Why You Should Drive California’s Highway 1

There are scenic drives, and then there’s California’s Highway 1 a route so breathtaking it feels almost mythical.  Miles of winding coastal road with hairpin turns and nothing but ocean on one side and the Santa Lucia mountains on the other. Highway 1 reminds you why you love to travel in the first place.

This is the drive most people imagine when they talk about driving the Pacific Coast Highway. Whether you drive the full route or tackle it in sections, Highway 1 offers something rare, a journey that’s as rewarding as any destination. Here’s what awaits you along the way, and why this drive deserves a spot at the top of your bucket list.

How long is California Highway 1?

The Pacific Coast Highway is legendary, but where it begins and ends can be a bit confusing. Technically, Highway 1 runs for more than 650 miles (from Dana Point to Mendocino County) along the California coast.

The stretch  from northern San Luis Obispo County to Big Sur and continuing to Carmel, is the part most people refer to as the ultimate California road trip. That section is only a small portion of Pacific Coast Highway, and also the slowest. Distances on a map are misleading here. What looks like a two-hour drive can easily become four or five when you factor in curves, conditions, pull-outs, traffic, and weather.

Can you drive from Los Angeles to San Francisco on Highway 1?

Yes, you can but you may need to detour due to ongoing challenges with the road.

I have driven this route when it was fully accessible, making the journey all the way from  Los Angeles to Monterey.  I’ve also traveled the stretch between San Francisco and Big Sur; this section is usually open even when other parts of the road are not. The key is flexibility: anyone considering this drive should be prepared to adjust their route and timing based on current conditions.

How long does it take to drive California Highway 1?

On a map, the drive from Cambria to Carmel appears deceptively short. Google Maps lists it as just under three hours. In reality, it’s going to take longer. 

Highway 1 is slow by design. Tight curves, steep grades, narrow lanes, traffic congestion in peak seasons, and dozens of scenic pull-outs, there’s nothing quick about it. What looks like a simple two to three hour drive on paper can easily stretch into an entire day.

When I drove this route round-trip from Los Angeles to Monterey Bay, I took of six days to do so. That pace allowed time to adapt to road conditions, enjoy the landscape, and avoid rushing through what is meant to be a highly immersive experience.

If you are planning to include Highway 1 as part of a broader California itinerary, give yourself at least three full days to do it justice. More time will always enhance the experience. Less time simply turns one of the most extraordinary drives in the country into a stressful experience, defeating the purpose entirely.

Which Direction is the best drive?

 Most people prefer driving from north to south (San Francisco to LA for example) because the Pacific Ocean views will be on the right and it’s easier to pull off at the vista points to take pictures.  However, if you go in the off season pulling off the highway at a turn out is not an issue.  I did it. 

 When is the best time to drive Highway 1?

The best time to drive Highway 1 depends on what you want: solitude, less traffic, warm weather, sunshine or fog.  

Don’t expect it to be sunny in the summer…many people are surprised that the coastal areas are foggy and often quite chilly in the summer. It will also be more crowded.

 Winter is cooler, but still sunny and beautiful. It’s also at the highest risk for road closures. Early fall is nice too, after the coastal fog has lifted, but before the rainy season starts. 

 I went in the winter, which is also a great time to go whale-watching, and the weather was excellent. 

If you go in the winter, wear layers that you peel off as the day warms and you’ll be fine. 

 Should you drive or ride?

If you suffer from carsickness it’s best to drive, because once you enter the Big Sur area the road is a bit of a roller coaster. If for some reason you cannot drive, be prepared with some non-drowsy Dramamine…it would be a shame to fall asleep, or worse, get sick, and miss this drive after so much preparation.

Be prepared for this iconic drive

Driving a reliable car is a must. This is a two-lane mountain road. In some places, the shoulder is quite narrow leaving little real estate between you and the sea below. There’s a forty-to-fifty-mile stretch of hairpin twists and turns. This is not the place you want to break down. 

Check road conditions

Highway 1 around Big Sur is known for rock slides and mud slides in the rainy season, sorry but I feel I need to emphasize this. You can still get to Big Sur, but you’ll need to detour. If there are road closures you’ll need to take Highway 46 and reconnect with the 101 to continue north. More details are included in the section about alternate routes at the end of this article.

Gas up

Don’t forget to fill up the car with gas before you hit the road. The final place to purchase gas before you get to Big Sur is Ragged Point.

Bathroom stops

It’s a good idea to use the bathroom when you are getting gas.  The only places to stop are the lookout points or turnouts, so even if you are not shy about having a wee on the side of the road that won’t be an option on this highway.

Take a good camera

I would be remiss not to remind you that since you’ll be taking a lot of photographs be sure your phone or camera is charged and ready. And don’t forget to have someone take a photo of you in this stunning landscape.

Questions? Feel free to email me via my contact page or leave a comment.

Places that define the Highway 1 experience

While the drive is the attraction, there are also cute seaside towns, great restaurants, wildlife and history to experience along the way. I’ve written this list as if traveling from Los Angeles to San Francisco.

Cambria and Moonstone Beach

The first place I stopped was Cambria in San Luis Obispo County.

Moonstone Beach is known for bits of colorful sea glass and a mile-long, wooden boardwalk.  It’s a good place to stop for a walk or go beach combing for moonstones.

Moonstone Beach is known for bits of colorful sea glass and its mile-long wooden boardwalk. It’s an ideal place to stop for a walk, take in the ocean air, or do a bit of beach combing for the smooth stones that look like real moonstones, hence Moonstone Beach.

In town, there are cute shops, galleries and good restaurants, too. One of my favorites was Harmony Cafe at the Pewter Plough. The chef is Italian and his food is the real deal. This place is worth planning a stop around.

From Cambria, continue north to visit Hearst Castle in San Simeon, which I think is a must if this is your first visit.  

Hearst Castle, San Simeon

The story goes that when publishing mogul William Randolph Hearst inherited 40,000 acres of California coastal land from his mother, he told architect Julia Morgan that he wanted to “build a little something.” That little something became Hearst Castle. 

I took the Grand Rooms Tour. Though the house is a magnificent example of Mediterranean and Gothic architecture filled with antiquities from all over the world, my favorite part of the tour was the indoor Roman Pool. From the exquisite blue tile work to the soft ambient lights, and the reflection on the water, the Roman pool has a very mysterious and tranquil vibe. 

Our guide regaled us with stories of famous personalities and frequent guests at the castle. One story involved guests sneaking out to the pool for a romantic interlude with only the statues watching.

According to the guide, Cary Grant once said, “The Roman pool is a great place to get to know someone just a little bit better.” I wouldn’t mind meeting up with him there at all.

 After the tour, you can walk around the grounds outside as long as you like.  Be sure to book a castle tour in advance. Plan to spend at least two hours here.

For more information about Hearst Castle and the various tours available, you can book online.

Elephant Seals Rookery

About five miles from Hearst Castle is the Piedras Blancas Elephant Seal Rookery. These animals are quite ugly but very interesting to watch. They’re also very noisy, especially during the mating season. The shore area is dotted with large lava rocks, making it hard to distinguish the seals from the rocks when they are in the water. The day I went there was a backup of cars waiting to get into the parking lot. This is another good reason to go off-season or on a weekday.

Bixby Bridge 

This may be the most photographed bridge in California aside from the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco. Bixby Bridge is a single-span concrete arch more than 260 feet high and 700 feet long. You can park at a turnout at either end to take photographs.

Bixby Bridge along with Garrapata and Rocky Creek Bridge, was built in the 1930s, paving the way for tourism in Big Sur.  Before the completion of Highway 1, the Old Coast Road was the only access. That road was never paved and today is not suitable for standard automobiles. 

Pro tip: Rocky Creek Bridge looks very similar to Bixby Bridge. 

Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park

A great place for hiking, this park is best known for McWay Falls, a 100-foot waterfall that cascades from an 80-foot high drop-off into the cove below. The trail to get there is quite easy. It’s an iconic spot and will probably be crowded, but it’s still worth doing. 

The falls are a perfect example of how the eroding coastline affects the area. The falls used to drop into the ocean, but due to a landslide several years ago they now fall onto a sandy cove. You may wish you could access the beach and the falls but there is signage everywhere warning against it. Be smart and admire safely from afar.

Pfeiffer Beach, known for its dramatic rock formations and purple-tinged sand is one of the most beautiful beaches in the area, but it is not the beach with the waterfall.

Pro tip: Don’t park on the side of the road. You’ll see that a lot of people do, but I think it could be dangerous. In the off-season use the parking lot within the park.

Nepenthe Big Sur

Nepenthe is an indoor/outdoor restaurant best known for its sweeping views, but it also has an interesting history. The family felt it was important to share this beautiful location with others. When deciding what to call it, they chose Nepenthe for mythical drug which reduces all forms of pain.

The restaurant and surrounding land have remained in the same family for more than 70 years, and it’s still a beloved stop for both locals and visitors.

There’s also a thoughtfully curated gift shop offering handcrafted jewelry, unique fragrances, books, and children’s gifts sourced from around the world.

Carmel by the Sea

Carmel is known as “the little town in the forest by the sea,” and looks like a fairytale European Village.  Just like Europe, walking is the best way to see the sites. Carmel is pet friendly too, so your furry friends can walk everywhere with you. 

Unique shops, tasting rooms, and galleries featuring local artists are tucked into alleyways and along unexpected side streets… you never know what surprise may be around the corner. For a more guided experience, you can take a walking tour with Gael Gallagher or tour by bike with Big Sur Adventures.

Carmel is also known for its fine dining and wine tasting scene. Casanova is one of the town’s most well-known and well-loved restaurants, and worth considering for a special meal. Hogbreath’s Inn, founded by Clint Eastwood, has recently reopened and has a more casual ambiance. Little Napoli is an Italian spot known for the founder’s connection to crooner Frank Sinatra. At least go and have a look inside. 

Consistently ranked among the most beautiful small towns in the USA   by publications such as Condé Nast Traveler, Travel + Leisure, and USA Today, Carmel also boasts one of the most scenic beaches on the Monterey Peninsula, an especially memorable place to watch the sunset.

17 Mile Dr. Pebble Beach

Another popular spot near Carmel-by-the-Sea, Pebble Beach is known for its stunning golf links among the dunes and the famous 17-mile drive and the lone cypress. Do this drive at sunset if you can. 

Pacific Grove

Pacific Grove is a lovely village nestled between the gates of 17-mile drive and the Monterey Bay Aquarium. It’s known for coastal walks at Lovers Point, a charming downtown comprised of Victorian homes, now shops and restaurants. 

Pacific Grove is sometimes referred to as Butterfly town because of the Monarch Butterfly sanctuary there. The butterflies stop in Pacific Grove for four months each year from October to February. 

Point Pinos Lighthouse, Pacific Grove

Since 1855, the Point Pinos Lighthouse has been a beacon for ships on the Pacific coast. It’s the oldest continually operating lighthouse on the West Coast and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. I spent some time here just sitting outside enjoying the views. 

Cannery Row

Cannery Row, originally called Ocean View Avenue, became famous through John Steinbeck’s eponymous novel. During Steinbeck’s time, the area was lined with sardine canning factories. Today, Cannery Row is one of the most popular attractions in the Monterey Bay area.

Literary and film enthusiasts who have read Cannery Row — or seen the film — can still find the former laboratory of marine biologist Ed Ricketts, the inspiration for one of Steinbeck’s central characters. His lab remains standing and is located across the street from a Chinese-American–owned store also mentioned in the novel.

For a different perspective on the area, a guided kayak tour along Cannery Row is also worth considering.

Monterey Bay Aquarium

Monterey Bay Aquarium opened in 1984, quickly becoming one of the most visited aquariums in the world. Today the aquarium receives over 2 million visitors per year. Located on the north end of Cannery Row, it’s on the former site of the Hovden Cannery–the last cannery to close, in 1973.

Elkhorn Slough, Moss Landing

Moss Landing is a little bit off the beaten  path, but worth the detour. It’s a fun, quirky place known for wildlife spotting, especially sea otters at the Elkhorn Slough estuary. I recommend the guided tour with Elkhorn Slough Safari. I did this a few years ago and loved it. 

If you’re plan to dine in Moss Landing go to the popular Phil’s Fish Market, a casual eatery featured on food-focused shows. If you’re solo, like I was, sit at the bar and you’ll most likely end up talking to someone sitting next to you. Moss Landing is about 20 minutes north of Monterey. 

Places To Stay Along California Highway 1 

This section was previously part of a separate Highway 1 lodging guide and has been fully updated and incorporated here.

There’s a good selection of places to stay in Monterey Bay from bed and breakfasts to cottages and modern hotels. If you want to be in a very central location, stay in Monterey. You are five to ten minutes from Carmel, twenty from Big Sur, and only two hours from San Francisco.

I earn a small commission if you book your hotel through one of my links. It doesn’t cost you extra and helps me keep the site going. Thank you!

Casa Munras

I stayed at the historic Casa Munras, one of the Inns of Monterey. Located just off the 101, it’s an excellent location for walking downtown and to the Fisherman’s Wharf.  You can compare prices on Expedia and  on Booking.com 

Intercontinental Monterey 

A really beautiful hotel right on the water in an excellent location.  It’s easy to walk around the historic area of Monterey. If you truly want to be in the heart of Cannery Row,  check rates on Booking.com for the Intercontinental on Cannery Row.  Also check Expedia.com

Pelican Inn And Suites, Cambria

Pelican Inn And Suites is a lovely boutique-style inn just steps away from the beach. Luxury amenities include jacuzzi tubs, plush robes, upscale bath products, gourmet coffee, luxury linens,  a spa, and a workout room. Some rooms and suites feature private terraces and fireplaces as well.

My room was large, stylish, and comfortable, with a king-size bed, luxurious sheets, and a fireplace. I also had a jacuzzi tub along with a separate shower and an additional sink and vanity – perfect if you’re sharing the room.

Pelican Inn and Suites is a great base for visiting other area attractions like Hearst Castle, and the Elephant Seal Rookery. Paso Robles wine country is just a thirty-minute drive inland.  Rooms start at $199 per night. You can book your room here or on Tripadvisor

Big Sur River Inn

The Big Sur River Inn is better known as “the place with the chairs in the river,” a tradition that was established when guests began to move the big Adirondack-style chairs into the river where they would sit with their feet in the cool soothing water under the shade of tall redwood trees.
The chairs have become a trademark of the River Inn, one of the oldest lodgings in the area. Established in 1934, it was originally named the Apple Pie Inn. Yes, apple pie is still on the menu today.

In 1943 it became the River Inn and remains one of the most preferred accommodations in the central part of Big Sur for quiet respites (there are no phones or televisions in the rooms), family vacations, and even intimate wedding celebrations.

The Big Sur River Inn features a full-service restaurant, a general store, an outdoor pool, and several state parks located nearby. It’s also one of the few places where you can fill your tank up with gas and has been so since it opened. 

There are twenty casual but comfortable guest rooms and rates here start at $200 per night. Wi-fi is available however I found it worked best outside the rooms. Compare rates on Tripadvisor and Expedia.com 

Ventana Inn and Spa Big Sur 

If you seek a luxury stay, Ventana Inn and Spa in Big Sur should fit nicely.  The resort offers five-star accommodations and a wide variety of services that range from complimentary yoga or Pilates classes to intimate and luxurious Japanese hot baths.

These services set Ventana apart from other resorts in Big Sur. Thanks to its refined, romantic, and iconic appeal, this hotel is well-appreciated by both local and foreign tourists. The room rates at Ventana Inn and Spa start at around $2000 per night depending on the season and room type, which range from guest rooms to private cottages.

Be sure to dine at the Restaurant at Ventana where the food, atmosphere, and service is equally impeccable. Many of the employees have been there for over twenty-five years and take great pride in providing an unparalleled level of service to all diners and guests.

Quail Lodge Golf Club and Resort, Carmel Valley

If a great golf course is a must,  you’ll want to stay in Carmel Valley at the lovely Quail Lodge Golf Club and Resort. There are 75 guestrooms and 18 suites right on the golf course and decorated in a California hacienda-style -suites have private patios and face a lovely pond and water fountain.

Standard features with each room include complimentary wifi, luxury bathroom amenities, guest parking, a gourmet coffeemaker, and bottled water. Breakfast for two is served each morning and features a good selection of gluten-free and dairy-free options along with plenty of fresh fruit.

The room is huge and well-appointed – I warmed my toes by the fireplace one chilly night. Another fun feature was a remote-controlled skylight; I was able to gaze upon a full moon over my bed one evening. Guestroom rates start at $500 per night for suites. I think the suite is a deal.  You can book through the hotel website or try Expedia website or Booking.com

Quail Lodge Golf Course features an 18-hole course originally designed by golf architect, Robert Muir Graves. The course has been recently updated with an eco-friendly design. I’m not a golfer but I still enjoyed the environment and you don’t need to be a golfer to stay at Quail Lodge. I can only imagine that if you do play golf, this is a great place to play. 

Holman Ranch

Holman Ranch feels like a world of its own, nestled high in the hills of Carmel Valley. The original stone hacienda-style property has ten guest rooms all built with Mexican terracotta tile, local stone mined in Carmel Valley, and exposed dark wood beams. A unique historic property, built in 1928, Holman Ranch has always been a guest resort, a place of serenity and luxury on a 400-acre ranch. This is the place for the person who wants something special and elegant but also comfortable and casual.

Holman Ranch is equipped to host weddings (there’s a small chapel on the property), corporate retreats, and other large-scale events. Activities include horseback riding, swimming, vineyard tours, and wine tasting. All wines are estate-grown and bottled at Holman Ranch.

Hofsas House

Hofsas House is a family-owned hotel that has been operating in Carmel for sixty years. The current owner, Carrie Theis, inherited the hotel from her grandmother and it’s clear that her roots are deeply planted in Carmel. She knows her way around and clearly, enjoys her role as a lady of the house…you can ask her anything about Carmel.

Carrie’s grandmother once lived here and many of the rooms are furnished with her original furniture. There are 38 rooms of various sizes, each decorated differently – no frills, but comfortable. Continental breakfast is available each morning and wi-fi is also complimentary.

My room came with a small kitchen and a wood-burning fireplace. The best part though was the gorgeous sunset view from my balcony every evening. Paradise is affordable sometimes. If you are looking to splurge on food, wine, art, and shopping in Carmel, but save on accommodations, try Hofsas House. You can check rates for Hofsas House on Booking.com

Cypress Inn

If it’s luxury you are seeking, check out The Cypress Inn, a  luxury boutique hotel in the heart of Carmel-by-the-Sea.  As I stepped into the hotel lobby, I received a warm reception and was offered a chance to tour the hotel. 

With 44 elegant rooms and suites decorated in Mediterranean style, Cypress Inn is part of an elite collection of Carmel Boutique Inns. Cypress Inn is  best known as the hotel owned by Doris Day and was the first pet-friendly hotel in Carmel.

The Cypress Inn also offers eco-friendly amenities like reverse-osmosis filtered water (allowing guests to fill their own water bottles) and eco-friendly soaps, shampoos, and conditioners. The hotel has a strong tradition of providing an environmentally safe and welcoming environment for guests.

Have you stayed at any of these places? If you find this article useful please share!

Just Go!

California’s Highway 1 has an almost mythic pull. I’ve met people from all over the world who dream of making the drive. It continues to inspire romantics, artists, explorers, and adventurers, not because it is always easy or predictable, but because of what it represents.

However, road repairs, erosion, and closures have become part of the reality of this route.  If this drive has been living quietly on your list for years, consider this your reminder that certain roads don’t wait forever.

Alternate Driving Routes Are Listed Below

  If you are driving from San Francisco or the San Jose area, take the 101 south to Highway 156 through Castroville. 156 will connect to Highway 1 where you can continue your journey south, to Monterey.

From Los Angeles take the 101 north to the 156. Alternatively, you can drive the 101 north to Santa Barbara where you will connect with Highway 1 (this is not the most scenic stretch). From Santa Barbara Highway 1 doesn’t always include ocean views however, once you reach Pismo Beach the Pacific Ocean is within sight most of the way up to Ragged Point.  If there are road closures you’ll need to take Highway 46 and reconnect with the 101 to continue north. If your road trip begins or ends in Los Angeles, be sure to visit this historic winery in downtown LA.

Highway 46 will take you to the city of Paso Robles, a great place for wine tasting Rhone varietals.  Or, visit the wine-tasting rooms along Highway 46—there are 40 to choose from!

No matter how you approach it, the Pacific Coast Highway remains one of California’s most powerful and memorable drives — a place shaped by time, weather, and the call of the open road. 

Check rates for rental cars and flights on Kayak.com

Like the images you see? Please be respectful. If you’d like usage just shoot me an email.