Road trippers can again experience one of California’s most popular coastal drives in full after a key section of Highway 1 reopened.
The closed stretch known as “Regent’s Slide” reopened ahead of schedule after the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) accelerated the anticipated March 2026 opening.
Visit SLO CAL (VSC), the official destination marketing and management organisation (DMMO) for San Luis Obispo County, and See Monterey, the destination marketing organisation for Monterey County, confirmed they received formal notice from Caltrans that the highway would reopen to all traffic on January 14, a move that reconnectes a vital stretch of California’s world-famous Big Sur coastline.
Drivers now enjoy uninterrupted travel between San Luis Obispo County’s North Coast destinations, including Ragged Point, San Simeon and Cambria, and Big Sur, Carmel-by-the-Sea and Monterey to the north.
Highway 1 is one of California’s most important tourism corridors, and its reopening brings to an end the longest closure to date along the Big Sur coast. The disruption began with “Paul’s Slide” in January 2023 and was extended by “Regent’s” Slide in February a year later.
The prolonged closure had a significant economic impact on both counties, with an estimated $438 million in lost visitor spending across San Luis Obispo County, Monterey County and the State of California, highlighting the highway’s critical role in supporting coastal communities and the wider tourism economy.
Cathy Cartier, President and CEO of Visit SLO CAL, said the early reopening marked a significant milestone for the region.
“Caltrans worked with exceptional focus and resilience to restore this legendary stretch of highway. Highway 1 is an emotional experience for so many people, and its early reopening reconnects the full wonder of Ragged Point, San Simeon and Cambria with our neighbours to the north in Monterey.”
Rob O’Keefe, President and CEO of See Monterey, added: “Reopening Highway 1 reconnects travellers with an extraordinary coastal journey. Now more than ever, it’s part of our collective role to protect and preserve this coastline by travelling safely and responsibly, with care for the land, the road and the communities that make it so special.”
Travellers are advised to check current road conditions and travel advisories via the Caltrans website before setting out.
