By Caitlin Hornik
First time cruising around California by car? Excited to soak up the West Coast sunshine? The Pacific Coast Highway, or Route 1, offers spectacular scenery from start to finish. Here are a few of our top tips for your Route 1 road trip.
1. Start in San Francisco
This is the key to a successful trip along Route 1. Starting further up north will give you better views of the Pacific Ocean while you travel.
2. Plan Your Stops Accordingly
When traveling this iconic route, it’s important to remember that the journey is as special as each destination along the way!
3. Curate the Ultimate Playlist
Before your trip, spend time compiling a playlist! You’ll want to have the best tunes to compliment the amazing scenery during your road trip.
4. Be Safe and Be Prepared
Fame comes with a cost. The Pacific Coast Highway is driven daily by people of all ages, but it's also not for everyone. It's a mountain road that follows the coastline, which means a lot of it is driving along steep drop-offs and over really high bridges. Some parts are so narrow, oncoming traffic has to pull over to let the other car pass safely. It's also very winding with sudden twists and turns, so if motion sickness is an issue, bring Dramamine. To ensure a safe road trip, always be aware of your surroundings.
5. Fill up Your Tank and Use the Restroom
Pro tip: Make sure your gas tank is filled, but make sure your bladder is empty, before hitting the road. Many of the stops along Route 1 don’t include gas stations or restrooms.
6. Be Spontaneous
While driving, you may come across a stop off that intrigues you. Having the flexibility in your itinerary to stop and enjoy the views along the coast will surely add memories you’ll cherish forever.
