San Francisco to Los Angeles. Drive one of the world's most scenic coastal routes along California's Highway 1. From the Golden Gate Bridge through Big Sur's dramatic cliffs to the beaches of LA.
The Pacific Coast Highway between San Francisco and Los Angeles is consistently ranked as one of the top 10 road trips in the world, and for good reason. In 615 kilometers, you pass through more varied coastal scenery than most countries contain in their entirety.
The route takes you from the urban beauty of San Francisco, through the surf towns of Santa Cruz, past the world-class Monterey Bay Aquarium, along the jaw-dropping cliffs of Big Sur, through California wine country, into the elegance of Santa Barbara, and finally down to the beaches of Malibu and LA.
What makes this particular route special is the density of experiences per mile. Every hour of driving reveals a completely different landscape. Redwood forests give way to open ocean cliffs, which give way to rolling vineyards, which give way to Mediterranean-style beach towns. You never get bored.
4 days, 6 waypoints, and enough stops to fill a month of memories.
Walk or bike across for the best views. Go early morning to avoid fog.
Hit the Beach Boardwalk for the classic seaside experience. The Giant Dipper roller coaster has been running since 1924.
The Monterey Bay Aquarium is world-class. Book tickets online in advance. Cannery Row has great restaurants for dinner.
Cannery Row has seafood restaurants for every budget. Try the clam chowder in a sourdough bowl.
Take the toll road through Pebble Beach. The Lone Cypress and Bird Rock are the highlights. Best light is morning.
Bixby Bridge is the most photographed spot on the PCH. McWay Falls trails down to a beach cove. Pull over at every turnout.
Walk Higuera Street downtown. Great farm-to-table restaurants and local wineries. Thursday night farmers market is a must if timing works.
SLO has surprisingly good food for a small town. The wine scene rivals Napa at half the price.
Monarch butterfly grove (October-February). Great fish tacos at the pier. Wide beaches perfect for a morning walk.
A Danish-themed village with windmills, bakeries, and wine tasting rooms. Surprisingly charming. Try the aebleskiver (Danish pancakes).
Called the American Riviera for a reason. Walk State Street, visit the Old Mission, and catch sunset at Stearns Wharf.
The Funk Zone has the best food and wine scene. Walkable from downtown.
Stop at El Matador Beach for dramatic rock formations and sea caves. Nobu for a splurge lunch, Neptune's Net for the authentic PCH experience.
The official end of Route 66. Ride the Ferris wheel, walk the pier, and people-watch on the beach. Great way to end the trip.
Venice Beach boardwalk at sunset. Griffith Observatory for city views. Or just find a great taco truck.
LA is one of the best food cities in the world. Korean BBQ in Koreatown, tacos in East LA, sushi on the Westside.
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Things the guidebooks skip. From someone who has actually driven this route.
Big Sur has narrow roads with no guardrails in places. Drive slowly and use pullouts to let faster traffic pass.
Coastal fog is common June-August mornings between Monterey and Big Sur. Visibility can drop to 50 feet.
Cell service is spotty through Big Sur. Download offline maps before departing Monterey.
Gas stations are sparse between San Simeon and San Luis Obispo. Fill up in Big Sur or Cambria.
Landslides occasionally close Highway 1 near Big Sur. Check Caltrans road conditions before your trip.
National Scenic Byway, 1,055 km total length
Your route covers roughly 400 km of the official byway
Highlights: Ocean cliffs, beach towns, redwood forests
Best photography month: September
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