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With the reopening of Highway One, one of the world’s most storied coastal drives invites travelers back to the journey that defines California. Winding along cliffs, beaches, and redwood-lined canyons, Highway One is more than a road. It is a rite of passage.

There is no better time to rediscover this legendary route, traveling north from the Central Coast toward Big Sur, where the journey culminates in a serene arrival at Alila Ventana Big Sur.

A Coastal Itinerary from the South

San Simeon and Hearst Castle
Begin where history meets the sea. Perched high above the coastline, Hearst Castle offers a glimpse into California’s gilded past, with sweeping views that set the tone for the road ahead.

Piedras Blancas and Elephant Seal Vista Point
Just north of San Simeon, pause to observe the resident elephant seals lounging along the shore. It is a grounding reminder that this coast remains wild and wonderfully untamed.

Ragged Point
Often called the gateway to Big Sur, Ragged Point marks a dramatic shift in scenery. Stop for coffee or a short nature walk and take in the first truly cinematic views of the coastline.

Limekiln State Park
As Highway One begins to narrow and twist, Limekiln State Park offers a chance to stretch your legs among redwoods, waterfalls, and historic limekiln ruins tucked into the canyon.

Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park
No Big Sur drive is complete without this iconic stop. The view of McWay Falls cascading onto the beach below is a defining image of the California coast.

Arriving at Alila Ventana Big Sur

As the road gently rises into the forest, the journey finds its natural conclusion at Alila Ventana Big Sur. Tucked within 160 acres of coastal redwoods, the resort offers a peaceful counterpoint to the dramatic drive, inviting guests to slow down, reflect, and fully arrive.

Pfeiffer Beach
Just beyond Ventana when traveling north, Pfeiffer Beach is a fitting final stop. Known for its purple-tinged sand and striking rock formations, it offers a quiet, elemental moment at the edge of land and sea.

With Highway One open once again, the spirit of the Big Sur road trip is renewed. More than a drive, it is an invitation to slow down, follow the curve of the coast, and rediscover a deeper connection to the land, the sea, and the quiet luxury of taking the long way there. Keep an eye out for part two, where we will continue north along the Big Sur coast toward Carmel-by-the-Sea.