Pacific Coast Highway - Northern Coast

The Pacific Coast Highway (PCH), also known as California Highway 1 in Northern California, provides panoramic views of the Pacific Coastline, and an experience similar to the road further south, with a fraction of the traffic. Hop between pleasant coastal towns as you twist and turn your car atop the seaside cliffs.

The route starts in Southern California and traverses the Central California Coast through San Francisco. After Marin County, Highway 1 enters the Northern California Coast region at Bodega Bay. The road continues 150 miles north to its terminus at Leggett California in the Redwood Empire. Along the way, experience the rugged coast of Northern California and pass right through the main streets of quiet seaside villages. These towns and hamlets such as Point Arena, Elk, Mendocino, and Fort Bragg are quite remote. Quaint, historical, romantic, scenic, picturesque and relaxing are all terms used to describe the lodging, attractions, and natural wonders of the area, also known as the Redwood coast because of the coast Redwood; a species of redwood tree that only grows within 50 miles of the coast.

Practically speaking, travelers from the San Francisco Bay Area may make better time via US 101, if they have a particular destination in mind. Vacationers, interested in viewing one of the world's most popular scenic routes en route to their destination will usually choose Highway 1. Expect to make several short stops to admire the stunning vistas along the way, and plan for a few longer ones to visit some of the towns and attractions, many accessible only by way of the Pacific Coast Highway. Be aware that, particularly in the Northern California section of Highway 1, distances between towns (and the services they provide) are great.

The road is well maintained, but is quite winding and crowded in some sections. Drivers heading south will have protected but sheer drop-offs to the right of their car.