Driving the Pacific Coast Highway

[sovertennis]

I drove N to S in May, 2012 over three days (started in LA, then stayed a night in each of Santa Barbara, Big Sur and Carmel). Incredible.

Would not have wanted to drive S to N. Too close to the edge. Have a great trip.

[MtnSurfer]

Originally Posted by Liberty2011

Thanks for the tips! I've heard September is a good time to visit to avoid the fog, is this correct?

June, July and August are typically the worst months for fog. Some years it can extend a bit into Sept. It just depends on the year. We are actually having the best weather ever right now in the mid 70s. Its perfect and the whales are migrating.


http://www.weather.com/weather/tenday/93940








Derek

[JohnSoCal]

Originally Posted by Liberty2011

Thanks for the tips! I've heard September is a good time to visit to avoid the fog, is this correct?

October is the best time of the year. It will be warm and sunny with less fog. October is actually the best time of the year for pretty well all of California. I have driven it several times and North to South is the best. One place to stop for a couple hours is Año Nuevo State Park which is located along Hwy 1 halfway between Half Moon Bay and Santa Cruz. It is on the right side of the hwy going South. The big attraction are the Elephant seals.

http://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=523

[nightnurse613]

When I lived in Monterey, SOVERTENNIS would have driven FROM the S to the NORTH on the route described. As pointed out, the drive N to S gives the passengers the best view, easiest turn outs. The driver will be keeping his eyes on the road. Guard rails, if present, cannot be counted on. As they say, one side of the mountain road is mountain (S to N) and the other is a cliff in the air. As you descend the mountains near Lover's Point you will pass by Pico Blanco Lighthouse and a mile of so further is another Seal Beach-with very easy access. Of course, my opinion is Hearst Castle is not to be missed (reservations normally required).

[sovertennis]

Originally Posted by nightnurse613

When I lived in Monterey, SOVERTENNIS would have driven FROM the S to the NORTH on the route described. As pointed out, the drive N to S gives the passengers the best view, easiest turn outs. The driver will be keeping his eyes on the road. Guard rails, if present, cannot be counted on. As they say, one side of the mountain road is mountain (S to N) and the other is a cliff in the air. As you descend the mountains near Lover's Point you will pass by Pico Blanco Lighthouse and a mile of so further is another Seal Beach-with very easy access. Of course, my opinion is Hearst Castle is not to be missed (reservations normally required).

My error here. Of course, by starting in LA and ending in SF, I drove S to N. Thanks for pointing this out.