Big Sur: From Carmel to Morro Bay California Highway 1 between Morro Bay and Carmel-by-the-Sea is the best drive in California. And it may just be the most famous 155 miles in the world. It’s undoubtedly the most photographed, talked about and dreamed about route in the Golden State.
What is the most scenic drive in California?
The Highway 1, aka Pacific Coast Highway, road trip that passes through Big Sur on California’s Central Coast is perhaps the most famous scenic drive in the Golden State.
What is the prettiest part of the California Coast?
We’ve picked our top 10 favorite stops along California’s coastline, from top to bottom, to help you plan your way.
- Muir Woods.
- Half Moon Bay.
- Big Sur.
- Hearst Castle.
- Santa Barbara.
- Venice Beach.
- Dana Point.
- Solana Beach.
What is the prettiest part of Pacific Coast Highway?
One of the most scenic stretches of the Pacific Coast Highway is the route from San Francisco to Big Sur.
The Best Stops on the Pacific Coast Highway Between San Francisco and Big Sur
- San Francisco.
- Devil’s Slide.
- Half Moon Bay.
- Pigeon Point Lighthouse.
- Año Nuevo State Park.
- Shark Fin Cove.
What is the most scenic section of Highway 1 in California?
Santa Monica, Malibu, and Oxnard
One of the most scenic sections of Hwy 1 goes through beautiful Malibu.
How long does it take to drive down the coast of California?
An exhilarating driving experience, this twisting, cliff-hugging, 123-mile (198-kilometer) route along the central California coast takes about five hours to complete at a leisurely pace.
Is Big Sur worth visiting?
Big Sur is beautiful and it’s wonderful to explore on your own. But, with there being so many different stops, it can be easy to miss many of some of the most beautiful places in the area. If you want the best experience in Big Sur, I suggest booking a guided tour with California Pacific Excursions.
What is the number 1 tourist attraction in California?
17 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in California
- San Francisco and the Golden Gate Bridge. San Francisco and the Golden Gate Bridge.
- Yosemite National Park.
- Disneyland.
- Death Valley National Park.
- Big Sur.
- Lake Tahoe.
- Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks.
- Redwood National and State Parks.
Is it better to drive up or down the California coast?
Many travelers question, Is it better to drive up or down the California coast? We think the best route on California State Route 1 is from north to south – which is why we recommend the drive from San Francisco to Los Angeles via the Pacific Coast Highway.
What beach has the clearest water in California?
La Jolla Cove Beach
If you want to experience the clearest water in California, where you can snorkel, kayak, swim, and have a crystal clear view of the marine life in the water, then you’re going to fall in love La Jolla Cove Beach, the clearest beach in California.
What is the best time of year to drive the Pacific Coast Highway?
The best time of the year to drive the Pacific Coast Highway is in mid-to-late February through April. California’s rainy season typically ends in early February, turning its golden hills bright green and covering the coast with colorful wildflowers which last through April and into early May.
Is it better to drive north or south on Pacific Coast Highway?
Driving the route from north to south is ideal, as you’ll be on the ocean side of the road the entire way, allowing unobstructed views of the jagged coastline below. Three days is a minimum, and if time allows you could easily spend more.
Where should I stay when driving on the Pacific Coast Highway?
Best Hotels Along Pacific Coast Highway
- The Brewery Gulch Inn (Mendocino)
- Nick’s Cove (Marshall)
- Pelican Inn (Muir Beach)
- Stanyan Park Hotel (San Francisco)
- Bella Notte Inn (Santa Cruz)
- Monterey Plaza Hotel & Spa (Monterey)
- Candle Light Inn (Carmel-by-the-Sea)
- Fernwood Resort (Big Sur)
Should you drive along Pacific Coast Highway 1?
Driving California’s scenic Highway 1 is best appreciated while driving from north to south. Why? Because you’ll have unobstructed views of the stunning coastline right out your window. Not to mention, it makes quick pullovers at photo-worthy spots hassle-free.
What is the prettiest part of Highway 1?
10 Most Instagrammable Stops on Highway 1
- Stop one: Carmel-by-the-Sea.
- Stop two: Calla Lily Valley.
- Stop three: Bixby Creek Bridge.
- Stop four: Point Sur Lighthouse.
- Stop five: Big Sur River Inn.
- Stop six: Pfeiffer Beach.
- Stop seven: McWay Falls.
- Stop eight: Limekiln State Park.
Is Highway 1 worth the drive?
It’s rightfully rated as one of the top road trips in the world. This is a particularly breathtaking drive, especially through Big Sur where the Santa Lucia mountains plunge into the sea, and the surf and wind relentlessly pound the rocks and shore below and bend the native cypress trees into otherworldly shapes.
Is the Pacific Coast Highway worth it?
The drive is definitely worth it. As you drive along the PCH, make time for stops. You’ll pass through Big Sur, with its majestic redwoods. In Monterey Bay, lucky visitors will get a peek at sea otters playing in the water.
Is it safe to drive the Pacific Coast Highway?
It’s A Long And Winding Road
Unless you’re trying to practice your drifting skills, the PCH isn’t exactly the best road to drive recklessly on. And it’s also kind of dangerous because while the views get better and better, the road takes sharper and sharper turns with it.
What is Big Sur known for?
The stunning views, redwood forests, hiking, beaches, and other recreational opportunities have made Big Sur a popular destination for about 7 million people who live within a day’s drive and visitors from across the world.
How many days should you spend in Big Sur?
You could do Big Sur in a day or the entire California coast in 2-3 days if you really wanted to, but it will be much more enjoyable if you do it slowly!
How long does it take to drive through Big Sur?
Without making a single stop, driving through the entirety of Big Sur will take you approximately two hours – and trust me when I say that you will want to make stops… many of them. There’s a reason the drive down Highway 1 is so iconic!