Roadtrippers will once again be able to travel
on California’s most iconic coastal road.
Visit SLO CAL, the official DMO for the San Luis Obispo
County and See Monterey, DMO for the county of Monterey announced the early
reopening of Highway 1 at Regent’s Slide, restoring full coastal access to the
Big Sur coast between the two counties ahead of schedule.
The prolonged closure resulted from the initial interruption
of Paul’s Slide on January 15, 2023, followed by Regent’s Slide on February 9,
2024.
California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) notified
the counties that as of January 14, 2026, the picturesque stretch of California’s
famous Big Sur coastline is open to all traffic.
“Caltrans worked with exceptional focus and resilience to
restore this legendary stretch of highway,” said Cathy Cartier, President &
CEO of Visit SLO CAL in a statement. “Highway 1 is an emotional experience for
so many people, and its early reopening reconnects the full wonder of Ragged
Point, San Simeon and Cambria with our neighbors to the north in
Monterey. We are thrilled to welcome visitors to experience the magic of
this coastal roadway from end-to-end.”
The reopening allows uninterrupted travel between San Luis
Obispo County’s North Coast—Ragged Point, San Simeon, Cambria—and the
destinations of Big Sur, Carmel-by-the-Sea and Monterey. Travelers can once
again take in sweeping ocean vistas, support coastal businesses and plan scenic
road trips between the two counties, with stops throughout the southern and
northern Big Sur area and its surrounding communities.
“Reopening Highway 1 reconnects travelers with an
extraordinary coastal journey,” said Rob O’Keefe, President & CEO of See
Monterey. “Now more than ever, it’s part of our collective role to protect and
preserve this coastline by traveling safely and responsibly, with care for the
land, the road and the communities that make it so special.”
Travelers are encouraged to check current road conditions
before heading out by visiting the Caltrans website for the latest updates and
travel advisories.
For the latest travel news, updates and deals, subscribe to the daily TravelPulse newsletter.
Topics From This Article to Explore
