Highway 1 Is Now Open: The Ultimate Road Trip Itinerary from Monterey to Cambria

Highway 1 is officially open after a two-year closure, and there’s no better way to celebrate than with a bucket-list-worthy California road trip. This legendary stretch of the Pacific Coast Highway connects two of our favorite seaside towns: Monterey and Cambria. Whether you’re planning a weekend escape or a three-day adventure, this route offers breathtaking scenery, iconic stops, and unforgettable stays along the way.

Whether you’re traveling as a family, a couple, or with your pet, Moonstone Hotel Properties offers the perfect place to stay—from historic hotels and garden getaways to oceanfront retreats and romantic inns.

Choose Your Itinerary

Option A: Romantic 3 Day Highway 1 Road Trip

Day 1: Explore Monterey

  • Stay: The Monterey Hotel offers a charming, historic stay in the heart of downtown. With its Victorian architecture and walkable location, it’s an ideal home base for early bayfront walks and late-night bites.
  • Explore: Step outside your hotel and you’re just minutes from iconic attractions like Cannery Row and Old Fisherman’s Wharf, where you can watch sea lions and grab fresh seafood on the water. Stroll or bike the Monterey Bay Coastal Recreation Trail.
  • Dine: 
    • Comanche Cellars Wine Room - Book The Monterey Hotel’s Wine & Stay Package and enjoy overnight accommodations plus a gift certificate to use on wine tasting flights, glasses of wine, bottles of wine, food, or merchandise.
    • Alvarado Street Brewery - Book The Monterey Hotel’s Beer & Stay Package and enjoy overnight accommodations plus two craft beer flights in a relaxed atmosphere.
    • Montrio – A stylish downtown bistro serving up creative, sustainably-sourced cuisine and craft cocktails.

Day 2: Scenic Drive Through Big Sur

Day 3: Arrive in Cambria

  • Stay: J. Patrick House & Inn is a boutique Irish-style inn offering fireplaces in most rooms and personalized touches—perfect for a romantic retreat.
  • Explore: Wander the shops of Cambria’s East and West Villages, take a scenic walk at Fiscalini Ranch Preserve, or drive just a few minutes north to explore Hearst Castle or visit the elephant seals at Piedras Blancas. Explore Cambria Nursery, where you can attend seasonal workshops, shop their on-site gift shops filled with coastal décor and garden-inspired finds, and a year-round Christmas store.
  • Dine: 
    • Robin’s Restaurant – Farm-to-table fare with global flavors in a cozy atmosphere.
    • Sea Chest Oyster Bar – A beloved, no-reservations seafood spot on Moonstone Beach.
    • Fireside Lounge at Cambria Pines Lodge - Unwind with a handcrafted nightcap and enjoy nightly live music by the fire—all just steps from your room.

Option B: 3 Day Pet-Friendly Coastal Escape

Day 1: Explore Monterey

  • Stay: The Monterey Hotel offers a charming, historic stay in the heart of downtown. With a variety of pet-friendly rooms and suites, it’s the perfect spot to stay with your furry friend. 
  • Explore: For dog-friendly beach stops, head to Asilomar State Beach in Pacific Grove for a scenic, leashed stroll along the shore, or visit Carmel River State Beach, where dogs can roam on-leash on soft white sand with ocean views.
  • Dine:
    • Melville Tavern - American gastropub fare in a homey space with vintage accents and a welcoming neighborhood vibe, and a pet friendly patio. 

Day 2: Scenic Drive Through Big Sur

  • Bixby Bridge – Pull over for a photo op with your pup at one of California’s most iconic viewpoints.
  • Stretch your legs at Garrapata State Park - Leashed dogs are welcome on trails east of Highway 1—great for a quick nature walk with coastal views.

Day 3: Arrive in Cambria

  • Stay: Sea Otter Inn, located on Moonstone Beach, is a peaceful, pet-friendly retreat. With a variety of pet-friendly rooms, it’s the perfect spot to stay with your furry friend. 
  • Explore:
    • Start your morning with breakfast delivered right to your door—perfect for a relaxed start with your pup by your side
    • Walk the Moonstone Beach Boardwalk (just steps away).
    • Explore Cambria Nursery, where leashed dogs are welcome to stroll through the vibrant garden paths. This local favorite is more than just a nursery—it features a charming farmstand with seasonal produce from 46 Ranch, on-site gift shops filled with coastal décor and garden-inspired finds, and a year-round Christmas store.
    • Relax by the outdoor fire pits at Sea Otter Inn, wrapped in a blanket under the stars.
  • Dine:
    • Brydge Restaurant - Offering a fresh, seasonal menu that rotates regularly, and pets are allowed on their outdoor patio.
    • The Coastal Taproom - Indulge in a diverse selection of beers and wines, all in a vibrant and welcoming atmosphere, where pets are allowed outdoors.
    • Cambria Pines Lodge Restaurant - Savor garden-to-table cuisine with outdoor seating in cozy kivas, where you can dine fireside.

Option C: 3 Day Family-Friendly Highway 1 Trip

Day 1: Explore Monterey

  • Stay: The Monterey Hotel offers a charming, historic stay in the heart of downtown—perfect for families looking to explore Monterey on foot. Its walkable location makes it easy to visit nearby attractions, kid-friendly dining, all while enjoying the comfort of a classic Victorian hotel.
  • Explore: Step outside your hotel, and you’re just minutes from iconic and fun attractions like the Monterey Bay Aquarium and Pacific House Museum for a touch of California history.
  • Dine: 
    • Sur Burger – A local favorite for gourmet burgers, truffle fries, and casual comfort food just steps from the hotel.
    • Rosine’s Restaurant - Just steps from the hotel, it’s known for delicious house-made soups, hearty meals, and award-winning desserts. 

Day 2: Scenic Drive Through Big Sur

  • Bixby Bridge – This iconic spot is perfect for a quick, memorable photo with dramatic coastal cliffs as your backdrop.
  • Picnic at a vista point - Pull over at one of Big Sur’s many scenic viewpoints for a family lunch with a view.
  • Look for wildlife - Keep an eye out for sea otters, seals, and even whales along the coast—binoculars make it extra fun for little explorers.

Day 3: Arrive in Cambria

  • Stay: Cambria Pines Lodge, nestled in 25 acres of gardens, is a resort-style lodge with a full-service restaurant, spacious suites, and family-friendly amenities like an outdoor pool and hot tub.
  • Explore:
    • Cambria Nursery - Take a stroll through the Nursery grounds and you’ll find little surprises around every corner—perfect for curious kids and nature-loving grown-ups alike. Meet friendly goats, shop the gift shops (complete with a kids corner), spot butterflies and play in the children’s garden. 
    • Explore nearby tidepools and spot sea otters.
  • Dine:
    • Cambria Pines Lodge Restaurant – Enjoy garden-inspired, California-coastal cuisine with ingredients sourced locally from its sister property, 46 Ranch. After dinner, stop by the Cambria Pines Lodge Gift Shop to pick up local treats like kettle corn and chocolates, plus fun finds for the kids—think storybooks and cuddly stuffed animals to enjoy back in your room.
    • Linn’s Restaurant – Famous for their olallieberry pie and hearty American classics.

Highway 1 Road Trip Tips

  • Best Time to Drive: Spring through early fall offers the clearest roads and best weather.
  • Road Conditions: Check Caltrans updates before departure, especially after winter storms. Allow time for spontaneous scenic pull-outs, you’ll want to stop often.
  • Gas & Food: Fill up in Carmel or Big Sur; options are limited through the central stretch. Start early, stop often, and pack snacks.
  • Cell Service: Expect some gaps in coverage depending on where you are—plan ahead and download offline maps.

Plan Your Stay with Moonstone Hotel Properties

Whether you’re starting in Monterey or ending in Cambria, Moonstone Hotel Properties offers thoughtfully designed stays that reflect the beauty and charm of California’s Central Coast, and make the perfect home base for your Highway 1 adventure.