Know Before You Go, Pacific Coast Highway Monterey to San Luis Obispo (Big Sur)

Start Planning! 

You’re about to go on an epic adventure along the Pacific Coast Highway through Big Sur! Here’s what you need to know before you go.

• The average tour duration is approximately a full day.
• Tour includes 29 stops and 96 narration audio points.
• The tour can be driven in either direction: northbound or southbound.
• Southbound start: Highway 1 south of Carpenter Street in Carmel-by-the-Sea.
• Northbound start: Highway 1 north of Highland Drive near San Luis Obispo.
• Tour ends south of Morro Bay (southbound) or north of Point Lobos State Natural Reserve (northbound).
• Bathroom stops and restaurant recommendations are included along the route.
• The route features some of California’s most famous coastal landmarks, including Bixby Bridge, McWay Falls, Hearst Castle, and Point Lobos.
• Download the Shaka Guide app and tour before arriving.
• Cell service can be limited throughout portions of Big Sur.
• Bring layers, as coastal weather can change rapidly throughout the day.
• Check road conditions before departing, as Highway 1 closures can occur due to landslides, storms, or wildfires.

Budgeting and Hours of Operation 

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Budget

How much you spend depends on the activities you choose along the route.

• Several California State Parks along the route charge day-use parking fees.
• One California State Parks day pass is generally valid at participating parks for the remainder of the day.
• Hearst Castle tours require paid admission.
• Restaurants, shopping, and optional attractions may add to your overall budget.
• Pfeiffer Beach charges a parking fee and can fill quickly during peak periods.

Hours of Operation 

Hours vary by attraction and season.

• Most California State Parks along the route are typically open from 8:00 AM until sunset.
• Hearst Castle tour schedules vary by season and availability.
• Los Padres National Forest recreation sites operate on seasonal schedules.
• Restaurants and businesses in Big Sur, Cambria, Cayucos, and Morro Bay have varying hours.
• Check official attraction websites before your visit for the latest operating hours.

Get Packing!

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Here’s our recommended packing list for this tour.

• Shaka Guide tour downloaded to your device
• Swimsuit
• Water shoes or flip-flops
• Refillable water bottle
• Comfortable hiking or walking shoes
• Weather-appropriate clothing and layers
• Sunscreen
• Hat
• Sunglasses
• Small first aid kit
• Portable phone charger
• Phone mount for navigation
• Cash or credit card
• Camera or phone with storage for photos

Best Time to Visit     

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Big Sur is beautiful year-round, but each season offers a different experience.

• Spring and fall offer pleasant temperatures, fewer crowds, and excellent sightseeing conditions.
• Summer is the busiest season and can bring morning fog that occasionally obscures coastal views.
• Winter often brings fewer visitors and increased wildlife viewing opportunities, especially elephant seals.
• Winter storms can create hazardous driving conditions and increase the likelihood of road closures and landslides.
• Always check weather forecasts and Highway 1 conditions before departing.

Advanced Reservations

Some attractions along the route are best experienced with advance planning.

• Hearst Castle reservations are strongly recommended, especially during peak travel periods.
• Popular tours can sell out in advance.
• Visit the Hearst Castle website to review tour options and reserve tickets.
• Certain campgrounds and lodging properties in Big Sur often book months in advance during peak seasons.

Safety Information 

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• Highway 1 through Big Sur is a winding coastal road with tight curves, steep drop-offs, and occasional narrow sections.
• Drive cautiously and use designated pullouts to allow faster traffic to pass.
• Exercise extra caution during rain, fog, or low-visibility conditions.
• Highway 1 is occasionally impacted by landslides, storms, and wildfires.
• The Pacific Ocean is cold year-round, and powerful currents can make swimming dangerous.
• Stay back from cliff edges and obey all posted warning signs.
• Never turn your back on the ocean when standing near the shoreline.

Additional Need to Know Information

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• This is one of four Shaka Guide Pacific Coast Highway tours and can be combined with the others for an unforgettable California road trip.
• Popular highlights include McWay Falls, Bixby Bridge, Hearst Castle, Pfeiffer Beach, Point Lobos State Natural Reserve, Morro Bay, Cambria, and Elephant Seal Vista Point.
• California State Parks requiring day-use fees may include:
  • Point Lobos State Natural Reserve
  • Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park
  • Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park
  • Limekiln State Park
• Two stops within the Los Padres National Forest may require a recreation day pass:
  • Sand Dollar Beach
  • Willow Creek Picnic Area
• Nepenthe Restaurant does not accept reservations.
• Pfeiffer Beach is one of the most popular stops on the route and has limited parking. Arrive early if visiting during peak travel periods.
• Before beginning your trip, check California road conditions and Big Sur Highway 1 status updates, as closures can significantly affect travel plans.
• Wildlife viewing opportunities include sea otters, harbor seals, sea lions, whales, elephant seals, and numerous seabird species.

Leave No Trace

While exploring the dramatic cliffs, beaches, forests, and coastal habitats of Big Sur, we encourage you to follow Leave No Trace principles.

Stay on designated trails, respect wildlife from a safe distance, pack out all trash, and avoid disturbing natural or cultural resources. Big Sur’s rugged coastline is one of California’s most treasured landscapes, and responsible recreation helps preserve it for future generations.

By following Leave No Trace principles, you help protect the scenic beauty, wildlife habitats, and fragile ecosystems that make the Pacific Coast Highway such a remarkable destination.

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