Turnaround point on Highway 1

Question

We will be driving from Monetery to Morro Beach where we have an overnight stop.

The plan is to drive down Highway 1 towards Big Sur, then come back up to join the 101 at Salinas. Then the 46 over to Cambria and Highway 1 again to Morro Bay.

My question is, where is a good / logical place to turn around near Big Sur? There's nothing specific we want to see but we want to get as much of the Highway 1 experience as we can. I guess as a minimum we would go as far as Bixby Bridge but after that I'm not sure. Google maps gives me around 4.5 hours driving if we turn around at Bixby Bridge and I don't want to overstretch the day.

Answer

Driving down Highway 1 from Monterey towards Morro Bay is one of the most scenic coastal drives in California. Since you’re looking for a turnaround point near Big Sur without overstretching the day, it’s important to balance sightseeing with driving time.

Going as far as Bixby Bridge is already a great choice, as it’s one of the iconic spots along the Pacific Coast and offers stunning photo opportunities. Beyond Bixby Bridge, the road gets narrower and more winding, and services are limited, so it can slow you down significantly.

Here are some logical options for a turnaround point:

Bixby Bridge: About 15 miles south of Carmel, this is a classic stop. It gives you a full Big Sur coastal experience without committing to a very long drive. You can spend 15–30 minutes here for photos and quick views.
Pfieffer Beach / Big Sur Village: If you want to extend slightly beyond Bixby Bridge, you could continue another 10–15 miles south to Big Sur Village or Pfieffer Beach area. There are a few parking spots, a cafe, and the famous purple sand beach. Note that parking can be limited.
Ragged Point: This is much further south, and while the views are incredible, it would likely add 1–1.5 hours of extra driving each way, which may stretch your day too much if your goal is to reach Morro Bay comfortably. Only recommended if you are okay with a longer drive and minimal stops beyond Bixby.

For most travelers doing a day drive from Monterey to Morro Bay with a stop along Big Sur, turning around at Bixby Bridge is the most practical and iconic option. This allows you to experience the winding coastal road, capture the famous bridge, and still have enough time to join 101 at Salinas and continue to Cambria without feeling rushed.

Additional tips:

Leave early from Monterey to maximize daylight and avoid heavy traffic.
Keep an eye on weather and fog conditions along the coast; early morning often gives the clearest views.
Have snacks or a light lunch ready, as restaurant options in Big Sur are limited and can be busy.

In summary, Bixby Bridge is the optimal turnaround point for a scenic, comfortable drive that still allows you to reach Morro Bay at a reasonable time.