Old Coast Road
Old Coast Road
4.5
Points of Interest & Landmarks • Scenic Drives
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
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4.5
113 reviews
Excellent
87
Very good
17
Average
5
Poor
3
Terrible
1

Leslie R
Bay City, TX155 contributions
Jun 2021
This was SO worth finding the entrance (across from Bixby Creek Bridge) and the slow drive on a dirt road! We chose to drive from San Francisco to LA on the PCH for the views. This drive allows you to see things you'd miss if that's all you did. You also get a unique view of the Bixby Creek Bridge.

We went on a Monday and we encountered NO other cars on our journey. It has been very dry, so that wasn't an issue at all. I'm very glad about that because there are places that are very, very narrow.
My mom took all the pictures while I drove. She'd gasp at a view and I'd stop so she could snap a picture from inside the car out the window. I really tried to respect the the locals since we were essentially driving through private property. There are several points where someone could just close a gate and not allow us through. I'm sure they don't read these reviews, but if they do, I hope you know how grateful I am that you allow us to travel this hidden gem! THANK YOU!

Tips: Please use a vehicle with a high clearance. My Honda Civic would have bottomed out several times. Fortunately, I rented one of those Nissan Rogue that did just fine. I did put it into 4WD just to ensure I didn't get stuck anywhere.

I hesitate in recommending this drive though. If you are thoughtless, stupid, or unaware of the feelings, thoughts, and wishes of others, please don't do this drive. Don't leave your car, picnic, start a fire, wander, loiter, or trespass.
If, however, you are thoughtful, aware, and conscientious, please take the time to do this lovely 17 mile drive with some of the best vistas in California.
Written June 28, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

bwdlinks
Ft. Lauderdale211 contributions
May 2022 • Couples
This is an excellent drive on the old Coast Road. But Be preferred for hilly bumpy narrow sections. It is unpaved and some of the road has big ditches in it due to water washout. It is mostly through the forest of dense big trees. We thoroughly enjoyed it but just be warned it is not an easy ride.
Written May 28, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

danG4400
Salinas, CA115 contributions
Mar 2014 • Family
The Old Coast Road was the original route for travelers between Monterey and Big Sur prior to Highway 1 being built and linking the two areas in the 1930's. Without strapping on a backpack, it's the best way to explore the Big Sur back country from the convenience of your vehicle.

The Old Coast Road can be access at two locations along Highway 1; at Bixby Creek Bridge and just across from the entrance of Andrew Molera State Park, farther to the south. Cars can travel in either direction. The length of the road is about 10 miles.

From the Bixby Creek Bridge, immediately turn east onto the dirt road and you're on your way. As the road crests just below the ridge, you get a great view of the world famous Bixby Creek Bridge to the west. The road then descends steeply and crosses Bixby Creek. Then, a long gradual uphill through the narrowing canyon alongside a small creek near the top. At the top of this canyon is the worst part of the road; a short and very narrow section that looks like it could fall away at any time.

After cresting the ridge and coming out into the sunlight, there is wonderful views of the surrounding hills and the ocean off to the west. The limestone strewn road then descends steeply again with several sharp corners. The first views of Pico Blanco, the limestone mountain, can be seen from this section. At the bottom of decent, the road crosses the Little Sur River and enters a fern filled Redwood forest. Resist the temptation to check out the river here because the areas on both sides of the road is private property.

The road then climbs again eventually coming out of the forest cresting the ridge after crossing a cattle guard. There is a trail head along this section of the road about 1/2 up from the river bottom that takes you down to the river and into the Los Padres Forest. A wide spot in the road with a gate in the fence marks this spot.

At the top of the ridge there is a fantastic view of Pico Blanco and the Pacific down below. The road then makes its final decent exiting on Highway 1 just across from the entrance to Andrew Molera State Park.

The road is entirely dirt and can be narrow and steep. Although not designated as a 4WD road, you may want to keep the low slung sedans on the Highway. The County maintained road can be impassable in wet weather so be forewarned.

This road affords great views of the Bixby Creek Bridge, the Little Sur River, Pico Blanco, the Pacific, and the Point Sur Lighthouse. Spring is the best time of year to travel this route but really anytime of year will give you a great Big Sur back county experience.
Written October 22, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

lillik932
Tennessee172 contributions
Jun 2016 • Family
There are a couple of reviews that are NOT of this road. This is the old, dirt-only road. It was a tough, long ride for me, but I'm the nervous one. Personally, I hated it and have never wanted off a road so badly in my life. Close to the cliff, no barriers, ruts from small to very deep, no room to pass another car. And we did have to pass one. I think you can drive it in a car if you have a very good driver, but I wouldn't recommend it without 4WD...and still, a good driver who has a great sense of where ever wheel is. If you are a person who gets nervous driving over heights, don't do it! We got through it but I honestly still wish I hadn't done it! It's pretty, but I can see big trees in a lot easier way.
Written June 8, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Tim Yeo
15 contributions
We saw the high ranking Trip Advisor reviews (#6 out of 15 Big Sur attractions), and sufficiently forewarned it was tough on the car, decided to go for it... and almost immediately regretted it.

This is a steep, rocky, pothole-lined road and other than a nice vista of Bixby Bridge and a few fun moments in redwood forest, the views were mediocre at best. One car traveling too fast around a bend nearly careened into us, and another nearly backed off the cliff trying to make way for us to pass. Not to mention the myriad of rocks that crunched and popped under our wheels as we drove over them--all the while praying we wouldn't get a flat tire. One previous reviewer actually got a flat tire.

Overall, most of the time our teeth were too clenched and our muscles too tense to enjoy the all too brief enjoyable moments. Too much risk and work for way too little reward. Much better vistas can be had along the 1, so I'd recommend you give Old Coast Road a skip. We wish we had.

Written June 19, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

bill p
Hilton Head, SC498 contributions
Sep 2016
This used to be an old stage coach road. Driving it can be challenging, but well worth it. It's mostly 1 lane but there are pull outs to let others pass, or stop and take a picture. It is dusty(not paved) but you are virtually in the old growth, And you can get idea of what it used to be like traveling yrs. ago/
Written August 15, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Extraordinary12219
Columbus, Ohio1 contribution
A friend told me that while I was in the area that I had to do this drive. Some of the locals had not even heard of it! We did it on March 8, 2003 just two days before they were due to do some major work on it. It was a blast and the only time that I was glad I had upgraded the rental to a SUV. There were many deep ruts and other interesting terrain. I would not have enjoyed it at all in a car. I assume this will change after the road work. Anyway, it is well worth the time and a great drive! Highly recommended.
Written March 10, 2003
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

PerttiPieruhousu
Oulu, Finland2 contributions
Well worth the effort, the views are nothing short of amazing. However, on a regular two-wheel drive with low ground clearance you might be in for an unpleasant surprise even in dry conditions.
Written July 7, 2010
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Dan
1 contribution
Sep 2019
Someone, I'm sure a local, had put nails and screws in the road. We ended up getting two flat tires and had to drive slowly on the flats the last few miles to highway 1 which took FOREVER and wait for AAA. Awful experience.
Written September 26, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

James C
Washington, IA2 contributions
May 2017
What a great morning drive to get a feel for the Big Sur area. A country/ranch style setting with rolling hills and livestock roaming the roads. Some nice climbing in the woods back there as well. Bring a camera, and don't go shortly after a rain, the road can be hard going, and even blocked with trees and debris. This is a must for anyone that really loves old California and photography. If this is you, then Heaven awaits.
Written April 27, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

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Old Coast Road (Big Sur) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go

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