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.



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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.

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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.

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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.

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Therefore, the best month to drive the Pacific Coast Highway is September, when you're most likely to have great weather along the entire length of the road trip.

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CHARLOTTE — A road in North Carolina has been named the #1 Scariest Drive in America, according to SAVOTEUR. The Tail of the Dragon, which begins at the Deals Gap on the Tennessee/North Carolina state line, is a remote, long, twisting road with 318 curves, 11 bridges, and few guardrails.

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Buckle up: Here are the most dangerous roads in America
  • Million Dollar Highway, Colorado. ...
  • U.S. Route 1, Florida. ...
  • Lake Pontchartrain Causeway, Louisiana. ...
  • I-4, Florida. ...
  • I-45, Texas. ...
  • I-10, Arizona. ...
  • I-15, Nevada and California. ...
  • I-285, Georgia.


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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.

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Big Sur The most easily accessible and breathtakingly stark part of the PCH is a short drive (about 3 hours) sound of San Francisco, so many people in the Bay Area do it as an overnight or weekend trip. Big Sur is defined as the stretch of coastline and adjacent state park between Carmel and San Simeon.

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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.

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Big Sur encompasses roughly the area between San Simeon and the Carmel Highlands along Highway 1. Though the boundaries are not fixed, many people consider Malpaso Creek the northernmost point of Big Sur, and Ragged Point the southernmost entrance.

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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.

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