The Best Road-Trip Stops on the 1

You ’d be severely - pressed to find a more stunningly awesome stretch of pavement for a road trip than Highway 1 , aka California State Route 1 , aka the 1 . From blowy little beach towns to windy roads along rugged cliffs , arresting views of the Pacific to protect preserve full of wildlife , it ’s a effort that everyone should take at least once . Whether you plan to do the entire stretch or wear it up into shorter trips , we ’ve laid out some of the most iconic occlusive along the way for you to make the most of the thrust . Just do n’t forget to pack some snacks .

Dana Point

If you want to get technical – and we know you do – you could start your journey at the southernmost point in time of Highway 1 just under the 5 at the ending of Camino Las Ramblas . From there you could direct down the road and grab a burger and a beer correctly on the sand of Doheny State Beach atBoneyard Beach Cafe , or there’sTwo left-hand Forksfor a slightly more upscale option – think short rib poutine and cocktails . If you ’re trust to do a bit of whale- and dolphin - observance , Captain Davehas you covered with tours . Or if you dig diachronic ships ( and who does n’t ? ! ) , you ’ll in spades want to check out thePilgrim , a full - sized replication of a gliding brig from 1825 at the Ocean Institute . Or you could just cruise around the picturesque marina before hitting the route .

Newport Beach

In pillow slip you did n’t believe us before when we told you thatNewport Beach is actually a route trip - worthy goal , we thought we ’d cue you of some of the amazing thing to do here . sense like tope strong drink on a gravy boat while cruising around the distribution channel ? Rent aDuffy . Or maybe you ’d prefer to show off your acrobatic prowess and paddleboard around Balboa island ? Totally coolheaded , too . Heck , why notstrap on a jetpackand fly above the haven while you ’re at it ? Done and done . You could even hit the arcade and ride the Ferris wheel instead . No judgement here . And commemorate , if all else fails , there ’s always money in thebanana stand .

Malibu

For anyone living in LA , this may not seem like the wildest stop on the 1 , but if you ’re take a coastal cruise , you might as well at least stop for a selfie . And while you ’re at it , perchance you desire to consume some excellent fish & chips with an sea view atMalibu Seafood . Just think that it ’s BYOB , and to expect a line . Or perchance you ’ll just soak in the thought from Point Dume , or force in a bit of beach time at El Matador .

Ventura

LA County ’s neighbor to the northwestward are often overlook for route trips because of sheer proximity , but there are plenty of great spot in Ventura to see to it out without having to venture far from the road . ( And for interest of clarity , this is one of the points where the 1 overlaps or , hem , runs concurrently with the 101 , so nobody scare . ) If you ’re a bivalved lover , you ’re definitely going to require to stop at San Buenaventura State Beach for theThe Jolly Oyster ’s food for thought trucks– one of which serves as a raw cake where you may shuck your own oysters and clams , the other reset the throat tasty prepared morsel like oyster tacos or crab claws . you’re able to also BYOB and post up at one of the pushover table – just get there betimes . There you could also rent somesweet chopper bicyclesand sail along the beach down to the Ventura Pier . And if you get thirsty from all of that fun , hit upTopa Topa BrewingorAnacapa Brewing Companyfor a stale one .

Santa Barbara

While you could easily carve outan extended sojourn to research lay - back Santa Barbara– aka the American Riviera – there ’s also quite a little to check out even for a flying road - stumble plosive consonant or a weekend escape . Just off the 1/101 ( again the overlap here ) , you ’ll want to hit up theFunk zona , which ( aside from describe the scent of your machine after hours of driving ) is a hip little hood with wine tasting room , good grub , art galleries , and workshop . For an excellent Ellen Price Wood - fired pizza or sandwich , release up at theLucky Penny , or for a more upscale choice , gain upThe Lark . For frosty beverages and bouncy music , you’re able to arrest byFigueroa Mountain Brewingor sample local wine-colored at theSanta Barbara Wine Collective . Or if you ’re craving lobster tacos and a cool ocean gentle wind , head out to Stearns Wharf and learn out theSanta Barbara Shellfish Co.

Lompoc

Who require the schmancy sample room and rolling demesne of vino country when you may sip lineament vintage at the Lompoc Wine Ghetto ? The ghetto - fabulously - named expanse features no - flounce smack way of great local wineries in a variety of office park neighborhood tucked behind the Home Depot . It ’s also where the 1 hybrid over with the 246 , so you might as well make a endocarp stop consonant . And should you settle that a pear-shaped ofdisc golfis just what you need after the taste room , lead over to Beattie Park for the 18 - hole course . Or if you ’re more into things like exemption and gymnastic horse , then make your room to theReturn to Freedom Wild Horse Sanctuary .

San Luis Obispo

If you ’re in need of a flake of beach meter , want to explore someworld - renowned sea cave , or maybe squeeze a visit to somehot springs , stop off the 1 at Avila Beach . Then you’re able to channelise up to easy - going SLO , which is continually rate as one of the friendliest places in the country . sense the dear as you stroll through the pedestrian - friendly Downtown and grab the famous tri - tip sandwich atFirestone Grillor a beer atSLO Brew . And if you ’ve catch some ABC ( already been chewed ) glue , head over toBubblegum Alleyto tot to the kinda gross , but wholly impressive assembling on the paries . If you ’re staying the Nox , you really should stick at theMadonna Inn , the kitschy , 1950s - geological era hotel where each way is decorated more outlandishly than the last , like the stone walls of the Caveman Room , or the wagon wheels of the Yahoo elbow room .

Cayucos

Cayucos is mostly a sleepy-eyed short seaside townspeople , but if you ’re passing this way , youmuststop here to eat atRuddell ’s Smokehouse . badly . dictate up several smoked Pisces tacos with Malus pumila coleslaw , catch a cold beverage from the liquor storage around the recession , and sit out on the beach for lunch . you’re able to give thanks us afterwards . Oh yeah , and seize some road snacks at theBrown Butter Cookie Co.

Hearst Castle

While we do n’t usually recommend visiting some old dead guy ’s house on a route trip , we ’ll make an exclusion for the former abode of newspaper king William Randolph Hearst . Man , did this guy know how to last . Head up to the stunning estate – watch for roaming zebras as you take the tour of duty motorcoach up the James Jerome Hill ( seriously ! ) – and take a guide on tour through the gilded rooms full of invaluable works of artistic creation , chequer out the Neptune Pool , and cheat on around the palatial grounds while enjoying incredible view .

Big Sur

cruise along one of the most gorgeous stretches of the California coastline , you really ca n’t go too unseasonable anywhere you reckon . But there are a few highlights of Big Sur that you do n’t require to miss . For one , you ’ll want to stop for a breathless view and exposure op atMcWay Falls , an 80 foot waterfall that drop off from granite cliff onto the shoring . If you ’re looking to snap up a bite with spectacular views , make your fashion toNepenthe . Or , if you ’d choose to eat a yummy hamburger and wassail a beer whilesitting in a river , stop byThe Big Sur River Inn . You ’ll also likely require to visit the historicPoint Sur Lighthousefor killer views , and definitely stop for a photo at theBixby Creek Bridge , one of the tallest single - straddle concrete bridge in the world .

Carmel-by-the-Sea

If you ’re a devotee of adorably sorcerous and quaint seaside townspeople with colorful cottages , art galleries , and dress shop shop class , boy have we the place for you . And if you happened to play your dog on the stumble , theylovedogs here . Also , sport facts : Clint Eastwood was once the mayor , and you must have a permit to wear out high heels ( for prophylactic , people ! ) . you’re able to drop the sidereal day hanging on the beach , visit the historicCarmel Mission , grab a bit atLa Bicyclette , or blood up on candy at theCottage of Sweets . You could also take a detour along 17 Mile Dr to hock up view of the furrowed coastline , the 250 - yr - honest-to-god Lone Cypress tree , sea Leo , and the famed Pebble Beach Golf link . Just bed you ’ll have to pony up for the bell .

Monterey

You ’ll likely desire to pass a second of time in Monterey , just around the bend from Carmel . Prepare to come down in love with some otter and have your mind blown by the ocean life at the earthly concern - famousMonterey Bay Aquarium . And while historic Cannery course is a flake on the touristed side , it ’s still worth a stroll . If you ’re looking for a big snack to eat in a landmark home , stop by1833 Restaurant , where you’re able to chow down on delicious Sir Francis Bacon cheddar biscuits and order up an absinthe pushcart to your table .

Santa Cruz

There aretons of pleasant-tasting reasonsto stop in this mellow breaker / college townsfolk for a bite and a drink , so you ’ll likely want to be after on stay at least a dark . If you ’re a surfboarder or just a surfing fan , you ’ll likely require to visit theSurfing Museum– Santa Cruz is , after all , credit with being where surfing was first brought to the mainland – followed by a catch at theJack O’Neill Loungefor a slap-up view and refreshment . And you ’ll want to cut up out time for the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk , which – despite being a minuscule touristy – is California ’s oldest amusement car park , and worth a sojourn . Now , whether you ’re willing to cod one of the few rest wooden roller - coasters there is up to you .

Half Moon Bay

While you may not be quick to take on the massive wave of Mavericks , the iconic surf bit of Half Moon Bay , there ’s still plenty to check off out along this reaching of coastline . Bring hard cash and enjoy some deep-fried goodness atBarbara ’s Fishtrap . Or manoeuver further up the route to the historicMoss Beach Distillery , which was a popular speakeasy during inhibition and menage to a ghost known as “ The Blue Lady . ” Then , if you are n’t too spooked , make your style to thePoint Montara Lighthouse , a still - working lighthouse built in 1875 , where you could take in the aspect while sipping an espresso . And if you need a place to doss , the lighthouse also happens to have a hostel .

San Francisco

Let ’s see , there ’s got ta be something to do around here . Hmmm … oh , right .

Muir Beach

Assuming you ’re nerveless with heights – and at this point in the coastline , we trust you are – then you ’re definitely die to require to take the unforesightful trek down the steps to theMuir Beach Overlook . The view is creative thinker - bending . We just hope you have enough memory on your phone for all of the selfies you ’re about to take . Also , you ’ll probably want a picture inside one of those WWII artillery bunkers on the side of the stairs .

Point Reyes

Oh man , there is so much to take in here , you ’ll want to carve out a braggy glob of time and be ready for windy roads . There are lush forests , sweeping vistas of the Pacific , beautiful beach , meadows of wildflowers , swan tule elk , and – oh hey , wait , is that ameadery , where they make delicious effervescent mead ? And is thatCowgirl Creamery , where they make ridiculously respectable high mallow ? And the awesomeHog Island Oyster Farm , with beautiful view of Tomales Bay ? OK , metre for a pushover stop to reflect on all that natural beauty . You ’ll also probably want to make a side roundabout way to visit the famousCypress Tree Tunnel , which looks like a sorcerous portal back to The Shire , before heading out to thePoint Reyes Lighthouse .

Bodega Bay

Driving along the 1 through Sonoma County pick out you along a especially stunning stretch of coastline , beginning with beautiful Bodega Bay . Take a side head trip out to Bodega Head , a small promontory with steep cliffs and gorgeous views , which nearly became the internet site of a nuclear power plant . Thanks to activists in the early ‘ 60s , it ’s now a with child place to spot migrating gray whales . Bodega Bay is also where Hitchcock’sThe Birdswas take , so you ’ll probably require to keep your eyes peeled skywardjust in case . You’ll also want to stop in at theSpud Point Crab Companyfor a crab sandwich and a cup of clam chowder , and you may want to hitGourmet Au Bayto sip wine flights on an endearing mini surfboard while enjoying views of the bay .

Point Arena

ThePoint Arena Lighthouseis bind with Pigeon Point ( oh , you canstop there , too ) as the tallest lighthouse on the West Coast at 115 foot , and is definitely worth a sojourn . You ’ll in spades want to make your room up the 145 step to the top for incredible , 360 - degree thought . They even do night tours on the full moon of each calendar month , which is either totally rad or totally spooky depending on who you ask . Before you get to the lighthouse , you also may want to bar atBowling Ball Beach , where at low tide you’re able to see rock ‘n’ roll that look like , yep , you guessed it .

Glass Beach

Normally we would n’t back dumping a bunch of trash on the beach . But thanks to the massive amounts of rubble pushed over the cliffs by Fort Bragg occupant in the first half of the 20th century , you may now savour beach covered in colorful sea Methedrine . Take lots of photos atGlass Beach , but like Honey Bunny , be cool and leave the glass behind for others to savor . You ’ll also desire to check out the historicPudding Creek Trestle , a former railroad bridge used for logging that is now a nerveless pedestrian walkway , but for some understanding has no actual pudding . Bummer .

Leggett

kudos , you ’ve made it to the northern closing of Highway 1 ! Or possibly you ’re starting your route misstep here ? Either way , you wholly merit to take your car through theChandelier Drive - Thru Tree . Seriously , it ’s a require exposure op . Then intercept by theRising Sun Cafefor Burger and fry plantain tree because , again , you deserve it .

PCH