Best Rides Across America: Pacific Coast Highway

Key Takeaways

Breathtaking Scenic Views - The Pacific Coast Highway (State Route 1) is renowned for its stunning ocean vistas, diverse landscapes, and sense of freedom, making it an iconic route for road trips and motorcycle rides.
Historical Significance - Originally constructed in the early 20th century, the highway’s development involved challenging engineering feats, including the famous Big Sur segment, completed in 1937.
Diverse Ecosystems & Landmarks - The Pacific Coast Highway offers an ever-changing backdrop, from towering Redwood forests to rugged cliffs in Big Sur and the sun-soaked beaches of Malibu.
Northern California - Drive through the Chandelier Tree, explore Avenue of the Giants, and visit Point Reyes National Seashore.
Central Coast - Cross the Golden Gate Bridge, ride through Big Sur, and visit Hearst Castle.
Southern California: Experience Santa Barbara, stop at Neptune’s Net in Malibu, and wrap up in Dana Point.
Best Travel Practices - For an optimal experience, travel in late spring or early fall, check road conditions, prioritize safety with proper gear, and plan fuel and food stops in advance.
Unforgettable Experience - Whether riding along dramatic coastal cliffs, exploring charming small towns, or enjoying scenic beaches, the Pacific Coast Highway offers a once-in-a-lifetime road trip adventure.

The Pacific Coast Highway

When it comes to finding roads with breathtaking views, the Pacific Coast Highway is unmatched. With its sweeping ocean views and varied landscapes, State Route 1 is celebrated for its stunning beauty and unparalleled sense of freedom, making it a must-have drive for motorcyclists and road trippers alike.

Nestled along the California coastline, you’ll cruise by the Pacific Ocean while weaving through the lush hillsides that offer a visual feast changing with every mile. The Pacific Coast Highway, also known as California’s State Route 1, consists of numerous highways from the 20th century that connected key coastal cities.

Although this road can technically be driven from Seattle to San Diego by various connecting highways, most people prefer to stick to the California section, as this is where most of State Route 1 resides.

The construction of the Pacific Coast Highway started in 1911 when local funds initiated the Rincon Sea Level Road between Ventura and Santa Barbara, which the State Highway Commission completed in 1913.

One of the most challenging segments to construct was the Big Sur segment, which was approved in 1919 and relied on prison labor and federal funding. Construction lasted 18 years and involved rugged terrain and 33 bridges, including the iconic Bixby Bridge. The highway opened in 1937 and was initially named the Roosevelt Highway.

Other expansions followed, including Route 60 from Oxnard to San Juan and Route 56, which extended North from Carmel to San Francisco and South to San Luis. By 1939, the Big Sur segment was officially incorporated into State Route 1, fulfilling the vision of a continuous coastal highway from Oregon to Mexico.

In 1965, the Big Sur section became California’s first State Scenic Highway and later earned the All-American Road status. Today, State Route 1 remains one of the most breathtaking highways worldwide, celebrated for its historic significance and stunning landscapes.

Besides its sights, one of the Pacific Coast Highway’s most captivating aspects is its ability to offer something for everyone. Nature lovers will have abundant opportunities to witness California’s wildlife and scenic wonders.

History buffs can explore the many historical sites and landmarks dotted along the route. For those seeking a cultural experience, the coastal towns, along the way, offer local art, cuisine, and unique shopping experiences.

Regardless of your interests, there’s sure to be something to intrigue you or learn during your journey. Consider gifting a Pacific Coast Highway road bell for one rider's journey.

Pacific Coast Highway Road Bell

Scenery

On the Pacific Coast Highway, you can experience unmatched beauty in any direction. However, we recommend driving north to south to be as close to the ocean as possible, guaranteeing breathtaking views.

The highway passes through various climates and ecosystems, each with a unique charm. From the fog-shrouded cliffs of the north to the sun-drenched beaches of the south and the numerous state parks, State Route 1 provides a dynamic backdrop for your motorcycle or road trip adventure.

The first of these significant ecosystems is the ever-famous Redwood forests. These towering ancient trees create natural tunnels, providing serene shade from the sun. These otherworldly forests offer a home for diverse wildlife that will undoubtedly add a sense of wonder to your ride.

The next standout region is the stretch through Big Sur, with its dramatic cliffs plugin into the Pacific Ocean and panoramic vistas that seem to stretch endlessly. The rugged coastline here is adorned by rocky outcroppings and secluded covers, providing plenty of opportunity to stop and take in the majestic views.

As you ride further south, the scenery shifts as you approach the serene beaches of Malibu. These sun-soaked shores are perfect for a leisurely break, allowing you to dip your toes in the water and enjoy the soothing sounds of waves crashing. If you ride the Pacific Coast Highway in the spring months, you’ll come across lush, rolling hills dotted with vibrant wildflowers in full bloom.

State Route 1’s scenic beauty is further enhanced by its proximity to numerous state parks and protected nature reserves. Two of the most notable parks you should consider for stretching your legs and capturing stunning views are Garrapata State Park and Point Mugu State Park. With rugged coastal trails and sandy beaches, these parks are a must-stop for exploration and adventure.

Wildlife enthusiasts will also have plenty of opportunities to see unique animals. Near Monterey Bay, sea otters are often seen floating in their kelp beds, while seals and sea lions bask on the rocky shores. Bird watchers will also delight in spotting various species, such as pelicans gliding effortlessly over the waves and hawks soaring above the cliffs.

Every mile of the Pacific Coast Highway reveals new aspects of California’s diverse landscapes that you might have never known existed. Whether riding along windswept bluffs, tranquil forests, or past pristine beaches, the highway is visually impressive and never ceases to impress. As it’s quite a long drive, we’ve broken the route down into three major sections: Northern, Central, and Southern, just in case you want to stick to one specific portion of the drive.

Northern California: Leggett to San Francisco

Northern California is home to some of the country’s most breathtaking scenery, mainly from the national parks where the famous Redwood trees reside. What’s a better way to start your ride off than by driving through one?

The Chandelier Tree should be your first stop on your ride down the Pacific Coast Highway, where you can drive through a massive 315-foot-tall coastal redwood. This is one of the most unique experiences you can have worldwide and offers a classic photo-op before officially starting your journey.

As you cruise the coast, you will have plenty of opportunities to take some detours and discover hidden treasures. One of the first detours is the Avenue of the Giants in Humboldt Redwoods State Park.

This detour is worth the extra time, as you’ll be rewarded with one of the most breathtaking rides in California. This 31-mile stretch twists and turns through towering ancient redwoods, offering a surreal experience. Along this route, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to pull off, take in some scenic views, and even do some hiking.

The next major stop along the coastal highway will be Mendocino. The highway runs right through the town, arguably one of California’s most picturesque. Located on the cliffs, it offers breathtaking views of the ocean.

It’s the perfect place to stretch your legs, grab a coffee, take in some serene views, or even spend the night if you have the time. We recommend indulging in the local bakeries, cafes, and restaurants or checking out Headlands State Park before returning to the open road.

You’ll travel along the coast for the rest of the Northern California section, riding through some small towns before reaching San Francisco. The last major stop in this portion of the highway is just north of the big city.

Point Reyes National Seashore offers a scenic drive through rugged cliffs, winding roads, and the historic Point Reyes Lighthouse. Here, you can catch incredible ocean views as you traverse the terrain on your bike and even spot some whales during migration. After this, you’ll officially be on the Central Coast portion of the journey.

Central Coast: San Francisco to Santa Barbara

Now that you’ve finally entered Central California, no Pacific Coast Highway journey is complete without riding across the Golden Gate Bridge. This 1.7-mile-long marvel is one of the world’s most famous bridges and architectural marvels. It’s the perfect start to the next leg of your journey and is one of the most iconic rides in the country, regardless of how short it is.

We recommend veering off at Marin Headlands Overlook, which offers the best views of the bridge and the city skyline. Additionally, San Francisco is the perfect place to stop for the night or even a long weekend, as it’s full of rich culture and history.

Like the Northern California section, the Central Coast offers multiple detours. We highly recommend Alice’s Restaurant, which is just a short detour off the highway in the Santa Cruz Mountains.

This detour will take you through twisting mountain roads surrounded by towering pine trees, making your Pacific Coast Highway ride even more legendary. In addition to the incredible scenery, it’s a familiar spot for bikers to congregate, where you can exchange stories and grab one legendary burger before heading back out on the road.

Eventually, you’ll come across one of the most notable sections of the Pacific Coast Highway, Big Sur. You’ll cross Bixby Bridge, a vast dramatic canyon with breathtaking ocean views.

While in the area, you should consider stopping by Pfeiffer Beach and Nepenthe Restaurant. The beach is a must-see spot where purple sands and rugged cliffs blend. Nepenthe is a stable in the area, a cliffside eatery offering incredible food and ocean views.

One of the last stops in the Central Coast region is yet another slight detour. Located in San Simeon, Hearst Castle is a 127-acre historic mansion built by newspaper mogul William Randolph Hearst in the 1940s.

This incredible architectural wonder offers a glimpse into California’s extravagant past. The property features luxurious gated gardens, fountains, and pools. You can take a guided tour of the lavish estate, walk the grounds, and admire the stunning views as you feel like royalty.

We recommend the town of Solvang as the last stop before moving into the Southern California portion of the journey. Solvang is the Danish Capital of America, just a short drive off the highway.

It’s a European-inspired town with charming Danish-style architecture, offering an authentic experience where you can explore bakeries and windmills and immerse yourself in the unique Danish Culture.

After you indulge in this European-inspired excursion, you’ll eventually reach Santa Barbara and officially begin the last leg of your journey.

Southern Sunshine: Santa Barbara to Dana Point

Santa Barbara marks the start of the Southern portion of the Pacific Coast Highway, and it’s also a great place to stop before hitting the hustle and bustle of Los Angeles. Abundant Spanish-style architecture, beautiful beaches, and vibrant art dot the area here.

It’s a great place to stop for a short break or spend the night if you’re planning a long trip. We recommend exploring Old Mission Santa Barbara, wandering through the lush Botanical Garden, or simply relaxing in one of the many beachfront cafes before returning to the road.

After Santa Barbara, you’ll reach the picturesque town of Malibu, famous for its beaches and sunny weather. One of the best places to stop in this area is Neptune’s Net, a classic biker stop famous for its seafood, burgers, and ice-cold beers.

It’s a great place to relax and converse with other riders as you enjoy the beachside atmosphere. Be on the lookout for surfers, as Malibu offers some of the best surfing conditions.

Close to Malibu, there’s one more detour before you ride through Los Angeles. Located in Cornell, you’ll travel along the Mulholland Highway before reaching The Rock Store. This is yet another stop famous for motorcycle enthusiasts and even celebrities.

Here, you can check out several vintage bikes and talk to more riders. Additionally, the Mulholland Highway has a portion that is famous among motorcyclists and is named The Snake for its twisty section of the road.

Next, you’ll ride through Los Angeles, one of the biggest cities in the country, so there’s plenty to explore. However, if we had to pick one place to stop, it would be Huntington Beach, also known as Surf City.

If you’re not planning to ride the entire Pacific Coast Highway, this is a great place to end your journey. It’s a classic Southern California surf town with a lively atmosphere. We recommend checking out Duke’s for great seafood and drinks, and lastly, The Pier, another great place to watch surfers in action.

Although you can technically take connecting roads into Mexico, Dana Point is officially the endpoint of the Pacific Coast Highway. It’s the perfect place to finish your journey and reflect on your ride throughout California.

Dana Point offers a peaceful marina with various restaurants and shops. Before you end your journey, we recommend checking out Lookout Point Park, which offers breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean.

Tips For Your Journey

Planning for a long ride like the Pacific Coast Highway is key to ensuring enjoyment and safety. We recommend embarking on this ride in late spring or early fall for the best weather and road conditions.

With mild weather and fewer tourists, you’ll have a more open road to yourself without exposure to dangerous heat levels. It’s also best to check the latest road conditions for any closures or bad weather, as landslides or maintenance work can sometimes affect the highway.

Safety should always be your top priority, as the open road is full of surprises. Be sure to bring the proper clothes for the season’s weather and wear your proactive gear. Be wary of sudden temperature changes, as the coast can abruptly have fog and cooler temperatures roll in.

State Route 1 features numerous twists and turns, and some stretches run close to cliffs, so be sure to ride at a safe, manageable speed. Being vigilant for wildlife and other travelers is also essential, as they tend to come up unexpectedly.

Fuel is another crucial aspect of your planning, as some parts of the highway, especially those through less populated areas, have limited gas stations. Ensure your tank is full before setting out, and plan your fuel stops along the way.

It’s also important to consider hydration and nutrition. These long-distance rides can easily distract you from basic needs, so take breaks for a proper drink and snack while taking in some views.

Lastly, it’s crucial to have a reliable map or GPS. Cell service can be spotty in these remote areas, so downloadable maps or physical GPS systems can come in handy in case of the unexpected. Sharing your travel plans is also a good idea, especially if traveling solo.

These tips should prepare you for tackling the Pacific Coast Highway, ensuring an enjoyable and memorable experience. Don't forget your Pacific Coast Highway road bell for extra protection!

Ride Along The Ocean

Riding the Pacific Coast Highway is an experience that will stay with you long after the journey ends. The combination of awe-inspiring scenery, diverse wildlife, and historical landmarks ensures that every mile has new sites and adventures.

Whether you’re winding through the dramatic cliffs of Big Sur, exploring quaint coastal towns, or taking in the sun-drenched beaches of Southern California, State Route 1 offers a truly unforgettable ride.

If you know someone who has embarked on this journey or is planning to, consider gifting them one of our Pacific Coast Highway Road Bells for extra protection and memorabilia.

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