USA - Highway 1
Prices quoted correct as at June 2026
A very popular road trip along Highway 1 between San Francisco and Los Angeles and many claim it is the most scenic drive in the world. I’m not sure I would agree with that hyperbole but it’s definitely in the Top 10, if not the Top 5.In theory you could do the almost 500 miles in one day, but what’s the point of that, you will only get fleeting glimpses of the sights.
Ideally take two to three days and savour the sights.
The trip can be done either way but many say north to south is best as you are on the same side of the road as the coast.
San Francisco is covered elsewhere in this guide.
75 miles south of San Francisco is Santa Cruz, a delightful coastal town, which many people say has a real 1960’s vibe, especially along the boardwalk, with its arcades and attractions, including a wooden roller coaster, which recently celebrated its centenary.
The wharf, the longest wooden structure on the west coast at 2,701 feet is home to seafood restaurants and souvenir shops.
With a south facing sandy beach, it’s a perfect stop for seaside lovers.
Near Monterey, you will encounter 17-Mile Drive, arguably one the most beautiful stretch of coastline on the Monterey Peninsula.
It stretches from the Pacific Coast to the Del Monte Forest, passing through Pebble Beach Resort
This road is private and has an access fee of $35.00 (£26.19) but you can get it refunded if you spend $35.00 or more at most Pebble Beach resort restaurants.
Thousands of people drive it each year to see the magnificent Lone Cypress, one of California's most famous natural treasures, as well as Bird Rock and Spanish Bay.The coastline is heavily populated with sea lions. For several miles you can see baby seals and their mothers on the beaches.
At the end of the road, you will reach the city of Monterey.
Its famous Cannery Row was once the hub of the sardine packing industry.
Today, the factories have been transformed into gift shops, bars and seafood restaurants
The Monterey Bay Aquarium, the sixth-largest aquarium in the world, is home to sea otters, penguins, sharks, stingrays, jellyfish and many other native marine species.
Carmel-by-the-Sea is a delightful town with a definite Mediterranean feel to it, home t many artists and musicians. Hollywood legend Clint Eastwood was once the towns mayor.
Main Street is lined with art galleries, boutiques, and upscale shops and restaurants.
The city's architecture is a mix of charming little beach houses, rustic cottages, log cabins, and breathtaking modern glass houses.
For somewhere quiet and contemplative, the nearby Carmel Mission is worth a visit.
Point Lobos is a State Nature Reserve and is said to be one of the most beautiful state parks in California.
It is just south of Carmel and the entrance is well hidden. On its shores, you'll have the chance to see seals, sea lions, sea otters and orcas.
On the wooded trails, keep an eye out for grey foxes, raccoons, opossums, deer, rabbits, bobcats and coyotes.
One of the most iconic sections of the drive is around Big Sur, the route wends its way along cliff tops, hugging the edges, with some dramatic drops. It features Bixby Bridge, one of the tallest concrete bridges in the worlds and the second most photographed Californian bridge after Golden Gate.The town of San Simeon is known for the extravagant home of William Randolph Hearst, a businessman who made his fortune in publishing.
Perched on a hill known as The Enchanted Hill, this eccentric castle contains marble statues, tapestries and oil paintings, Tiffany lamps, exotic carpets, and all the other collectibles accumulated by Hearst during his somewhat eccentric life.
Carmel isn’t the only town on the route with a European feel, Solvang is an even stronger contender.
Founded by Danish immigrants who wanted to make the United States feel like home.
Today, this Danish village is a popular tourist destination with its European-style windmills, flower-lined streets and half-timbered buildings. tiful towns in California!
There are many replicas of famous landmarks found in Denmark.
The Hans Christian Anderson Museum is worth a visit and keep an eye out for the Little Mermaid statue!
The city of Santa Barbara is known for it’s beaches, wine, red tiles roofs and beautiful gardens.Ventura has a delightful historic downtown area with some quirky shops. It is also renown as a surfing destination.
Malibu is known for two main reasons.
The first is its long stretch of pristine beach, home to tide pools, caves and strange rocky formations.
The second is the many Hollywood celebrities who live there, looking to get away from the big city.
Point Dune is one of the loveliest beaches in southern California. Explore the city to see beautiful homes and sample some typical California cuisine.
The final stop before LA is Santa Monica and its iconic beach
Return to California Home Page