What Is It?
Breathe in the fresh ocean air as you cruise down the coast on California’s state Route 1. Many parts of state Route 1 are better known as part of the Pacific Coast Highway.
Tons of Dynamite
Highway construction began in 1919. To cut through the cliffs overhanging the coastline, constructing the Pacific Coast Highway required 70,000 pounds of dynamite. More than 10 million cubic yards of rock were removed.
Plan Ahead
California state Route 1 is more than 650 miles long, running from south of Los Angeles to north of San Francisco. It can be driven straight through in one day, but the road trip may be better experienced in chunks. Figure out whether to drive north or south, then plan ahead and book overnight stays and pit stops.
Over the Bridge
The PCH has many scenic bridges. The most famous may be the Bixby Creek Bridge. Located near Big Sur, the arch bridge is 260 feet tall, overlooking the canyon where Bixby Creek runs toward the Pacific. The bridge was completed in 1932 and required 45,000 sacks of concrete.
Stop and Take a Look
Park your car and visit landmarks such as Hearst Castle in San Simeon—the extravagant home of publishing magnate William Randolph Hearst. Consider lesser known sites such as Fort Ross in Jenner, north of San Francisco. The fort was built in 1812 as a Russian settlement.
More info
Plan ahead and obey all local health ordinances when traveling. For help finding places to pull off the road and visit, and help finding local health guidelines, visit www.visitcalifornia.com.