Is Highway 1 a difficult drive?

Is Highway 1 a difficult drive? It takes 11 hours and 30 minutes to drive the 655-mile Highway 1. This is a stunning coastal route that passes many iconic cities but with congestion, narrow roads, steep drops and a chance of landslides, some travelers might find it scary to drive.

How long does it take to drive the whole Highway 1?

To drive the entire coastal Highway 1 California takes 10-12 hours without stops. But this road trip is all about the stops! Plan on a minimum of 3 days and 2 nights. However, a 5-day itinerary is ideal for the San Francisco to LA trip with the first and last night spent in each city.

What is the best time of year to drive the Pacific Coast Highway?

Even spring and fall can bring cold weather, and some snow. Our advice is to plan your PCH drive for the summer months of June through to September, when you're more likely to have warm days, with temperatures in the 70s and 80s.

What is Highway 1 famous for?

California's coast-hugging Highway 1 is what dream drives are made of. The iconic roadway—which extends for more than 650 miles from Dana Point north to Leggett—offers endless vistas overlooking the Pacific, with plenty of redwood trees and wildlife sightings along the way.

Is Highway 1 a scenic drive?

The Highway 1 road trip is one of the most iconic and scenic drives in the world. For the past few years, we've mainly done day trips, driving down the Monterey Peninsula from the Bay Area.

Is the Million Dollar Highway worth it?

Everyone has different preferences, of course, but we'd highly recommend driving the Million Dollar Highway in Colorado if you get the chance. The 25-mile stretch of highway between Silverton and Ouray is one of the most gorgeous drives in the United States and features plenty of places to stop along the way.

What is the most beautiful part of the Highway 1?

Big Sur. At Big Sur, the most spectacular portion of the Pacific Coast Highway 1 begins, where huge, rugged cliffs and forested inlets overlook the pounding surf below. Whale-watching is popular here at certain times of year; depending on the season you can see blue, gray or humpback species breeching off the coast.

Can you sleep on Highway 1?

You may also be served with a parking violation from law enforcement. Camping, camp fires, and sleeping overnight in vehicles are not allowed along Highway 1. When entering Highway 1 from a turnout, accelerate rapidly and safely until your speed matches the traffic speed.

Has anyone driven off Highway 1?

According to the California Highway Patrol, the man was driving a black Subaru Outback north of Scott Creek Bridge in Davenport when he drove off the roadway and down a steep cliff. The car overturned multiple times and came to rest partially submerged in the ocean below.

What is the most scenic California coast drive?

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 hardest highway to drive on?

Can you drive along Highway 1 in California?

California's Highway One is a state highway. It runs from Capistrano Beach in Orange County to Leggett in northern Mendocino (Dana Point), a total of about 650 miles. You can tackle it in sections, pick just part of it to see or make the journey into a week-long road trip.

Is it better to drive up or down Highway 1?

Driving Through Pacific Coast Highway. As a general rule, it's better to start your Pacific Coast Highway road trip in the north and head south so your car is always in the lane closest to the ocean. That way, there's nothing blocking your view of the cliffs during your drive down and you can really enjoy the sights.

Is Highway 1 worth the drive?

California's coast-hugging Highway 1 is what dream drives are made of. The iconic roadway—which extends for more than 650 miles from Dana Point north to Leggett—offers endless vistas overlooking the Pacific, with plenty of redwood trees and wildlife sightings along the way.

Is Big Sur the same as Highway 1?

Big Sur encompasses roughly the area between San Simeon and the Carmel Highlands along Highway 1. Though the boundaries are not fixed, many people consider Malpaso Creek the northernmost point of Big Sur, and Ragged Point the southernmost entrance.

Is Highway 1 scary to drive?

Given the stunning views and iconic cities along this route, Highway 1 is a hugely popular drive, but some drivers might find the long sections of two-lane road on this route, combined with steep cliff edges, scary. There's also a risk of landslides, which can often cause damage on this scenic but exposed highway.

Which part of Pacific Coast Highway is most scenic?

Big Sur. This is one of the most well-known areas of Highway 1 and it's considered a destination in and of itself. Big Sur is a designated American National Scenic Byway and the views explain why. Wildlife-watching is big here; expect to see anything from whales to elephant seals.