Carmel-by-the-Sea Trip Overview
Experience a spectacular driving tour that follows Highway 1 to Big Sur, often called “the greatest meeting of land and water in the world.”
You’ll be greeted by views of the Santa Lucia Mountains rising abruptly from the Pacific Ocean, in contrast with the jagged rock cliffs and churning seas. This section of Highway 1, which opened in 1937, is considered one of the most scenic driving routes in the United States, if not the world. It’s filled with unblemished natural scenery and dotted with four state parks, hidden beaches, rocky coves and rolling hills.
On the tour, you’ll cross the iconic Bixby Bridge, pass by the prominent volcanic rock home of the Point Sur Light Station to the Big Sur River Inn and the famous Nepenthe Restaurant before we stop at the Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park.
All stops, visits to state parks and subsequent hikes are optional and parking fees for state parks are not included in the price of this tour.
Additional Info
Duration: 120 to 150 minutes
Starts: Carmel-by-the-Sea, United States
Trip Category: Cultural & Theme Tours >> Historical & Heritage Tours
Explore Carmel-by-the-Sea Promoted Experiences
What to Expect When Visiting Carmel-by-the-Sea, California, United States
Experience a spectacular driving tour that follows Highway 1 to Big Sur, often called “the greatest meeting of land and water in the world.”
You’ll be greeted by views of the Santa Lucia Mountains rising abruptly from the Pacific Ocean, in contrast with the jagged rock cliffs and churning seas. This section of Highway 1, which opened in 1937, is considered one of the most scenic driving routes in the United States, if not the world. It’s filled with unblemished natural scenery and dotted with four state parks, hidden beaches, rocky coves and rolling hills.
On the tour, you’ll cross the iconic Bixby Bridge, pass by the prominent volcanic rock home of the Point Sur Light Station to the Big Sur River Inn and the famous Nepenthe Restaurant before we stop at the Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park.
All stops, visits to state parks and subsequent hikes are optional and parking fees for state parks are not included in the price of this tour.
Pass By: Point Lobos State Natural Reserve, 62 CA-1, Carmel-By-The-Sea, CA 93923, USA
The tour passes by the Point Lobos Natural Reserve. If you want, you have the opportunity to visit the park although it isn’t included in the tour.
Pass By: Carmel Highlands, CA 93923, USA
The tour passes by the Carmel Highlands.
Pass By: Yankee Point Drive, Yankee Point Dr, California 93923, USA
The tour takes you around Yankee Point Drive.
Pass By: Malpaso Creek Bridge, 24200-24246, CA-1, Carmel-By-The-Sea, CA 93923, USA
The tour takes you over the Malpaso Creek Bridge.
Pass By: Garrapata State Park, Highway 1, 6.7 miles south of Rio Road Highway 1, 6.7 miles south of Rio Road in Carmel, Carmel, CA 93923
The tour takes you through Garrapata State Park.
Pass By: Garrapata Creek Bridge, 26640-26668, Ca-1, Monterey, CA 93940
The tour takes you over the Garrapata Creek Bridge.
Pass By: Notley’s Landing viewpoint, Big Sur, CA
The tour passes by Notley’s Landing viewpoint.
Pass By: Rocky Creek Bridge, Big Sur, CA
The tour passes by Rocky Creek Bridge.
Pass By: Bixby Bridge, Highway 1, Big Sur, CA 93920
The tour goes over Bixby Creek Bridge.
Pass By: Hurricane Point view, 28413 Cabrillo Hwy, Carmel-By-The-Sea, CA 93923, USA
The tour passes by Hurricane Point view.
Pass By: Point Sur, California 93940, USA
The tour passes by Point Sur.
Pass By: Andrew Molera State Park, Cabrillo Hwy, Big Sur, CA 93920
The tour passes through Andrew Molera State Park.
Pass By: Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park Sign, 47148-47200, CA-1, Big Sur, CA 93920, USA
The tour passes by the Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park Sign.
Pass By: Pfeiffer Canyon Bridge, CA-1, Big Sur, CA 93920, USA
The tour passes over the Pfeiffer Canyon Bridge.
Pass By: Nepenthe, 48510 CA-1, Big Sur, CA 93920, USA
The tour passes by the Nepenthe restaurant.
Pass By: Henry Miller Memorial Library, Highway One, Big Sur, CA 93920
The tour passes by the Henry Miller Memorial Library.
Pass By: Grimes Canyon, California 93015, USA
The tour passes by Grimes Canyon.
Pass By: Partington Cove, Big Sur, CA
The tour passes by Partington Cove.
Pass By: McWay Waterfall Trailhead, McWay Waterfall Trail, Big Sur, CA 93920, USA
The tour ends at the McWay Waterfall Trailhead parking lot.
