What is the prettiest part of Highway 1 in California?


What is the prettiest part of Highway 1 in California? 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.


What part of California is most beautiful?

From mountains to deserts to wine towns and the Mouse House, here are 23 most beautiful places to visit in California.
  • 01 of 23. Palm Springs. ...
  • 02 of 23. Joshua Tree. ...
  • 03 of 23. Temecula. ...
  • 04 of 23. Santa Monica Pier. ...
  • 05 of 23. Long Beach. ...
  • 06 of 23. Mammoth Lakes. ...
  • 07 of 23. Lake Tahoe. ...
  • 08 of 23. Santa Barbara.


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.


Is the Pacific Coast Highway beautiful?

The drive down the Pacific Coast Highway is beautiful.” The Monterey peninsula has stunning ocean views, wildlife, and a world-class aquarium that sits right in the bay. Since it pumps water from the ocean, it supports sea life you wouldn't normally be able to see without getting your diving gear on.


How many days do you need to drive the Pacific Coast Highway?

If you want to do the whole thing, you'll need at least 14 days. However, if you're low on time, you can rush through it in 10 days (I really don't recommend this!) There are a few Pacific Coast Highway stops where I suggest spending 2 days, while others are quick stops along the route.


What is the prettiest highway 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. But it's not the only scenic, unforgettable road trip in California—by far.


What is the loneliest highway in California?

The 143-mile stretch on State Route 139 from Susanville to the Oregon border in Northeastern California landed in the No. 1 spot as the state's loneliest road. It also came in as the fifth most scenic route in the country.


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.


What is the famous coastal road in California?

Known as the Pacific Coast Highway, California U.S. Route 101 (or 1 in some stretches) runs directly along the Pacific Ocean for 790 miles, from San Diego all the way to the Oregon border.


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.


Is Highway 1 a scenic?

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. But it's been a dream of mine to come back and stay in Big Sur.


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 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.


What is the famous Route 1 in California?

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.


Where in Europe is most like California?

Portugal's sunny Algarve coast is often heralded as the California of Europe. From breathtaking beaches to culinary landscapes, we dive into the similarities between these two beloved destinations.