For this adventure, the best place to stop along Highway 1 is at the Elephant Seal Vista Point. In addition to elephant seals and lighthouses, San Simeon offers many more things to see on Highway 1. Travel back in time with a tour of opulent Hearst Castle, the home of historic newspaper baron William Randolph Hearst.
Where is Big Sur California? Big Sur is located along Scenic Highway One approximately 150 miles south of San Francisco and 300 miles north of Los Angeles. Historically, the name Big Sur, was derived from that unexplored and unmapped wilderness area which lays along the coast south of Monterey. It was simply called El Sur Grande, The Big South.
Then, What is the best time of year to drive the Pacific Coast Highway? The best time of the year to drive the Pacific Coast Highway is in mid-to-late February through April. California’s rainy season typically ends in early February, turning its golden hills bright green and covering the coast with colorful wildflowers which last through April and into early May.
Is Highway 1 worth the drive? It’s rightfully rated as one of the top road trips in the world. This is a particularly breathtaking drive, especially through Big Sur where the Santa Lucia mountains plunge into the sea, and the surf and wind relentlessly pound the rocks and shore below and bend the native cypress trees into otherworldly shapes.
FAQ
Is it better to drive north or south on Pacific Coast Highway?
Driving the route from north to south is ideal, as you’ll be on the ocean side of the road the entire way, allowing unobstructed views of the jagged coastline below. Three days is a minimum, and if time allows you could easily spend more.
Why is Big Sur so famous? Big Sur has been called the « longest and most scenic stretch of undeveloped coastline in the contiguous United States« , a sublime « national treasure that demands extraordinary procedures to protect it from development », and « one of the most beautiful coastlines anywhere in the world, an isolated stretch of road, mythic …
What is the closest city to Big Sur? Big Sur and Neighboring Cities:
Cambria is around the half way point, but the closest town to Big Sur area on the south is San Simeon. It is also the closest to Hearst Castle. On the north side, Carmel is the last town you get to before going to Big Sur area. You will want to see Big Sur during daylight hours.
Who owns Big Sur? After 250 years, Native American tribe regains ownership of Big Sur ancestral lands. (CNN) — A northern California Indian tribe’s sacred land is now back under their ownership, thanks to the help of a conservancy group.
Is the Pacific Coast Highway worth it?
But it’s completely worth it. In our opinion, it’s one of the most pristinely beautiful and inspiring places on earth. Anywhere – literally, anywhere. Try to time your trip for early morning or late afternoon, while the sun is still out, giving yourself ample time to make it back onto main roads before dark.
What does Big Sur mean? The name « Big Sur » is derived from the original Spanish-language « el sur grande », which translates as « the big south« , or from « el país grande del sur », « the big country of the south ». And so it seemed to early settlers in Monterey.
How long does it take to drive from the top of California to the bottom?
California’s north-south state highway takes in the Pacific coastline. Running 745 miles, this is an easy and relaxing route that takes in California’s redwoods and astonishing sea vistas. Driving is easily accomplished over three days but be prepared for potential gridlock around major cities.
How long does it take to go from the top of California to the bottom? The time required to drive the length of California depends on traffic congestion and route driven. It looks like that trip could take about 12.5 hours. If you drive on the 405 and 5 freeways without stopping except for gas it will take approximately 20 hours depending on traffic.
Should you drive north or south on Highway 1?
It’s best to travel from north to south as you’ll be on the right side of the road for uninterrupted views and to pull over to take photographs. Parking in cities can be expensive. It’s better to leave your rental vehicle and use public transport. Plan in plenty of stops along the way.
Can you take the 101 from Oregon to California?
In Washington, Oregon, and at the northern end of California, the Pacific Coast route follows US Highway 101. Near the small town of Leggett (home to the famed Chandelier Drive-Thru Tree) US-101 transitions into scenic Highway 1, the most popular portion of this route and the classic Coastal California road trip.
Can you drive the PCH from LA to San Francisco? Drive from Los Angeles to San Francisco on the Pacific Coast Highway. California offers countless amazing road trip opportunities, but the drive from Los Angeles to San Francisco is one of the best you’ll find anywhere in the Golden State. This drive follows the scenic Pacific Coast Highway (PCH), also called Highway 1 …
Can you swim in Big Sur California? Though Big Sur has a lot of ocean and many beaches, some of which have sand surfaces, safe ocean swimming locations and times are rare. The Big Sur coast has strong tides and currents, heavy waves, and cold water. Many have drowned while in the water or while climbing on shoreline rocks.
Is Big Sur worth the drive?
Driving the scenic coastal route of California’s Highway 1 through Big Sur is an epic road trip that is a must! The coastline of Big Sur might be one of the most dramatic and magnificent drives because it literally hugs the cliffs offering the most insane views.
Where do you fly into for Big Sur? The closest airport is Monterey Regional (MRY) (22 mi). Other nearby airports are San Jose (SJC) (75.67 mi), San Luis Obispo County (SBP) (96.69 mi) or San Francisco (SFO) (98.47 mi).
What is the best time of year to visit Big Sur?
The most popular time to visit Big Sur is between April to October, when the weather is nicest. (Though one should be warned that the marine layer coats much of the coast in the mornings during parts of the high season.) Businesses are not open as long during the off-peak season.
What town is south of Big Sur? Big Sur Hotels
In the south, the closest towns are Cambria, San Simeon, Paso Robles and Morro Bay.
Are there redwoods in Big Sur?
California’s coast redwoods meet their southernmost habitat along the Big Sur coast, and this gem of a park, located 26 miles south of Carmel-by-the-Sea, is a great way to sample their deep shade and cathedral-like beauty.
Is driving Big Sur scary? Is the drive to Big Sur scary? The drive to Big Sur can be scary for those with a fear of heights. Some parts of the scenic drive follow the edge of the cliff. That said, drive cautiously and stop at turnouts and you’ll avoid any dangers.
Is driving the PCH scary?
It is scenic, but scary. Once you’ve seen 20 cliffs jutting into the ocean, you tend to lose interest. You have to drive carefully and slowly,and it is not relaxing.
Does Highway 1 have guardrails? It’s very intense because there are no guard rails at the edge and there is little room for error if on coming traffic swerves in your direction. Also called Highway 1, it takes about five hours to drive the PCH.
