We’re Number 1! The Great California Coast Road Trip on Highway 1

Route 66 lives in fame as the gateway to the West and the key to the beginning of American road trip traditions. While Rt.66 has since been decommissioned, road trip culture has thrived and one of the best routes in the nation is California’s Highway 1.

Highway 1

Traversing the picturesque coastal expanse between San Francisco and Los Angeles, Highway 1 offers an unparalleled journey through the heart of the Golden State. Spanning a total length of 656 miles, this route is adorned with breathtaking natural landscapes, diverse wildlife, and many enticing stopovers to enhance your road trip experience. Here are some must-visit recommendations, regardless of your starting point:

San Francisco

San Francisco is one of the biggest tech hubs in the United States, but this modern city is more than its leading industry. San Francisco offers historical and revolutionary architecture, Michelin-star dining, and a deep history involving many communities that have left their mark through the city. We would be crazy not to recommend visiting the staples: The Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz, and Lombard Street. That being said, we encourage visitors to also stop by the Mission District murals, the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art, Golden Gate Park, and the Palace of Fine Arts Theater.

If you have extra time on your trip, an out-of-the-way stop worth seeing (especially if you’re filling out a National Parks bucket list), is Pinnacles National Park, about an hour and a half away from Monterey. We highly recommend this detour that’s sure to leave lasting memories.

Big Sur

A bucket list for many, Big Sur offers breathtaking views over its 90-mile trek, with many stops to see along the way.  If your idea of a good time involves nature, we recommend Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park for hiking, whale watching, and waterfalls; and Limekiln State Park with views of the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary and great hiking through redwood trees. If you’re more interested in architecture, we recommend Hearst Castle and snapping a picture of the Bixby Bridge.

While in Big Sur, make a pit stop to eat at Nepenthe between Pfeiffer Canyon Bridge and Castro Canyon for a meal with amazing patio views!

Cambria

Almost three hours from Big Sur, Cambria is the official halfway point between San Francisco and LA on the Highway 1 road trip. This little village offers enchanting beaches, historic attractions, local delicacies, and perfect open spaces. Famous for its dramatic coastline, Moonstone Beach Boardwalk offers surfing, boating, and wildlife viewing of whales, sea otters, and dolphins. One of the best ways to explore Cambria is on two wheels, starting at Moonstone Beach Drive with ocean views, and ending wherever you choose! Let your bike take you to hidden culinary gems and delightful artisan treasures throughout town.

If you’re planning your trip between October and February, we suggest taking some time to view Monarch butterflies in all their glory. These famously recognizable butterflies flock to California each winter, and the Western Monarch Trail is a road trip-friendly conservation initiative that seeks to preserve them. One stop, Monarch Butterfly Grove, is right on Highway 1 and about an hour from Cambria!

Los Angeles

Whether you’re beginning or ending your road trip in Los Angeles, there is no shortage of exciting activities to enjoy in the City of Angels. Los Angeles is a big city, encompassing different districts, towns, and areas – it could take you a lifetime to explore everything! If you’re looking for iconic spots and don’t mind the tourists, you’re welcome to visit the Hollywood Walk of Fame and Griffith Observatory (along with Griffith Park), but we also enjoy spots like the Getty Center, Koreatown (the city’s most aesthetic neighborhood), and The Queen Mary.

LA may seem aggressively urban, but did you know there’s a national park hiding just off the coast of the greater Los Angeles area? Channel Islands National Park encompasses five islands and their ocean environment, preserving and protecting many natural and cultural resources. Thousands of years of isolation forged an ecosystem with archaeological resources found nowhere else on Earth. See southern California as it once was and enjoy the islands by camping, hiking, diving, or kayaking.

Embark on an Electrifying Journey Along Highway 1!

Who says road trips must rely on traditional gas-powered vehicles? With California boasting one of the most extensive Electric Vehicle infrastructures in the United States, it’s the perfect destination for an eco-friendly adventure. As you traverse the scenic wonders along Highway 1, contribute to environmental preservation by keeping these natural spaces pristine and free from pollution.

At Healdsburg Chevrolet we’re happy to be part of your trip. Our selection of Electric Vehicles can help you enjoy the California coast and beyond the eco-friendly way while saving you on fuel-ups!