Route 1 West Coast: The Ultimate Coastal Road Trip

Have you ever dreamed of driving along the Pacific Coast, admiring the stunning views, exploring the diverse attractions, and experiencing the vibrant culture? If so, you might want to try the Route 1 West Coast road trip, one of the best road trips in the world.

Route 1 West Coast is a scenic route that runs along the California coastline, from San Francisco to San Diego. It is also known as the Pacific Highway, the PCH, or the Highway One. It covers about 655 miles and takes about 10 hours to drive without stops. However, you will want to stop and enjoy the many highlights along the way, as this route offers something for everyone.

In this blog post, you will learn:

• What is Route 1 West Coast and why you should try it
• How to plan your Route 1 West Coast road trip
• The best stops and highlights along Route 1 West Coast

By the end of this blog post, you will have a clear idea of how to make the most of your Route 1 West Coast road trip. So, let’s get started!

What is Route 1 West Coast and Why You Should Try It

Route 1 West Coast is a coastal highway that follows the California coastline, from San Francisco to San Diego. It is one of the most scenic and popular routes in the world, as it offers breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean, the mountains, the forests, and the beaches. It is also one of the most diverse and fun routes in the world, as it offers a variety of attractions and activities, such as historical landmarks, cultural events, natural wonders, and entertainment options.

Some of the benefits and advantages of taking the Route 1 West Coast road trip are:

• You can enjoy the beauty and diversity of the California coast, which is one of the most spectacular and unique coastlines in the world.
• You can explore the different cities and towns along the route, each with its own charm, character, and flavor.
• You can experience the rich and varied culture of California, which is influenced by many different ethnicities, traditions, and lifestyles.
• You can participate in the many celebrations, parties, and events that take place along the route, especially during the holidays and festivals.
• You can have fun and relax with the many activities and options that the route offers, such as surfing, hiking, biking, shopping, dining, and more.

How to Plan Your Route 1 West Coast Road Trip

Planning your Route 1 West Coast road trip can be a fun and exciting process, but it can also be a daunting and stressful one. There are many factors to consider, such as your budget, time, season, vehicle, itinerary, and safety. Here are some tips and advice on how to plan your Route 1 West Coast road trip:

Budget:

The cost of your road trip will depend on many variables, such as your transportation, accommodation, food, gas, and entertainment. You can save money by booking your trip in advance, looking for discounts and coupons, and traveling during the off-season. You can also splurge on your trip by choosing luxury options, indulging in fine dining, and treating yourself to some extras.

Time:

The time you have for your road trip will determine how much you can see and do along the route. You can take a short trip of a few days, a medium trip of a week, or a long trip of two weeks or more. You can also customize your trip according to your preferences and needs, such as skipping some stops, spending more time at others, or adding some detours.

Season:

The season you choose for your road trip will affect the weather, the traffic, the availability, and the prices along the route. You can travel during the summer, which is the peak season, the winter, which is the low season, or the spring or fall, which are the shoulder seasons. Each season has its pros and cons, such as the temperature, the scenery, the events, and the crowds.

Vehicle:

The vehicle you choose for your road trip will affect your comfort, convenience, and safety along the route. You can use your own car, rent a car, or join a tour bus. You can also choose different types of vehicles, such as a sedan, a SUV, a convertible, or a RV. Each type of vehicle has its advantages and disadvantages, such as the size, the fuel efficiency, the features, and the maintenance.

Itinerary:

The itinerary you create for your road trip will determine what you will see and do along the route. You can follow a predefined itinerary, such as the one we will provide in the next section, or create your own itinerary, based on your research and opinion. You can also use various resources, such as websites, blogs, reviews, and guides, to find out more about the stops and highlights along the route.

Safety:

The safety of your road trip will depend on your preparation, awareness, and common sense along the route. You can ensure your safety by checking your vehicle, following the traffic rules, avoiding distractions, and being alert. You can also protect yourself and your belongings by locking your doors, keeping your valuables, and being cautious.

The Best Stops and Highlights Along Route 1 West Coast

The best part of your Route 1 West Coast road trip is the stops and highlights along the route. There are many amazing and wonderful places to see and visit along the route, each with its own charm, character, and flavor. Here are some of the best stops and highlights along Route 1 West Coast, according to our research and opinion:

San Francisco:

San Francisco is the starting point of your Route 1 West Coast road trip, and one of the most beautiful and lively cities in the world. You can admire the Golden Gate Bridge, the symbol of the city, and the Golden Gate Park, the largest urban park in the country. And you can explore the North Beach, the Italian neighborhood, and the Chinatown, the oldest and largest in the US. You can also enjoy the cable cars, the Fisherman’s Wharf, the Alcatraz Island, and the Lombard Street.

Santa Cruz:

Santa Cruz is the next stop of your Route 1 West Coast road trip, and one of the most fun and quirky towns in the state. You can visit the Felton, a small town with a steam train and a covered bridge. Also, you can drive through the Devil’s Slide, a scenic and winding stretch of the road. You can also have fun at the Santa Cruz Boardwalk, the oldest amusement park in California, and the Mystery Spot, a gravitational anomaly that defies logic.

Big Sur:

Big Sur is the next stop of your Route 1 West Coast road trip, and one of the most stunning and majestic places in the world. You can marvel at the redwood forests, the towering trees that can live for thousands of years. Also, you can visit the Henry Miller Memorial Library, a cultural center dedicated to the famous writer. You can dine at the Nepenthe, a restaurant with a breathtaking view of the ocean and the cliffs.

Cambria:

Cambria is the next stop of your Route 1 West Coast road trip, and one of the most charming and cozy towns in the region. You can see the Piedras Blancas Friends of the Elephant Seal rookery, a colony of thousands of elephant seals that come to the beach to breed and molt. And, you can eat at the Linn’s Restaurant, a family-owned establishment that serves the famous olallieberry pie. You can also shop at the Cambria Village, a collection of quaint and quirky shops and galleries.

Morro Bay:

Morro Bay is the next stop of your Route 1 West Coast road trip, and one of the most scenic and peaceful places in the area. You can visit the Morro Bay State Park, a natural reserve that features a lagoon, a golf course, and a museum. You can see the wild animals, such as sea otters, pelicans, and herons, that inhabit the bay. Also, you can admire the Morro Rock, a volcanic plug that rises from the water and dominates the landscape.

San Luis Obispo:

San Luis Obispo is the next stop of your Route 1 West Coast road trip, and one of the most historic and vibrant cities in the county. You can explore the Bubblegum Alley, a narrow alley that is covered with chewed gum. And, you can visit the Point San Luis Lighthouse, a historic landmark that offers tours and views. You can also stay at the Madonna Inn, a unique and colorful hotel that features themed rooms and a pink restaurant.

Santa Barbara:

Santa Barbara is the next stop of your Route 1 West Coast road trip, and one of the most elegant and sophisticated cities in the state. You can visit the Old Mission Santa Barbara, a Spanish colonial church that dates back to 1786. And, you can taste the McConnell’s Fine Ice Creams, a local institution that serves the best ice cream in town. You can also stop by the Cold Spring Tavern, a rustic and cozy tavern that serves delicious food and live music.

Los Angeles:

Los Angeles is the next stop of your Route 1 West Coast road trip, and one of the most famous and diverse cities in the world. You can eat at the Neptune’s Net, a seafood restaurant that has been featured in many movies and shows. You can drive through the Malibu, the celebrity hotspot that boasts beautiful beaches and mansions.

San Diego:

San Diego is the final stop of your Route 1 West Coast road trip, and one of the most sunny and laid-back cities in the country. You can eat at the Las Cuatro Milpas, a family-run Mexican restaurant that serves authentic and delicious food. You can taste the Oscar’s Mexican Seafood, a seafood joint that offers fresh and flavorful dishes. Also, you can explore the Cave Store, a souvenir shop that leads to a hidden sea cave.