Pacific Coast Highway 1

I never thouget I'd leave a review on a highway. But this highway can't take one away from the hustle and bustle of city or even suburban life. It runs practically the whole north to south length of California and reminds you of how times can slow down a little bit. I am reminded of a YouTube video of a father and son who left SoCal to travel to the northwest point of Highway one. I believe it took them one week for these travel

One can pass by old buildings abandon, or not as you trek up or down Highway one depending on what side you're on, you may have the ocean riding next to you or the mountains or farms or ranches.

Definitely adhere to the suggested miles of speed as you step on the pedal. Occasionally you'll find the motorcycle that wants to pass you up. Definitely just let them pass you up so you you're so can you enjoy the scenery frame by frame.

Whether you're a driver or a passenger on Highway one, it's still is a tranquil ride that seemingly forces you to just enjoy life and appreciate the natural beauty of the Cali Coast.

Sorry no pics as I'm reviewing from memories.

Highway 1, The Pacific Coast Highway. Yes, I drive on this roadway, so I'm qualified to comment on sections I have been on. I have not driven the entire length (655+ miles) of Hwy 1. Right now, my job sends me down to Half Moon Bay, so I drive hwy 1 from Daly City to El Granada. But I have driven from Monterey, north to San Francisco. Sections from Tomales Bay to Mill Valley. Oh yeah, and one time I drove south from Fort Bragg to Tomales Bay.

Lessons learned? Driving on Hwy 1 isn't for everyone. I suggest daylight driving in fair weather. You will see incredible views, but at a price. Expect alot of curves, and narrow roads. Slow drivers, and you have to wait to pass.
Do not speed! You know those "slow 25-mph" curve ahead yellow warning signs? They didn't put one on every curve on Hwy 1, so lookout.

Now, what I pass all the time is the Devil's Slide Trail. Devil's Slide was a dangerous section of highway just south of Pacifica. It was prone to rock slides and road closures. Two tunnels, named the Tom Lantos Tunnels, bypass this section of Hwy 1, and create a much safer route. The closed roadway is now a walking and bike trail. Parking lots are on either end of the tunnels.

So come out and enjoy the drive along California's beautiful coastline!

I've visited several states and place and I can tell you exactly where and when I actually had a view take my breath away. This route was one of those times.

Beautiful California Coastline

We loaded up the getaway car with some snacks, filled up the gas tank, played our favorite tunes on the radio and off we went on our Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) road trip...miles and miles of breathtaking California Coastline!

We drove from North to South and there was nothing obstructing our view of the mighty Pacific Ocean to our right. Our road trip started in Pacifica until we reached our destination at Pacific Grove and Monterey. It was filled with brief stops, secluded beaches, yummy food stops and little stories along the way. So many miles to cover but our road trip was just a piece of Highway 1 (a little over 100 miles)... Highway 1 runs from Mendocino County to Dana Point in Orange County (in SoCal)... some 655 miles.

Love seeing cliffside views as we made stops at these viewpoints:

* Devil's Slide and Devil's Slide Bunker [Pacifica] - that nerve-wracking windy road is now converted into a safer, car-less hiking path

* Pescadero Marsh Natural Preserve [Pescadero] - located on the eastern side of Highway 1 and is part of the Pescadero State Beach

* Pigeon Point Light Station State Historic Park [Pescadero] - known for an important landmark, a tall picturesque lighthouse

* John Denver Memorial Rock [Pacific Grove] - John Denver died when he crashed into the Pacific Ocean off this location of the California Coast. Took me awhile to find the memorial.

* Bixby Bridge [Big Sur] - love the aesthetic design of this bridge... you better believe that people stop here to snap photos of this graceful architecture landmark

* Pfeiffer Beach [Big Sur] - this beach is off the beaten path... I've been wanting to see its popular purple sand

* McWay Falls [Big Sur] - located in a picturesque cove setting. The waterfall is not accessible to the public

* Partington Cove [Big Sur] - behind the gate is a dirt road trail that leads down toward the cove. Short hike with rewarding views

* Nepenthe [Big Sur] - I had the potato soup and the Ambrosiaburger while overlooking the views of the Pacific Ocean. Prepare for a long wait to be seated

* Cannery Row [Monterey] - Monterey is one of the best stops along the coast. I used to frequent Monterey when I used to live in the South Bay... I love visiting Monterey and Carmel

Happy Travels!

Review #2460

We drove along the 1 while going to Big Sur. The highway is winding and hilly, but it is a beautiful scenic route that you have to do if in California area!! The Bixby Bridge was really neat to see!

As a California girl born & raised highway 1 has been woven into the fabric of my life...
From a little girl in the backseat of my dad's car oohing and aahing at the beautiful scenery. To a teenager going to the beaches w/o adults for the first time.

Over my lifetime I have seen almost every inch of it from the rough rocky northern coast to the white sands of southern Cal...

The memories of 2 18 year old girls driving all the way to Oregon on highway 1 with the radio blasting and sunroof open... We had never heard of highway 5 back in the days before Google, Lol

Driving my own kids to Hearst castle...

Our most recent trip during the Covid19 lockdown I just wanted to see the ocean, I didn't mind not going on the beach. The beaches are all closed to protect dummies from themselves not socially distancing!

It was a lovely drive on a beautiful day from Halfmoon Bay to Santa Cruz stopping for a snack and some pictures... Enjoy the drive if you go!

Pacific Coast Highway 1 is the most beautiful drive in California. I drove from San Francisco to Los Angeles a few times. Naturally I stopped along the way to visit a city where I have friends or relatives. Other times I stopped to hike the cliffs looking down at the ocean below. Some hikes were rough but I was younger then. Heading South is better if I'm the passenger. Going back north isn't as hair raising a view. I'm going by memories. I don't have photos but it's always an unforgettable experience. You must travel that highway at least once in your lifetime.

Dangerous, beautiful, curvacious...did I already say beautiful, yes I am referring to a highway, but not just any highway for those of you that knowm

Highway 1 is a cool experience from one end to the next. Most locals or people in general have traversed Hwy 1 south which is pretty amazing in itself, but if you have ventured further up Hwy 1 North of Half moon bay you know its crazy outta this world views, narrow roads, and cliffs that make you cringe. Not for those weak of heart or afraid if heights you can achieve the thrills of a rollercoaster as you travel up Hwy 1. Between the fresh air, the views, and the anazing coast you wish Jesus would take the wheel so you can take in the views.

Im a fan of dark, windy, cold days but even I can agree the trip up North on Hwy 1 is best when the sun is out and the ground dry as a California lawn. Beware the occasional rock slides, and forget the deer. This is a must see if you are able to experience this journey in the right conditions.

Cheers to Coastal thrills on the 1!!!!

A necessity for every Californian's road trip at some point in time or another. Winding roads, beautiful views, occasional slow drivers, and spots to pull over and take in the Pacific Ocean. Highway 1 has it all.

My one issue with Highway 1 are the occasional slow drivers holding up traffic -- problematic because some folks will attempt driving into oncoming traffic to bypass them. At least go 55mph and no slower than that. The views are indeed gorgeous, but you can always pull over to take it all in at your leisure. :) There are many, many places to do so.

Best spots for my fancy are Half Moon Bay and Pescadero, although I'm biased since these are the most recent locations I have visited. I think everyone should take a drive on Highway 1 at least once. You won't regret it.

we only drove from Santa Cruz to Burlingame but what an amazing hour and a half of my life. Absolutely breath taking. Tons of views, many places to pull over and enjoy the scenery. Can't wait to take it a little further next trip, maybe to Big Sur