The 720 km stretch of Pacific Coast Highway between San Francisco and Los Angeles is one of the World's most iconic road trips. Vast beaches, towering mountains and uninterrupted views of the Pacific guide you most of the way down the California coast.

Stops, whether for an hour or a day, in sleepy beach towns and energetic cities are more than just a way to break up the drive — they are experiences along the way, giving true meaning to Ralph Waldo Emerson’s quote, “life is a journey, not a destination.” Make the drive and see what it means to be in this California state of mind.

The longest  route needs at least two days, but three work best so that the travellers can enjoy the stops and scenery on the way. Most travelers just drive the ‘middle’ section on Hwy 1 but use other highways to access San Francisco and Los Angeles. Not recommended for large motorhomes towing, or for large/long trailers. Ittakes 9 hours without stops and can vary due to weather and slow moving vehicles.

Highway 1 is always called Highway 1 or State Route 1.  Two sections also have names.  Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) is the section between Dana Point and Oxnard.  Cabrillo Highway (pronounced ka BREE oh) is the section north of San Luis Obispo, but many locals never use this name.  Calling it Highway 1 works fine. 

WHICH DIRECTION?

Both the northbound and the southbound routes are good choices.  In addition to your overall itinerary, consider that southbound vehicles are on the ocean side of the highway.  This might appeal to you so that you have an unobstructed view of the coast and ocean.  Northbound vehicles have a lane of traffic between them and the edge.  This might appeal to you to feel safer.  It’s relatively easy to cross the facing southbound lane in order to access turnouts on the highway for views.  (Remember, people drive on the right in the US.)  Every driver should use turnouts to allow traffic behind them to pass.

Southbound drivers are facing toward the sun more often while northbound drivers seldom have the sun in their eyes.   (Note that this depends on the season, time of day, and particular curves of the road.)

Some folks prefer to drive northbound as the scenery just gets better and better as you leave the congestion of Southern California and approach the more wild Central Coast.

San Francisco to Los Angeles - one of the World's Great Drives !

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