Motorcycle route Pacific Coast Highway — Big Sur
Highway 1 between Monterey and San Simeon is one of the most beautiful rides in the world: about 90 miles of curves carved into cliffs above the Pacific, with Bixby Bridge and the Big Sur coast. The weather changes by the mile: sun inland, thick fog on the next headland.
135 mi
9h24
CA-1 (Pacific Coast Highway) from Monterey through Carmel and Big Sur to San Simeon
No tolls on Highway 1 (17-Mile Drive in Pebble Beach is a paid optional detour).
Weather along the route right now
Free preview: we split the route into 6 points and show the forecast for the estimated time you'll pass each one, departing on the next full hour.
1. Monterey
Passing ~03:00 PM · 0 mi
53°F
Light rain
2. Monterey
Passing ~03:43 PM · 27 mi
54°F
Light rain
3. Monterey
Passing ~07:33 PM · 54 mi
52°F
Cloudy
4. Monterey
Passing ~11:07 PM · 81 mi
63°F
Clear sky
5. Monterey
Passing ~11:43 PM · 108 mi
60°F
Mostly sunny
6. San Simeon
Passing ~12:21 AM · 135 mi
62°F
Clear sky
Route data from OpenStreetMap and forecasts from Open-Meteo — variations may occur.
Gas stations, food and tolls
In the app you can toggle markers for gas stations, food and tolls along this route, with a direct link to Google Maps for each point.
Monterey → Carmel-by-the-Sea → Big Sur → San Simeon
Riding Big Sur
The road is narrow, with tight curves, few guardrails and long drops to the ocean. Pullouts are frequent: use them for photos and to let faster traffic pass.
Tourist traffic and RVs are heavy on summer weekends. Weekday mornings are calmer.
Landslides regularly close sections of Highway 1. Check Caltrans road status before you leave.
Marine layer, wind and rain on the coast
The marine layer (coastal fog) is common from late spring to summer, especially in the morning, and can make the pavement damp.
Strong crosswinds blow on exposed headlands and bridges such as Bixby Creek.
Winter storms bring heavy rain and rockfall. See the forecast for the hour you'll be on each stretch, not just for Monterey.
Fuel and stops
Fill up in Monterey or Carmel: fuel in Big Sur is scarce and expensive.
Classic stops: Bixby Bridge, Pfeiffer Big Sur, McWay Falls and the elephant seals near San Simeon.
Nepenthe and the Big Sur village have food and coffee with ocean views.
Tips for this road
- Fall (September–October) often has the clearest skies on the coast.
- Bring layers: it can be warm inland and cold and foggy on the cliffs.
- Avoid riding after dark: no lighting, wildlife and sheer drops.
- Check for closures and landslide repairs before heading south.
Rider questions
How long is the ride from Monterey to San Simeon on Highway 1?
About 90 miles (150 km). Plan 3 to 4 hours with photo stops.
When is the best time to ride Big Sur?
September and October usually bring less fog and clearer skies. In summer, ride later in the morning once the marine layer burns off.
Is Highway 1 in Big Sur open?
Landslides close sections from time to time. Check Caltrans before leaving and use the forecast to avoid rain on the cliffs.
Calculate this route with your own departure time
Alternative routes, storm alerts and the full map with forecasts for every stretch.
Open Rota Clima