An 80-foot waterfall pours right onto a sandy cove on this coast, and you can see it from a short, easy trail.
That alone made me want to pack a bag. Then I learned the coastal highway here fully reopened in January 2026.
That means the full drive along this wild part of California is back on the table. Bridges from the 1930s still leap across deep canyons. Elephant seals still sprawl on the sand like they pay rent.
The best part is that most of these stops sit right off the road. You can pull over, stretch your legs, and grab a jaw-dropping photo in minutes. No hiking boots required for most of them.
A few even come with a bench or a short trail.
I love that a road trip this famous still offers quiet corners. So which cliffside view will you chase first before the year runs out?
1. McWay Falls View Point
A waterfall that lands on a beach sounds like something a kid would draw. Yet here it is, pouring off a cliff onto a sandy cove in California.
McWay Falls drops about 80 feet onto a secluded beach and into the Pacific. The viewpoint sits inside Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park, along Highway 1.
Access to the McWay Falls overlook is currently restricted, so check official park updates before planning your visit.
The McWay Falls Overlook Trail is approximately half a mile round trip, but it remains closed for repairs and is currently not wheelchair accessible.
That makes it a great pick for families with little hikers. Strollers, grandparents, and sleepy teens can all handle this one.
The park is named for Julia Pfeiffer Burns, a local homesteader. She was known for her love of this rugged land.
You won’t find a restaurant at the viewpoint, so pack snacks before you arrive. A full stomach makes staring at waterfalls much more enjoyable.
Parking options include a lot and nearby roadside spots. Some parking is free, while the state park lot charges a fee.
Plan to arrive during park hours, which run from morning until sunset. Then grab your camera and let the water steal the show.
Address: 53034 CA-1, Big Sur, CA 93920.
2. Hurricane Point Vista Point
With a name like Hurricane Point, you might expect a little drama. The view delivers it, minus the actual storm.
Perched along Highway 1 south of Bixby Creek Bridge, this turnout faces north. From here, you can spot the famous bridge and miles of rugged coast.
Photographers love this angle for a good reason. The bridge looks small against the cliffs, which shows just how big Big Sur really is.
Sunset is a popular time to stop. The light paints the coastline in soft colors that look great in pictures.
Here’s a handy tip if you dislike crowds. Weekend afternoons tend to get busy, especially Saturday and Sunday.
Weekday evenings and early mornings are usually calmer. You’ll have more elbow room for that perfect panoramic shot.
The viewpoint is open 24 hours, so timing is up to you. Parking is free, with a lot and roadside spaces nearby.
Highway 1 through this area has been fully open since January 2026. So there’s no excuse to skip this one on your drive.
Hold onto your hat, though, because that name might be a gentle hint. Coastal breezes love a high point.
Address: 28413 Cabrillo Hwy, Carmel, CA 93923.
3. Bixby Bridge Vista Point
Some bridges get you across a creek. Bixby Creek Bridge got its own fan club and a spot on countless postcards.
Built in the 1930s, the concrete arch spans a deep canyon. It towers about 260 feet above its base, which makes your stomach do a tiny flip.
This vista point gives you the classic framed view. Dramatic cliffs, turquoise water, and that graceful arch all line up beautifully.
Golden hour is a favorite time for photos here. The late light makes the concrete glow against the blue ocean.
Safety matters at this stop. Stopping on the bridge or at its immediate ends is not allowed.
Use the turnouts north of the bridge instead. They give you room to park and snap pictures without blocking traffic.
Both free and paid parking options exist in the area. Arrive with patience, since this is one of Big Sur’s most famous landmarks.
Highway 1 here has been fully open since January 2026. That makes this California icon easy to add to your road trip.
Bring a wide-angle lens if you have one. Trust us, the canyon is bigger than your phone screen expects.
Address: 39020 Coast Rd, Monterey, CA 93940.
4. Seal Beach Overlook
Bring binoculars, because the stars of this show stay far below. Seals lounge on the beach while you watch from a high cliff.
Seal Beach Overlook is a small turnout on Highway 1. It packs in big coastal views for such a tiny space.
The seals sit quite far away, so your eyes alone may not cut it. A pair of binoculars turns blurry dots into napping marine mammals.
You may hear them before you spot them. Their barks and grunts drift up from the shore.
Keep looking up, too. Lucky visitors sometimes spot the rare California condor soaring overhead.
Condors are huge birds with very wide wings. Seeing one glide past the cliffs is a moment you won’t forget.
The overlook is open 24 hours. Thursday and Saturday mornings tend to be busier than other times.
Afternoons and weekdays are often quieter. That gives you more space to scan the beach and the sky in peace.
Pack a light jacket and some patience. Wildlife runs on its own schedule, not yours.
Address: 49664 CA-1, Big Sur, CA 93920.
5. Garrapata State Park Vista Point
Quiet views are rare on a famous highway. This lookout near Carmel offers peace along with plenty of ocean drama.
Garrapata State Park sits on Highway 1, south of Carmel. It features about two miles of beachfront and several coastal overlooks.
A short trail leads out to a coastal cliff. From there, you can soak up wide views of the shoreline.
Below, you’ll spot a beautiful, secluded beach. It feels far away from busy roads, even though the highway is close by.
Want a snack with a view? The pullout is a popular place to stop and grab a bite.
Pack a simple picnic before you leave town. Sandwiches taste better when waves are crashing nearby.
Parking is in dirt pullouts along the highway. There’s no entry fee, which is a nice surprise in Big Sur country.
Tuesday afternoons are usually the quietest time. Sunday and Monday mornings tend to get busier.
The trails here wind from beaches toward redwood groves. That makes this stop a fun mix of ocean and forest in one place.
Address: 25013 CA-1, Carmel, CA 93923.
6. Great Sur Vista Point
Calling yourself Great Sur Vista Point is bold. Luckily, the view backs up the name without any bragging needed.
This pullout sits along Highway 1 in the Carmel area. It’s one of many stop-offs that line this famous stretch of coast.
So what do you get here? Dramatic cliffs, turquoise waves, and a wide sky that seems to go on forever.
It’s the kind of stop that makes you breathe a little slower. Sometimes the best plan is just to stand and look.
Big Sur has plenty of turnouts, and you’ll see many on your drive. Treat this one as a chance to pause before the next curve.
Short stops like this help break up a long drive. Your legs and your driver will both thank you.
Keep your camera handy, but don’t forget to look up from the screen. The ocean colors here deserve your full attention.
Watch for traffic when you pull in and out. Highway 1 is winding, and drivers can come around corners quickly.
Arrive with snacks and water, since this is a simple roadside stop. Then let the scenery handle the entertainment.
Address: Carmel, CA 93923.
7. Elephant Seal Vista Point
Hundreds of elephant seals snoozing on a beach are pure comedy. They flop, burp, and nap like it’s their full-time job.
This viewpoint sits right off Highway 1, approximately 7.8 miles north of San Simeon.
It marks the southern stretch of the Big Sur coast in California.
An observation deck and boardwalk overlook the shoreline. You get a close view of the seals without disturbing them.
The beach is famous during birthing and breeding seasons. That’s when the crowds of seals get especially large and lively.
Elephant seals aren’t the only guests. Sea lions and pelicans also like to rest along this shore.
Informational signs help explain what you’re watching. Kids and curious adults can learn some fun facts on the spot.
Parking is free, which makes it easy to stop for a few minutes or an hour. The viewing area is open daily from sunrise to sunset.
One practical note: there’s no restroom at this site. Plan a quick stop elsewhere before you arrive.
Weekend mornings and afternoons tend to be busiest. Weekdays can feel calmer for seal watching.
Address: San Simeon, CA 93452
8. Ragged Point – Scenic View
Known as the Gateway to Big Sur, Ragged Point greets you with serious cliff views. It perches high above the Pacific at the southern end of the coast.
Here, the Santa Lucia Mountains meet the ocean. The drop is steep, and the scenery is wide open.
Unlike many roadside stops, this one comes with comforts. You’ll find restrooms, a mini-mart, a café, a restaurant, and an inn.
The restaurant offers indoor and outdoor seating. Eating lunch with a cliffside view beats a drive-thru any day.
Gardens fill the grounds and make for a pleasant stroll. A nature trail with benches offers more spots to sit and gaze.
Traveling with a pup? Some areas are pet-friendly, so your four-legged friend can enjoy the breeze too.
For the adventurous, a challenging hike leads down to a remote beach. Wear good shoes, because the trail is steep.
This is a great place to stretch out a long drive. Fuel up, use the restroom, and take in the view before heading north.
Address: 19019 CA-1, Ragged Point, CA 93452
9. Big Sur Lookout
Sometimes the simplest name hides a great seat. Big Sur Lookout keeps things plain, but the views are anything but dull.
This scenic spot sits along the coastal highway. It’s known for wide coastal and ocean views that beg for a photo.
Photographers will feel right at home here. The scenery offers plenty of angles, from crashing waves to rugged cliffs.
Need a break from driving? You’ll find a place to sit and rest your legs.
That makes it a smart stop for road trippers. Pull over, sip some water, and reset before the next set of curves.
Many drivers consider it a must-see on the coastal highway. It’s an easy way to squeeze more beauty into your trip.
Try visiting at different times of day if you’re staying nearby. Morning light and evening light can make the coast look totally different.
Pack a snack and a jacket, since coastal weather can shift fast. Fog and sunshine often trade places along this shoreline.
Bring your best camera and some patience. Waiting for the perfect wave can be half the fun.
Address: Big Sur, CA 93920.
10. Little Sur View Point
Rivers meeting the ocean always feel a bit magical. At Little Sur View Point, you can watch it happen without leaving the parking lot.
From this Highway 1 stop, the Little Sur River empties into the Pacific. The meeting of fresh water and salt water makes a lovely scene.
You don’t need to hike to enjoy it. The view works great for pictures right from where you park.
That makes it perfect for a quick stop. Hop out, snap a few shots, and soak in the moment.
The drive here is part of the treat. Mountains rise on one side while ocean views stretch out on the other.
Each turn seems to reveal a new scene. It’s easy to see why this road is so famous.
There’s no restaurant at this viewpoint. Bring snacks if you plan to linger and watch the river flow.
Fog can roll in on the coast, so check the sky before you go. Clear days show off the river mouth best.
Save this stop for last, and end your trip on a high note. Sometimes the finale is the best part of the show.
Address: 84J5+98, Monterey, CA 93940