There’s truly nothing comparable to Big Sur. That stretch of California coastline – all misty cliffs, wildflowers, and waves crashing hundreds of feet below – is one of the most breathtaking drives in the world. Whether you’ve been before or you’re planning your first trip, it’s the kind of place that sticks with you – and leaves you wanting to come back over and over again.

If you’ve looked up Highway 1 recently, you’ve probably seen the closure headlines. Between ongoing slide repairs and construction south of Lucia, the famous Pacific Coast drive isn’t fully open right now. But, don’t stress – it’s still completely worth the trip. You’ll just want to plan a little differently, and that’s what this Big Sur itinerary is here for!

To fit all of the Big Sur highlights in one weekend trip, with the Highway 1 closure, it’s best to just focus on the Northern part of the route. But, you’ll still get to experience the best parts of Big Sur – from the Bixby Bridge to McWay falls.

This guide is designed for a quick weekend escape from LA – the perfect two-day itinerary for travelers who want that Big Sur magic without burning extra PTO. Here’s exactly how to make it happen, plus updated routes, stops, and hotel ideas for your 2025 visit.

Quick Deets: How to Plan the Best Big Sur Road Trip

• How Much Time Should You Spend There?
  • You only need 2 days / 1 night to see the highlights, but adding a second night lets you slow down for hikes, longer meals, and golden-hour stops.
• Best Time To Visit?
  • The best time to visit is March – October for sunny days and minimal fog.
    • Spring (Mar-May): Wildflowers + fewer crowds
    • Summer (Jun-Aug): Warm but busy – book early
    • Fall (Sep-Oct): Best weather, golden light, less traffic
• Drive Time?
  • From LA: ~6 hours (via Paso Robles)
  • From Orange County: ~7 hours
  • From San Francisco: ~3 hours via Carmel
• Current Highway 1 Status (as of Fall 2025)
  • Highway 1 is closed between Lucia and Limekiln State Park, expected to reopen in spring 2026. You can explore both sides but must turn around at the closure. Check live updates on Caltrans QuickMap or BigSurCalifornia.org.
• What To Pack?
  • Layers: Expect foggy mornings, sunny afternoons, and cool nights – you’ll want the extra layers to adjust to each.
  • Comfortable shoes: Get ready to get in those steps!
  • Offline maps: grab a printed one, or download on your phone. Cell service is nearly impossible to find, so you’ll be happy you did!
  • And, don’t forget a camera to capture all the insane views, and a reusable water bottle to keep with you

How to Get There (with the Closure)

From Los Angeles or Orange County

If you’re planning a quick weekend escape from Southern California, the best route is via US-101 North. It’s the fastest way to reach the open, accessible half of Highway 1 – from Monterey down to Lucia – without losing hours to detours or closures farther south.

• Drive Time: ~6 – 6½ hours
• Route: Take US-101 North through Santa Barbara, San Luis Obispo, and Salinas, then cut west toward Monterey or Pacific Grove to join Highway 1 South.
  • This route keeps the trip efficient for a two-day getaway. You’ll reach the coast just north of Big Sur, so you can spend your time exploring the scenic stretch that’s actually open instead of sitting in traffic.

From the Bay Area (San Francisco / San Jose / Monterey Bay)

Coming from NorCal? Lucky you! The drive remains as scenic (and easy!) as ever. Highway 1 from Monterey to Lucia is open and drivable, giving you access to nearly all the iconic viewpoints. You’ll only hit the closure if you try to continue south past Lucia toward Limekiln.

• Drive Time: ~2½ – 3 hours
• Route: Take Highway 1 South directly from San Francisco or Santa Cruz through Monterey and Carmel-by-the-Sea, then continue into Big Sur.
  • Everything from Bixby Bridge down to Lucia is open and accessible from the north. The current closure begins just south of Lucia near Limekiln State Park, so you’ll still be able to visit nearly every major stop – Point Lobos, Garrapata, Bixby Bridge, Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park, Andrew Molera, and more.

If You Have More Time or a Longer Trip

If you’re doing a longer multi-day drive, you can continue with the southern portion of the drive with a detour back on the 101. This really only makes sense if you are ending back in SoCal, and it does add quite a few hours onto your trip, so it’s only worth it if you have at least an additional day or two to spare. But it will get you access to points like Limekiln State Park, Ragged Point, and San Simeon, connecting the full Carmel-to-Cambria route.

Once you finish up the Northern portion of Big Sur, head onto the 68 to connect back to the 101 South. You’ll take exit 283 to merge onto Jolon Rd, where you’ll connect with Nacimiento-Fergusson Rd that will link you back to Highway 1! This road is full of turns, is quite narrow, and does not have guardrails in some areas, so it’s not for the faint of heart. And, definitely not worth attempting at night by any means. But it’s quite a beautiful adventure!

Once you make it to back to Highway 1, head north towards Lucia, and you’ll be able to finish up the Southern stretch of Big Sur with Limekiln State Park, the Flower Trap, Sand Dollar Beach, Jade Cove, Ragged Point, and San Simeon.

You can reference my original 48 Hours in Big Sur post for the full pre-closure route, and where to stop along the way!

What’s Still Open (& Worth Visiting)

North Side Highlights (from Carmel & Monterey)

• Point Lobos State Natural Reserve: Easy coastal trails and sea lion sightings.
• Garrapata State Park: Rugged coastal cliffs and wildflower blooms in spring.
• Bixby Bridge: That iconic shot – still fully open and worth every stop.
• Pfeiffer Beach: Famous for its purple-tinted sand and dramatic rock formations.
• Nepenthe & Café Kevah: Coastal views paired with great food & cocktails upstairs, and great coffee downstairs.
• Henry Miller Library: Artsy, tucked-away spot that perfectly captures Big Sur’s vibe.
• McWay Falls Viewpoints: Accessible from the north side only for now, so check before heading out.

South Side Highlights (from Cambria & Ragged Point)

• Ragged Point Inn: A great base for the southern side, with cliff-top views and a café.
• Elephant Seal Vista Point: Just north of San Simeon – a must-see stop, especially in winter, to see the thousands of elephant seals on the beach.
• Limekiln State Park: Partially open for hiking and waterfalls, depending on slide status.

While the South Side of Big Sur is still breathtaking, the Northern Side does contain a majority of the iconic Big Sur spots, so if you only have a weekend to spare, focusing on the Northern area makes the most sense.

48 Hours in Big Sur itinerary (Updated 2025)

Even with part of Highway 1 still closed, Big Sur is just as magical as ever. This itinerary focuses on the open northern stretch, where you’ll find the area’s best hikes, overlooks, and spots to slow down with a glass of wine as the sun sets over the Pacific. It’s the perfect way to spend a 48-hours soaking in that classic Big Sur feeling.

Day 1: LA → Pacific Grove → Big Sur Village

Total Drive Time: ~6 – 6½ hours from LA (with stops)

6:30 AM: Leave LA Early

Hit the road on US-101 North early in the morning to get ahead of any LA traffic. Grab a quick coffee or breakfast en route so you can reach Pacific Grove by midday. Missing traffic, it should take you around 5½ hours to reach Pacific Grove!

11:30 AM: Pacific Grove Coffee & Lunch Stop

Break up the drive in Pacific Grove, a quiet seaside town bordering Monterey.

• Coffee: Order a cold brew or flat white at Captain Stoker Coffee Roasters to keep you going from the morning drive – it’s a cute spot with great espresso.
• Bakery: If you make it to Pacific Grove on a Saturday, you must stop at Pavel’s Bakery for some of the best pastries – get the huge cinnamon bun and a ham & cheese croissant to refuel.
• Lunch: Itching to sit for a meal instead? Check out Red House Café for hearty sandwiches and soups or Beach House at Lover’s Point if you want ocean views.
• Explore: Take a short walk along Lover’s Point Park Trail for some beautiful views; sea otters and harbor seals often float in the kelp beds below.

1:00 PM: Point Lobos State Natural Reserve

Just ten minutes south, Point Lobos is a must-stop. Park at the main entrance and hike the Cypress Grove Trail, a one-mile loop through twisted cypress trees and turquoise coves. The viewpoints here are some of the most photogenic along the entire coast.

2:30 PM: Garrapata State Park (Soberanes Point Trail)

Continue south to Gate 8 or 9 at Garrapata. The Soberanes Point Trail (1.6 mi) hugs the cliffs with nonstop ocean views, wildflowers in spring, and waves crashing far below. Bring a light jacket — it’s breezy but beautiful.

4:00 PM: Bixby Bridge Viewpoint

Five miles down Highway 1, pull over at the north turnout for the famous photo of Big Sur – the Bixby Bridge overlook. Afternoon light hits the bridge and canyon perfectly – it’s worth taking a few minutes to just stand and take it in.

5:30 PM: Check In at Big Sur Cabins & Campground

Tucked under the redwoods along Highway 1, Big Sur Cabins & Campground strikes the perfect balance between cozy and rustic. The cabins have porches, fire pits, and the sound of the river nearby – ideal for a low-key Big Sur stay.

6:30 PM: Find a Sunset Spot

Before dinner, make time for sunset – it’s one of the most unforgettable parts of any Big Sur trip. If you’re staying near Big Sur Village, drive a few minutes north and pull off at one of the coastal turnouts where you can see the water; anywhere along this stretch glows in gold as the sun drops.

If you feel comfortable driving in the dark, you can go a bit further out to Garrapata or Bixby. There’s countless spots up here, including the two just called out, but we ended up stopping near the Little Sur River Beach Overlook. Watching the sun melt into the horizon was just incredible. We even spotted a deer across the highway!

Wherever you end up, park safely, roll down the windows, and just sit for a few minutes – the light, the cliffs, and the sound of the ocean are pure Big Sur magic.

7:30 PM: Relax Back at Your Cabin

Return to your cabin for a slow evening under the trees. If you’re up for it, cook dinner right at the campsite – light a fire, cook some hot dogs, listen to the river, and enjoy the quiet. A fire under the trees beats any restaurant rush.

And don’t forget to look up! With almost no light pollution, Big Sur’s night sky is incredible. You’ll see thousands of stars, the Milky Way stretching clear across the canyon, and maybe even a few shooting stars if you’re lucky. It’s the perfect way to end a night here.

Day 2: Big Sur’s Northern Highlights → Back to LA

Total Drive Time: ~2 – 3 hours round trip within Big Sur + ≈ 6 hours back to LA

7:30 AM: Morning Hike at Andrew Molera State Park

Start your day with a sunrise hike at Andrew Molera State Park. The Bluffs Trail is a 4½-mile coastal hike that follows oceanfront cliffs with nonstop views of the Pacific. Go early – the light is golden, the fog is still lifting, and you’ll likely have the trail all to yourself.

10:00 AM: Coffee & Quick Breakfast at Big Sur Village

Head back to Big Sur Village for a caffeine fix and quick bite at Village Coffee & Breakfast – a cozy local favorite known for strong espresso, homemade pastries, and breakfast burritos that actually keep you full for the drive ahead. Grab a seat outside if it’s sunny; it’s the kind of low-key spot that sums up Big Sur perfectly.

10:45 AM: Head South Toward Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park & Stop at the Vista Point

Drive south on Highway 1, following the cliffs and ocean curves toward Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park. Even though the road closes farther down, this stretch is still fully open — and it’s one of the most beautiful drives in California.

Pull over at the Julia Pfeiffer Burns Vista Point — the overlook that gives you that classic Big Sur view of the ragged cliffs against some of the brightest water in Big Sur. You’re seeing the start of the McWay Falls area, so it’s a glimpse of what’s to come ahead!

11:30 AM: McWay Falls Viewpoint

Stop at the McWay Falls viewpoint, the most beautiful overlook with a view of the iconic waterfall cascading onto the beach below. This view always is magical to see in person! The main trail to the overlook within the park remains closed, but this turnout above still offers incredible views of the cove and the bright turquoise water.

12:00 PM: Partington Cove Hike

About a mile north of McWay Falls, look for a small dirt turnout and gate marking the start of the Partington Cove Trail. This is one of Big Sur’s hidden gems and absolutely worth a stop.

The trail splits into two short paths, and both are worth doing:

• Beach Trail: A steep descent that leads to a rocky shore with pounding surf and dramatic sea cliffs.
• Cove Trail: Pass through a tunnel carved into the rock to reach a hidden cove where the waves crash against dark boulders — it’s rugged, raw, and quintessential Big Sur.

Each trail is less than a mile round trip, but plan for about an hour total including time to explore and climb back up.

1:45 PM: Late Lunch at Nepenthe

Head north for lunch at Nepenthe, Big Sur’s most iconic restaurant perched high above the ocean. Grab a seat on the deck, order a glass of wine, and enjoy those sweeping cliffside views – it’s one of those “you can’t come to Big Sur and skip this” moments.

3:00 PM: Scenic Stops on Your Way Out

As you head north toward Carmel, make a few last pullovers:

• Little Sur River Beach Overlook: Broad views where the river meets the ocean, often with surfers or sea birds below.
• Great Sur Vista Point: A dramatic overlook just past Nepenthe with wide-angle ocean views and a perfect photo perspective of the coastline below.
• Hurricane Point Overlook: One of the highest vantage points on Highway 1, offering panoramic views of the curving highway and rugged cliffs stretching for miles. On a clear day, you can see all the way to Point Sur.
• Bixby Bridge (North Turnout): Big Sur’s most famous viewpoint, and worth a second stop if you caught it in different light on Day 1. The late-afternoon glow over the canyon gives it a completely new look.
• Rocky Creek Bridge Vista Point: Just north of Bixby, this smaller bridge offers a quieter perspective and fewer crowds – a great place to grab a final photo before leaving the coastline.
• Notley’s Landing Viewpoint: The northernmost stop before reaching Garrapata, this tucked-away turnout offers sweeping views of the cliffs and coastline. Once home to a 1930s roadhouse, it’s now a peaceful overlook with some of the best last glimpses of Big Sur.

4:00 PM: Begin the Drive Home

Once you’ve soaked up your last Big Sur views, reconnect with the US-101 for the trip back south. Prepare for a 6-ish hour drive back to LA, pending the time you leave.

Where to Stay in Big Sur

Where you stay can really shape your Big Sur trip – especially right now, since the closure limits how far you can drive in one stretch. I highly recommend basing yourself in Big Sur Village, to be as close as possible to all the highlights. It’ll majorly help your driving times, too.

Big Sur Village Base (Recommended):

• Big Sur Cabins & Campground: cozy redwood cabins + fire pits.
• Glen Oaks Big Sur: chic, mid-century cabins surrounded by trees.
• Big Sur River Inn: riverside restaurant and relaxed stay.
• Ventana Big Sur: splurge-worthy luxury with ocean views.

Pro Tip: Book as far in advance as you can – Big Sur lodging sells out months ahead for weekends.

Tips Before You Go

• Always check Caltrans QuickMap or BigSurCalifornia.org for the latest road updates.
• Fill up your gas tank before entering Big Sur – there’s only two stations in Big Sur Village and they are pricey.
• Download offline maps – cell service is patchy at best.
• The full coast drive should reopen by spring 2026, so keep this route in your back pocket for now.

Wrapping Up Your Big Sur Road Trip

Even with Highway 1 still partially closed, Big Sur hasn’t lost an ounce of its magic. The cliffs are just as dramatic, the fog still rolls in at sunrise, and those ocean views will stop you in your tracks every single time. Sure, you’ll have to turn around instead of driving the full stretch – but that just means more time to slow down, linger at overlooks, and actually soak it all in.

Whether you’re coming from LA for a quick weekend escape or road-tripping down from Northern California, Big Sur remains one of those rare places that never disappoints. Plan ahead, embrace the detours, and you’ll still experience one of the most unforgettable drives in California.