Head to head
The most famous coast road in America, or the one locals rate higher?
Our pick is the Highway 1, Big Sur.
Checked by the Drivers Atlas desk
Scored and written by the Drivers Atlas editorial desk, drawing on driven routes across the UK and Europe, mapping data and member road reports. Verdicts weigh road quality, scenery, traffic and how likely you are to actually enjoy the drive on the day. How we score roads.
Last reviewed 30 March 2026
The numbers
| Measure | Highway 1, Big Sur | US 101 Oregon Coast |
|---|---|---|
| Drivers Atlas rating | 9.5 | 9.0 |
| Driving score | 9.1 / 10 | 8.4 / 10 |
| Scenery score | 9.9 / 10 | 9.6 / 10 |
| Length | 145 km | 590 km |
| Where | California | Oregon |
| Season | Landslide closures are frequent, check before setting out | Coastal fog and winter storms |
Verdict
Big Sur packs more drama into ninety miles than anywhere else on the Pacific, with cliffs, bridges and constant elevation change. Nothing on the Oregon coast is quite that concentrated.
Oregon is longer, quieter, cheaper and far less prone to closures. For a week of driving rather than a morning, it is the better trip.
The roads
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