The Ultimate Pacific Coast Highway Road Trip
Few road trips are as iconic as California Highway 1. Also known as the Pacific Coast Highway (PCH), this legendary coastal road follows some of the most spectacular scenery in the USA, passing rugged cliffs, sandy beaches, charming seaside towns and dramatic ocean views.
A Highway 1 road trip is about much more than simply driving from one destination to another. The journey itself is the attraction, with scenic viewpoints, coastal walks, wildlife, historic towns, excellent restaurants and beautiful landscapes waiting along the way.
One of the most popular ways to experience the route is by travelling Highway 1 from San Francisco to Los Angeles, combining two of California's most famous cities with the spectacular Central Coast and Big Sur.
Experience Highway 1 with THG Holidays
If you're looking to experience the Pacific Coast Highway for yourself, our 7-night Highlights of California Self-Drive combines some of California's most famous destinations with the iconic Highway 1.
The itinerary starts in San Francisco, continues to Yosemite National Park, before heading back to the coast via Monterey and California's Central Coast, finishing in Los Angeles.
And because it's a self-drive holiday, it can easily be extended with additional nights or extra stops.
Discover our Highlights of California Self-Drive
What Is California Highway 1?
California State Route 1, generally known as Highway 1, is one of America's most famous coastal highways.
The road follows the Pacific coastline for hundreds of miles, linking numerous communities and attractions along California's coast.
Parts of the road have different names, including the Pacific Coast Highway, PCH and the Cabrillo Highway, but when travellers talk about a California Highway 1 holiday, they are usually referring to the spectacular coastal journey through Central and Southern California.
The scenery changes dramatically as you travel.
You can go from busy city streets to peaceful beaches, rugged cliffs, forests, vineyards and rolling countryside within the same day.
That variety is what makes a California road trip so memorable.
Highway 1 vs Pacific Coast Highway
You will often see the terms Highway 1 and Pacific Coast Highway used interchangeably, but technically they aren't exactly the same thing.
Highway 1 is California's official State Route 1, while Pacific Coast Highway is one of the names used for sections of the route.
For travellers planning a holiday, however, the terms Highway 1, Pacific Coast Highway, PCH and California coastal road trip are commonly used to describe the same iconic experience.
Whatever you call it, the spectacular scenery is the main attraction.
San Francisco to Los Angeles: The Classic Highway 1 Road Trip
For many visitors, the ultimate Highway 1 road trip is from San Francisco to Los Angeles.
This route combines California's famous cities with some of its most spectacular coastal scenery.
Starting in San Francisco, you can explore the city before heading south towards Monterey and Carmel-by-the-Sea.
From there, Highway 1 enters its most famous section around Big Sur, where the road winds dramatically along the Pacific coastline.
Continue south through California's Central Coast before eventually reaching Santa Barbara, Malibu and Los Angeles.
The route can technically be driven in a relatively short time, but that misses the point.
A Pacific Coast Highway holiday should be about taking your time, stopping at viewpoints, exploring coastal towns and enjoying the scenery.
Why Drive Highway 1 from San Francisco to Los Angeles?
There are several ways to experience California's coast, but travelling from San Francisco to Los Angeles is particularly popular.
Travelling south means that the Pacific Ocean is generally on your right-hand side, providing spectacular coastal views as you drive.
It also creates a natural progression through California.
You begin with the distinctive architecture and atmosphere of San Francisco, move through the beautiful Central Coast and Big Sur, and eventually arrive among the beaches, palm trees and attractions of Southern California.
For a first California road trip, it's difficult to find a more iconic route.
The Best Stops on Highway 1
One of the most common questions travellers ask is:
What are the best places to stop on Highway 1?
There are countless possibilities, but several destinations have become firm favourites.
Monterey
A Classic California Coastal Stop
Monterey is one of the most popular stops on a California Highway 1 itinerary.
Located on the Central Coast, the city has a fascinating maritime history and is famous for its waterfront, marine life and beautiful surroundings.
Things to do in Monterey
Visit Monterey Bay Aquarium
Explore Cannery Row
Walk along the waterfront
See the sea lions
Visit Fisherman's Wharf
Enjoy fresh seafood
Explore the surrounding coastline
Monterey also provides easy access to nearby Carmel-by-the-Sea and the beginning of the spectacular Big Sur coastline.
Carmel-by-the-Sea
Just south of Monterey is Carmel-by-the-Sea, one of California's most charming coastal towns.
Carmel is known for its picturesque cottages, independent shops, art galleries, restaurants and beautiful sandy beach.
It's the kind of place where you can park the car and simply wander.
Take a stroll through the village, explore the galleries or head down to Carmel Beach to enjoy views across the Pacific.
Carmel is also an important stop before continuing along the spectacular section of Highway 1 towards Big Sur.
Big Sur
The Highlight of the Pacific Coast Highway
If there is one destination that defines the Highway 1 road trip, it is Big Sur.
The coastline becomes increasingly dramatic as Highway 1 winds between the Pacific Ocean and the rugged Santa Lucia Mountains.
Huge cliffs plunge towards the ocean, redwood forests cover the hillsides and scenic viewpoints appear around almost every bend.
This is a section of road where you should slow down and enjoy the journey.
Allow plenty of time for photographs and scenic stops rather than simply concentrating on reaching your next destination.
Bixby Bridge
One of the most recognisable landmarks on Highway 1 is Bixby Bridge.
The elegant concrete bridge crosses a dramatic canyon with the Pacific Ocean behind it, creating one of the classic images of the California coast.
It's one of the most popular photo stops on a Big Sur road trip.
McWay Falls
Another famous Big Sur landmark is McWay Falls.
Located within Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park, the waterfall drops from the cliffs towards a beautiful coastal cove.
The viewpoint provides one of the most memorable scenes along the entire Pacific Coast Highway.
Pfeiffer Big Sur
For a change from the ocean views, head inland around Pfeiffer Big Sur, where the landscape is dominated by redwood forests, mountains and hiking trails.
The combination of forest, mountains and coastline demonstrates just how varied the Big Sur region can be.
San Simeon & Hearst Castle
Continuing south from Big Sur, San Simeon makes another fascinating stop.
The area is home to Hearst Castle, the extraordinary former estate of newspaper publisher William Randolph Hearst.
Perched high above the surrounding landscape, the estate combines grand architecture, gardens, artwork and spectacular views.
If you have additional time on your California road trip, it makes an interesting addition to your Highway 1 itinerary.
Pismo Beach
Further south, Pismo Beach offers a classic California seaside experience.
With a wide sandy beach, famous pier and relaxed atmosphere, it's a great place to stop for a walk, lunch or simply some time beside the Pacific.
The town is particularly well suited to travellers who want to experience the more relaxed side of the California coast.
Santa Barbara
California's American Riviera
Further south along the coast is Santa Barbara, often known as the American Riviera.
The city combines beautiful beaches with Mediterranean-style architecture, palm-lined streets, restaurants, shops and a relaxed atmosphere.
Walk along the waterfront, explore State Street or simply enjoy the sunshine and ocean views.
Santa Barbara is also one of the best places to add an extra night if you are extending your Highway 1 self-drive holiday.
Malibu
As you approach Los Angeles, Highway 1 reaches Malibu, famous for its beaches, surfing, spectacular homes and Pacific Ocean views.
This is quintessential Southern California.
The coastline here provides a wonderful introduction to Los Angeles before you continue towards Santa Monica and the wider LA area.
Santa Monica
Although technically part of Los Angeles, Santa Monica deserves a mention in its own right.
The famous Santa Monica Pier is one of California's most recognisable landmarks and provides a fitting finale to a Pacific Coast Highway journey.
Take a walk along the beach, explore the pier or simply enjoy the atmosphere before continuing into Los Angeles.
Los Angeles
The Perfect End to a Highway 1 Road Trip
Your Highway 1 adventure can finish in Los Angeles, giving you the opportunity to explore one of America's most famous cities.
Depending on your interests, you could visit:
Hollywood
Beverly Hills
Rodeo Drive
Hollywood Walk of Fame
Griffith Observatory
Santa Monica
Venice Beach
Downtown Los Angeles
With so much to see, it is worth considering adding extra nights in Los Angeles if your schedule allows.
How Long Do You Need for a Highway 1 Road Trip?
There is no single answer to how many days you need for Highway 1.
It depends on how much time you have and how many places you want to explore.
3–4 Days
A shorter trip can give you a taste of the coastline, but you'll need to keep moving and won't have much time for exploring.
5–7 Days
A week is a much more comfortable length for experiencing the main highlights of the San Francisco to Los Angeles route.
You'll have time to explore several coastal towns and spend time around Big Sur rather than simply driving through.
10–14 Days
With two weeks, you can slow the journey down considerably.
You could spend extra nights in Monterey, Carmel, Big Sur or Santa Barbara and add destinations such as Yosemite National Park, Napa Valley or San Diego.
This is an excellent option for travellers looking for a more comprehensive California self-drive holiday.
Is 7 Nights Enough for Highway 1?
Yes, seven nights can provide a fantastic introduction to California's iconic coastal road.
However, you don't have to stop at seven nights.
A 7-night Highway 1 self-drive can easily become a 10-, 12- or 14-night California road trip by adding extra nights and destinations.
This flexibility is one of the biggest advantages of travelling independently by car.
Can You Combine Highway 1 with Yosemite?
Absolutely.
Although Yosemite National Park isn't located on Highway 1, it makes an excellent addition to a California road trip.
The combination gives you two completely different landscapes:
Yosemite: mountains, waterfalls, forests and granite cliffs.
Highway 1: Pacific Ocean, beaches, coastal cliffs and seaside towns.
This is exactly the type of combination that makes a California self-drive so appealing.
Our Highlights of California Self-Drive includes two nights around Yosemite before returning to the coast and continuing south along Highway 1.
The itinerary can also be extended if you'd like more time to explore the national park or California's coastline.
What Is the Best Direction to Drive Highway 1?
Both directions are possible, but San Francisco to Los Angeles is one of the most popular choices.
Travelling south means you generally have the ocean on your right-hand side, making it easier to pull into many coastal viewpoints.
It also provides a natural start and finish, with San Francisco offering an exciting beginning and Los Angeles providing a spectacular Southern California finale.
That said, the scenery is beautiful in either direction.
When Is the Best Time for a Highway 1 Holiday?
California is a year-round destination, but different seasons offer different experiences.
Spring
Spring can bring green landscapes and wildflowers, while temperatures are generally pleasant for sightseeing and road trips.
Summer
Summer is one of the most popular times for a California road trip, with long daylight hours and warm weather.
Coastal areas can still be surprisingly cool, particularly around San Francisco, so layers are recommended.
Autumn
Autumn can be an excellent time to explore California, with generally pleasant weather and potentially fewer visitors than during the busiest summer periods.
Winter
Winter can offer a quieter experience, although weather conditions can be more changeable and mountain destinations such as Yosemite can experience snow.
Is Highway 1 Difficult to Drive?
For most confident drivers, Highway 1 is manageable, but some sections require more concentration than others.
The Big Sur section includes winding roads, steep cliffs and narrow stretches.
The key is simply to take your time.
Don't rush between destinations, allow plenty of time for stops and remember that other drivers may also be enjoying the scenery.
The best Highway 1 road trips are about enjoying the journey rather than trying to complete the route as quickly as possible.
Highway 1 Road Trip Tips
Allow plenty of time
Driving distances can look short on a map, but winding coastal roads and scenic stops can make journeys take longer than expected.
Fill up with fuel
Some stretches of the coast have relatively few fuel stations, so don't wait until the tank is nearly empty.
Book accommodation in advance
Popular destinations such as Carmel, Big Sur and Santa Barbara can become busy during peak travel periods.
Start early
An early start gives you more time to explore and means you can enjoy some of the most popular viewpoints before the busiest part of the day.
Take regular breaks
Stop at designated viewpoints and give yourself time to stretch your legs.
Bring a camera
You'll find countless opportunities for photographs along the route.
Pack layers
Temperatures can vary considerably between San Francisco, the coast, inland California and Los Angeles.
Check road conditions
Highway 1 can occasionally be affected by landslides, storms, wildfires, construction and other events.
Always check the latest road information before setting off, particularly around Big Sur.
Highway 1 Road Trip Packing List
You don't need specialist equipment for a California self-drive, but a few essentials will make the journey more comfortable.
We recommend bringing:
Comfortable walking shoes
Light layers
A lightweight jacket
Sunglasses
Sunscreen
Reusable water bottle
Camera or smartphone
Comfortable driving clothes
Small day bag
Swimwear if you plan to enjoy California's beaches
Highway 1 Frequently Asked Questions
What is California Highway 1?
California Highway 1 is one of America's most famous coastal roads, following the Pacific coastline through many of California's most scenic destinations.
Is Highway 1 the same as the Pacific Coast Highway?
Highway 1 is commonly known as the Pacific Coast Highway or PCH, although different sections of the road have different names.
What is the best Highway 1 road trip route?
One of the most popular routes is San Francisco to Los Angeles, passing through Monterey, Carmel-by-the-Sea, Big Sur and California's Central Coast.
How many days do you need for a Highway 1 road trip?
Five to seven days gives you a good introduction to the route, while 10–14 days allows you to explore at a much more relaxed pace and add additional destinations.
Is Highway 1 better from San Francisco to Los Angeles or Los Angeles to San Francisco?
Both directions are spectacular, but San Francisco to Los Angeles is particularly popular because travelling south generally places the Pacific Ocean on your right-hand side.
What are the best stops on Highway 1?
Popular stops include Monterey, Carmel-by-the-Sea, Big Sur, Bixby Bridge, McWay Falls, San Simeon, Hearst Castle, Pismo Beach, Santa Barbara, Malibu and Santa Monica.
Is Big Sur worth visiting?
Absolutely. Big Sur is widely regarded as one of the highlights of Highway 1, thanks to its dramatic cliffs, forests, ocean views and scenic viewpoints.
Can I combine Highway 1 with Yosemite?
Yes. Yosemite is an excellent addition to a California road trip and gives you the chance to experience California's spectacular mountains and national parks alongside its Pacific coastline.
Can I extend a Highway 1 self-drive holiday?
Yes. Extra nights can be added in destinations such as San Francisco, Monterey, Carmel, Santa Barbara or Los Angeles, while additional destinations such as Yosemite, Napa Valley or San Diego can also be incorporated.
What is the best time of year to drive Highway 1?
Spring, summer and autumn are particularly popular, although Highway 1 can be enjoyed throughout the year. Always check weather and road conditions before travelling.
Are there road closures on Highway 1?
Occasional closures can occur because of landslides, storms, wildfires, construction or other events. Road conditions can change, so check the latest information before travelling.
Experience California's Iconic Highway 1
A California Highway 1 road trip is one of those holidays where the journey is every bit as memorable as the destinations.
From the Golden Gate Bridge and the streets of San Francisco to the rugged cliffs of Big Sur, the beaches of Santa Barbara and the excitement of Los Angeles, the Pacific Coast Highway showcases some of the very best of California.
And you don't have to follow the route alone.
Highlights of California Self-Drive
Our 7-night California self-drive holiday combines the highlights of California with an unforgettable section of Highway 1.
2 nights – San Francisco
2 nights – Mariposa / Yosemite
1 night – Monterey
1 night – Santa Maria
1 night – Los Angeles
The itinerary provides a fantastic introduction to California, but it doesn't have to end after seven nights. Add extra nights, extend your stay in California's coastal towns or include additional destinations to create your own ideal road trip.
Explore our Highlights of California Self-Drive