1 / 5

Big Sur · 3 days

Experience the quintessential California road trip along Highway 1. This journey covers the dramatic cliffs of Big Sur, iconic bridges, and the artistic charm of Carmel-by-the-Sea, offering unparalleled Pacific Ocean views.

3days
9stops
155km

The route

Tap a day or a town

You sleep in Carmel · Big Sur — start in Monterey, end in San Simeon.

DAY01

Old Fisherman's Wharf → Carmel

11 km · 20m driving · Overnight in Carmel-by-the-Sea
  1. 09:00
    Old Fisherman's Wharf· start
  2. 7.7 km · 10m
  3. 12:00
    ⭐ 17-Mile Drive
  4. 3 km · 10m
  5. 15:00
    Carmel-by-the-Sea· overnight
DAY02

Bixby Creek Bridge → Nepenthe

51 km · 39m driving · Overnight in Nepenthe
  1. 09:00
    ⭐ Bixby Creek Bridge· start
  2. 20 km · 13m
  3. 12:00
    Pfeiffer Beach
  4. 6.3 km · 10m
  5. 15:00
    Nepenthe· overnight
DAY03

McWay Falls → Elephant Seal Vista Point

93 km · 1h driving
  1. 09:00
    ⭐ McWay Falls· start
  2. 26 km · 16m
  3. 12:00
    Limekiln
  4. 54 km · 34m
  5. 15:00
    Elephant Seal Vista Point
Heads Up
  • Check Caltrans for Highway 1 road closures, as landslides frequently cause detours.
  • Cell service is extremely limited in Big Sur; download offline maps before departing.
  • Book state park parking and popular restaurants like Nepenthe in advance.