The Pacific Coast Highway, also known as Highway 1, is the most famous highway in the United States. The official Pacific Coast Highway, as per the California state legislature, is only 130 miles long from Oxnard to Dana Point in Southern California. But regardless of official highway names, the stretch of highways, country roads, and city streets from the Olympic Peninsula to the southern tip of Baja California that runs along the coast is generally known as the Coastal Highway. of the Pacific, with more than 2000 miles in length.
This coastal highway has become famous due to its beautiful scenery and various experiences that you can have when traveling on this famous road. Depending on your available time and willingness to put in the miles, you can spend anywhere from two to ten days driving Pacific Coast Highway. It took me 7 days to do this trip. Regardless, you can start from the south and head north, or from north to south, whichever is convenient. I headed south and headed north. Maybe I’m just cool like that.
Some would just drive down the Pacific Coast Highway, not stopping to see as many sights as they could, but it’s always nice to make a few stops to experience the real Pacific Coast Highway. Of course I stopped and stayed overnight at many hot spots. Hey, you have to do this if you’re going on a road trip. Stopping points include Big Sur, the most famous. In Big Sur, you can see the cliffs and waterfalls along the coast, the redwood forest, see local wildlife, enjoy outdoor activities like horseback riding, camping, scuba diving, or researching historical connections. You can also do wine tasting.
Inverness was one of my favourites. If a sleepy little town filled with neat little green beach huts sounds relaxing to you, then a stop in Inverness is not to be missed. I really loved it here and the people are very friendly.
Make sure you don’t miss Monterey. There, you can visit the Monterey Bay Aquarium, eat at Fisherman’s Wharf, which may be even better than the one in San Francisco. It has a clean town feel. Also visit Hearst Castle in San Simeon, now run by the California state government as a tourist attraction.
The Heritage House Inn is a good place for fine wine and dinner overlooking the ocean before Fort Bragg and Mendocino. It has a very warm and homely atmosphere, so you will surely feel comfortable.
Santa Barbara is another must-see, where you can see millions of Monarch butterflies or relax on Pismo Beach. Great concerts there too. I saw a velvet revolver when I met my friend Sandro Marino. We had a great time!
What’s a road trip on the Pacific Coast Highway without a stop in good old San Francisco? This is definitely one of my favorite cities. Take the city bus tour if it’s your first time here. There are many great stops including the park and the tea house. Drink your tea, it’s a good thing, man. Once you leave San Francisco, you must stop at Mill Creek and Stinson Beach. I won’t tell you why but I assure you that if you do you will know why I said that.
You can generally drive Pacific Coast Highway any time of the year, however you would enjoy it most during the spring or summer when the sun accentuates the beauty of the coast and beaches. During these seasons too, you will be able to enjoy most of the nature walking available. Best of luck on your trip, believe me, it’s definitely worth it.
© 2008, Joe Loiacano
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