Pacific Coast Highway Big Sur Monterey to San Luis Obispo Tour

is a gorgeous coastal park with rocky outcroppings, coastal bluffs, and plentiful wildlife. Walk through one of the last remaining stands of Monterey Cypress trees in the wild, enjoy the open views of Sea Lion Point, explore the coves near Bird Island, or look for marine mammals in Whalers Cove. Parking is somewhat limited and may fill up. You'll see many people parking on the side of the road on Highway 1, and walking in, but this adds at least a half mile to a mile one way of walking. Purchase a day pass, or use one from another state park purchased the same day.

This state park provides easy access to coastal bluffs. Anyone looking for a 360-degree view can also hike to the top of Soberanes Point, for a look at the surrounding coast and mountains.

Built in 1932, Rocky Creek Bridge is one of Big Sur's historic arch bridges, constructed when Highway 1 was first built through Big Sur. A small pull-off allows you to leave the car and snap a picture.

Bixby Bridge is one of the most filmed and photographed places in Big Sur. Constructed in 1932, it's the biggest and most famous bridge in Big Sur, standing over 250 feet above the creek below. There's a small pull-off on the north end of the bridge, and additional space to pull over for a better view.

Hike among the redwoods in this heavily-forested state park. An easy boardwalk trail winds through a small grove of old-growth redwoods. Or hike a moderate trail to the 60-ft Pfeiffer Falls. A lodge at the front of the park features helpful amenities like restrooms, a restaurant, coffee shop, and a gift shop. Purchase a day pass, or use one from another state park purchased the same day.

The building was designed by a Frank Lloyd Wright protege, and has seen its fair share of Golden Age celebrities on its premises. The menu is very expensive, but there is also the Cafe Kevah on grounds where you can buy a slightly more affordable coffee or lunch. And there's the large Phoenix Shop, one of the best gift shops in Big Sur. You can also just make a quick stop for the view, which we recommend.

Henry Miller was one of the earliest authors to make his way to Big Sur. His writing was provocative and originally banned in the United States, but he paved the way for open-mindedness and free speech. The library curates an interesting assortment of books for sale, and hosts cultural events and performances. A must for anyone wanting to appreciate the rich literary history of Big Sur.

An unmarked path next to a road gate leads down to two picturesque coves. One of the coves is accessed via an old pioneer's tunnel, blasted through the bluff for his timber and tanbark business.

This vista point off Highway 1 is an easy in and out view of the epic coastline.

The slender McWay Falls drops directly from a bluff into a blue little cove, creating one of the most picturesque views in Big Sur. You can stop along Highway 1 for a quick look over the vista point. Or, you can enter Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park for a closer look. The state park also has hiking trails heading into the interior, including a redwood forest. Purchase a day pass, or use one from another state park purchased the same day. As of 2026, the park's Overlook trail to McWay Falls has been undergoing construction and closed to the public. Until the trail reopens, the only way to view McWay Falls is from the vista point directly off Highway 1.

Another great view with easy access from Highway 1. Looking north, there's a clear view of Regent's Slide, a landslide that occurred in 2024 and closed the highway.

Easy access in and out.

The Rockland Lime and Lumber Company extracted lime here in the 19th century, felling the redwood forests to heat the furnaces, or kilns. Today, the redwood forests are growing back and you can visit what remains of the lime kilns. The state park also includes access to a rocky beach. Purchase a day pass, or use one from another state park purchased the same day. The park only accepts cash.

This beautiful beach is surrounded by cliffs and rock formations in the water. There is a short but steep walk down to the beach, about 100 stairs in total. Despite the name, it's unlikely you'll find sand dollars here. However, some have reported finding jade! Sand Dollar Beach shares a Day Use fee with Willow Creek Picnic Area. Or, some just park along Highway 1 and walk in, only adding a few hundred feet of walking.

Or, if you want access to the rocky beach, drive the short but steep road down to the Day Use area. The vista point is free, but the Day Use area is not. Willow Creek shares a Day Use fee with Sand Dollar Beach.

A quick hike and rock scramble from Highway 1 takes you to this double cascade waterfall. Follow your ears to reach the falling water! Summer and fall seasons are dry, and typically reduce the waterfall to a trickle or nothing.

This is the 'southern gateway to Big Sur', and your all-in-one stop for food, gas, coffee, restrooms, and a stellar scenic view out back. There's even a live music series. Ragged Point is either the first big view of Big Sur coming from the south, or the last coming from the north. There's also an inn on the premises.

A must stop! Elephant seals have claimed the shores of San Simeon as a rookery since the 1990s. You can find seals here year-round, but there are certain times throughout the year with large numbers, especially winter. A boarded walkway traces the shore, providing easy viewing of the seals. Docents from the non-profit Friends of the Elephant Seal are often standing by, answering questions about the seals and ensuring everybody's safety. Friends of the Elephant Seal runs a small visitor center and gift shop south of the vista point in San Simeon. Stop by to support the mission and protect the seals!

A one-of-a-kind estate sits atop a scenic hill overlooking the coast. The Spanish Colonial-revival mansion, built by media mogul William Randolph Hearst and designed by architect Julia Morgan, is one of the largest homes in the United States and a testament to whimsy and absurd amounts of money. The home incorporates pieces and artwork from various locations across the world, including Roman ruins, Renaissance tapestries, and an ancient Egyptian statue. The grounds include incredible pools, the remnants of the old private zoo, and even a private movie theater. Tours begin at the visitor center, where there's a slick 45-minute movie about the house's construction, a museum, a gift shop, and a cafe. A shuttle takes you from the visitor center up through the open hills and to the mansion, where a guide leads you on your tour. You've never seen anything like this. Consider reserving a tour ahead of time.

This scenic beach is easily accessed via a 2-mile, ADA-accessible boardwalk. Driftwood, tidepools, and marine life beckon visitors to explore around the rocks.

Cambria's Main Street is lined with restaurants and shopping for a breather from the long drive.

The area's dairy industry used to be centered around this town, but when the dairy industry diminished, so did Harmony. Decades later, artisans brought it back to life with a pottery shop and glassworks. Grab an ice cream cone from the Creamery, eat at the food truck, grab a cup of coffee, or take an Insta-worthy picture at the Harmony Chapel. The definition of cozy!

This state park protects the rocky bluffs just to the north of the town of Cayucos. Along the bluffs, you can find the old Point Estero fishing boat beached among the rocks, creating an interesting photo opportunity.

Cayucos is known as a laid-back beach town with good surf. A wooden pier goes out over the ocean and is perfect for fishing or wildlife watching. Morro Rock is clearly visible across the water to the south. Just one block from the beach is the town's main strip of eateries and shops.

This ancient volcanic plug stands over 500 feet over the waters of Morro Bay, and is easily visible coming from the north for miles. A sand beach sits to the north of the giant rock, while to the north, the calm waters of Morro Bay is home to sea otters, sea lions, and marine birds. This is one of the best places in the tour to look for wildlife. Within walking distance or a short drive of Morro Rock are some restaurants, and the T-pier for the best sea otter viewing.

For a wider view of Morro Rock, stop by Tidelands Park. Benches line the shore, and a playground featuring a pirate ship is available for kiddos. Many shops and restaurants are a short walk from the park.