The Most Beautiful Coastal Drive in the World—and the Place You’ll Want to Unplug
If there's one road trip that captures the raw, breathtaking beauty of the American West Coast, it's the stretch of Highway 1 through Big Sur. This is where rugged cliffs meet crashing waves, mist hugs the hillsides, and the only thing more dramatic than the views is how deeply it makes you feel.
Big Sur isn’t a city—it’s an experience. A winding coastal highway between Monterey and San Simeon, California, where every turn makes you want to pull over and soak it all in.
Why People Fall in Love With Big Sur
- Views That Don’t Need a Filter
The cliffs. The sea. The sky. It’s all perfectly framed—especially at the iconic Bixby Creek Bridge, a must-stop for any road tripper. - Nature That Forces You to Slow Down
There’s little to no cell service in most parts of Big Sur. No malls. No skyscrapers. Just towering redwoods, ocean breezes, and that sense of freedom you forgot you were missing. - Hidden Beaches & Cliffside Waterfalls
Don’t miss McWay Falls, a rare waterfall that flows directly into the Pacific Ocean. You can’t walk down to the beach, but the overlook is pure magic.
And then there’s Pfeiffer Beach, famous for its purple sand and the natural rock arch that glows at sunset. - Stay in the Middle of Nowhere—in Style
Whether you’re camping by the river or staying at a luxury eco-resort like Post Ranch Inn or Ventana Big Sur, the accommodations here blend into the landscape in the most beautiful way.
How to Get There
- From San Francisco: about a 2.5–3 hour drive south
- From Los Angeles: about a 5–6 hour drive north
Pro tip: take your time, stop often, and treat it like the soul-refreshing journey it’s meant to be.
Big Sur isn’t just a destination—it’s a reminder of how powerful, peaceful, and pure nature can be.
It’s where you ditch the schedule, turn off your phone, and just listen—to the waves, to the wind, and maybe to your own thoughts for the first time in a while.
If your heart needs a break and your spirit needs space, Big Sur is where you’ll find both.