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.
How long does it take to drive the Pacific Coast Highway from San Francisco to San Diego?
Driving the Pacific Coast Highway from San Diego to San Francisco is just over 600 miles or about 10-12 hours of driving straight through.
How long does it take to drive the Pacific Coast Highway from San Francisco to Los Angeles?
Driving the Pacific Coast Highway from San Francisco to LA takes about 10 to 12 hours without stops. Most visitors choose to spend about 2 to 3 days driving from San Francisco to Los Angeles.
What is the prettiest part of the Pacific Coast Highway?
- The Golden Gate Bridge. ...
- Greyhound Rock Beach. ...
- Carmel by the Sea. ...
- Big Sur and Pfeiffer State Beach. ...
- Dana Point. ...
- Point Loma. ...
- How Gray Line San Francisco can help you explore:
How long does it take to drive the Pacific Coast Highway from Seattle to San Francisco?
The drive from San Francisco to Seattle can take as little as 13 hours, or 16 hours or more if you take the coastal highway for part of the route. However, any route you choose will bring you through some of the most charming towns and beautiful scenery on the West Coast.
Is it better to drive north or south on Pacific Coast Highway?
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. Three days is a minimum, and if time allows you could easily spend more.
Is it better to drive north or south on Highway 1?
It’s best to travel from north to south as you’ll be on the right side of the road for uninterrupted views and to pull over to take photographs. Parking in cities can be expensive. It’s better to leave your rental vehicle and use public transport. Plan in plenty of stops along the way.
Is the Pacific Coast Highway busy?
The PCH can get crowded . In Los Angeles County more than 78,000 people are on the road every day. At its starting point in Dana Point, only 38,000 people use the PCH. But in Monterey, it jumps to 84,000, and 86,000 in San Francisco.
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.
How long does it take to drive the Pacific Coast Highway from Seattle to San Diego?
It takes 32 hours to complete the 1585 miles of this route, which is an average speed of less than 50 miles per hour. This route is best for folks who have a full week to make the journey.
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 is the Big Sur drive?
The drive through Big Sur is a 90-mile stretch along California’s Pacific Coast that will take you on a beautiful coastal adventure. From Los Angeles, the beginning of Big Sur (San Simeon) is a 3.5 to 4-hour drive.
Are there tolls on Pacific Coast Highway?
The famous 17 mile drive road runs between Pacific Grove and Carmel. It’s a toll road running through a private community and takes you on a scenic route past a number of top golf courses, Pebble Beach and the famous Lone Cypress tree.
Can you drive through Big Sur right now?
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.
What should you not miss on Hwy 1?
- Activities. 11 Iconic Stops Not to Miss Along the Pacific Coast Highway. ...
- McWay Falls. ...
- Santa Monica Pier. ...
- Solvang Restaurant. ...
- Pismo Beach Monarch Butterfly Grove. ...
- Santa Margarita KOA. ...
- Hearst Castle. ...
- Golden Gate Bridge.
Where should I stay when driving on the Pacific Coast Highway?
- The Brewery Gulch Inn (Mendocino)
- Nick’s Cove (Marshall)
- Pelican Inn (Muir Beach)
- Stanyan Park Hotel (San Francisco)
- Bella Notte Inn (Santa Cruz)
- Monterey Plaza Hotel & Spa (Monterey)
- Candle Light Inn (Carmel-by-the-Sea)
- Fernwood Resort (Big Sur)
Can you see the ocean from Pacific Coast Highway?
Pacific Coast Highway in Los Angeles County
North of Los Angeles International Airport, the highway becomes Lincoln Boulevard through Marina Del Rey, Venice Beach, and Santa Monica. However, it seldom gives even a glimpse of the Pacific Ocean .
How long does it take to drive Highway 101 from Seattle to San Francisco?
| Route Distance Driving Time | Fastest Route (via I-5) 810 miles 13 hours | Pacific Highway Route (via Highways 1 & 101) 940 miles 20 hours 30 minutes |
|---|
Can you take the 101 to San Francisco from Seattle?
The Route. We drove from Seattle (recap here) to San Francisco via Highway 101 and I would HIGHLY recommend everyone takes this drive at some point or another . I honestly don’t think I have ever seen such amazing views. The two-day drive felt like a breeze because there was ALWAYS something interesting to look at.
Is PCH open from LA to San Francisco?
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 the Pacific Coast Highway easy to drive?
It’s easy to drive in convoy
The road between Carmel By the Sea and San Luis and then Oxnard to Santa Monica are only one lane so if there are a few of you it’s easy to drive in convoy. You can just take the lead from the front car as to where to pull in, and change who leads throughout.
Is it hard to drive the Pacific Coast Highway?
The Pacific Coast Highway is an ambitious road trip, but totally possible in as few as five days . To help you plan your road trip, here are two possible road trip itineraries you could take.
What is the prettiest part of Highway 1?
- Stop one: Carmel-by-the-Sea. ...
- Stop two: Calla Lily Valley. ...
- Stop three: Bixby Creek Bridge. ...
- Stop four: Point Sur Lighthouse. ...
- Stop five: Big Sur River Inn. ...
- Stop six: Pfeiffer Beach. ...
- Stop seven: McWay Falls. ...
- Stop eight: Limekiln State Park.
How long does it take to drive along the coast of California?
Strap in and get ready for an exhilarating driving experience along this twisting, cliff-hugging route. An exhilarating driving experience, this twisting, cliff-hugging, 123-mile (198-kilometer) route along the central California coast takes about five hours to complete at a leisurely pace.
How long does it take to go 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.
How long is the scenic drive from Los Angeles to San Francisco?
The road trip from Los Angeles to San Francisco can cover between 380 and 460 miles depending on the route you choose. The quickest route will get you there in just over 6 hours, whereas the more scenic one should take about 10 hours with a few short breaks.
