How Long To Travel Pacific Coast Highway?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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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 the entire California coast?

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 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.

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:

Is the Pacific Coast Highway worth it?

But it’s completely worth it . In our opinion, it’s one of the most pristinely beautiful and inspiring places on earth. Anywhere – literally, anywhere. Try to time your trip for early morning or late afternoon, while the sun is still out, giving yourself ample time to make it back onto main roads before dark.

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.

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.

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.

Is it safe to drive the Pacific Coast Highway?

The high speeds that many people drive at while on the PCH, combined with natural hazards like rain and mudslides, create the potential for serious and deadly accidents .

How long does it take to drive the Pacific Coast Highway from San Francisco to Los Angeles?

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.

Where does Pacific Coast Highway start?

Starting at Capistrano Beach in Dana Point , the Pacific Coast Highway snakes up the coast through Los Angeles and Ventura counties, providing incredible front-row ocean views along the way.

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.

What is the halfway point between San Diego and San Francisco?

Halfway between San Diego, CA and San Francisco, CA

The town that marks the exact halfway point is actually Spicer City, California . The closest zip code to the midpoint is 93263. The exact latitude and longitude coordinates are 35° 29′ 7′′ N and 119° 30′ 57′′ W.

Where should I stop on Highway 1 north of San Francisco?

You’ll find gas stations, food, and lodging in Gualala, Point Arena, Mendocino, and Fort Bragg . Lots of cute little bed and breakfast inns and small hotels cluster along the highway, which means you’ll have plenty of opportunities to rest for the night.

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.

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 .

Where does 101 start in San Diego?

In San Diego County, Oceanside marks the beginning of the 101 in the north. From I-5, take the Coast Highway exit and begin travelling south along Historic Highway 101.

Is 17 Mile Drive open Covid?

The 17-Mile Drive gates are open to the public from sunrise to sunset .

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.

Can you drive to 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 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.

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 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.

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 the Pacific Coast Highway open from San Francisco to Los Angeles?

It’s true! Highway 1 is open .

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

David Evans
Author
David Evans
David is a seasoned automotive enthusiast. He is a graduate of Mechanical Engineering and has a passion for all things related to cars and vehicles. With his extensive knowledge of cars and other vehicles, David is an authority in the industry.