What ocean can you see on Highway 1?

Wherever you roam along Highway 1, the ocean never lies far away. In the 57 miles of coastline between Ragged Point and Nipomo, the Pacific Ocean defines the landscape. Half of these miles benefit from state and federal protection — more than any other stretch of coast in California.

What ocean would you see on Highway 1?

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.

What is the prettiest part of Highway 1?

Butterfly Groves and the Oceano Dunes

The best place to stop on your Highway 1 road trip is the Monarch Butterfly Grove parking lot, just south of Pismo Beach. After marveling at the Monarchs, drive 2 miles south to discover California's only drive-able beach!

Can you see the ocean from 101?

In fact, 101 is a good alternative to the busy interstate — and it takes less time than the coastal route. You can see the ocean, but you also get a look at some fascinating inland areas and drive through a variety of landscapes.

What is the prettiest part of the Pacific Coast Highway?

The Golden Gate Bridge

Perhaps one of the most iconic views along the whole highway – San Francisco's Golden Gate Bridge is as visually stunning as the views one gets from the bridge itself. Before you head across, come off the highway to get some of the best views and see the best San Francisco sights of the area.

If You See Square Waves In The Ocean Get Out Of The Water Immediately

What should you not miss on Hwy 1?

Is it better to drive north or south on Highway 1?

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.

Is Highway 101 the same as Highway 1?

California State Route 1 (Pacific Coast Highway) and US Highway 101 are two separate highways. The highways are often confused because they both follow the western coast of the United States and even connect at several points.

Is the 101 the same as the Pacific Coast Highway?

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.

How long does it take to drive the entire Pacific Coast Highway?

To drive the entire coastal CA Highway 1 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 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.

Where should I start on Highway 1?

Highway One begins in the town of Capistrano Beach in Orange County. From there, to Santa Monica and through Malibu, it's a city street. It takes on several street names but is most often called Pacific Coast Highway (which locals shorten to PCH). Between Manhattan Beach and LAX, it's called Sepulveda.

How long does it take to drive down Highway 1?

How long does it take to drive Highway 1? The trip takes about five hours if driven at a leisurely pace. You can drive from the north to the south (Monterey to San Luis Obispo), or south to north.

What is the prettiest part of the California coast?

What is the most beautiful part of the California coast?

Can you drive Highway 1 right now?

It's true! Highway 1 is open.

To get the latest road condition information for the entire State of California, visit the CalTrans website.

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.

Where does the Pacific Coast Highway start and end?

The PCH begins in Southern California at Interstate 5 south of San Juan Capistrano, and it ends at U.S. 101 in Leggett in Mendocino County.

How long does it take to drive the Pacific Coast Highway from LA to Seattle?

A road trip from Los Angeles to Seattle can be done in about 17 hours. If you have a couple of weeks to spare, make the most of the trip by driving along the Pacific Coastline Highway through California and Oregon and admiring the breath-taking scenery.

How long does it take to drive Highway 1 from Los Angeles to San Francisco?

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.)

Why is Route 66 famous?

Route 66 reduced the distance between Chicago and Los Angeles by more than 200 miles, which made Route 66 popular among thousands of motorists who drove west in subsequent decades. Like other highways of its day, Route 66 reflects the origin and evolution of road transportation in the United States.

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.

Where can I sleep on the Pacific Coast Highway?

Can you drive through Big Sur right now?

Rock slide cleared just North of San Luis Obispo County line

Highway 1 is fully open to travelers who may now travel without interruption from Monterey/Carmel area to Cambria/Morro Bay along the Big Sur Coast.

How long does it take to drive from the top of California to the bottom?

California's north-south state highway takes in the Pacific coastline. Running 745 miles, this is an easy and relaxing route that takes in California's redwoods and astonishing sea vistas. Driving is easily accomplished over three days but be prepared for potential gridlock around major cities.