Highway 1 California Road Trip: Big Sur, Road Conditions and What to Expect

Running for 655 miles up the Californian coast from Dana Point in Orange County to Leggett in Mendocino County, California State Route 1 is an iconic drive. There is some confusion, however, as the ‘Pacific Coast Highway’ is a casual name given to a longer route that runs further up the coast, but this term overlaps with State Route 1. Officially, PCH is only the southern portion of State Route 1. In this article, we’ll be taking the classic southern end of the route from San Francisco through the Central Coast and Big Sur.

The Big Sur section of this drive is beloved for its dramatic cliff-edge curves, but this can also cause problems due to the slipping coastline resulting in road closures. Often this means the road is closed between two points, with the rest of the drive open. Other hazards, such as wildfires, can also cause closures. Before you head off, it’s a good idea to check for road closures on the Caltrans website.

While Highway 1 isn’t exactly a difficult drive, it does require concentration on account of narrow sections and continuous curves. Some sections hug the cliff quite closely and there are places where barriers are minimal or non-existent. If you’re doing this drive in summer, be aware of the dreaded ‘June gloom’ fog that descends over the area, which not only makes the view less obvious, but also reduces visibility.

Other things to be aware of are cyclists and afternoon glare from the sun, as well as drivers ahead stopping suddenly when they see a gob-smacking view. Despite these minor concerns, the drive is easily tackled in a campervan. However, larger RVs will struggle with Big Sur’s tighter turns. A larger RV also may exclude you from entering state park campgrounds as they have restrictions on vehicle lengths. It’s best to check this with individual parks before you set out.

As one of the world’s best-known drives, you can expect there is plenty to see and stop for along the way. Here are some of the absolute best ones to mark on your itinerary.

Departing south from San Francisco, the first coastal stretch you’ll encounter is Half Moon Bay on the San Mateo Coast. From coastal trails lined with redwoods, rugged bluffs and long sandy beaches, to a pretty harbor and historic main street, there’s plenty to keep you entertained here. Half Moon Bay is also where you’ll find the famous Mavericks Beach known for its big wave surfing. The waves here are huge due to Pacific storms and an underwater reef, which combine to generate enormous waves. It’s not for the trepidatious, but it’s worth stopping and admiring the might of the ocean and those brave enough to challenge it.

From giant waves to the Giant Dipper, your next stop should be Santa Cruz, where you can seek thrills on the Boardwalk Amusement Park or, for gentler thrills head to Natural Bridges State Beach to marvel at the naturally carved sea arch and play in the waves. Take a walk or ride along the three-mile, Pacific Ocean-adjacent West Cliff Drive, which winds by the Santa Cruz Surfing Museum and spoils walkers with vast views of Monterey Bay.  If your trip coincides with monarch butterfly season around mid-October, be sure to get along to Natural Bridges to spot the orange-and-black mottled overwintering insects.

Less than an hour south from Santa Cruz in Monterey Bay, even shoestring travelers should visit the incredible Monterey Bay Aquarium. It’s one stop well-worth the time and money. The aquarium is right by another highlight, Cannery Row, where you’ll find restaurants and shops set in historic canning buildings. Take in the Pacific blues from the vantage of Lovers Point and if you have extra time, 17-Mile Drive at Pebble Beach is a toll road that showcases more epic scenery.

The village of Carmel-by-the-Sea is movie-set perfect. Enjoy a stroll around the beautifully curated stores at Ocean Avenue before taking in the sun at Carmel Beach.  Head down to Point Lobos State Natural Reserve just south for stunning coastal trails, rolling meadows and incredible waters filled with marine life that are a diver’s dream. You might want to add this to the very top of your day as the parking lot fills quickly, especially on weekends. Aim to arrive before 9am to be guaranteed a spot.

With two miles of beachfront and plenty of hikes through coastal trails and redwood groves, Garrapata State Park is one to add to your itinerary. Highway 1 runs directly through the park, so it’s not much of a detour to explore this beautiful landscape. If you are pressed for time, take the short bluff trail to the rocky shore to watch the waves crashing on craggy rocks. Flower enthusiasts should find a roadside pull-off in the park to take in the springtime beauty of the Calla Lily Valley.

An icon within an icon, the Bixby Creek Bridge is a Big Sur imperative. It is the most photographed shot on the road and while you can’t stop on the road, there are vista points where you can pull off to get your shot.

Just 30 minutes south from the Bixby Creek Bridge is Pfeiffer Beach. You know white sand, black sand and rocky beaches, but what is extraordinary about Pfeiffer is the striking patches of purple sand. Taking its violet hue from the manganese garnet that washes down from the hills after rain, this small stretch of sand is truly extraordinary. You’ll need to pay to park here for the day, but you’ll also get to see the captivating Keyhole Arch. Do keep in mind the steep, narrow and winding road to the parking lot is not suitable for long campervans, RVs or motorhomes. Standard and compact campervans can fit in the parking lot, but it’s advised to arrive before 9am. Always check the California State Park website before heading off.

Carry on south toward Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park to take in the majestic sight of McWay Falls, which cascades 80 feet down directly onto the beach below. You can take a short trail from the parking lot to look down to the beautiful beach, however, the cove is not accessible.

Just eight minutes north of San Simeon is another sight that demands you pull off the road. Here at Piedras Blancas Elephant Seal Vista Point you can watch from a free boardwalk viewing area as these large marine mammals mooch about on the sand with their pups. The rookery is busiest during late January when most births have happened, in May and then again in late October.

From Piedras Blancas, you’re only eight miles from Hearst Castle.  You will need to have booked a tour ahead of time to see this rambling, eclectic mansion conceived by publishing tycoon William Randolph Hearst in collaboration with architect Julia Morgan. It’s an extraordinary love letter to the arts that must be seen to be believed. Carrying on to Morro Bay, you’re at the southern end of the Big Sur stretch. Here you can’t skip the awesome sight of Morro Rock rising from the ocean. While you aren’t allowed to climb the 576-foot-tall volcanic mound, you can enjoy it from the beach below.

Rent your campervan from San Francisco to experience Big Sur from north to south or you could also pick up from our LA branch to follow the route from south to north. With free unlimited miles on all rentals and a minimum rental period of four days, you could easily enjoy a multi-day return trip to make sure you don’t miss a minute of this epic coast drive.

When you rent a campervan from our San Francisco depot you are spoiled for choice in any direction. Stay close by and head to Napa or roam as far as New York. Once you’ve completed the Big Sur stretch of Highway 1, check out these other bucket list San Francisco itineraries.

• San Francisco to New York road trip
• San Francisco to Napa Valley road trip: a budget traveller’s guide
• San Francisco to Portland road trip
  San Francisco to Seattle road trip

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