There’s no better way to experience California’s stunning coastline than a road trip from Los Angeles to Big Sur along the legendary Pacific Coast Highway.
It’s one of those routes that sticks with you. Endless ocean, winding curves, secret beaches, and roadside gems that somehow never lose their charm. Back then, it was CD changers and paper maps.
Now it’s playlists and Google Maps rerouting me around rockslides. But the coast? The coast hasn’t changed much. It’s still rugged, wild, and breathtaking.
So here’s how to do it: a Los Angeles to Big Sur road trip that still delivers all the coastal drama and beauty—just with a few creative turns.
Article overview
LA to Big Sur road trip logistics
Hi, I’m Basak Prince, a California-based writer, photographer, and outdoor enthusiast behind mintatravels.com. I’ve been doing the LA to Big Sur drive since the mid-90s.
These days, I live in Los Osos, so I usually take this road straight from home—popping into Big Sur for day hikes or ocean-view lunches. But for this post, I wanted to give you the full enchilada. I’m starting the journey in Los Angeles to experience the complete stretch—detours and all.
Yes, Highway 1 has always had its moods. Landslides. Washouts. Closures that stretch for months. Paul’s Slide—a 4.3-mile section of road—shut down in January 2023 after a major storm and didn’t reopen until last June.
Then came the Regent’s Slide failure, just south of the Esalen Institute, which washed out on February 9, 2024, and still hasn’t reopened. Caltrans brought in heavy equipment this spring to speed things up, but the road remains off-limits in that stretch.
At the moment, no cars can drive straight through Big Sur from just north of San Simeon. Towns like Cambria and Ragged Point have felt the impact. And this isn’t the first time—Mud Creek slid out in 2017, closing the road for over a year. That same year, the Pfeiffer Canyon Bridge collapsed and had to be completely rebuilt.
Highway 1 has seen it all. But it always comes back—and so do we.
What’s closed — and what’s still accessible
Let’s get the current logistics out of the way first. A central portion of Highway 1 between Lucia Lodge and the Esalen Institute remains closed due to the Regent’s Slide, which washed out on February 9, 2024.
Despite initial optimism, Caltrans has confirmed that repairs will continue through summer 2025, making this the longest closure in Highway 1’s history.
However, you can still access much of Big Sur’s magic:
- From Carmel/Monterey, drive south as far as Esalen Institute.
- From Cambria/Morro Bay, drive north as far as Lucia Lodge.
All businesses are open on either side of the closure—you just can’t drive through Big Sur in one straight shot right now. That’s why I took a looped approach, breaking up the trip and experiencing both sides with added inland adventures.
Before heading out, always check the latest road conditions to stay updated on closures and access points.
Day 1: Los Angeles to Cambria
Leaving LA behind, I usually make my way up the 101 to Santa Barbara. There are a ton of coffee spots in town, but Santa Barbara Roasting Co. is a personal favorite—great coffee, friendly service, and the kind of breezy, laid-back atmosphere that sets the tone for the rest of the trip.
If you arrive closer to noon, the Funk Zone is worth a detour for some casual wine tasting—but keep it responsible if you’re the one behind the wheel. There’s still plenty of road ahead.
This stretch of the drive is mellow, with ocean views appearing and disappearing behind rolling hills. You’ll pass through towns like Santa Maria and Arroyo Grande, where it’s tempting to stop for tacos or tri-tip sandwiches, but I like to hold out until I’m further up the coast.
Next up: Pismo Beach. If you need a break, the boardwalk is perfect for stretching your legs or watching surfers carve through the waves. Grab a coffee or walk the pier before heading back on the road.
If you’re up for a slight detour before reaching Cambria, take a turn toward Los Osos and explore Montaña de Oro State Park. It’s one of my go-to spots when I’m home, and the Bluff Trail is a favorite—an easy coastal walk with jaw-dropping ocean views, rugged cliffs, and wildflowers in spring.
By late afternoon, you’ll roll into Cambria—one of my favorite places on the Central Coast. If you’ve never been, it’s got a cozy, small-town feel with just the right amount of artsy edge. Picture cottages tucked under pine trees, coastal bluffs, and indie galleries and wine shops.
I usually stay along Moonstone Beach, and Oceanpoint Ranch is a solid pick—rustic-modern rooms, fire pits, and a location right across from the ocean.
The Moonstone Beach Boardwalk, one of the top things to do in Cambria, is the best way to take in the sunset here: it’s an easy, scenic walk along the bluffs with tidepools and sea otters below.
For dinner, I always make my way into town. Robin’s Restaurant never disappoints—think globally inspired comfort food served in a cozy cottage garden. Definitely one of the best restaurants in Cambria.
Day 2: Big Sur from the South
If you’re continuing north from Cambria, make sure to fill up your gas tank—gas gets pricier the further into Big Sur you go, and stations are few and far between. I usually stop by Linn’s Bakery for pastries and coffee before getting back on Highway 1.
Just a few minutes into the drive, you’ll pass Hearst Castle—California’s famously extravagant hilltop estate. If you’ve never been, it’s worth a visit.
The views from the terraces are incredible, and you can stroll the ornate rooms and gardens on a guided tour. If you’re short on time, even a quick stop at the visitor center is worthwhile.
This stretch of the road feels more remote—cliffs rise higher, curves tighten, and the ocean gets wilder. Your first scenic stop should be Elephant Seal Vista Point, where dozens of seals are usually lounging right along the beach. It’s especially dramatic in winter when the colony swells.
Next up is Ragged Point Inn. Whether you’re stopping for coffee, photos, or a longer break, the view here is staggering. If you’re up for a steep (but short) hike, the trail down to the black sand beach is an adventure. Ragged Point also makes a great overnight stop if you want to stay closer to the southern trailheads.
A bit further up, make time for Sand Dollar Beach—it’s one of the largest sandy beaches in Big Sur and a peaceful place to walk, picnic, or just relax and take in the cliffs. Keep an eye out for hidden pullouts along the way; many lead to quiet coastal trails and less-trafficked beaches.
Looking for something offbeat? Check out Treebones Resort, an off-grid eco-lodge perched above the Pacific. Their yurts and ocean-view campsites offer a unique blend of rustic charm and comfort. You can even book a stay in a giant human-sized nest (yes, really). They’ve also got a sushi bar with incredible sunset views.
Eventually, you’ll reach Lucia Lodge, the furthest point you can drive from the south. It’s a cliffside inn that feels like it’s hanging over the ocean. Their restaurant and store were lost to a fire in 2021, but the lodge is still open and welcoming guests. This is your turnaround point.
Heading back, take your time. If you’re up for a short hike, Salmon Creek Falls is a beautiful option—just a quick walk from the road and you’re surrounded by redwoods and the sound of falling water.
Back in Cambria, wind down with a golden-hour walk through Fiscalini Ranch Preserve. It’s an easy bluff trail lined with cypress and coastal views that stretch forever. If you’re lucky, you might even spot whales offshore.
And why not try a different spot for dinner? Madeline’s on Moonstone is a great option for light bites and wine tasting as the sun sets over the coast.
Day 3: Inland to the North Side
If you decide to spend the night in Cambria (which I highly recommend), you don’t need to double back up Highway 1. Instead, make a scenic detour inland.
Take Highway 46 East, which winds through oak-dotted hills and rolling vineyards. It’s especially beautiful in the early morning when the coastal fog lingers just behind you.
About 45 minutes in, you’ll hit Paso Robles—a wine region that keeps getting better every year. If you’re feeling spontaneous, this is the perfect place to pause. If you’re stopping in Paso Robles, make time for DAOU Vineyards.
It’s perched on a hilltop with panoramic views, wood-fired pizza, and bold reds that are hard to forget. The whole place has a relaxed elegance that makes it very easy to linger—soak in the view, sip slowly, and stay a little longer than planned. Reservations are a good idea if you’re going on a weekend.
From Paso, head north on Highway 101, which eventually curves back toward the coast. If you have a little extra time, you can swing through Salinas, the birthplace of John Steinbeck.
His childhood home, now the Steinbeck House, has been turned into a charming restaurant, and it’s a great stop if you’re into literature or just want to explore a lesser-known piece of Central Coast history.
Once you’re near Monterey, the ocean comes back into view and the energy shifts. If you’ve got time, wander the Monterey Bay Aquarium, stroll along Cannery Row, or just hang by the harbor and watch the seals do their thing.
I kept driving just a bit farther to Carmel-by-the-Sea, where I planned to spend the night. This place feels like a storybook—fairy-tale cottages, art galleries tucked into courtyards, and that soft white-sand beach framed by windblown cypress trees.
If you arrive early enough, take the 17-Mile Drive, a loop through Pebble Beach that offers dramatic ocean views, the iconic Lone Cypress, and plenty of photo-worthy pullouts.
For dinner, I highly recommend La Bicyclette, a charming European bistro located at Dolores & 7th in Carmel. Their menu features hand-crafted cuisine using fresh, local ingredients, with offerings like wood-fired pizzas and seasonal dishes. It’s a cozy spot that perfectly complements the Carmel atmosphere.
If you’re up for a short drive, consider heading to The Inn at Spanish Bay in Pebble Beach to witness the daily bagpiper performance at sunset. This tradition, inspired by the Scottish-style links course, feature
Day 4: Big Sur from the North
If you’re staying in Carmel, it’s worth waking up early to beat the traffic and take your time heading south. I grabbed a coffee to go and jumped on Highway 1—easily one of the most scenic stretches of road in California.
You’ll want to pull over at Bixby Creek Bridge—it sneaks up on you, so keep an eye out for the safe turnouts. No matter how many times I’ve seen it, that view never gets old. The bridge, the cliffs, the ocean—it’s the kind of moment that makes you stop and breathe it all in.
A little farther down, I took the turnoff for Pfeiffer Beach. It’s easy to miss (look for Sycamore Canyon Road), and the drive down is narrow, but so worth it.
The purple sand and rugged rock formations feel like something out of a dream. I stayed just long enough to wander the shoreline and watch waves crash through the arch.
Back on the highway, I made time for a stop at the Henry Miller Library—a quirky, tucked-away spot celebrating Big Sur’s literary history. It’s quiet, full of character, and surrounded by redwoods. Worth a wander, especially if you need a break from driving.
For lunch, I always recommend Nepenthe. It’s one of those iconic Big Sur places where the views are just as memorable as the food. Grab a seat on the terrace if you can—the cliffs drop away below you, and on a clear day you can see forever. Their Ambrosia burger is my go-to, but honestly, you can’t go wrong.
If you feel like stretching your legs afterward, check out a quick coastal hike like Partington Cove Trail. It’s just a few miles south and not too strenuous—short, shady, and ends with a tunnel that leads to the rocky shoreline. There’s something really peaceful about it, especially if you go in the late afternoon.
As you make your way toward Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park, don’t rush. There are dozens of unmarked turnouts where you can pull over, sit on the hood of your car, and just listen to the waves. Big Sur isn’t meant to be hurried.
McWay Falls is the star of the park—a waterfall tumbling 80 feet into a turquoise cove. It’s one of those “I can’t believe this exists” kind of places. The overlook trail is short and flat, so it’s easy to squeeze in even if you’re short on time.
If you plan ahead, a soak at the Esalen Institute is the ultimate way to wind down. Their hot springs tubs hang over the cliffs, open to the public by reservation during specific hours. It’s quiet and restorative in a way only Big Sur can be.
If you make it back to Carmel just in time for dinner, try to get a reservation at Chez Noir. It’s small, stylish, and right in town—perfect for a relaxed final night. The seafood here is the standout.
End the night with one last walk through town. The lights, the scent of cypress in the air, and the soft ocean breeze—it’s the kind of place that sneaks up on you in the best way. A perfect close to the trip.
If you’re staying the night, Carmel has no shortage of great spots—just depends on what kind of vibe you’re going for. For something classic and cozy right in the village, Hotel Carmel is always a solid choice.
If you want something a little more design-forward, Le Petit Pali at 8th Ave feels fresh and thoughtful, while Villa Mara offers a quieter boutique feel tucked into a peaceful corner of town.
If you’re in the mood to splurge, L’Auberge Carmel delivers timeless luxury. And if a full-on resort escape is calling, Carmel Valley Ranch is just a short drive away with spa treatments, hiking trails, and big unwind energy.
Final thoughts: When the road closes, make your own way
Sometimes the road isn’t wide open—and that’s okay. When Highway 1 doesn’t go straight through, you get the chance to carve your own path. You slow down. You take the long way. You stop in places you might’ve flown past otherwise.
This road trip didn’t unfold exactly how I pictured it, but in some ways, it was even better. I tasted wine in Paso Robles, took back roads through rolling hills, and saw Big Sur from both directions. And each time the ocean came back into view, it felt like a little reward.
If you’re thinking about doing this trip—go for it. Just stay flexible. Keep an eye on Caltrans QuickMap, book ahead where you can, and don’t be afraid to follow a detour. Because sometimes, the long way around is where the best memories live.
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