Highway 1 Road Trip - Carmel Mission Inn

  • Highway 1 Road Trip

 

The Legendary Highway 1 Is Back

Rediscover California's Most Iconic Road Trip

Highway 1 offers some of California’s most memorable scenery, and Carmel Mission Inn places you right at the edge of it. From here, the coastline opens up immediately, inviting unhurried exploration and quiet moments along the water. Cruise south toward Big Sur’s iconic stretches or hang around Carmel for trails, coves, and plenty of local character. No matter your game plan, Carmel Mission Inn makes an easy, comfy launchpad for exploring the best of the Central Coast.

    Monterey & Carmel‑by‑the‑Sea

    Distance from Carmel Mission Inn: 1 - 6 miles | 5 - 15 minutes

    Monterey and Carmel by the Sea sit right at the gateway to Highway 1, offering bright coastal views and a mix of small town charm and ocean energy. If you are gearing up for the full drive, this is the perfect place to ease into the trip with standout scenery, local flavor, and a sense of lift off before the road tightens and the coastline turns bold.

      Bixby Creek Bridge and Point Sur State Historic Park

      Distance from Carmel Mission Inn: 13 - 19 miles | 20 - 25 minutes

      This standout stretch of Big Sur delivers some of the most photographed views on the California coast. Bixby Creek Bridge and Point Sur rise above the Pacific with bold, cinematic energy, giving anyone who heads south from Carmel a mix of sweeping vistas and memorable landmarks that feel made for the open road.

        Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park
        and Pfeiffer Beach

        Distance from Carmel Mission Inn: 26 - 29 miles | 35 - 45 minutes

        Towering cliffs, redwood groves, and winding coastal roads shape this signature stretch of Big Sur, the heart of Highway 1. A short hike to Pfeiffer Falls or the overlook above McWay Falls adds a quick dose of adventure, while nearby Pfeiffer Beach offers distinctive sands and bold rock formations that feel almost otherworldly. This part of the route is ideal for travelers looking to spend a half or full day exploring the coastline at a relaxed pace.

          Ragged Point and Coastal Beaches

          Distance from Carmel Mission Inn: 50 - 55 miles | 65 minutes

          South of Big Sur, Ragged Point delivers sweeping views where the Santa Lucia Mountains drop toward the Pacific. The drive from Carmel is packed with dramatic turns and open ocean scenery, leading to cliffside overlooks, quiet beaches, and short trails that feel perfect for a relaxed coastal outing without committing to a full day on the road.

            Piedras Blancas Elephant Seal Rookery

            Distance from Carmel Mission Inn: 65 miles | 85 minutes

            One of Highway 1’s most memorable wildlife stops sits along the shoreline south of Big Sur. At Piedras Blancas, thousands of elephant seals gather throughout the year, creating a rare and fascinating scene that is easy to view from the boardwalks above the beach. It is a standout moment for travelers looking to add a little wildlife magic to their coastal drive.

              Hearst Castle

              Distance from Carmel Mission Inn: 63 miles | 80 minutes

              Rising above the coastline, Hearst Castle brings a mix of history and bold architecture to the Highway 1 experience. The drive south from Carmel sets the stage for a visit filled with grand rooms, famous pools, and wide open views of the Pacific. It is a standout stop for travelers looking to add a little old Hollywood flair to their coastal adventure.