There’s a certain kind of quiet thrill that comes from rounding a curve on California’s Highway 1 and seeing the Pacific stretch endlessly beside you. That moment, when the wind-whipped cliffs, the crash of waves far below, and the eucalyptus scent in the air have turned many a casual road-tripper into a lifelong Big Sur devotee.
This summer, Monterey County officials are reminding travelers that not only is Big Sur open for business, but it’s also one of the most beautiful places in the United States to explore behind the wheel. After several years of closures due to storms and road repairs, the iconic route is smooth, scenic, and ready for its main character moment again.
A Classic Road Trip, Reimagined
The press release may call it a “Monterey County road trip,” but for longtime Highway 1 fans, it’s more of a pilgrimage. The stretch between Monterey and San Luis Obispo is considered one of the most breathtaking drives in the world, and not just because of the views. It’s also the rare kind of road trip where you want to stop constantly: for elephant seals, otter sightings, hand pies, redwood groves, and clifftop selfies that demand to be taken (safely, of course).
Along the way, travelers can explore:
- Carmel-by-the-Sea, a storybook village filled with art galleries, wine tastings, and zero street addresses (seriously).
- Point Lobos State Natural Reserve, often called “the crown jewel” of the California State Park system.
- Bixby Bridge, arguably the most photographed bridge in California and a must-stop for Instagram lovers and drone pilots alike.
- Big Sur proper, where cozy lodges, creekside cabins, and trails wind through towering redwoods and out to the sea.
No Rush Required… And That’s the Point
What makes this route so special isn’t just where it goes, but how it feels. It’s slow travel by design: twisty, narrow, and occasionally cell-signal-free. But that’s part of the charm. This isn’t the kind of road trip where you race from one attraction to the next. It’s one where you stop for lunch at a roadside café with a billion-dollar view or pull over just to hear the ocean.
For many, that’s exactly what summer travel should be in 2025: less about big itineraries and more about small moments like fog lifting off the cliffs, wildflowers on the edge of the road, and your playlist syncing with the scenery.
Monterey County Wants You to Go Beyond Big Sur
While Big Sur gets the headlines, Monterey County wants travelers to know there’s even more to explore just north and south of the iconic stretch. Monterey itself is home to the world-famous Monterey Bay Aquarium, historic Cannery Row, and some of California’s most beloved seafood joints. Salinas Valley, sometimes overlooked, offers rolling vineyards and farm-to-table stops that are about as “California” as it gets.
And if you’ve got extra time, the road continues south past Ragged Point and into San Luis Obispo County, another gem that’s worth a few days on its own.
Good to Know Before You Go
Caltrans and local officials say Highway 1 is fully open through Big Sur this summer (a big relief after several years of weather-related closures). That said, cell coverage remains spotty in many areas, so travelers are encouraged to download maps ahead of time, keep an eye on fuel levels, and plan overnight stops in advance since lodging can book up quickly, especially in July and August.
But for those who make the journey, it’s worth every turn, every scenic stop, and every mile of jaw-dropping coastline.
