just outside Carmel-by-the-Sea, you'll find Point Lobos State Natural Reserve. One of the most beautiful natural areas in California, this park offers spectacular views, scenic trails, diverse wildlife with whale and sea lion watching and breathtaking coastal scenery.
It's an unmissable stop, with a unique combination of sea, mountains and wildlife. Among the main trails are the Cypress Grove Trail, which is short but passes through a beautiful cypress forest; the Bird Island Trail, with panoramic ocean views and seabird watching; and the Sea Lion Cove Trail, to visit a sea lion colony.
Point Lobos is a must-see if you love nature and want to experience the wild beauty of the Californian coast. The entrance fee is US$10 per car and the park is open every day from 7am until 7pm. It's also an interesting stopover if you want to take a road trip through the US national parks.
2. Soberanes Canyon Trailhead
Ah, the Soberanes Canyon Trailhead is an incredible experience. The trail starts at the entrance to Soberanes Canyon, which is one of the most beautiful and lesser-known areas of Garrapata State Park. What I like most about this hike is that it offers a perfect mix of stunning coastal scenery and an oak and cypress forest, with wonderful views along the way.
As you go up, you start to catch glimpses of the coast at some points. The surrounding vegetation is lush: very green, with local plants and large trees. The trail passes through forest areas and, in some sections, you cross streams and small waterways.
It's good to be prepared and wear suitable footwear, as some sections are very steep and there are many tree roots along the way. At specific points on the tour, you'll have a panoramic view of the Big Sur coastline.
3. Garrapata Beach
If you're looking for a more relaxing yet breathtaking experience in Big Sur, Garrapata Beach is a must. The beach is about 20 minutes from Carmel and less than half an hour from Big Sur. You can choose which of the two towns you want to stay in for this day-long tour.
The first thing you'll notice when you arrive at the beach is the wild and almost untouched beauty of the place. Garrapata Beach is one of the most secluded beaches in Big Sur, which gives it a sense of privacy that is rare in this region so popular with tourists. The sand is golden and the ocean waters are deep blue.
The beach is surrounded by impressive cliffs and rock formations. I definitely recommend a visit to Garrapata Beach when you're touring Big Sur. It's the kind of place where you'll want to stop and just let time pass, soaking up all the energy of the surrounding landscape. And for your arrival, get ready and find out what to do in Los Angeles.
4. Bixby Bridge Vista Point
Bixby Bridge is one of the most iconic and photographed stops along Highway 1 in Big Sur. The place is breathtaking. When you get there, the first thing you notice is the grandeur of the bridge. The Bixby Creek Bridge is an impressive architectural landmark, one of the tallest and most recognizable bridges in the United States.
Below is the verdant gorge, with imposing cliffs on one side and the Pacific Ocean in the background, it's absolutely spectacular. If possible, set aside some time in the late afternoon to take this tour and you won't regret it.
Vista Point offers a perfect place for photos. The 280-meter-long bridge appears in the middle of a wild landscape and blends in, creating a perfect harmony between the action of man and nature. It's a feeling that only Big Sur can give you.
5. Point Sur
Point Sur is one of Big Sur's most impressive natural attractions. Located about 32 kilometers south of Monterey, this point is famous for its historic lighthouse and wonderful views of the Pacific Ocean.
The lighthouse was built in 1889 and still functions today, guiding sailors along the rugged coastline. The area around the lighthouse is protected and there are several trails you can take to enjoy the scenery. It is possible to take a guided tour to the top of the lighthouse, which offers a unique panoramic view of the region.
Read also: Uber or rental car, find out which is more worthwhile for traveling in the USA.
6. Pfeiffer Beach
Pfeiffer Beach is one of Big Sur's most famous and stunning beaches, known for its unique rock formations and colorful sand that shifts between shades of purple and gold. Just to get to the beach, you need to take a short trail through incredible scenery, with tall trees and coastal vegetation.
When you arrive at the beach, the first thing that catches your eye are the large rocks that emerge from the sea, including the famous rock with a natural arch, which is one of the most photographed spots in Big Sur. Although it is one of the most visited beaches in the region, Pfeiffer Beach still retains a sense of isolation due to its hidden location. An unmissable stop on your road trip.
7. Spreckels Hot Springs Resort
After some time on the road, there's nothing better than relaxing and the Spreckels Hot Springs Resort is the perfect place for that. The resort's hot springs are located in a tranquil setting, surrounded by mountains and coastal vegetation, and are known for their mineral-rich hot waters. With highly relaxing and therapeutic properties, the place is ideal for those who want to reconnect even more with nature.
If you're looking for an unforgettable experience on a road trip through the United States, Big Sur is the perfect destination. Get ready to disconnect and let yourself be enchanted by one of the most impressive landscapes in the world - Big Sur awaits you! 🌿🌊
