Big Sur Businesses Stay Open and Accessible Amid Highway 1 Erosion

Image: Big Sur's Post Ranch Inn (photo via See Monterey) ((photo via See Monterey and Lisa Corson))
Image: Big Sur's Post Ranch Inn (photo via See Monterey) ((photo via See Monterey and Lisa Corson))
Lacey Pfalz
by Lacey Pfalz
Last updated: 10:31 AM ET, Thu February 18, 2021

While Monterey County's Highway 1 has partially eroded due to a winter storm, local Big Sur businesses and attractions stay open and accessible to travelers.

Big Sur features forty miles of beautiful, rugged coastline, as well as some of the most creative lodging and sustainable dining around. In early February, many of the businesses in Big Sur reopened for outdoor dining and lodging, but the storm that eroded part of Highway 1 put the issue of accessibility at the forefront.

Travelers coming from San Luis Obispo County can access smaller towns in southern Monterey County, like Gorda, Sand Dollar Beach and Treebones Resort Big Sur.

A temporary turnaround is being constructed four miles beyond the Lucia Lodge, a setting that starred in the 2020 Netflix series, "Ratched." The hotel should be accessible by February 22.

To access northern Big Sur, travelers can use Highway 101 via Highway 68, which connects to Highway 1.

Accessible attractions to the area include Garrapata and the Andrew Molera State Parks, the Big Sur River Inn, the Ripplewood Resort, the Fernwood Campground & Resort, Post Ranch Inn and much more.

"Big Sur has a way of captivating everyone who enters the region, from its dramatic cliffside ocean views to expansive hiking trails among redwood forests," said Rob O'Keefe, president and CEO of Monterey County Convention and Visitors Bureau. "While Highway 1 has been impacted, Big Sur's iconic experiences, world-class lodging and incredible cuisine are still accessible and worth the trip."


For the latest travel news, updates and deals, subscribe to the daily TravelPulse newsletter.

Topics From This Article to Explore

More From TravelPulse

Related Videos

Lacey Pfalz

Lacey Pfalz

Associate Editor

Lacey Pfalz is Associate Editor at TravelPulse. She's a passionate advocate of responsible travel and believes the best travel experiences happen outside of a planned itinerary. Lacey currently lives in rural Wisconsin. She can be reached at [email protected].

Grow Your Travel Business With Certified Courses

Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Majestic Resorts Specialist ProgramDiscover all-inclusive luxury at Majestic Resorts in paradise.
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Los Cabos Specialist ProgramSell the magic of Los Cabos: luxury, adventure, and endless sunshine.
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Allianz Specialist ProgramProtect every journey with Allianz Partners Travel Insurance.
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Majestic Resorts Specialist ProgramDiscover all-inclusive luxury at Majestic Resorts in paradise.
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Los Cabos Specialist ProgramSell the magic of Los Cabos: luxury, adventure, and endless sunshine.
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Allianz Specialist ProgramProtect every journey with Allianz Partners Travel Insurance.

Don't Miss These Travel Agent Events and Trainings

Upcoming Webinar
Every Island Tells a Story: Part 2 – Selling the Caribbean Through Immersive ExperiencesWednesday, August 19, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
Continue the journey in the second installment of our Every Island Tells a Story webinar series. This...
Upcoming Webinar
The Art of Destination Recommendation: Alternative Destination Strategies for Travel AdvisorsTuesday, August 18, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
What if your next best sale is a destination your client hasn’t considered—and you’ve never visited?...
Upcoming Webinar
From Interest to Booking: Selling HANKYU × PONANT Japan CruisesFriday, August 21, 2026
4:00pm Eastern
Take the next step in selling HANKYU × PONANT Japan cruises with a practical, advisor focused look at...
Upcoming Webinar
Every Island Tells a Story: Part 2 – Selling the Caribbean Through Immersive ExperiencesWednesday, August 19, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
Continue the journey in the second installment of our Every Island Tells a Story webinar series. This...
Upcoming Webinar
The Art of Destination Recommendation: Alternative Destination Strategies for Travel AdvisorsTuesday, August 18, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
What if your next best sale is a destination your client hasn’t considered—and you’ve never visited?...
Upcoming Webinar
From Interest to Booking: Selling HANKYU × PONANT Japan CruisesFriday, August 21, 2026
4:00pm Eastern
Take the next step in selling HANKYU × PONANT Japan cruises with a practical, advisor focused look at...