California's SR 1, also called the Pacific Coast Highway, is one of the most scenic drives in the nation. Stunning ocean vistas all but define this coastal route. Don't drive SR 1 if you're in a hurry (that's what I-5 is for). Most of this nearly 656-mile-long roadway is two lanes, narrow and winding, which means you'll want to slow down and admire the many gorgeous views.
AAA Photo
1
Los Angeles to Santa Barbara
Before leaving the sprawling L.A. metro area behind you'll pass the upper-crust suburb of Pacific Palisades and famed Malibu, where there are oodles of celebrity beach homes. The Santa Monica Mountains form an impressive backdrop. At Oxnard SR 1 merges with US 101. Seaside Santa Barbara is scenically wedged between the Pacific and the Santa Ynez Mountains.
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2
Santa Barbara to San Luis Obispo
SR 1 and US 101 run concurrently as far as Gaviota. Then SR 1 veers inland, rounding Point Conception and Point Arguello. It returns to the coast at Grover Beach and Pismo Beach, where a popular activity is digging for Pismo clams (you'll need a saltwater fishing license to do so). The highway heads inland again to San Luis Obispo, founded as a mission in 1772.
AAA/Greg Weekes
3
San Luis Obispo to Monterey
This leg boasts arguably the most spectacular views of the entire trip, courtesy of the Big Sur coast from San Simeon to Carmel-by-the-Sea. SR 1 snakes along in a seemingly endless series of sinuous S-curves. Parking pull-offs are high above the Pacific, with breathtaking panoramic views of rocky headlands extending for miles against a backdrop of steel-blue ocean.
AAA/Greg Weekes
4
Monterey to San Francisco
Utterly charming Carmel boasts a gorgeous beach and Monterey has a fascinating historical pedigree. Both of them are also packed with shopping and sightseeing diversions. Once past the quintessential beach town of Santa Cruz, SR 1 runs right along the coast all the way to San Francisco, with plenty of places to pull off, stretch your legs and do some beachcombing.