Highway 1 – Big Sur – Monterey County

Highway 1 is the best-known scenic drive in Monterey County, and one of the top scenic drives in the world. It’s a National Scenic Byways Program All-American Road and a State Scenic Highway. It’s been named one of the best scenic drives in the U.S. by (among others) Forbes, ShermansTravel, Falcon Guides, SmarterTravel, GORP, and Lonely Planet, one of the world’s best drives by London’s Sunday Times, and a “Drive of a Lifetime” by National Geographic Traveler.

Highway 1 through Monterey County shows off a wide range of local geography. At Monterey County’s northern border, you’ll see the flat wetlands of Elkhorn Slough and the working fishing port of Moss Landing. As you head south, you’ll pass artichoke fields and rolling sand dunes on your way to Monterey. Head south of Monterey, and you’ll see cypress forests followed by the breathtaking craggy coastline of Carmel Highlands. Drive even further south and you’ll see the towering cliffs, beautiful redwoods and stunning bridges of Big Sur.