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Big Sur Road Trip: 2 Days on Highway 1

Itinerary by the TimeLine team

Highway 1 from Carmel to San Simeon: sea cliffs, redwoods and waterfalls on one of the world's great drives.

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Day 1 · 4 stops

  1. Carmel-by-the-Sea

    Ocean Ave, Carmel

    A storybook town with a white-sand beach; stock up on food and gas before Big Sur.

    Tip: Gas and cell service are scarce along Big Sur.

  2. Point Lobos State Natural Reserve

    Point Lobos

    Coves, sea otters and cypress trees on short cliff trails.

    Tip: Parking inside fills early; arrive at opening.

  3. Bixby Creek Bridge

    The famous arched bridge. Pull out on the north side for the photo.

  4. Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park

    Redwood trails, including the short hike to Pfeiffer Falls; good for camping or a lodge night.

Day 2 · 4 stops

  1. Pfeiffer Beach

    Sycamore Canyon Rd

    Purple-tinged sand and Keyhole Arch, which glows at sunset in winter.

    Tip: The access road is narrow and not signed; there is a small fee.

  2. McWay Falls

    Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park

    An 80-foot waterfall dropping onto a beach in a turquoise cove — a short, flat walk.

  3. Ragged Point

    A cliff-top inn and viewpoint at the southern gateway to Big Sur.

  4. Elephant Seal Vista Point

    Piedras Blancas, San Simeon

    Thousands of elephant seals on the beach, especially in winter.

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