5 Most Instagrammable Stops on Highway 1

Highway 1, also known as the Pacific Coast Highway, is one of the most iconic road trip routes in the world. Hugging the California coastline, this legendary highway delivers breathtaking views at every turn. From charming beach towns to jaw-dropping natural wonders, there’s no shortage of photo-worthy spots along the way.

 

Whether you're traveling with your besties, chasing golden hour, or planning that perfect Instagram reel, here are the top 5 Instagrammable stops on Highway 1 that you can’t miss—complete with exact locations and the best photo angles. ✨📷

🚏 Table of Contents

• 🌊 Carmel-by-the-Sea
• 🌉 Bixby Creek Bridge
• 🌴 McWay Falls
• 💜 Pfeiffer Beach
• 🌺 Santa Barbara
• 📱 Tips for Capturing the Perfect Instagram Shot

 

🌊 Carmel-by-the-Sea

📌Location to tag: Carmel-by-the-Sea, California

Best photo spot: Ocean Avenue or Carmel Beach Bluff Path

Carmel-by-the-Sea is a fairytale village tucked along the Monterey Peninsula. Cobblestone sidewalks, storybook cottages, and white-sand beaches make this coastal town a dream for your feed.

Top Instagram Photo Ideas:

• Ocean Avenue: The main street is lined with boutique shops and charming architecture. Snap a candid stroll with vibrant storefronts and twinkling lights in the background.
• Carmel Beach Bluff Path: Head to the scenic walking trail along the coast—sunset selfies here are unmatched, with waves crashing below and golden hues above.

🎯 Pro Tip: Visit just before sunset and snap a pic on the beach with the cypress trees framing the horizon. It’s quiet, cinematic, and completely magical.

 

🌉 Bixby Creek Bridge

📌Location to tag: Bixby Creek Bridge, Big Sur

Best photo spot: Turnout on the north side of the bridge (Google Maps: “Bixby Creek Bridge Vista Point”)

One of the most iconic stops on Highway 1, Bixby Creek Bridge looks like something out of a movie—because it is. You've probably seen it in Big Little Lies and countless car commercials. Towering 260 feet above a rugged canyon, it’s the ultimate showstopper.

Top Instagram Photo Ideas:

• Classic Bridge Shot: Park at the designated viewpoint on the north side for the best panoramic view. Stand on the dirt path near the cliff edge (safely!) to capture the full curve of the bridge with the Pacific Ocean behind you.
• Drone Magic: If you’re flying a drone, this is your time to shine. The aerial shot of the bridge with the ocean and cliffs is a chef’s kiss.

🎯 Pro Tip: Go early in the morning to beat the crowds and capture the soft, moody fog for that dreamy coastal aesthetic.

 

🌴 McWay Falls

📌Location to tag: Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park

Best photo spot: McWay Falls Overlook Trail (about 0.5 miles round trip)

McWay Falls is one of the few waterfalls in the world that drops directly into the ocean. Tucked into Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park, this 80-foot waterfall pouring onto a secluded beach is simply surreal.

Top Instagram Photo Ideas:

• Overlook Shot: Walk the short trail to the viewpoint (starts from the main parking area). Set up your shot with the falls cascading to the turquoise cove below—framed by cliffs and forest.
• Framed Shot: Use the wooden railing or nearby tree branches to frame your photo for that moody, enchanted look.

🎯 Pro Tip: Don’t try to hike down to the falls—it’s illegal and dangerous. The overlook gives you everything you need for a scroll-stopping post. Try late afternoon for the best lighting.

 

💜 Pfeiffer Beach

📌Location to tag: Pfeiffer Beach, Big Sur

Best photo spot: In front of Keyhole Rock

A hidden gem even many Californians miss, Pfeiffer Beach is famous for its purple sand and Keyhole Arch, a rock formation that glows at sunset when the sun beams through it.

Top Instagram Photo Ideas:

• Keyhole Arch at Sunset: The sun shines directly through the hole in the rock in winter months, creating an ethereal glow. Capture the silhouette of the arch with the ocean spray for an epic shot.
• Purple Sand Close-Up: Get low for a close-up of the sand’s natural violet hues—it makes for a beautiful and unexpected contrast with the crashing waves.

🎯 Pro Tip: Access the beach via Sycamore Canyon Road (a narrow, unmarked turn off Highway 1). It can be hard to find and there's limited parking, so arrive early or off-peak.

 

🌺 Santa Barbara

📌Location to tag: Santa Barbara, California

Best photo spot: Santa Barbara Courthouse & Butterfly Beach

Known as the "American Riviera," Santa Barbara is a colorful coastal city that blends Spanish architecture, beachy vibes, and mountain backdrops. It’s the perfect end (or beginning!) to your Highway 1 photo tour.

Top Instagram Photo Ideas:

• Santa Barbara Courthouse: Head to the Clock Tower Look out for panoramic city views and take a shot inside the Mural Room for something extra artsy.
• Butterfly Beach: This west-facing beach is a sunset dream. Capture a barefoot walk in the sand with the sun setting behind the waves—or bring a tripod for golden hour portraits.

🎯 Pro Tip: Use Santa Barbara’s white adobe buildings and red-tiled roofs as backdrops for contrast-rich, sun-drenched city shots.

 

📱 Tips for Capturing the Perfect Instagram Shot on Highway 1

No matter where you stop along the Pacific Coast, a few tips can take your travel content from good to golden:

📸 Lighting is Everything

• Golden hour (1 hour after sunrise or before sunset) makes every spot more magical.
• Foggy mornings in Big Sur? Use it to your advantage for a soft, ethereal feel.

🚘 Be Safe, Not Sorry

• Always pull over in designated turnouts—Highway 1 is narrow and winding.
• Don’t cross fences or hike off-trail for a photo. Stay safe and respectful of the landscape.

🗺️ Plan Ahead

• Cell service can be spotty in Big Sur—download your maps offline!
• Save your pinned locations in Google Maps before hitting the road.

🧳 Bring the Right Gear

• DSLR or phone with wide-angle lens.
• Tripod for solo travelers.
• Comfortable shoes (some spots require short hikes).
• Layers—it gets chilly, even in summer!

 

📘 Want the Full Route + Hidden Gems?

If you're dreaming of the ultimate Highway 1 road trip experience, my Highway 1 RoadBook is your go-to travel buddy.

✅ Step-by-step itinerary

✅ Hidden Instagrammable stops most tourists miss

✅ Google Maps route included

✅ Local tips, apps, & activities to make your trip seamless

✅ Perfect for solo adventurers, couples, or groups

🎒 Whether you're starting in San Francisco or ending in L.A., this guide has everything you need to plan smarter, explore deeper, and capture more unforgettable moments.

👉 Grab your Highway 1 RoadBook now and take your West Coast road trip to the next level!

 

🌅 Final Thoughts

rom cliffs and waterfalls to dreamy towns and sunset beaches, Highway 1 offers some of the most Instagrammable scenery on Earth. Whether you're road-tripping for the first time or revisiting old favorites, these five stops will fill your camera roll and your soul.

So pack your bags, charge your camera, and hit the road. Let the Pacific breeze guide you, one epic stop at a time. 💫📍