Highway 1 is regarded as not only one of the best road trips in the United States, but also the world. The coastal cruise promises dramatic bluffs, panoramic ocean vistas, and many designated viewpoints to capture it all. Plus, you’ll get the opportunity to explore some of California’s greatest treasures, like popular Big Sur and quaint Carmel-by-the-Sea.
The key to getting the best out of this stretch of the Pacific Coast Highway is to start up north in a destination like San Francisco and drive down to . Not only do these two major cities provide convenient flight options, but you’ll also be riding along the water, which will also in turn make it easier to pull over and take those FOMO-inducing photos. To help you embark on this adventure we’ve put together a comprehensive, seven-day itinerary on where to stop along the way as well as mini guides to the towns you’ll be passing through.
Day 1 If you can, nab a flight that’ll get you to San Francisco by noon to make the most of your first day. Head straight from the airport to , a chic member’s club that also doubles as a hotel. With only 14 accommodations, it’s intimate and, thankfully, quiet.
Once you’ve dropped off your bags, go down the street to and pick up some fresh (and sustainable) mollusks for lunch. For dessert, venture over to their neighbor for a scoop of Blue Bottle Vietnamese coffee ice cream or Golden Gate Bakery in nearby Chinatown for egg tarts that rival those of Hong Kong (just make sure .