Hugging the coast of California is an impressive highway that has been described as “one of the world’s most beautiful” roads, with incredible coastal vistas in every direction. Big Sur Coast Highway or Highway 1 is a section of California State Route 1 which travels through the Big Sur region of California and is considered to be one of the most scenic driving routes in the US.
Experts from Instarmac included it in their round-up of the most picturesque roads in the world, stating: “One of the world’s most beautiful coastlines is Big Sur, on California’s Central Coast.
“The Coast Highway in this area is one of the world’s most stunning drives, and at just over 70 miles, you can experience it in a single day.”
Condé Nast Traveller previously named State Route 1 through Big Sur one of the top ten world-famous streets, comparing it to Broadway in New York City and the Champs-Élysées in Paris.
The route attracts millions of visitors and can get busy in the summer months, with both locals and tourists taking on the beautiful drive.
The most well-known stretch runs along California’s Central Coast from Santa Barbara to Monterey, passing by the stunning Big Sur coastline.
The road offers a perfect view of where rugged land and aquamarine waters meet.
Along the way, you can expect plenty of iconic stop-off points. These include Bixby Creek Bridge, Pfeiffer Beach which is home to Keyhole Rock, McWay Falls and the Pine Ridge Trail.
Visit California described Bixby Bridge as “Big Sur’s version of the Golden Gate” and perhaps the most famous attraction along the route.
Visit California added: “One of the highest bridges of its kind in the world, the concrete span soars 260 feet above the bottom of a steep canyon.”
They recommend visiting at sunset and watching the colours of day dip below the horizon from the south end of the bridge.
If you want to stretch your legs along the way, Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park offers a half-mile round-trip trail with incredible waterfall views.
“The almost-flat stroll ends at an oceanfront overlook with flawless views of McWay Falls, a favourite spot of Big Sur pioneer woman Julia Pfeiffer Burns, for whom the park is named,” said Visit California.
