Experience the USA through a road trip
Driving from San Francisco to Los Angeles along the legendary Highway 1 is one of the world's most famous road trips. Here you encounter dramatic coastlines, small-town charm, wine landscapes, and classic Californian beach culture, all in one journey. With 14 nights at your disposal, there is plenty of time to take in the scenery without stress and let each place leave its own impression.
Start in San Francisco – three days to land and explore
The journey begins in San Francisco, a city that deserves its place as a starting point. It is wise to stay three nights here to experience the city's contrasts. Walk over the Golden Gate Bridge, take the cable car through the city's hilly streets, and discover both the iconic Fisherman’s Wharf and trendy neighborhoods like Mission and Haight-Ashbury.
For simplicity's sake, it's smart to rent a car only when you leave the city – traffic in San Francisco is best experienced from the passenger seat.
Monterey and Carmel-by-the-Sea – a first taste of the coast
The first stop along the way is Monterey, a small coastal town with maritime history and views of the open sea. Here you will find a world-class aquarium, sea lions basking on the rocks, and the opportunity to stroll along Cannery Row – a street that was once full of sardine factories and today offers shops and restaurants with the sea as a backdrop.
Be sure to drive the 17-Mile Drive on your way to or from Monterey. This is a scenic and very popular road that runs along the coast on the Monterey Peninsula in California. It is known for its views of the Pacific Ocean, dramatic cliffs, beautiful beaches, exclusive golf courses (like Pebble Beach), and charming small communities.
Just south of Monterey is Carmel, a small town with art galleries, cobblestone streets, and a pace that invites you to take it easy. Here you can walk down to the beach, browse shops with local ceramics, and enjoy a long lunch without anyone seeming to be in a hurry. Well worth a visit on the way!
Big Sur – two days in nature
After Monterey and Carmel, one of the most talked-about stretches of the journey begins – through Big Sur. Here the road winds between cliffs and sea, past bridges, waterfalls, and redwood forests. With two nights here, you have time to stop and actually experience the landscape, not just see it through the car window.
Take a hike among the redwoods, drive to the viewpoint at Bixby Creek Bridge, and let the sunset at McWay Falls end the day. Here it's not about rushing, but just being.
Cambria – artistic little coastal gem
Soon you roll into Cambria, a small town where coast and culture meet. Galleries, craft shops, and cozy cafes coexist with leisurely walks along Moonstone Beach Boardwalk. This is an excellent stop for those who want to take it a little extra easy after Big Sur's winding roads.
San Luis Obispo – wine, food, and slow pace
A bit further south awaits San Luis Obispo, often called SLO. Here it is close to both city life, coast, and vineyards. Two nights here provide space to make day trips to Morro Bay or taste local wines in Edna Valley.
Want to see something unusual on the way? Stop in Solvang, a strangely Danish little town with half-timbered houses, pastries, and windmills – right in California.
Santa Barbara – a taste of the mediterranean in California
With its Spanish-colonial architecture, long beaches, and relaxed atmosphere, Santa Barbara offers a Mediterranean feel with a Californian twist. The city is a popular stop for travelers along the coastal road and works perfectly for a night before reaching the final destination Los Angeles.
Four nights in Los Angeles – choose your own adventure
In Los Angeles, there are as many experiences as there are neighborhoods. Four nights give you the freedom to choose without stress. Hike up to Griffith Observatory, stroll along Venice Beach, photograph the Hollywood sign, or spend the day in Santa Monica.
For those who want to maximize the days, there are also excursion opportunities to Malibu, film studios, or Disneyland. Those who prefer to end with a glass of wine by the pool will also feel at home here.
Customize your trip
The journey along Highway 1, just like our other travel suggestions, can be shaped according to your own taste. Maybe you want to stay longer in the wine country, add a detour to Yosemite, or slow down the pace with fewer stops. You decide!
Frequently asked questions about Highway 1
How long does it take to drive Highway 1?
Driving the entire stretch between San Francisco and Los Angeles without stops takes about 8–10 hours, depending on traffic and road conditions. But most people choose to drive the route with several stops and overnight stays to enjoy nature, cities, and sights along the way.
Which direction should you drive?
Many prefer to drive from north to south (San Francisco to Los Angeles) to have the ocean on the right side of the road. But if you prefer to drive from south to north, that's also fine!
Is it a difficult road to drive?
Highway 1 is winding in some stretches, especially through Big Sur, but the road is in good condition and there are many rest areas and viewpoints.
A package tour and a linked arrangement offer travellers different booking processes but provide the same protection under the Package Travel Act, ensuring customer rights and peace of mind during the trip.
