Highway 1 Road Trip
Highway 1 Road Trip
5
About
Roam this 101-mile stretch of Highway 1 in San Luis Obispo County (SLO CAL) where you'll find 10 uncrowded beaches, 12 state parks, Hearst Castle, three bountiful wine regions, farm-to-table cuisine, and unique wildlife habitats. Wherever you roam along the Highway 1 Discovery Route, you will find the best of Highway 1!
Duration: More than 3 hours
Suggest edits to improve what we show.
Improve this listingTours & experiences
Explore different ways to experience this place.
Full view
Top ways to experience Highway 1 Road Trip and nearby attractions
The area
Best nearby
Restaurants
3 within 5 kms
Attractions
50 within 10 kms
Contribute
Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
5.0
172 reviews
Excellent
151
Very good
18
Average
1
Poor
1
Terrible
1
James A
London, UK124 contributions
Sept 2023 • Couples
Great road, wonderful beaches and views along various parts. Big sur is probably the wildest part but there are multiple sections of beauty along the way.
I’ve dropped a star only because this is probably a victim of its own success - example we couldn’t park at the Bixby bridge because there simply were so many people - about 20 or so cars. Likewise, some of the hikes are pretty packed with lots of other tourists and even school trips.
Nevertheless, still wonderful beauty, an epic driving tour and weather that tends to be sunny on most days (with a bit of morning mist)
I’ve dropped a star only because this is probably a victim of its own success - example we couldn’t park at the Bixby bridge because there simply were so many people - about 20 or so cars. Likewise, some of the hikes are pretty packed with lots of other tourists and even school trips.
Nevertheless, still wonderful beauty, an epic driving tour and weather that tends to be sunny on most days (with a bit of morning mist)
Written 25 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
TravelerfromArizona
Mesa, AZ424 contributions
Jul 2023 • Couples
What is not to like? Mild weather, great scenery and fun little towns to stop in. We ate a lunch in Cuyucos and stopped to see the Elephant Seals. Went off the path for some wine tasting, just a great weekend.
Written 12 July 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
beth ann k
Halstead, KS1,793 contributions
May 2023
We drove up Highway 1 a ways, and it's just a beautiful drive. We were surprised how "rural" it is around San Luis Obispo.
Written 17 May 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
old-man-orange
Orange, CT327 contributions
May 2023 • Couples
We are in the Central Coast for a wedding. Drove up from LAX and once we got to Ventura area the ride and views are spectacular. Due to rain the flower blooms
Were impressive and the lakes are full
Again
Santa Barbara is a worthy stop as are many of the views along the way … and of course Big Sur
Were impressive and the lakes are full
Again
Santa Barbara is a worthy stop as are many of the views along the way … and of course Big Sur
Written 13 May 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
sharrongeg
Henderson, NV3,291 contributions
Nov 2022
I have done this drive many times. The views are spectacular (if the fog isn’t in) and there limitless places to stop, gawk, walk, hike & picnic. This past drive was uber slow due to large RVs and folks not wanting to allow folks to pass them. PLEASE be courteous and share the road.
Written 16 November 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
RSM123123
Plano, TX822 contributions
Sept 2022
Some hair pin turns but the greatest views in the U..S.
And I was in.a German car with new Pirelli tires. Really some tight squeezes.
Next time I'll stop at the Citizen Kane castle.
Pro tip: Highway 1 has a total of just over 656 miles, it is the longest state route in California
And I was in.a German car with new Pirelli tires. Really some tight squeezes.
Next time I'll stop at the Citizen Kane castle.
Pro tip: Highway 1 has a total of just over 656 miles, it is the longest state route in California
Written 30 September 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Carol B
oceanside, United States5 contributions
Aug 2022
Stopped at Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park just to take the edge off driving all day. A little meander down to the creek turned into a two hour hike up to Buzzard's Roost! Although we hadn't planned to" hike" (flipflops, no water, no sunscreen), the lure of the woodsy trail .. . . WOW!
Written 28 August 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Robert N
Brewster, NY30 contributions
Sept 2021
Not to be Missed Drive... Drove highway one from Carmel By the sea all the way down to Malibu on my way to LA.
Many pull overs along the highway to enjoy the views of the sea and take photographs
Many pull overs along the highway to enjoy the views of the sea and take photographs
Written 21 August 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sggypsy
Lawrenceville, GA999 contributions
Jul 2022
Many interesting sights, good hiking, parks, cute towns to explore. Beautiful ocean views and opportunities to enjoy the outdoors.
Written 30 July 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
GitchSup
Duluth, MN1,470 contributions
May 2022
We traveled Highway 1 up the coastline and the views and vistas are stunning, if you get a chance to even drive a short bit of HWY 1 you should. A word of caution though, when the sign says there is a curve in the road it's not a suggestion!
Written 30 May 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Rupali B
Dubai, United Arab Emirates56 contributions
Hi, We are planning to drive our way from Pleasanton to LA via Highway 1 in July23 with 2 boys-9 and 4. How many days should we ideally spend on the road to ensure we soak in the beauty+ kids doing get bored. They are usually fine with 2hrs in the car at a stretch.
luv2travel11080
Toronto, Canada8 contributions
Hi We will be travelling From San Francisco to Palm Springs this summer and would like to stop along the way. Should we stop in Moonstone Beach or San Luis Obispo? Does anyone have any other suggestions? Since it's a long drive would like to stop somewhere in between.
RonCentralCA
Capitola, CA640 contributions
Very different stops.
Moonstone Beach In Cambria is a hwy 1 bypass strip along the ocean whereas SLO is a city away from the ocean off hwy 101 a little less than 2 hours further after taking hwy 46 east to Paso Robles then south on 101 over the grade.
Sue T
Bedfordshire, UK22 contributions
We are considering travelling from San Jose down Route 1 to San Luis Obispo at the beginning of November. Is this an OK time to do this drive and how long will it take without any stops, just an overnight stop somewhere about halfway, any recommendations for eateries and hotels on the way would be appreciated. Thanks
Carol T
Yuma, AZ139 contributions
I don't think that the drive would warrant an overnight, unless you are wanting to really take your time and relax. Highway 1 is unforgettable and has fantastic views. it is a two lane highway with lots of tight turns that will slow down your travel time so don't be in a rush. There are usually a few drivers that think they should be able to speed ahead, so just take advantage of the pull outs and let them pass. If you do decide to stay over night somewhere, Cambria is a good place to stop (only about an hour from SLO). The offer a number of hotels and restaurants. A room on Moonstone Beach road will provide wonderful views.
Hi,im planning to go on highway 1 from friday till sunday..im starting from l.a and i wanted to know the best possible road to make it on time to be in san fransisco on sunday 10 am..and we prefer driving in day time only..any ideas?
harveymushman99
San Luis Obispo, CA76 contributions
Highway 1 can not be beat for it's beauty.....best you take 101...or even 5 it's very ugly....you won't be making any stop to look around like on 1.....
luvlife4ever24
Sarasota, FL1 contribution
I will be going up from LA to Santa Cruz in two weeks with a night layover in San Simeon (Hearst Castle). How long will it take to get from San Simeon to Santa Cruz.
NeilOrillia
Orillia, Canada264 contributions
i agree 2-3 hours, the sights are pretty amazing which will add time to our drive.
mlr-ent-pa
Yorkville, IL13 contributions
Attending a wedding in San Francisco, Sat June 16. Planning on driving from San Diego (flying there to see family first). Arriving in San Diego Mon Jun 11, start driving Tues Jun 12. Thinking SD to Santa Barbara or San Luis Obispo to stay overnight then onto Monterey to spend a few days checking out Monterey, Carmel and Big Sur. Onto SF on Friday. I’ve read there is a road closure on highway 1, so is it best to take 101 inland after SLO? Will be traveling w 6 Mo old baby, 70 yo mom, 65 yo aunt. Thanks in advance!
Teri K
Los Angeles, CA1 contribution
Check with California road updates, the LA times has published some openings.
If you do have to drive up to Salinas, the road to the beach,the road will take you by the Arroyo Seco Races at.
Also,I would try and stay in Caramel by the Sea. Smaller town, more picturesque, more to see. Also,please drive down to Point Lobos State Park.Michneir wrote it is the most beautiful place in the World where the seas meets the shore. It is a short drive South of Carmel.
Your plans are perfect. Enjoy!
Audrey D
Menton, France3 contributions
Bonjour, Audrey. Que voudriez-vous savoir sur cette attraction ?
Bonjour , je vais m'arrêter sur la highway one 2 nuits en février , quelle est la meilleure ville pour y dormir et faire un maximum de chose ???
Je pars de San Francisco jusqu'Ã Los Angeles ...
Merci pour votre réponse
Audrey
c3simon
Toronto, Canada3 contributions
I am planning on doing the drive from Napa to LA in two days on Feb 10-11 and would like a recommendation on where to stop given our limited travel time and I'd like to know where a good middle point to stay the night at a hotel with an ocean view is?
npi
las vegas42 contributions
Have fun on your trip. That's going to be a long trip for just two days. I recommend getting to Monterrey Ca. Instead of Napa. to strart your trip. The most scenic trip is Highway one from Monterrey to Morro Bay, CA. However the road is closed about halfway down from Monterrey due to a major med slide last spring 2017. The road won't completely open until late summer 2018.
Jf it was me, I'd explore Pebble Beach and 17 mile drive through Pebble Beach Golf Club after a night in Pacific Grove, CA. Then take HWY 68 to HWY 101 south to Hwy 46 just south of Paseo Robles, back over to the coast. Then HWY 1 again, Make reservations now for The Shoreline Inn in Cayucos, CA. From Cayucos you can continue south to Morro Bay ( nice quick stop) then pick up HWY 101 again and on to Santa Barbara ( nice quick Stop), Ventura along the coast again and onto LA. Plan your time and trip with good local info from CalTrans.
We used to live in Richester NY and now Henderson NV for 23 years. Spent many days sailing to Toronto, Port Credit and Kinston.Ont. It's almost as good as the Pacific Coast Highway.
Hope this helps.
Scott M
julies912016
Youngsville, LA4 contributions
If I leave San Francisco and head north on Hwy 1 how far will I be able to go before I am stopped with a road closure? If the scenery up to this road closure is as beautiful as it sounds we may stop there and turn around, However, I would like to continue on to Morrow Bay. For Thanksgiving we would like to drive from San Francisco to Morrow Bay, but I am having a hard time understanding where the road closures are.
beachgirl60
Reno, NV62 contributions
Only road closure we've heard lately is at Big Sur,south of Monterey
Is there access to Big Sur from Monterey? How far is it from Monterey to closures on ft 1
Highway 1 Discovery Route
San Luis Obispo County, CA23 contributions
Highway 1 is officially open in all of San Luis Obispo County, but there are still closures along the route in Monterey County.. As of June 24th the south end of the closure, originally at Ragged Point, has been moved five miles north to Salmon Creek, just past the ranger station. From Monterey, southbound travelers are encouraged to take Highway 68 East at Monterey, and proceed to Highway 101 South. Access is still possible by following our easy guide. Visit the Highway1DiscoveryRoute website for a map of the detour and sights to see along the way!
Is this your Tripadvisor listing?
Own or manage this property? Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more.
Claim your listingHighway 1 Road Trip - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024) - Tripadvisor
Frequently Asked Questions about Highway 1 Road Trip
- Hotels near Highway 1 Road Trip:
- (5.27 km) Olallieberry Inn
- (4.49 km) J Patrick House & Inn
- (5.27 km) Creekside Inn
- (5.14 km) The Rigdon House
- (7.99 km) Cambria Shores Inn
- Restaurants near Highway 1 Road Trip:
- (5.23 km) Robin's Restaurant
- (6.59 km) Madeline's Restaurant & Wine Cellar
- (5.38 km) Indigo Moon
- (5.35 km) Linn's Easy As Pie Cafe
- (5.29 km) Linn's Restaurant