California Coast
Highway 1 cliffs, hidden beaches, turquoise water, and scenic coastal stops with some of the prettiest views in California.
Ragged Point Big Sur
EasyRight off Highway 1 with plenty of parking and not crowded at all. Take the scenic steps down to a picturesque beach with huge coastal cliffs surrounding you. Stunning ocean views the whole way.
Morro Bay
EasyA nice small town on the way up to the Big Sur coast and a cool place to stop and grab some lunch. You can kayak and canoe around the bay and see the sea lions and otters right from the water — an iconic spot beneath the famous Morro Rock.
Sea Lion Point
EasyAn easy little trail off Highway 1 to go see the sea lions hauled out on the beach. Very cute and very nice — a quick, scenic stop worth pulling over for.
McWay Falls
EasyOff Highway 1 in Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park, McWay Falls flows year round into the ocean. A beautiful cypress forest frames the cliff and the turquoise ocean waters below — one of the most iconic views on the Big Sur coast.
Bixby Bridge
EasyThe most iconic spot in Big Sur — very popular with tons of crowds and little to no parking. Still a beautiful place to pull over and take in the ocean, especially at sunset when the whole coastline lights up.
Garrapata Bluffs
EasyA scenic stop on the way to Big Sur with plenty of roadside parking and nice trails running across the bluffs. One of the best sunset spots along Highway 1.