Rebuilding the Iconic Pacific Coast Highway in Big Sur, California
Journey along the breathtaking landscapes of Big Sur, Monterey County, California: A captivating road trip adventure
After devastating landslides in 2017, the Pacific Coast Highway (PCH), a renowned coastal route in Big Sur, California, was closed for over two years. The highway, officially California State Route 1, is famous for its scenic beauty and panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean. However, the unstable terrain it traverses makes it prone to landslides and constant repairs [1].
Upon my arrival in California, I was greeted by the bright winter sunshine, signaling the start of my road-trip adventure. Renting a car from Hertz UK, I was impressed by their Gold Plus Rewards service, which simplified the car rental process considerably [2].
The PCH runs approximately 1,000 kilometers from the forests and mountains of northern California to the warm, all-year climate of San Diego. This remarkable route has been open since the 1930s, but the landslides in 2017 significantly disrupted travel, affecting local communities and businesses [1].
Extensive reconstruction efforts were required to rebuild the road and repair the damaged bridges. The work took around 18 months to complete, and by the autumn of 2018, PCH reopened, rekindling the appeal of this fabulous, coast-hugging highway [1].
Driving southbound from Los Angeles and ending in San Francisco allows road-trippers to enjoy clear views of the ocean most of the way. Monterey County and Big Sur are valuable destinations along this route, where the Pacific Ocean meets breathtaking landscapes consisting of mountains, meadows, and redwood forests [3].
Traveling south of Monterey, the PCH transforms into an uncrowded, two-lane country road used primarily by locals and travelers enjoying a road trip [3]. The Bixby Creek Bridge, just half an hour from Carmel, marks the start of the wild nature in Big Sur, with opportunities to see sea lions, elephant seals, and even whales [3].
Hertz Car Hire
Hertz UK invited me to test their Gold Plus Rewards service, offering a hassle-free car rental experience. With online booking, there was no need to visit the office or sign any paperwork. Instead, I simply collected my pre-booked vehicle at the airport in California, with keys waiting in the car, and drove away upon confirming my identity at the exit with my driver's license and credit card [2].
Big Sur Wilderness
Big Sur is a large wilderness area with a stunning coastline of nearly 150 kilometers. It takes approximately three hours to drive south from San Francisco's international airport and is one of the most beautiful stretches of the Pacific Coast Highway [3].
Big Sur offers numerous opportunities to pull over, park, and appreciate the landscape, from the sight of a Monterey County sunset to the sound of waves crashing against the shore. The name "el Sur Grande" was given by early Spanish settlers in Monterey, emphasizing Big Sur's vast, undiscovered nature [3].
One notable attraction in Big Sur is McWay Falls, where water tumbles 25 meters onto a pristine, protected beach [3]. The redwood forests in the area survive largely due to their historical inaccessibility, with several striking, ancient redwoods accessible without extensive walking [3].
Dining
For those seeking dinner in Big Sur, Deetjen's Big Sur Inn offers charming, antique-filled dining rooms and exceptional home cooking [3]. Conveniently located filling stations and the Big Sur bakery café make it easy to refuel and enjoy a bite to eat during the journey [3].
Accommodation
Notable accommodations in Big Sur cater to discerning travelers from San Francisco, Los Angeles, and beyond. The Post Ranch Inn is an upscale, environmentally responsible lodge with rustic-luxe suites offering ocean views [3]. Ventana Big Sur presents a more contemporary style, featuring an elegant luxury spa, ocean-view pool, and destination dining at The Sur House [3].
For families and outdoor enthusiasts, Big Sur Lodge offers cozy, cottage-style accommodations amid magnificent redwood forests [3]. The lodges provide self-catering cottages with kitchenettes, romantic cottages with fireplaces, and family rooms that can sleep up to four [3]. The on-site store, firewood, heating (available in winter), and nearby walking trails make it easy to explore this peaceful, natural setting.
Economic and Environmental Implications
The landslides in 2017 caused economic losses exceeding $500 million to local businesses due to closure-related travel disruptions and decreased tourism [1]. Additionally, the state of California spent over $370 million on repairs and maintenance of the highway over seven years, including work completed to address the landslides and adapt to changing weather conditions [1].
California State Route 1, a crucial scenic highway, faces ongoing stability issues due to its unstable terrain and the effects of climate change and extreme weather [1]. Innovative engineering solutions and substantial investments from Caltrans are necessary to maintain the road's integrity while preserving its scenic beauty [1][2].
The PCH road-trip adventure offers an opportunity to travel through scenic landscapes – from mountains and meadows to the Pacific Ocean – and appreciate rebuilt destinations, such as the iconic Big Sur, along its route. Following an extensive reconstruction process, Big Sur attracts travelers with its wild nature, spotting sea lions, elephant seals, and even whales along its coastline.
