Highway 1, also known as the Pacific Coast Highway, has reopened fully as of January 14, 2026, after being closed for three years due to repairs. Travelers planning a trip along this route are advised to check current road conditions using the CalTrans QuickMap before heading out.
The stretch of Highway 1 between Santa Cruz and Big Sur is recognized for its scenic beauty, with dramatic cliffs overlooking the Pacific Ocean and unique Monterey cypress trees. This section offers a variety of stops for visitors interested in outdoor activities, food, and sightseeing.
One popular stop is Lighthouse Field State Beach in Santa Cruz, where visitors can walk or bike along West Cliff Drive and watch surfers at Steamer Lane. The next destination is The Picnic Basket café near the Santa Cruz wharf, which serves breakfast items including burritos and doughnuts.
Travelers can continue to Elkhorn Slough, where kayak rentals are available for exploring marshlands inhabited by sea lions and otters. In Monterey, Alvardo Street Brewing Company offers lunch options and house-made beers in both indoor and outdoor settings.
Wine enthusiasts may visit Scheid Vineyards Tasting Room in Carmel-by-the-Sea to sample wines produced from their vineyards across Salinas Valley. The historic Carmel Mission Basilica, founded in 1771 by Junipero Serra, provides insights into local history through museum exhibits.
Further south on Highway 1 is Bixby Creek Bridge, a well-known landmark offering views of the coastline. Visitors are reminded to use designated pull-outs for photography and respect private property.
Big Sur’s Pfeiffer Beach features distinctive purple-striped sand and coastal rock formations such as the keyhole arch. Nepenthe restaurant has served guests since 1949 with meals overlooking ocean vistas. For hiking opportunities, Partington Cove within Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park includes a trail leading through a tunnel carved into rock.
Highway 1 remains an important route for travelers seeking natural landscapes and cultural attractions along California’s coast.
