Pacific Coast Highway

California's Pacific Coast Highway — mostly State Route 1 — follows the coast between Los Angeles and San Francisco through Malibu, Santa Barbara wine country and the cliffs of Big Sur. It is the classic American coastal ride.

Big Sur is the highlight: the road is carved into the mountains above the Pacific, with redwoods, bridges and viewpoints at every turn.

Highlights

• Malibu and the beaches north of Santa Monica
• Morro Bay and the elephant seals near San Simeon
• The Big Sur coast and Bixby Creek Bridge
• Carmel-by-the-Sea and the 17-Mile Drive at Monterey
• Santa Cruz and the coast toward Half Moon Bay

Best time to ride

Rideable all year. Spring and fall are best; summer often brings coastal fog. Landslides regularly close sections of Big Sur — check Caltrans road conditions before you go.

The road

Mostly good pavement with tight curves in Big Sur, slow RV traffic and few passing lanes. Gravel and fog are common on the cliff sections.

Riding tips

• Ride north to south for the ocean-side lane.
• Fuel is expensive and sparse along Big Sur — fill up in Monterey or Cambria.
• Use pull-outs to let faster traffic by and to enjoy the views safely.