After its collapse in 2023, Highway 1, which connects Big Sur, Carmel-by-the-Sea, Monterey and other neighboring destinations, has officially reopened.
After years of detours, dead ends and dashed dreams, California’s iconic Highway 1 is whole again. Following a series of landslides that sent sections of the roadway tumbling into the Pacific Ocean, the state has officially reopened the long-closed stretch along the Big Sur coast—restoring one of America’s most scenic drives and delivering a much-needed boost to the region.
The first collapse in 2023, triggered by extreme weather and unstable cliffs, severed a critical transportation link and forced travelers to reroute inland for years, circumventing communities that depend on meetings and tourism. Local businesses felt the impact immediately, as visitor numbers dropped and access to coastal communities became more complicated. The reopening signals not just an engineering triumph, but a turning point for the Central Coast’s economic recovery.
For a region that is dependent on tourism, the news is a welcome reprieve. Highway 1 is the lifeblood of Big Sur, Carmel-by-the-Sea, Monterey and other neighboring destinations, carrying millions of visitors annually to hotels, restaurants, parks and attractions perched between mountains and sea. With uninterrupted access restored, tourism-dependent communities can once again welcome travelers arriving the way the destination was meant to be experienced—slowly, scenically and with plenty of stops along the way.
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Travelers dreaming of a classic California road trip also have reason to celebrate. Highway 1 is more than a road; it’s a rite of passage. The drive delivers jaw-dropping coastal views, misty redwood groves and golden-hour vistas that define the California imagination. With the route fully open, road trippers can once again trace the coast from Southern California through Big Sur and north to Monterey and beyond without backtracking or logistical headaches.
“The reopening of Highway 1 is an incredibly meaningful milestone—not only for us, but for the entire Big Sur community, says Tim Green, general manager of Post Ranch Inn. “This iconic roadway is part of the journey and the magic of arriving here. Its return restores that sense of awe and accessibility for our guests, while also symbolizing the resilience and renewal of the region we’re so proud to call home.”
Professional meeting planners also stand to benefit. The reopening simplifies group transportation, site inspections and incentive itineraries that rely on seamless coastal access. Destinations along Highway 1 are home to luxury resorts, intimate retreat venues and memorable off-site experiences—think oceanfront receptions, scenic team-building hikes and sunset dinners overlooking the Pacific. With Highway 1 restored, planners can confidently design programs that blend business with the kind of natural beauty that elevates attendee engagement and satisfaction.
“With full access restored, planners can once again offer the complete Big Sur experience—including the unforgettable coastal drive that sets the tone for guests’ arrivals,” says Green.
The rebuilt roadway also reflects California’s commitment to resilient infrastructure, incorporating modern engineering designed to better withstand future environmental challenges. That investment sends a reassuring message to travelers and planners alike: this legendary route is ready for its next chapter.
