Reel-Scout is a powerful online tool for finding and promoting film locations. You now have access to over 1 million location photos and detailed information for your next film, still photo, tv show, or commercial. Try a search for free!

CONTACT INFORMATION

Karen Nordstrand *
Film Commissioner, Monterey County Film Commission
801 Lighthouse Avenue, Suite 104, Monterey, CA 93940 USA
831.646.0910 phone 1
831.594.9410 mobile
831.655.9250 fax
[email protected]
[email protected]
https://filmmonterey.org/contact/


Permits Department, Caltrans Highways & Freeways
California Film Commission
7080 Hollywood Blvd, Suite 900, Hollywood, CA 90028 USA
323.860.2960 phone 1
800.858.4749 phone 2
[email protected]
http://film.ca.gov/state-permits/highways-freeways/


* key contact

WEBSITE:
Top Scenic Drives

General Notes: updated by: [Nordstrand, Karen] 5/5/2025 5:10:00 PM / updated 5.30.25 bd

Usage Restriction: CFC issues permits via Caltrans approval, case by case depending other activity or production needs. County moratorium on filming with ITC between Memorial Day and Labor Day weekends. Other Big Sur guidelines and restrictions may apply, available on the Monterey County Film Commission website, FilmMonterey.org, on Permits page.

Jurisdictions: CALIFORNIA FILM COMMISSION - CFC, MONTEREY COUNTY FILM COMMISSION - FLICS

Within 30-Mile Studio Zone: N

State Property: Y

Closed/Vacant: N

Verified: 5/5/2025

Location Details

Highway 1 - Big Sur - Monterey County

United States / Big Sur, California
Location ID: #4495

S-Curve 2-Lane Divided Highway. Coastal Turnouts. Some 80 miles of highway along the shoreline and cliffs.

Highway 1 is the best-known scenic drive in Monterey County, and one of the top scenic drives in the world. It's a National Scenic Byways Program All-American Road and a State Scenic Highway. It's been named one of the best scenic drives in the U.S. by (among others) Forbes, ShermansTravel, Falcon Guides, SmarterTravel, GORP, and Lonely Planet, one of the world's best drives by London's Sunday Times, and a "Drive of a Lifetime" by National Geographic Traveler.

Highway 1 through Monterey County shows off a wide range of local geography. At Monterey County's northern border, you'll see the flat wetlands of Elkhorn Slough and the working fishing port of Moss Landing. As you head south, you'll pass artichoke fields and rolling sand dunes on your way to Monterey. Head south of Monterey, and you'll see cypress forests followed by the breathtaking craggy coastline of Carmel Highlands. Drive even further south and you'll see the towering cliffs, beautiful redwoods and stunning bridges of Big Sur.

Location Category:

  • TRANSPORTATION - *;
  • TRANSPORTATION - Roads / Highways
 
weather widget

DISCLAIMER:
The search results above are provided solely for the purpose of user research. Please note that the images may be protected by copyright and cannot be used, reproduced, or distributed without the appropriate permissions from the copyright holders. Use of these images is strictly limited to research purposes. To view the complete copyright policy, click here.