highwayy

Carmel-by-the-Sea, California → San Simeon

Big Sur

Moderate#1 in United States1.9k votes
Distance
145 km
Duration
1 Day
Best time
Apr – Jun, Sep – Nov
Highest point
80 m

Highway 1 where the Santa Lucias fall into the Pacific. Redwoods, bridges, and a fog that makes the cliffs look twice as high.

Top highlights

  • High altitude80 m
  • Bixby Creek BridgeThe arch. Stop north of it, not on it.
  • McWay FallsTidefall onto sand. A short walk from the road.
  • Road qualityTwo-lane, often patched after slides. Closures are common after winter storms. Check Caltrans before you leave Carmel.
  • Best timeApr – Jun, Sep – Nov

Recommended itinerary

  1. Carmel-by-the-Sea, California

    Start

  2. Bixby Creek Bridge

    24 km

  3. McWay Falls

    95 km

  4. San Simeon

    End · 145 km

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