Summary
Before you can find out how to get to Big Sur on the California coast, you need to know where you’re going.
Where Is Big Sur?
Other California places may have definite boundaries on a map, but Big Sur isn’t one of them. Snuggled between the Santa Lucia Mountains and the Pacific Ocean, it extends more or less from San Simeon to the Carmel River. If you search for Big Sur using an online map or app, you may find a pin dropped in the middle of the mountains, which probably isn’t your intended destination.
You might also see a community named Big Sur on the map, about 30 miles south of Carmel. While it’s in the middle of the area commonly referred to as Big Sur, it is not on the coast. Instead, it’s located in a forested, inland area along the Big Sur River.
The only way to drive through Big Sur is on scenic California Highway One. This road is renowned for its winding turns, stunning cliffs, and breathtaking views that make driving it thoroughly worthwhile.
How to Get to Big Sur by Car, Motorcycle or Bicycle
To reach Big Sur, you’ll need to access Highway One, no matter where you’re coming from.
These directions will work for automobiles and motorcycles; however, if you plan to arrive by bicycle, be aware that some sections of US Hwy 101 are controlled access and cannot be traversed.
You may wonder what sights await you along the way to Big Sur. There are plenty of attractions to discover. For more detailed insights, there are numerous guides available online.
From the South: If you are traveling from Los Angeles, Santa Barbara, or anywhere south of San Luis Obispo, exit US Hwy 101 at San Luis Obispo, then follow CA Hwy 1 north through Morro Bay. Alternatively, you can exit US Hwy 101 onto CA Hwy 46 west north of Atascadero and join CA Hwy 1 just south of Cambria.
From the North: If you’re coming from San Francisco, San Jose, or any area north of Monterey, take US Hwy 101 south to CA Hwy 156 west at Prunedale, then follow CA Hwy 1 south. Additionally, you can also access Hwy 1 from 101 via CA Hwy 68 west through Salinas. For those in Santa Cruz, Carmel, or Monterey, simply follow CA Hwy 1 south.
How to Get to Big Sur Without a Car
First, let’s address transportation options that are not viable. There is no train service to Big Sur, and major bus companies like Greyhound do not provide routes to this scenic destination.
You can reach Big Sur from Monterey or Carmel using public transportation on Monterey-Salinas Transit Line 22, which will take you as far south as Nepenthe Restaurant.
Guided tours are another excellent way to visit Big Sur. Consider booking a private day trip from San Francisco with companies like A Friend in Town or Blue Heron. Both are reputable firms known for their fantastic excursions.
If your journey to Los Angeles includes a passage through Big Sur, Green Tortoise offers a 3-day tour down the coast, along with several other companies that provide similar services. Searching online for “Big Sur bus tour” can yield more options.
What You Need to Know Before You Go to Big Sur
No matter which approach you take to reach Big Sur, be aware that the road can sometimes close due to landslides, particularly during the winter rainy season. It is advisable to stay informed about current road conditions and check for detours before your journey.
