Highway 1, also known as the Pacific Coast Highway, is probably the most iconic and scenic route left in America, and it’s a dream destination for avid road trippers, car lovers, and travel geeks in general. This self-guided audio tour stretches between San Francisco and Los Angeles (drive either direction), allowing you to explore Highway 1 at your own pace.
You can begin the tour in bustling SF. In no time at all, you’ll reach Monterey, which epitomises California living with world-famous Pebble Beach, popular golf courses, and a prestigious aquarium. Farther south along Highway 1 is the artsy enclave of Carmel-by-the-Sea. Then, the sound of barking sea lions carries inland at Point Lobos State Park, where rocky headlands are interspersed with jewel-like coves. That’s when you hit Big Sur, the most scenic part of an already scenic road. Enjoy the views, waterfalls, and bridges as you drive.
At Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park, an 80-foot waterfall cascades from the granite cliffs onto the beach. Before you get to San Simeon, pull off at Piedras Blancas Beach, where enormous elephant seals pack the beach in the winter months. Before cutting inland to San Luis Obispo, stop to admire Morro Bay Rock and hunt for anemones in the tidal pools. Enjoy Santa Barbara’s quintessential downtown and then continue down to Ventura and Malibu.
Wrap up the tour in Los Angeles, at the famous Santa Monica Pier.
