Which part of Pacific Coast Highway is most scenic?

Big Sur. This is one of the most well-known areas of Highway 1 and it's considered a destination in and of itself. Big Sur is a designated American National Scenic Byway and the views explain why. Wildlife-watching is big here; expect to see anything from whales to elephant seals.



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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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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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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. But it's not the only scenic, unforgettable road trip in California—by far.

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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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Even spring and fall can bring cold weather, and some snow. Our advice is to plan your PCH drive for the summer months of June through to September, when you're more likely to have warm days, with temperatures in the 70s and 80s.

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End of the Road: Wrapping Up 5 Days on the Pacific Coast Highway from San Francisco to LA. Driving the Pacific Coast Highway from San Francisco to Los Angeles is definitely one of America's greatest road trips. And while it can be done in 3-5 days, it's even more rewarding if you can spare a whole week!

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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.

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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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The left (or fast) lane is called the Number 1 Lane. The lane to the right of the Number 1 Lane is called the Number 2 Lane. Then the Number 3 Lane, etc.

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Experience tells me that a Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday are probably best - mainly because there is LESS traffic to deal with.

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If you want to drive the Pacific Coast Highway then you can do it in half a day. Officially it's less than 130 miles long, running between Dana Point and Oxnard in southern California. This is the stretch of Highway 1 which has been legally designated the Pacific Coast Highway by the California state legislature.

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As you drive from southern Oregon into northern California, the Pacific Coast Highway turns inland for a bit, and takes you through one of my favorite landscapes in California, the forests of Coastal Redwoods.

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Known by locals as “the One”, the most popular stretch of this highway runs between San Francisco and San Diego, meandering in twists and turns through quaint coastal towns, pristine beaches, breathtaking views, and plenty of historical places, making it one of America's greatest road trips.

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