Pacific Coast Highway Cameras: Live California Route 1
Monitor real-time cameras along California State Route 1 — the Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) — one of the world's most iconic scenic drives. Track Big Sur landslide closures, Malibu coastal conditions, Monterey Bay approach, Santa Barbara corridor, and every segment of the 656-mile Route 1 on TrafficVision.Live.
VIEW PCH CAMERAS →California State Route 1 — known as the Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) — is one of the world's most iconic scenic drives, traversing 656 miles of California coastline from the Oregon border area to Dana Point in Orange County. The route passes through or near Malibu, Santa Monica, Oxnard, Santa Barbara, San Simeon, Big Sur, Monterey, Half Moon Bay, San Francisco, Marin County, Sonoma, Mendocino, and Leggett before merging with US-101. The Big Sur section — 71 miles through one of the most rugged coastlines in North America — is closed to traffic on more than 55 occasions historically due to landslides, mudslides, erosion, and fire per Caltrans data. A major 90-mile section was recently reopened per ABC7 after 3 years of closures following 2023 atmospheric river storms and a 2024 roadway collapse near Rocky Creek Bridge. The total economic damage from recent closures is estimated near $500 million per CalMatters. Caltrans, QuickMap, and 511.org provide extensive PCH camera coverage.
PCH Regional Coverage
Southern PCH (Malibu to San Luis Obispo)
Los Angeles County + Ventura + SLO
Malibu beach scene, Santa Monica/Pacific Palisades, Oxnard, Santa Barbara, San Simeon (Hearst Castle).
Big Sur (SLO to Monterey)
Most iconic + most landslide-prone
71-mile core scenic drive. Historically closed 55+ times. Rocky Creek, Regent's Slide, Mud Creek are recurring trouble spots.
Central PCH (Monterey to San Francisco)
Monterey Bay + Half Moon Bay
Monterey, Carmel, Half Moon Bay, Pacifica. Moss Beach coastal views.
Northern PCH (Marin to Leggett)
Sonoma, Mendocino, redwood coast
Sonoma Coast, Fort Ross, Mendocino village, Leggett terminus where SR-1 merges with US-101.
Iconic Photo Stops
Bixby Bridge + McWay Falls + more
Bixby Bridge (Big Sur), McWay Falls, Pfeiffer Beach, Nepenthe restaurant.
When to Check PCH Cameras
Peak PCH Traffic + Closure Windows
- Summer tourism (Jun-Sep) — Peak volume throughout — Big Sur reservations required many segments
- Winter atmospheric rivers — Heaviest closure risk — November through March
- Spring wildflower season — Peak Central Coast tourism
- Fall foliage (October) — Wine country + northern PCH peak
- Big Sur events — Pfeiffer Big Sur Marathon (April) + Big Sur International (April-May)
- Whale migration (Dec-Apr) — Peak PCH tourism south + central
- Storm closures (Year-round) — Check Caltrans Big Sur status before any Big Sur trip
View Live Pacific Coast Highway Cameras
Check PCH conditions before your coastal drive — free, 24/7, no sign-up required.
VIEW PCH CAMERAS →Big Sur Highway 1 Closure Protocol
Per the Big Sur Chamber of Commerce, Highway 1 through Big Sur is closed on more than 55 occasions historically. Active closures can last days to years depending on landslide severity. Key recurring trouble zones:
- Mud Creek (2017 massive slide, took 14 months to reopen)
- Regent's Slide (ongoing removal per Caltrans District 5)
- Rocky Creek Bridge area (2024 roadway collapse)
Before any Big Sur trip, always verify current status via Caltrans, QuickMap, or Big Sur California. Closures may require 100+ mile detours via US-101 inland — not a quick alternate route.
Pro Tip: PCH North vs. South Direction of Travel
Most experienced PCH drivers recommend driving north-to-south (San Francisco → LA or Monterey → Santa Barbara) for two reasons:
- Passenger side gets the coastal views — you're on the ocean-side lane
- Pull-offs are right-side only — making photo stops easier and safer
For Big Sur specifically, allow extra time regardless of direction. 60-90 miles through Big Sur can take 3-4 hours with stops. Winter driving requires major buffers for possible closures.
For California and Pacific Northwest travelers, see our California traffic cameras guide, California beach cams guide, Golden Gate Bridge guide, SF Bay Bridge guide, Bixby Bridge guide, San Francisco traffic cameras guide, Los Angeles traffic cameras guide, Oregon traffic cameras guide, Astoria Bridge guide, Siskiyou Summit I-5 guide, and I-5 corridor guide.
Track Pacific Coast Highway
Browse live Caltrans, QuickMap, and 511.org camera feeds covering the full 656-mile PCH.
VIEW PCH CAMERAS →How long is the Pacific Coast Highway?
656 miles total — from Leggett in the north (where SR-1 merges with US-101) to Dana Point in the south (Orange County). The full PCH drive takes several days with stops; key scenic segments include Big Sur (71 miles), Santa Barbara corridor, and the SF-to-Monterey stretch.
Is Highway 1 open right now?
Check Caltrans and Big Sur California's Highway 1 Conditions page for real-time status. Big Sur segments are subject to frequent landslide closures — 55+ documented closures historically per KQED. As of 2026, a 90-mile section recently reopened after 3 years of closures.
What caused the recent Big Sur closures?
Per Washington Post and ABC7, atmospheric rivers in January 2023 and follow-up storms in 2024 caused a series of landslides. One section near the Rocky Creek Bridge collapsed into the ocean in 2024. Cumulative economic damage from recent closures is estimated near $500 million per CalMatters.
Are PCH cameras free to view?
What's the best direction to drive PCH?
Most experienced drivers recommend north-to-south — passengers get coastal views and pull-offs are right-side-only. For a complete drive, allow 3-5 days with overnights in Monterey, Big Sur, Santa Barbara, and/or Malibu.
Ready to Monitor Pacific Coast Highway?
Track Big Sur, Malibu, Monterey, and every Route 1 segment with live Caltrans cameras — free, instant, no sign-up.
VIEW PCH CAMERAS →