If the Pacific Coast Highway – which hugs the ocean for around 650 miles – can be considered the queen of coastal road trips, Big Sur must be its crowning glory. This part of Monterey is all bluffs, bridges and beaches, with a couple of waterfalls and redwood forests sending the beauty completely off the charts. Pullouts and state parks allow road-trippers to stare a little longer at the creamy beaches and landmarks like Bixby Bridge.

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America's 27 Most Scenic Coastal Road Trips For Your Next Vacation