California's most dramatic coastal drive. From Carmel-by-the-Sea, follow Highway 1 south past Point Lobos, over Bixby Creek Bridge — no stopping or parking at the bridge (county ban in effect through mid-2027; expect one-way signal delays at Rocky Creek) — to the Hurricane Point overlook and on into the Santa Lucia Mountains, ending with a sunset drink at Nepenthe. Drive it kindly: years of dangerous roadside parking at Bixby are why the ban exists, and CHP and local agencies patrol this corridor hard during Car Week. Check Caltrans before departing — this stretch sees frequent storm and slide closures.