Where to Stop Along Highway 1: Santa Cruz to Big Sur
Highway 1 does not reward the impatient. Its gifts are reserved for those willing to pull over, to take their time, to arrive somewhere without knowing precisely what drew them there.
The drive from Santa Cruz to Big Sur spans just over 70 miles – a distance that, on any other road, might feel incidental. On Highway 1, it can take a lifetime. Not because the road is slow, but because the coast is relentless in its beauty, and the only appropriate response is to stop.
Ready to explore the open road? These are the most scenic stops between Santa Cruz and Big Sur on Highway 1
Part I: Santa Cruz to Davenport
Start the morning along West Cliff Drive, where surfers drift in and out of the water at Steamer Lane and locals wander with coffee. It's a real ritual, and a good way to settle into the pace of the day before heading north.
Local tip: The Picnic Basket, near the wharf, is a reliable breakfast stop. The breakfast burrito is perfect fuel for a long day on the road.
A few miles north, Wilder Ranch State Park opens into wide coastal bluffs. The trails feel expansive in the early hours when the light is still low over the water. Continue toward Davenport and pull off at Shark Fin Cove. The path down takes a bit of care, but the view at the bottom is worth it.
Don't miss: If you pass a handwritten sign for Swanton Berry Farm, turn around. The seasonal pies are the kind you’ll dream of for years.
Part II: Moss Landing to Monterey
As the road turns south, the landscape softens around Elkhorn Slough. This stretch is quieter, shaped by marshland and tidal movement. If time allows, a short paddle through the slough offers a closer look at sea otters and harbor seals.
In Monterey, the energy shifts. It’s livelier here, with historic streets and a working harbor. A walk along Cannery Row or a visit to Monterey Bay Aquarium adds an interactive layer to the trip, especially if you’re traveling with family.
Where to eat: Alvarado Street Brewery has a relaxed setting and a solid seasonal menu. Old Fisherman's Wharf has plenty of options along the water, though it draws a crowd, so plan accordingly.
Part III: Carmel, Pebble Beach & the Reserve
The 17-Mile Drive through Pebble Beach is worth the detour. Weathered Monterey cypresses lean into the wind above the Pacific, and the shoreline moves from protected coves to open cliffs. Even a partial loop is worth your time.
Carmel-by-the-Sea feels tucked away in the best sense: narrow lanes, small courtyards, galleries just off the main streets. It's an easy place to wander without a plan. Slow down for a Pinot Noir at The Scheid Vineyards tasting room before continuing south. Or if you’re feeling more peckish (and looking for delicious souvenirs), The Cheese Shop is a local favorite, offering varieties you can only find in this region.
Go early: Point Lobos State Natural Reserve, just beyond Carmel, is one of the most rewarding coastal walks in the area.
Part IV: Into Big Sur
Heading into Big Sur, the transition happens gradually, then all at once. The cliffs get steeper. The road gets narrower. The ocean takes on a different quality. Bixby Bridge appears around a bend, its arch spanning two cliff faces. This is a beautiful spot for a photo.
Nepenthe has been a fixture in Big Sur for generations, its terrace gently perched over the Pacific. It's easy to lose track of time here. Order the burger, sip a glass of wine, and let the hours float by.
Scenic Stops to Look For
At Pfeiffer Beach, the sand runs faintly purple near the waterline, a result of manganese garnet washing down from the hills. Late afternoon light through the offshore rock arch makes for a view that feels otherworldly.
Garrapata State Park, north of Big Sur, offers quieter stretches of coastline if you want something less traveled by.
Partington Cove is reached through a narrow tunnel cut into the cliff and leads to a secluded inlet.
McWay Falls drops onto the shoreline below in a clean sheet of white against dark sand. It has become one of the most photographed spots on the coast.
Where the Coast Comes to Rest
Set along the protected dunes just north of Monterey, The Sanctuary Beach Resort sits at the natural starting point for a day on Highway 1.
The setting offers refreshing ocean air, open dunes, and mornings that begin with the sound of gentle waves. Afternoons might include a ride through the surrounding landscape or time at the spa. Evenings gather around the fire pits, and Salt Wood Kitchen & Oysterette keeps the coast close at the dinner table.
With Highway 1 newly reopened, the iconic drive is finally restored. To mark the occasion, The Sanctuary is offering up to 20% savings on stays through June 30, 2026 as part of its Highway 1 offer.
Reserve your stay, and start your journey at The Sanctuary.