Pacific Coast Highway (Highway 1)

The Basics

Using major cities such as San Francisco or Los Angeles as a base, a trip up or down the PCH makes for excellent day trips. From beachside towns to national parks, there is plenty to do and see. If you’re going to drive the whole route, keep in mind that the Pacific Coast Highway is best suited for unhurried, leisurely driving. Leave enough time to make plenty of stops and to enjoy the scenic views along the way.

Things to Know Before You Go

• Though many stops along the PCH are best visited spontaneously, there are a few notable places or tours—including Hearst Castle—that do best with advance reservations.

• Nature lovers and beachgoers will enjoy Highway 1. Be prepared for amazing coastal vistas alongside empty beaches, dense forests, and foggy mountains.

• Views are often regarded as best driving from north to south.

How to Get There

The Pacific Coast Highway runs from the California-Oregon border to Orange County, though most travelers begin in San Francisco and end in Los Angeles or San Diego. Speed limits and road types vary along the highway. In some locations it can be a twisting, slow-moving two-lane road, while in other spots, the PCH is and moves like a freeway.

When to Get There

The weather in California is famously sunny year-round, though it can get chilly once the sun has gone down, especially up north. If you’re planning your trip around any particular stops, be sure to plan your time and visit accordingly.

Highway 1 Beach Towns

Besides the stellar ocean views, one of the great joys of driving the PCH is the number of beachside towns worth stopping in. From San Francisco, the towns of Carmel-by-the-Sea and Monterey—home to the Monterey Bay Aquarium, Pebble Beach, and Cannery Row—are must-stops. Be sure to include a drive over the Bixby Bridge, a scenic spot just outside Big Sur. Santa Cruz (and its beach boardwalk amusement park), San Luis Obispo, Cambria, Pismo Beach, and Santa Barbara are more Central Coast highlights.

Hearst Castle, another favorite stop, stands in San Simeon, on the coast between Monterey and San Luis Obispo. Tours are required to visit the castle and can be purchased up to 56 days in advance—it is strongly recommended to do so. The state beaches in Oxnard and Ventura offer some of the best surfing in the US. And, of course, Malibu and Santa Monica are the jewels in the crown of classic California beach culture.

What is the Pacific Coast Highway (Highway 1) famous for?

The Pacific Coast Highway (Highway 1) runs right along the Pacific Ocean along most of the coast of California. It passes through beach towns like Monterey and Laguna, areas to see redwoods, and offers views of iconic sites like the Golden Gate Bridge and the Bixby Bridge near Big Sur.

How long does driving the Pacific Coast Highway (Highway 1) take?

The PCH heads most of California's west coast, covering more than 600 miles (965 kilometers). Depending on how much of it you want to see, and how much time you want to spend stopping at beaches and cities along the way will determine how much time it will take you to drive it.

Are there self-guided audio tours of the Pacific Coast Highway (Highway 1)?

Yes, there are self-guided audio tours of the Pacific Coast Highway. These help you navigate the road and offer anecdotes to keep you entertained. Great for road trips, they allow you to stop where you want, then pick up and go again when you’re ready.

When is the best time to tour the Pacific Coast Highway (Highway 1)?

Summer brings the warmest weather, a popular time to explore the Pacific Coast Highway. However, if you want to avoid summer crowds, go at other times of the year. Temperatures get colder the further north you go and the closer to winter, so remember to pack accordingly.

What is the most scenic part of the Pacific Coast Highway (Highway 1)?

One of the most scenic parts is Big Sur, with its dramatic cliffs, forest, bridge, and beach. It’s worth stopping here to hike, camp, or stay in a flashier accommodation. Literature buffs might want to visit the Henry Miller Memorial Library for some history and a new read.

What do tours of the Pacific Coast Highway (Highway 1) include?

There are all sorts of tours of the PCT, lasting from a few hours to several days. Day tours from San Francisco can reach 17-Mile Drive and Carmel’s galleries. More extended tours cover more ground and last several days. Either drive yourself with an audio-guided tour or hire a tour with a driver.

Ways to explore

Using major cities such as San Francisco or Los Angeles as a base, a cruise up or down the PCH makes for an excellent day trip. From beachside towns to national parks, there is more than plenty to do and see. If you’re going to drive the whole route, keep in mind that the Pacific Coast Highway is best suited for unhurried, leisurely driving. Leave enough time to make plenty of stops and to enjoy the scenic views along the way.

Accessibility

Check for conditions—portions of the highway have been closed previously due to landslides.

Age limits

None, though someone will need to be old enough to have a driver’s license

What to pack

Camera, snacks and water, road maps or a GPS device, emergency kit including a spare tire and first-aid supplies

What to wear

Comfortable clothing in layers to adapt to changing coastal weather, comfortable walking shoes

Not allowed

Stopping or parking in prohibited areas, like along narrow cliff sections; drones in many state parks and protected areas

Amenities

Viewpoints, restaurants, gas stations, visitor centers

Address 

The Pacific Coast Highway (California State Route 1) stretches approximately 650 miles (1,046 kilometers) along California's coastline, from Dana Point in Orange County to Leggett in Mendocino County, and connects to Highway 101 to the north and south.

Driving

The most popular sections of the PCH include Big Sur (between Carmel and San Simeon) and the stretch from Santa Monica to Malibu. You can get on the highway from just about anywhere, but be mindful of closures, especially around Big Sur.

Public transportation

Some sections near urban areas like Los Angeles and San Francisco have bus service, but the better option is Amtrak's Pacific Surfliner or Coast Starlight routes.

Best times to visit

Try to beat rush hour (and catch morning light) before 8am and then again around 4–5pm (for golden hour).

Best days to visit

There’s no bad day to visit. You’ll get commuter traffic during the week and weekend travel traffic, so don’t worry too much about which day you’re visiting.

Best months to visit

April through June and September through October both offer nice conditions with mild weather, clear skies, and fewer tourists. Summer (July–August) is popular, but it’s crowded.

Special events

There are too many to name, but you might start with the Big Sur International Marathon in April, the Carmel Art Festival in May, or the Monterey Jazz Festival in September.