Highway 1, also known as the Pacific Coast Highway, has reopened fully after three years of repairs, according to an update from January 14, 2026. Travelers are advised to check current road conditions on the CalTrans QuickMap before setting out.
The stretch between Santa Cruz and Big Sur is recognized for its scenic views along rocky cliffs and Monterey cypress trees. This route features several notable stops for visitors interested in outdoor activities, dining, and local history.
The journey begins at Lighthouse Field State Beach in Santa Cruz, where West Cliff Drive offers opportunities for walking or biking while watching surfers at Steamer Lane. The next stop is The Picnic Basket café near the Santa Cruz wharf, serving breakfast items and fresh doughnuts.
Further south, Elkhorn Slough provides a chance to kayak among sea lions and otters in a marshy inlet off Monterey Bay. In Old Monterey, Alvardo Street Brewing Company offers lunch options and house-made beers in both indoor and outdoor settings.
Wine enthusiasts can visit Scheid Vineyards Tasting Room in Carmel-by-the-Sea to sample wines produced from grapes grown across the Salinas Valley. Nearby is the Carmel Mission Basilica, established by Spanish priest Junipero Serra in 1771; it now houses museums detailing its history.
Travelers can pause at Bixby Creek Bridge for photographs of one of Highway One’s most recognizable landmarks. Pfeiffer Beach in Big Sur features unique purple-striped sand and coastal rock formations with a keyhole arch offshore.
Nepenthe restaurant has been operating since 1949 and continues to attract guests with its views over the coastline. The trip concludes with a hike to Partington Cove within Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park, accessible via a tunnel carved into rock.
Highway One remains a popular destination for those seeking natural beauty along California’s coast. For more information about current road status or travel guidelines along this route, travelers should consult official resources such as CalTrans QuickMap (https://quickmap.dot.ca.gov/).
