The world's most beautiful coastal highway, must be traveled once in a lifetime! |Driving Tips for California Highway 1

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If you've ever longed for a romantic road trip with the sound of waves and the wind, you can't miss the once-in-a-lifetime California Highway 1, known as the world's most beautiful highway, when you're driving in California. Along the way, there are countless spectacular landscapes, art towns and historical landmarks, and every section of the road and every turn brings awe and emotion, making it the most immersive California experience.

🚨Special Note: Due to the collapse of Regent's Slide, the road is currently closed from Esalen Institute in the north to Lucia Lodge in the south, except for this section, the rest of Hwy 1 is under normal traffic. (Please refer toRoad condition update)

Introduction to Route 1|Historical Art and Natural Wonders

California Highway 1 is a 1,056-kilometer (656-mile) stretch of highway built in the 1930s that runs from Leggett and San Francisco in the north to Los Angeles in the south, and extends to Dana Point near San Diego. Also known as the Pacific Coast Highway (PCH), it is listed by National Geographic as one of the world's top 50 must-see attractions.

This winding, craggy route along the California coast starts and ends from south to north, but guidebooks recommend starting in San Francisco and going north to south, making it easier to get to the exits and stop for photos on the side next to the coast. You'll pass through historic Monterey, the artsy town of Carmel, and feel the shock of the mountains cutting into the Pacific Ocean as you travel through Big Sur. As you continue south, the landscape gradually changes to oak-dotted hills, passing Hearst Castle, Morro Bay and finally Los Angeles.

It is the longest highway in California and the second longest in the United States. Not only does it connect the big cities and small towns along the California coast as a transportation artery, but it is also a symbol of California's free spirit, and its beautiful images have appeared in many movies, literature, and photographs, as well as on the travel lists of many travelers from all over the world.

Below is a list of must-see attractions, driving tips, and suggested itineraries along California's Highway 1.

Highway 1 Attractions|From San Francisco to Los Angeles, a dreamy trip that will satisfy your body and soul.

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  • San Francisco 
  • Monterey, 17-Mile Drive, Monterey, 17-Mile Shoreline
  • Carmel-by-the-Sea 
  • Bixby Bridge Bixby Bridge
  • Pfeiffer Beach
  • Big Sur
  • Hearst Castle
  • Morro Bay
  • Solvang
  • Santa Barbara Santa Barbara
  • Los Angeles

San Francisco

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For travelers from Taiwan, San Francisco is often the starting point for a journey on the west coast of the United States, with the most direct flights and a city that combines history and technological innovation. You can sample seafood at Fisherman's Wharf, take a trolley ride through the city, or wind your way down the Nine Streets of Flowers. The famous Golden Gate Bridge is spectacular and a great starting point for a self-drive trip. We recommend leaving early to avoid the rush hour commute and start your road adventure along the Pacific coastline. San Francisco is often foggy, so if you want to enjoy a clear view of the ocean and the bridge, you'll have the best view and fewer crowds in the early morning hours.

Monterey, 17-Mile Drive, Monterey, 17-Mile Shoreline

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Monterrey is a historic seaport city that used to be the center of the global sardine processing industry. Today, the city represents cultural tourism and marine conservation. The famous Cannery Row combines historic sites with modern commercial facilities, and the Monterey Bay Aquarium, located on Cannery Row, is a world-renowned marine conservation and education organization that showcases tens of thousands of species of marine life, including the famous Giant Kelp Forest and Sea Otter exhibit.

The 17 Mile Coastal Route is a picturesque route along the oceanfront side of the Monterey Peninsula. Along the way, you can pass by spectacular coastlines, pine forests and world-class golf courses, as well as the most iconic 2,300-year-old Lone Cypress, which is known as one of the most photographed trees in North America. There are plenty of photo ops for sea lions, seals and seabirds, so if you have time, slow down and enjoy the perfect blend of Monterey's nature and people.

Incidentally, Monterey is near the famous American Supermarket. Trader Joe'sYou can take the opportunity to replenish your road trip snacks while you're at it!

  • Recommended length of stay: half a day

Carmel-by-the-Sea

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Follow 17 miles of coastline south to the fairytale town of Carmel. Since the 19th century, the town has attracted many artists and writers, making it a hub of culture and creativity. As a result, the streets are lined with independent galleries, bookstores, and craft stores, giving the town a literary vibe. In particular, Carmel has banned fast food chains and neon signs, and the town's architecture, mostly fairytale European-style cottages, maintains its unique and dreamy charm. Carmel's beaches are beautifully white and wide, and with a strong emphasis on pet-friendliness (dogs are allowed to run off leash), they're a great spot for sunset watching and leisurely strolls.

  • Recommended length of stay: 2-3 hours

Bixby Bridge Bixby Bridge

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Shortly after leaving the town of Carmel, the Bixby Bridge will take your breath away. Built in 1932, the bridge spans Bixby Creek Canyon, connecting the steep valley with the Pacific Coast, and was one of the tallest concrete arch bridges in the world at the time, as well as an iconic landmark on California's Highway One. The spectacular scenery of cliffs, bridges, and blue skies and white clouds is unbelievably beautiful at different moments. Whether you're driving by or stopping to take photos, you'll be struck by the magnificence of the scenery in front of you.

  • Recommended Length of Stay: 30 minutes
  • Recommended Photography Sites: The best place to take pictures is the viewing area on the north side of the bridge, where you can capture the bridge, the canyon and the Pacific Ocean. Due to the large number of tourists, it is recommended to visit in the morning or evening to avoid the crowds and get the best light.
  • Parking: Parking is limited in the scenic area, so please be safe and avoid temporary parking on the road.

Pfeiffer Beach 

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Tucked away in the forests of the Big Sur Mountains, the world's only purple sand beach, Pfeiffer Beach, is one of the most unique natural wonders on earth. Manganese-containing garnet deposits in the surrounding hills, washed down by the rain and mixed with the sand, give the beach a light or dark purple color that is magical at sunset. There is also the Keyhole Arch, a natural rock cavern on the beach, where the sun sets through the cavern from mid-December to mid-January every year, a rare sight not to be missed by photography enthusiasts.

  • Recommended Length of Stay: 1 hour
  • Driving PrecautionsThe beach is located in a secluded area, you need to cut into Sycamore Canyon Road, a narrow winding one-way road, part of the road is more difficult to meet the car need to pay attention to the limited parking spaces, summer and holidays are easy to be full. Single-day admission fee is $$15, please follow the road conditions and related regulations. Los Padres National Forest Website Guidelines.

Big Sur (must visit!)

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Because of its unspoiled natural landscape, Big Sur is known as "the last pure land on earth". Between the mountains and the sea, the pristine forests, towering redwoods, winding mountain roads and blue coastline make it a paradise that everyone who travels on Highway 1 must see for themselves. Take in views of McWay Falls, a tidal waterfall that flows directly into the Pacific Ocean, and stroll the scenic trails of Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park. Allow extra time to enjoy the quiet elegance and natural splendor of the area, or consider staying overnight to enjoy the light-free, starry sky.

  • Recommended length of stay:At least half a day.
  • Driving Precautions: Due to the rugged terrain, some sections of the road may be closed due to weather conditions or natural disasters.Check the latest road informationAvoid driving at night. There are few gas stations in the Big Sur area, so be sure to fill up early.

Hearst Castle

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The Hearst Castle on the hills of San Simeon, a private estate built by American newspaper magnate William Randolph Hearst in the early 20th century and officially known as "La Cuesta Encantada" (Spanish for "The Enchanted Hill"), is now open to the public as a museum. The museum is now open to the public. This luxurious Renaissance, Gothic and Moorish-style mansion was once a meeting place for Hollywood celebrities and dignitaries. The estate features more than a hundred rooms, a magnificent indoor and outdoor pool, a private movie theater and an art collection. The entire building is unique and imposing, and for those who love architecture and art, this is a historic building not to be missed, and an experience of high American luxury at the turn of the 20th century.

  • Recommended length of stay:2 - 3 hours
  • Note to visitors:Prior toTicketing and Tour Booking on the Official WebsiteThere are many different itineraries available, ranging from $35 - 40, so allow for transportation waits and queuing times during peak travel season.

Morro Bay

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Continuing south to Morro Bay, it is landmarked by the huge and unusual "Morro Rock" in the sea. Morro Rock is a volcanic neck formed naturally by volcanic activity and seems to guard the whole town. Cute sea otters can be seen swimming in the Morro Bay Reserve, and there are many restaurants serving fresh seafood along the beach. The atmosphere is laid-back and offers a wide range of water activities, and visitors can rent a light boat or SUP and paddle around the bay to observe sea otters and other marine life up close, making it a relaxing rest stop after a long road trip.

  • Recommended length of stay:1 - 2 hours, or stay overnight to rest

Solvang (Danish town) Solvang 

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Solvang was founded in 1911 by Danish immigrants with the aim of creating a community that would preserve Danish culture, architecture, education and religion. As a result, the architecture here has a strong Scandinavian country style, with streets filled with wooden windmills, red brick chimneys, and steeple roofs, it is like stepping into the world of a fairy tale, or stepping from the grandeur of the United States into the smallness and warmth of Europe. Travelers can sample traditional Danish pastries, visit the Hans Christian Andersen Museum, and there's a Toca Wine Tasting Room in town that offers reds and whites from the Santa Ynez Valley wine region. Although it's not on Highway 1 and requires a bit of a detour, it's an amazing and healing stopover!

  • Recommended length of stay:1 - 2 hours

Santa Barbara Santa Barbara

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Before arriving in Los Angeles, make a stop in Santa Barbara, known as "The American Riviera". Although it is also a coastal city, it has a very different atmosphere from Los Angeles, blending Spanish colonial style with California sunshine, and is a vacation destination for many celebrities and artists, who even choose to settle here. The downtown area, with its whitewashed buildings and red tiles, is a great place to take photos and walk around. Eat seafood at Stearns Wharf, shop on State Street, or laze on the beach. If you have time, head to the Santa Barbara Courthouse for a view of the city and coastline from the top.

  • Recommended length of stay:2 - 3 hours

Los Angeles

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As California's hottest metropolitan center, Los Angeles combines the glitz of the Hollywood entertainment industry with sunny beaches and the vibrancy of a diverse population. After your trip on Highway 1, you can take a walk on the beach in Santa Monica, go shopping in Beverly Hills, or make a pilgrimage to the Hollywood Walk of Fame. For art lovers, The Getty Center and the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA) are not to be missed. The woods, the culture, the ocean, the exoticism, and the relaxation of the coastal atmosphere of Los Angeles amidst the hustle and bustle of the city will make for a wonderful and memorable end to your trip.

Driving on Highway 1 in the U.S.

Although Highway 1 is one of the most famous roadways in the world, and the United States is a vast country with many roads, there are some things you should be aware of and prepare for in order to make your road trip enjoyable and smooth.

Required Documents and Items

International driver's license, local driver's license, passport, car rental order confirmation information. In addition, you can carry a cell phone cable, cell phone holder, GPS...etc. for easy navigation and power maintenance, as well as some comfort items to help you drive, such as a water bottle and sunglasses.

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Rental Car Insurance

Since Highway 1 runs from the city, to the coast, through the mountains, and over some difficult roads, it is recommended that you choose: Collision and Theft (LDW) and Third Party Liability, Tire and Window Coverage, and Roadside Assistance. For more information on rental car insurance, please visit:Car Rental Insurance

Vehicle Options

Certain sections of Highway 1 (especially Big Sur) are mountainous, with sharp curves and narrow shoulders. It is recommended that you rent a car with low fuel consumption and stable handling, such as an SUV or small sedan.Electric VehicleThe

Extended Reading:U.S. Car Rental Guide

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Cell Phone Network

On road trips, due to the long navigation time, it is recommended to choose an adequate internet plan, either using the original cellular network international roaming (usually more expensive), or a local U.S. SIM card (may not provide a few days plan, and is expensive). If your phone has eSIM support, it's probably the most convenient option. Saily eSIM One-click activation is fast and convenient, stable communication, easy access to the Internet, the most economical plan for seven days as long as the U.S. dollars $3.79.

navigation

Most areas have a complete network and road signs along the way, but it is highly recommended to check the route, stops, and places to spend the night before you leave, and to make sure that the highway conditions are good, as not all roads may be open to traffic, so as to avoid unforeseen situations during the trip. As a special reminder, if you use Google Maps to navigate from point A to point B, it will provide the fastest route, not necessarily Highway 1, so you need to manually set and adjust the route to see the beautiful scenery.

rent and reimburse

The best way to take Highway 1 is to pick up your car in San Francisco and return it in Los Angeles, which saves you the time of traveling back and forth and allows you to enjoy both sides of the road. Most car rental companies offer One-Way Rental, but the price is often more than double the cost of returning the car to the original location, and some may charge an additional fee. It is advisable to make reservations early and check with the rental company about the One-Way Rental policy.

🚧A gentle reminder:If you choose to rent a car with Sky Horse, you will only be charged a fixed service fee for off-site rental and return, which may be more cost-effective in comparison. You can use LINE to communicate with specialists in Chinese during the booking and traveling process (no need to wait for a long time with AI customer service), and there are clear and transparent charging standards, so you don't have to worry about hidden charges when returning the car, and even save the high handling fee for picking up the car at the airport, welcome!Contact us directly via LINE!

In addition to these precautions, when traveling on Highway 1, due to the long distance, you should always pay attention to your own physical strength, the condition of your vehicle, the gas gauge, avoid driving at night, and prepare drinking water and dry food in the car to replenish your energy at any time. If you see a restroom at a scenic spot or rest stop, try to take the opportunity to use the restroom. Highways in the U.S. are not as convenient as those in Taiwan, and you often have to drive for a long time before there is a rest stop where you can stop.

Route 1|Suggested Itinerary (from north to south)

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Taking a trip from north to south on Highway 1 is like traveling through some of California's best mountain and ocean scenery. From historic buildings, seaside towns, to world wonders, in addition to the more spectacular scenery mentioned in this article, there are also many state parks, towns or cities with special characteristics, forests, and beaches along the way, and it is worth stopping at each stop to enjoy and feel the experience. After all, the most important thing about a road trip is not just getting to your destination, but also the memories you make with your family and friends along the way. If you want to focus on planning your itinerary without the hassle of renting a car, Sky Horse offers a full Chinese booking process, drop-off and pick-up options, and transparent rates.Book now!If you're looking for a reliable and attentive car rental partner, you'll find it easy to get started on your Highway 1 driving trip!

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