Driving the Pacific Coast Highway: Mistakes I Made So You Don’t Have To

The Pacific Coast Highway (Highway 1) is a bucket list drive, but it is not a race. My first time, I tried to go from San Francisco to Los Angeles in one day. I ended up driving in the dark and missed the best views. The key is to go north to south (so you’re on the ocean side) and give yourself at least three days. Stop in Monterey, spend a night in San Simeon, and for goodness’ sake, check road closures before you go. That road slides out every winter. I once had to detour two hours inland because I didn’t check. It’s about the journey, not the destination, but the journey is better when you aren’t stressing about making a hotel check-in.