Tourists swarming Big Sur since key highway opening
Big Sur has seen a significant influx of tourists following the reopening of Highway 1 in January. Hotels are experiencing high occupancy rates, and local businesses are benefiting from increased visitor traffic. State officials report a projected revenue increase of 108% this year, with expectations for even greater growth during the peak travel season.
- ▪Highway 1 reopened in January after being closed for several years due to rockslides and flooding.
- ▪Hotels in Big Sur are reporting occupancy rates between 80% and 96% in February and March.
- ▪Traffic at Ragged Point has increased by more than 900% since the highway's reopening.
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Metro Tourists swarming Big Sur since key highway opening By Ross O'Keefe Published May 16, 2026, 2:06 p.m. ET Hotels in Big Sur have had little trouble filling their rooms since Highway 1 reopened in January, state officials said Friday. Business in the area has boomed, with hotels seeing occupancy between 80% and 96% in February and March of this year. They’re set to see an increase in revenue of 108% this year and await the “critical” March through August travel season, when they expect to see a larger 200% increase. Highway 1 was closed for several years after rockslides and flooding forced millions in repairs. It also isolated the area and created problems for local businesses. 8 Bixby Creek Bridge on Highway 1, Big Sur coast of California.
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