Big Sur coastal road closure

Question

We're planning a short drive down the coast in a couple of weeks before attending a wedding.

We were hoping not to have to deal with road closures, but here we are. We're flying into Monterey and staying in Carmel the first night. Then the plan was to drive down to Big Sur for the second night, and then continue to Avila Beach for the third night. After the night in Avila Beach, we'll have some time to sightsee before driving to LA later that day. I'd love some advice on how to cope with the road closure, while staying in the hotels we've reserved, and seeing as much of the coast as possible.

Answer

It’s unfortunate that you’re dealing with road closures on your Big Sur coastal trip, but don’t worry—there are still plenty of ways to make the most of your time on the coast, even if you can’t drive the full stretch of Highway 1. Here’s how you can adjust your itinerary while staying in the hotels you’ve already reserved and seeing as much of the beautiful coastline as possible:

Day 1: Monterey to Carmel
Your first night in Carmel is perfect as it’s right by the coast and offers stunning views of the Pacific. Since there aren’t any major closures affecting this area, you can enjoy scenic drives along 17-Mile Drive or explore the charming town of Carmel-by-the-Sea. You can also visit the famous Carmel Beach or take a walk through the scenic Carmel Mission.

Day 2: Carmel to Big Sur (via Alternate Routes)
The road closure likely affects the main route down the coast (Highway 1) near the Big Sur area. However, there are some alternate routes you can take to still enjoy the stunning scenery. Depending on the closure’s exact location, you may be able to drive south on Highway 1 for a portion of the way and then use Highway 101 or other inland roads to continue toward Big Sur.

Option 1: Highway 101 and Carmel Valley Road – From Carmel, you can take Carmel Valley Road south towards Highway 101. Once on 101, head south to the southern end of the closure. Then, you can drive down the inland route (using Nacimiento-Fergusson Road) to reconnect with Big Sur.
Option 2: Bixby Creek Bridge – If the closure isn’t affecting the southern section of Big Sur, you can still visit famous spots like Bixby Creek Bridge, which is just north of the closure area. It’s an iconic photo op and worth the visit, even if you can't drive the entire coast.

Once you arrive in Big Sur, you can enjoy many other sights that don’t require traveling the entire coastline. Consider visiting McWay Falls, Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park, and the Big Sur River Inn for a taste of the region. If you’re staying at a hotel in Big Sur, you may have to take a slightly longer route to get there, but you’ll still be able to see plenty of the stunning landscape.

Day 3: Big Sur to Avila Beach
After your night in Big Sur, your next destination is Avila Beach. The closure might still impact parts of Highway 1, so you’ll likely need to take Highway 101 south. This route will take you inland, but it’s also scenic and gives you the chance to see different areas, like the charming town of San Luis Obispo. From there, you can head west toward Avila Beach, which is a lovely coastal town with nice beaches and a relaxed vibe. Avila Beach also has some great local restaurants and scenic spots to explore.

Day 4: Avila Beach to LA
After your night in Avila Beach, you can head to LA. Depending on how much time you have for sightseeing, you might want to make a few stops along the way. Consider visiting Pismo Beach or exploring the charming town of Solvang, known for its Danish-style architecture and wine tasting.

Additional Recommendations:

Check for Road Updates: Closures along the coast can change, so make sure to check the current conditions for Highway 1 before you travel each day. It’s possible that the closure will be lifted in certain areas by the time you’re there.
Consider Scenic Alternatives: While the closure is a setback, you can still enjoy the beauty of the region by taking alternative routes, such as inland routes via Highway 101 or local scenic drives.
Be Flexible with Your Timing: Allow yourself some extra time in case of detours. While it may add some travel time, the scenic alternative routes can still provide stunning views of California’s central coast.

With a bit of flexibility and the right detours, you can still enjoy your coastal adventure while taking in the highlights of Carmel, Big Sur, Avila Beach, and beyond. While the road closures may change your route, the beauty of the California coast is still well within reach.

Big Sur coastal road closure

More California (CA) Travel Questions

The attractions mentioned in this question

Popular Destinations

Popular Travel Questions