Drive from Los Angeles to San Francisco on the Pacific Coast Highway. California offers countless amazing road trip opportunities, but the drive from Los Angeles to San Francisco is one of the best you’ll find anywhere in the Golden State. This drive follows the scenic Pacific Coast Highway (PCH), also called Highway 1
Can you take the 1 to San Francisco?
If you want to get from LA to San Francisco while also seeing some of the best views in California, pack up a car and take a road trip on the Pacific Coast Highway, also known as Highway 1. However Highway 1 doesn’t start until San Luis Obispo around 200 miles north of Los Angeles.
How long does it take to drive Highway 1 from LA to San Francisco?
approximately 8.5-9 hours
Tips for Driving the PCH from L.A. to San Francisco
Without stopping, it takes approximately 8.5-9 hours to drive from LA to San Francisco on Highway 1. Keep in mind that this is NOT a 55 MPH highway. Your average speed will be around 35 MPH for about 95 miles (between San Simeon and Monterey.)
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.
How long does it take to drive the entire Highway 1?
The entire Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) is about 475 miles and it can take 8 hours to drive, but you will need at least a week to fully enjoy it as you would want to stop along the way as it offers a little piece of everything that has made California popular along travelers.
How long is a car ride from LA to San Francisco?
Best Stops on Highway 101 and Things to See. The journey on US 101 from Los Angeles to San Francisco takes about 7 hours (without ever stopping) and is about 430 miles long, so it is a little longer than the previous one.
Can you take Highway 1 from Santa Cruz to San Francisco?
HOW FAR IS SANTA CRUZ FROM SAN FRANCISCO? The drive from San Francisco, CA to Santa Cruz, CA is just under 75 miles. Without traffic, travelers can easily complete the drive point-to-point in about 1 hour 15 minutes by taking the CA-17 S. While still beautiful, the route we recommend for this road trip is Highway 1.
Is California Highway 1 open now?
Highway 1 is fully open in both directions.
Is it scary to drive the Pacific Coast Highway?
My fiance and would not repeat this drive because we found it to be very stressful, close to cliffs, very windy roads, cars pushing from behind if you are going too slowly for their liking.
Is the drive to Big Sur scary?
Is the drive to Big Sur scary? The drive to Big Sur can be scary for those with a fear of heights. Some parts of the scenic drive follow the edge of the cliff. That said, drive cautiously and stop at turnouts and you’ll avoid any dangers.
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.
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.
Should you drive along Pacific Coast Highway 1?
If you are short on time to drive the PCH, as I was, a Pacific Coast highway itinerary for 5 days is ideal. You won’t have as much time to spend in each city, or to take a few of the “long drives,” but you’ll see it all in a short span of time.
Is driving Highway 1 hard?
It’s very intense because there are no guard rails at the edge and there is little room for error if on coming traffic swerves in your direction. Also called Highway 1, it takes about five hours to drive the PCH. The highway sees the most traffic in July and August.
What is the scenic route from LA to San Francisco?
California offers countless amazing road trip opportunities, but the drive from Los Angeles to San Francisco is one of the best you’ll find anywhere in the Golden State. This drive follows the scenic Pacific Coast Highway (PCH), also called Highway 1.
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.
How many days do I need in San Francisco?
Most visitors find three days in San Francisco is a good amount of time to get a solid introduction to the city. However, if you have a week it’s highly recommended you take a few San Francisco day trips. For example, to the Wine Country or vibrant cities like Oakland and Berkeley, which are across the Bay.
Where should I stop driving from LA to San Francisco?
Best stops on an LA to San Francisco Drive
- Santa Monica. Even though Santa Monica is still a part of Los Angeles, it makes for a fantastic first stop when driving from Los Angeles to San Francisco.
- Malibu.
- Santa Barbara.
- Solvang.
- Pismo Beach.
- Hearst Castle.
- Elephant Seal Vista Point.
- Big Sur.
How long does it take to go from LA to San Francisco by train?
Train Route Overview: Los Angeles to San Francisco
Traveling by train from Los Angeles to San Francisco usually takes around 10 hours and 18 minutes, but the fastest Amtrak train can make the trip in 9 hours and 30 minutes.
Is the Pacific Coast Highway open from San Francisco to Los Angeles?
It’s true! Highway 1 is open.
To get the latest road condition information for the entire State of California, visit the CalTrans website.
Where should I stop overnight between LA and San Francisco?
Must see places on Pacific Coast Highway (Between San Francisco to LA)
- Half Moon Bay. A quick stopover at Half Moon Bay to grab a coffee but there wasn’t much going on at the beach.
- Monterey. I can never get enough of Monterey.
- Carmel By The Sea.
- Bixby Bridge & Big Sur.
- Morro Bay.
- San Luis Obispo.
- Pismo Beach.
- Solvang.