Rediscover California's Most Iconic Road Trip

The Legendary Highway 1 Is Back

Stretching along California’s dramatic coastline, the drive from Monterey to San Simeon is one of the most iconic journeys in the world. While many travelers begin in the north, you can start as far south as Santa Barbara and travel to San Simeon. Then, from Cavalier Oceanfront Resort, explore the journey north, discovering unforgettable coastal moments, with distance and pacing that lets you choose how far you want to roam. 

Best of all, you'll enjoy Exclusive Road Trip Offers with our partner hotels along the way. 

    Cavalier Oceanfront Resort

    Exclusive Road Trip Offer

    California’s iconic Highway 1 has reopened and there’s no better way to celebrate than with a stay at The Cavalier.

    With our Bed & Breakfast Package you can start your adventure with a gourmet breakfast delivered right to your door. For the ultimate experience, choose an ocean view room with a private patio.

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      Hearst Castle

      Distance from The Cavalier: 3 miles · 10–15 minutes

      Rising above the coastline, Hearst Castle completes the Highway 1 experience with a sense of history and grandeur. Just a short drive from the resort, the legendary estate offers guided tours through opulent rooms, legendary pools, and sweeping views of the Pacific below.

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        Piedras Blancas – Elephant Seal Rookery

        Distance from The Cavalier: 6–7 miles · 10 minutes

        One of Highway 1’s most remarkable wildlife encounters lies just minutes from the resort. At Piedras Blancas, thousands of elephant seals gather along the shore throughout the year, creating a rare and unforgettable experience easily viewed from accessible boardwalks.

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          Ragged Point
          & Coastal Beaches

          Distance from The Cavalier: 15–20 miles · 20–25 minutes

          Just north of San Simeon, Ragged Point delivers soaring views where the Santa Lucia Mountains meet the sea. With easy access from the resort, this stretch offers cliffside overlooks, quiet beaches, and scenic trails, perfect for a relaxed outing without a full‑day drive.

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            Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park
            & Pfeiffer Beach

            Distance from The Cavalier: 68 miles north · 1.5 - 2 hours

            Towering cliffs, awe-inspiring redwood groves, and winding roads define Big Sur, the soul of Highway 1. Enjoy a short hike to Pfeiffer Falls or the McWay Falls Overlook to see the famous waterfall on Pfeiffer Beach.  Hidden just inland, Pfeiffer Beach’s distinctive sands and rock formations create one of California’s most striking shorelines. This portion of the drive is best suited for guests planning a dedicated half or full‑day coastal adventure.

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              Bixby Creek Bridge &
              Point Sur State Historic Park

              Distance from The Cavalier: 79 miles · 2 hours

              This iconic stretch of Big Sur is home to some of the most photographed views on the California coast. Bixby Creek Bridge and Point Sur rise dramatically above the Pacific, rewarding those who venture deeper north into Big Sur with unforgettable vistas and historic landmarks.

                Monterey & Carmel

                Distance from The Cavalier: 94 miles, 2.5 hours

                Monterey and Carmel‑by‑the‑Sea mark the historic northern starting point of Highway 1, where coastal charm and dramatic ocean views set the tone for the journey south. For travelers making the full drive, this region offers world‑class scenery, culture, and a fitting sense of departure before the road narrows and the drama intensifies.

                See Carmel

                See Monterey

                Exclusive Partner Stops Along the Way

                  Carmel Mission Inn

                  Exclusive Road Trip Offer

                  Distance from The Cavalier: 92.3 miles, 2 1/2 hours North

                  Keep the road trip going with a lovely stay at Carmel Mission Inn, a boutique hotel conveniently located right off the stunning Pacific Coast Highway in Carmel, CA.  Sweeten your visit with a delicious bite to eat with the Sip, Stay, Savor package: In addition to accommodations in modern guest rooms, receive a $30 daily breakfast credit at Shearwater Tavern.

                  It's the perfect way to experience the scenic coastal drive and discover the stops along the way. Explore at your leisure and enjoy a stay at our partner hotel on the northern end of the Highway. 

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                    The Milo

                    Exclusive Road Trip Offer

                    Distance from The Cavalier: 133 miles, 2 1/2 hours South

                    Make The Milo Santa Barbara your next stop along the coast. Enjoy reduced parking at $20 per night and a curated road‑trip snack bag filled with local favorites: Santa Barbara Pistachios, Shalhoob Jerky, Ivan Bar, Tony’s Chocolate, and more. Settle in, savor the sunshine, and explore the shoreline just steps from your newly renovated room.

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