Asked by: Jeannetta Ploegaert
travel hotels and motels

Is driving to Big Sur dangerous?

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California Highway 1 in the Big Sur region is one of the state's most dangerous highways, even in good weather. Do not drive faster than is safe under the road and weather conditions. The maximum safe speed may be slower than the posted speed limit.


People also ask, is the drive to Big Sur dangerous?

Rushing off to San Francisco or Los Angeles when you're through with Big Sur is a crime. There's too much else to see. The drive from Santa Cruz to San Francisco along Highway 1 deserves a day of its own. Santa Cruz itself is a must, so are the Santa Cruz Mountains -- think wineries and great redwood hikes.

Beside above, can you drive through Big Sur? One of California's most enchanting drives is through Big Sur, a rugged stretch of coastline between Monterey, Carmel and San Simeon, over a hundred miles of pure scenic bliss. The two-lane State Route 1 traverses this bit of coastline, which is notable for its dreamy state parks, misty horizons and winding turns.

Similarly, is Big Sur worth the drive?

Big Sur is a very worthy road trip destination for anyone who loves to be outdoors and experience nature. Sure, it takes a little longer, but the views of the Pacific Ocean, rocky bluffs, sandy beaches, towering redwoods, and vibrant green hills make it worth the extra time spent on the road.

How much time do you need in Big Sur?

Day One. Assuming ideal traffic conditions, the drive from San Francisco down to the start of Big Sur (using Andrew Molera State Park as the end point) will take around 2 hours and 40 minutes.

Related Question Answers

Antima Mortagua

Professional

What is the best time of year to visit Big Sur?

Best Times to Visit Big Sur. The best time to visit Big Sur is from September to November. With more than 300 days of sunshine per year, Big Sur's peak season runs long, from April to October.

Xiaohong Salmon

Professional

Why is Big Sur famous?

Big Sur has been called the "longest and most scenic stretch of undeveloped coastline in the contiguous United States," a "national treasure that demands extraordinary procedures to protect it from development" and "one of the most beautiful coastlines anywhere in the world, an isolated stretch of road, mythic in

Alfiya Dastis

Explainer

What is the closest city to Big Sur?

As such, if you want to stay in towns closest to the Big Sur area Carmel and San Simeon are the neighboring towns. Since San SImeon is more budet friendly properties, people often include Cambria as a neighboring city of Big Sur. The Moonstone Beach area is an ocean facing lodging area and is popular area to stay at.

Haize Cevada

Explainer

How long does it take to drive from San Francisco to Monterey Bay?

Driving time from San Francisco, CA to Monterey, CA. The total driving time is 1 hour, 59 minutes.

Romayssa Neverov

Explainer

When should I visit Big Sur?

When to Go to Big Sur
The most popular time to visit Big Sur is between April to October, when the weather is nicest. (Though one should be warned that the marine layer coats much of the coast in the mornings during parts of the high season.)

Kexin Kubisch

Pundit

Why is Pfeiffer Beach purple?

WHY IS THE SAND PURPLE AT PFEIFFER BEACH? The purple hues are caused by the different minerals present in the sand. Sand is usually mostly composed of quartz, but at this beach you will find areas of concentrated garnet.

Ixai Moeckel

Pundit

Where should I stay when visiting Big Sur?

Big Sur Hotels and Places to Stay
  • Ripplewood Resort. View Hotel. Big Sur, CA.
  • Fernwood Resort. View Hotel. Big Sur, CA.
  • Big Sur Campground & Cabins. View Hotel. Big Sur, CA.
  • Big Sur Lodge. View Hotel.
  • Big Sur River Inn. View Hotel.
  • Post Ranch Inn. View Hotel.
  • Ventana Big Sur, An Alila Resort. View Hotel.
  • Deetjen's Big Sur Inn. View Hotel.

Yesica Roosendahl

Pundit

How do I spend my day at Big Sur?

If you want to learn what is the best way to explore Big Sur when you only have one day, then keep on reading.
  1. 1) POINT LOBOS NATURAL STATE RESERVE.
  2. 2) GARRAPATA ESTATE PARK & CALLA LILY VALLEY.
  3. 3) BIXBY BRIDGE.
  4. 4) PFEIFFER BEACH.
  5. 5) MCWAY FALLS.

Angelita Javaloyas

Pundit

What should I pack for Big Sur?

Clothing
  • One pair shorts/leggings for hiking during the day.
  • One pair warm long pants for hanging around camp at night.
  • Two tanks/short-sleeved shirts (one to hike in, one for sleeping)
  • One lightweight long-sleeved shirt for warmth in the evening.
  • Fleece or down jacket for warmth.

Sarr Lim

Pundit

How much does it cost to drive 17 Mile Drive?

Admission to 17-Mile Drive is $10.50 per vehicle. The gate fee is reimbursed with a purchase of $35 or more at all Pebble Beach Resorts restaurants, excluding Pebble Beach Market.

Baljit Ditmar

Teacher

What should I wear to Big Sur?

Hat- Beanie or Ball Cap/ Boots for exploring (I like to put my Hunter boots to good use)/ Running shoes for activities/ T shirt/ Jeans / Coat/ Knit Sweater/ Backpack & crossbody bag/ Scarf (for misty mornings)/ Sweatshirt / Shorts/ Dress (for dinner)/ Swimsuit– Especially if you are staying at Post Ranch Inn.

Idrissa Clowes

Teacher

How long does it take to drive Highway 1?

The trip takes about five hours if driven at a leisurely pace. You can drive from the north to the south (Monterey to San Luis Obispo), or south to north.

Sarai Atero

Teacher

How long is the drive from Big Sur to Santa Barbara?

Here's a goList that may give you some additional ideas during your time in Big Sur. The drive from Santa Barbara to San Luis will take about 1.5 hours. A drive straight through on Hwy 1 to Monterey will take about 3.5 hours. While it is all grand, IMO, the best scenery is on the northern section of the the Big Sur.

Mitzi Edet

Teacher

Are there redwoods in Big Sur?

Redwoods there are comparable to Muir Woods. While Big Sur does have redwoods, they are not quite as big as those farther north. Henry Cowell also has a stand of ponderosa pine, common in the Sierra Nevada mountains inland, but rare along the coast. There are redwoods on the coast in Big Sur, and elsewhere.

Firas Carroio

Reviewer

Where should I stay between Big Sur and Los Angeles?

12 Must-Sees On A Road Trip From LA To Big Sur
  • Nitt Witt Ridge, 881 Hillcrest Dr, Cambria, CA, USA.
  • Morro Rock Beach, Morro Bay, USA.
  • Bubblegum Alley, 733.5 Higuera St, San Luis Obispo, CA, USA.
  • Pfeiffer State Park, 52801 California State Route 1, Big Sur, CA, USA.
  • Madonna Inn, 100 Madonna Road, San Luis Obispo, CA, USA.

Ilinca Galand

Reviewer

Where are the seals in Big Sur?

The best place to see seals is at the elephant seal rookery just north of San Simeon near the Piedras Blancas lighthouse. Leffinwell Landing in Cambria on Moonstone Beach Drive is a good place for spotting otters.

Urbici Weylandt

Reviewer

Is road to Big Sur open?

Businesses along the Big Sur Coast on Highway 1 remain open and are accessible from highways 101, 68 and 46. The route will re-open when Caltrans experts decide they're safe, with an update will be provided by mid-day Wednesday, Dec. 4 or sooner.

Rosella Kalitinsky

Reviewer

How far is Big Sur from Pebble Beach?

Distance from Pebble Beach, CA to Big Sur, CA
There are 15.47 miles from Pebble Beach to Big Sur in southeast direction and 20 miles (32.19 kilometers) by car, following the CA 1 route. Pebble Beach and Big Sur are 35 minutes far apart, if you drive non-stop.