About This Route
This section of Highway 1 through Big Sur is among the world's most scenic coastal drives. Dramatic cliffs, redwood forests, and the famous Bixby Bridge create an unforgettable experience.
Why ride Big Sur to San Simeon
Big Sur to San Simeon sits in California, USA, and earns its place on this guide for a simple reason: it gives riders something most roads can't — scenery that genuinely makes you stop the bike, with a rhythm that suits a relaxed touring pace.
Across roughly 90 kilometres of asphalt, you'll get a real feel for what riding in this corner of USA is about. It's not the longest route in the region and it isn't trying to be — it's a focused, high-quality stretch that rewards riders who take their time.
What the riding actually feels like
On a medium-rated road like this one, you'll want to be on your game but not on edge. Expect a mix of flowing curves, the odd tight hairpin, and short sections where the surface or traffic forces you to think. Solid intermediate riders with some touring miles under their belt will love it.
Read the road first, then commit. The combination of surface, sightlines and traffic on this route rewards a smooth, relaxed pace far more than aggressive corner entries. The route's twistiness rating of 3/5 and scenic rating of 5/5 give a fair indication of where to focus: more on letting the landscape unfold than on chasing apex after apex.
Best time of year to ride
The honest window is Year-round. In practical terms, this route rides well most of the year, but shoulder seasons usually mean fewer cars and softer light for photos. If you only have a narrow weather window, aim for a weekday rather than a weekend — you'll share the road with far fewer cars and tour buses, and the popular pull-offs won't be jammed.
Fuel, food and stops
Reliable fuel options along or near the route include Carmel, Cambria. Top up before any long climb — pumps in mountain villages can be closed at lunch or on Sundays.
For food and coffee, Nepenthe, Big Sur Bakery are solid stops. Aim for a proper sit-down lunch rather than a vending-machine snack — the locals eat well in this region.
⚠️ Safety and hazards to watch for
Specific hazards on this route include: Fog; Tourists; Road closures.
- Narrow cliff roads
- Landslide closures possible
- Fog
- Big Sur is not reliably open year-round — it has suffered multi-year, multi-month landslide and storm closures (open now, but winter reliability is not guaranteed); expect one-way traffic controls, coastal fog and summer congestion — check Caltrans District 5 status.
Who this route suits
Big Sur to San Simeon works especially well for photographers and slow-tour riders chasing scenery, adventure bike riders who don't mind the occasional rough patch. Recommended bike types are Touring, Adventure, but realistically anything in good mechanical condition with decent tyres will do the job — the road matters more than the badge on the tank.
Insider tips
- Stop at Bixby Bridge
- Hearst Castle at San Simeon
- Nepenthe for lunch with views