Temperatures can vary significantly depending on where you are in California. There's a HUGE difference between Southern California and Northern California, and that's just when you're sticking to the coast. Going inland is another thing all together, especially in Southern and Central California. I recently bought a jacket that can be worn three ways depending on temperature and weather, so I like having it when I take road trips.
Great info, and especially the amount of time you suggest. I was originally thinking on doing it in 5 days (for no particular reason), but will have to add more days, so we can enjoy the trip more. Thank you for the great videos as usual.
While we only did the section between LA and SF, one thing we discovered is that cell phone reception and navigation (such as Google Maps) doesn't always work so well on the trip. Planning ahead and/or having paper maps would be helpful... don't rely on getting reliable reception on your phones.
I love California 🥰 Im now living in Florida due to the military. I wish I would have explored more growing up in Ventura county. Ty for these videos!!! Greatly appreciate all the work that you put in to showcasing this beautiful state ❤️
Me and my wife completed this drive last May. It was our 2nd attempt. 1st attempt was in 2018, we came from SFO and we’re headed to LA. Unfortunately, there were landslides after we passed through Bixby Bridge that’s why we went back. Finally last May we were successful, but this time we came from LA. The views are really breathtaking! Next time will spend overnight in Big Sur. Thank you for inspiring us to do this road trip! We are always watching your videos. Shoutout from the Philippines!
I've driven PCH from Santa Cruz to San Luis Obispo a few times, it's a beautiful but twisty & windy route and always welcome being able to get back on the 101 to finish the drive to LA.
It was a shame you couldn't stop at Bowling Ball Beach due to the fire. I would have liked to have seen that stop. Great work on the video and your time.
We just did the hwy 1 drive and we found out they blocked the rest of the road off at 75% it. 45min after bug sur bridge we had to turn around and had to re drive 45 min back and take alt route. So my recommendation is do your research first so you can continue the drive. The rest of the hwy 1 drive will re open sometime in Oct.
Josh and Jeff Love your trips . I really enjoy watching all of them. I get to see many places I’ll never be ever go to. Thank you for sharing. Mike from New York
Also I would add about traffic that Big Sur can get very congested in the summer months snd no place to pull off snd park. Or just stuck behind people driving 10mph. Snd I would recommend spending more time in Big Sur if at all possible but lodging in Big Sur is pricey. But lots of good suggestions
Thank you for your information. My Paternal ancestors were part of the De Anza Expedition which they developed and traveled from San Diego to San Francisco and Bolinas, California. This was confirmed through Ancestry. I am from Texas and I have visited San Francisco four times and Los Angeles once. I have only traveled once from San Francisco to Point Reyes. Last year I made a plan to travel it during Spring Break but here it is Spring Break and atmospheric rivers rivers are pounding California with rain and snow. Thank you so much for your TH-cam videos. I have been a Science Teacher for thirty eight years and I can tell you are also a teacher at heart! Thank you again!
Thank you for the video. Planning for PCH road trip from SD to SF north. Just curious how hard is to cross road on foot to see view points or even cross lane to the ocean side to park at view points? Any pointers will be greatly appreciated. thanks.
I’m new in Sandiago and want to take a few hours from Solano Beach to Carlsbad, would I be able to drive and see the ocean view in which highway should I take? Can you recommend?
I drove from santa monica to legget and then legget all the way to the end of the 101 in Washington in 2018. It was incredible! How much did i miss before Santa monica?
We live in San Diego and just recently drove up and stayed in Cambria for 6 nites, did lots of day trips, one day went all the way to the 17 mile loop and back to Cambria. We like to off-road, so we took the 11 mile Old Coast dirt Rd near Pfeiffer state park, it winds in and out of red wood forests and pops out at Bixby bridge. It was awesome! Our whole trip was awesome! Your videos gave us tons of ideas and tips! Thank you
My wife and I are going to do the coastal trip with Bixby & Big Sur section as our priority. Were from NY so pretty clueless as to motel and rental cars. Prob flying in to Sacramento. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated..
I had a PCH tour from north to south in 3 days in 2019, after watching your last full video, my wife and I both decide to experience a south to north tour to take a different journey, and the guide is so good, I don't need to spend more time to make a plan, thank you so much, Josh!😄
I watched your videos when planning my PCH roadtrip. I started in LA and booked hotels in Santa Barbara, Big Sur and Monterey. On my final day I drove to Capitola and finished my roadtrip at SF airport. It was amazing. Thanks again for all the information.
Hi, please, can you help me to decide which way to drive...? south to north or viceversa.....my first thoughts is starting in San Diego and finishing in San Francisco before catching the plane back to Europe( where i live)., i think finishing in San Francisco is much nicer than to do in L.A ,but plenty people says is better from north to south so you are closer to the sea while driving....does it make much difference this option...?.Thanks.Best regards.Marcelo
@marcelopisani8157 That is an interesting question. Weather/time of year might make a difference. SF can get cold and is often windy. SD is pretty much beautiful all year round. You can see the ocean pretty easily if you are driving north or south, but as you indicate, you are on the ocean side of the road if you are going south. I hope you have a fabulous time!
Nicely presented thanks. I’m hoping to do this in my Sprinter van (need to convert it first) some day soon - within the next year from San Francisco. I guess the part around Big Sur where the road fell away has now been repaired?
Thanks for your wonderful advice & guidance. I wish there had been a motorcycle specific inputs for international travellers who want to explore natural wonders of USA on road. Thanks a lot for your kind help.
If you car camp and buy groceries, you can do this trip really cheap… basically just the cost of gas. I will say though that finding good free coastal camping is tough, but it is doable. I did it a few years back.
@@travismaenle9416 so I drove the entire coast from LA all the way up California and oregon into Washington to the end of Washington state. It was kind of tough to find free camping compared to other parts of the country, but I did it. First night I camped at a paid csmp site in the beach near malibu, then I drove inland and stayed at walmart… can’t remember exactly where. Then got to big sur… I snuck my car into pfeiffer state park and slept for free inside in my car… this was actually a great spot. Then stayed on the side of the road for free north of Bixby bridge on the way to monterey. Then stayed at a free beach spot north of santa cruz on the way to san fransisco. …pescadero state beach. Then stayed in San Francisco…. There is a view point parking area right near the golden gate bridge… it was free and awesome. Then north on the 1 stayed near for bragg… coastal parking lot mackerricher sp. then drove north to the redwoods… stayed at a great rest area…trinidad northbound rest area. Continued in next comment…
@@travismaenle9416 north on the 101 into oregon… stayed at three rigers casino parking lot… just go in and ask to stay. Went north again and then into eugene oregon and stayed at a walmart. Then went to bend oregon and stayed at a walmart. Then went back to eugen and stayed at a walmart there again. Then bavk to the coast north on thw 101 stayed at a rest area in tillamook oregn just south of town on the 101. Then went to portland. Tons of parking in portland ohtside of town at some huge rest areas toms of people staying there. Back to tillamook stayed kn the coast again. Headed norht on 101 into washington stayed in Aberdeen which is Kurt Cobaines home town… stayed at a walmart… super depressing town. Continued in next comment…
@@travismaenle9416 went north on the 101 through olympci national park… went to Forks Washington stayed in forks at several places… there is a grocery store where i dont think you’re supposed to park but i did and was fine, i parked in back near the employee parking. Also there is a state park i paid to stay at one night. Then went all the way north to neah bay and cape flattery which is the absolute end of the coast I would recommend going here and hiking the trail. That’s the abd furthest you can go on the coast. Then head inland and stayed at a walmart in a town near olympic national park hurrican ridge. So that’s all the spots i stayed on the coast. It’s an amazing drive. Hope this all helps. Go do it if you can, you won’t regret it and it’s amazing! If you do wnd up going or staying at any kf these places come back and comment here and let me know. Good luck and have fun !
We live in Northern California and your video with your dad got me going for a road trip. Took my grandchildren to Cambria this summer. Beautiful drive. Thank you for sharing. Have wonderful weekend 🤗😎🤗
A big thank you for your video that included hiking Fern Canyon. I'm doing a National Park tour at the moment and just completed Fern Canyon based on your recommendation. Really awesome!
Me and my girlfriend are doing the Big Sur portion of this drive in early March. From people more familiar with this route, how is the weather/road closures during this time of year? I want to make the most of this trip but I am aware that landslides can really shake things up on this road.
Saw the trip video with your dad and now want to visit places I had no idea existed! Did you happen to notice any EV charging stations along the way in the small towns? I’m very concerned there won’t be any facilities.. looking forward to your next adventure 😊
Excellent tips, gives me to explore when i do it again. The most amazing bit of my trip donw PCH1 last year, was high up heading to Big Sur, we were above the clouds, stopping you could hear the sea below but couldnt see it, was so amazing and got some great pictures
Please add some Drone Aerial view to some places especially green landscapes parks. Most people around the world surely wants to see Aerial views in the US.
There is an airport in Eureka CA 60 miles north of where highway 1 begins in Legget CA where you can fly in and rent a car to drive from North to South.
Great video! I would like to add my few cents worth as I’ve spent some time along PCH 1. Places that you should definitely spend some time is: Cambria, the downtown area has some very nice shops and restaurants, there are several motels along the coast and you are close to wineries, Hearst Castle and the elephant seal rookery. Moro Bay is also another great place with fresh seafood and a pretty sizable sea otter population. My absolute favorite is Monterey; great restaurants, shopping and of course, Monterey Bay Aquarium. If anyone has seen Finding Dory, the aquarium in that film is based off Monterey Bay Aquarium. Also several whale watching tours (summertime is best to see humpback whales). Further north is Ano Nuevo to see elephant seals, Pigeon Point Lighthouse (which has a hostel), Santa Cruz (the boardwalk) and Half Moon Bay (where they held surfing competitions). If you venture into San Francisco please be careful not to leave valuables in your car, even in the tourist spots cars are being broken into. North of SF is Point Reyes (lighthouse, elk), Bodega Bay, Mendocino and Fort Bragg. I’ve been both south and north of all the above but these are my favorites. Keep in mind that it can be quite foggy in the summer as well as windy, so dress appropriately. There are lots of turnouts so please be courteous and let faster traffic pass. Honestly, there is so much to see you can easily make an hour long video just on PCH 1! There is a reason why it’s consistently voted one of the most beautiful routes in America!
1. make sure you know there aren't any fire, and rain on the route and during the trip. PCH near big sur is a mess when it rains and wild fire would put you on major detours. 2. quite a few bridges requires toll, such as golden gate bridge going south, etc so know how you are going to pay for them, the license plate info etc are all important, if you from CA with a fastrak bring it 3. Unless you have a few thousand to spend on one night, you are going to want to stay outside of Big Sur. Also do not stay in SF with a rental car or even your own car, unless you want to shell out for abnormal parking fees and risk stolen, damaged car. 4. Ice chest, for chilled drinks and snacks are also a good idea, food along the coast are quite expensive, lunch and dinner food are great, but for average water and snacks sort of outrageous in tourist towns and always try to gas up at bigger city, always top off 5. Look back, sometimes the view is actually quite good looking back. 6. sometimes a slight detour off the 1 is actually quite good or just take the 101 on your return trip or trip there.
So I want to stay two nights somewhere on my trip. I'm thinking Mensecino / Caspar / Little River area but maybe someone can help me if that not the best place to stop over
Your going to pay a lot in Mendocino for a place to stay, just north of Mendocino is Fort Bragg (its about 20 minutes away) where hotels are cheaper and there's more of a selection
Temperatures can vary significantly depending on where you are in California. There's a HUGE difference between Southern California and Northern California, and that's just when you're sticking to the coast. Going inland is another thing all together, especially in Southern and Central California. I recently bought a jacket that can be worn three ways depending on temperature and weather, so I like having it when I take road trips.
Agree 100%, it is a big change as you go up the coast.
Can you share link to the jacket?
Great info, and especially the amount of time you suggest. I was originally thinking on doing it in 5 days (for no particular reason), but will have to add more days, so we can enjoy the trip more. Thank you for the great videos as usual.
You could do it in 5 but I would recommend a few more
While we only did the section between LA and SF, one thing we discovered is that cell phone reception and navigation (such as Google Maps) doesn't always work so well on the trip. Planning ahead and/or having paper maps would be helpful... don't rely on getting reliable reception on your phones.
I love California 🥰 Im now living in Florida due to the military. I wish I would have explored more growing up in Ventura county. Ty for these videos!!! Greatly appreciate all the work that you put in to showcasing this beautiful state ❤️
Me and my wife completed this drive last May. It was our 2nd attempt. 1st attempt was in 2018, we came from SFO and we’re headed to LA. Unfortunately, there were landslides after we passed through Bixby Bridge that’s why we went back. Finally last May we were successful, but this time we came from LA. The views are really breathtaking! Next time will spend overnight in Big Sur. Thank you for inspiring us to do this road trip! We are always watching your videos. Shoutout from the Philippines!
I've driven PCH from Santa Cruz to San Luis Obispo a few times, it's a beautiful but twisty & windy route and always welcome being able to get back on the 101 to finish the drive to LA.
haha I know what you mean
It was a shame you couldn't stop at Bowling Ball Beach due to the fire. I would have liked to have seen that stop. Great work on the video and your time.
We just did the hwy 1 drive and we found out they blocked the rest of the road off at 75% it. 45min after bug sur bridge we had to turn around and had to re drive 45 min back and take alt route. So my recommendation is do your research first so you can continue the drive. The rest of the hwy 1 drive will re open sometime in Oct.
Great video with lots of useful tips, especially regarding the costs. Thanks Josh! Loved the trip recap video last week
Glad you enjoyed it!
When you mention traveling North to South, you mean for example, beginning in San Francisco and going down to San Diego, yes?
Josh and Jeff Love your trips . I really enjoy watching all of them. I get to see many places I’ll never be ever go to. Thank you for sharing. Mike from New York
Also I would add about traffic that Big Sur can get very congested in the summer months snd no place to pull off snd park. Or just stuck behind people driving 10mph. Snd I would recommend spending more time in Big Sur if at all possible but lodging in Big Sur is pricey. But lots of good suggestions
Yea that is a good call, it is slow driving there sometime and I basically never stay there because of the cost
Thank you for your information. My Paternal ancestors were part of the De Anza Expedition which they developed and traveled from San Diego to San Francisco and Bolinas, California. This was confirmed through Ancestry. I am from Texas and I have visited San Francisco four times and Los Angeles once. I have only traveled once from San Francisco to Point Reyes. Last year I made a plan to travel it during Spring Break but here it is Spring Break and atmospheric rivers rivers are pounding California with rain and snow. Thank you so much for your TH-cam videos. I have been a Science Teacher for thirty eight years and I can tell you are also a teacher at heart! Thank you again!
Thank you for the video. Planning for PCH road trip from SD to SF north. Just curious how hard is to cross road on foot to see view points or even cross lane to the ocean side to park at view points? Any pointers will be greatly appreciated. thanks.
I’m new in Sandiago and want to take a few hours from Solano Beach to Carlsbad, would I be able to drive and see the ocean view in which highway should I take? Can you recommend?
I drove from santa monica to legget and then legget all the way to the end of the 101 in Washington in 2018. It was incredible! How much did i miss before Santa monica?
Not much, you can see what we did in the video I posted last week
We live in San Diego and just recently drove up and stayed in Cambria for 6 nites, did lots of day trips, one day went all the way to the 17 mile loop and back to Cambria. We like to off-road, so we took the 11 mile Old Coast dirt Rd near Pfeiffer state park, it winds in and out of red wood forests and pops out at Bixby bridge. It was awesome! Our whole trip was awesome! Your videos gave us tons of ideas and tips! Thank you
My wife and I are going to do the coastal trip with Bixby & Big Sur section as our priority. Were from NY so pretty clueless as to motel and rental cars. Prob flying in to Sacramento. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated..
Very good ideas. 👍
I had a PCH tour from north to south in 3 days in 2019, after watching your last full video, my wife and I both decide to experience a south to north tour to take a different journey, and the guide is so good, I don't need to spend more time to make a plan, thank you so much, Josh!😄
What time of year do you think is best to do this drive? August or October?
I watched your videos when planning my PCH roadtrip. I started in LA and booked hotels in Santa Barbara, Big Sur and Monterey. On my final day I drove to Capitola and finished my roadtrip at SF airport. It was amazing. Thanks again for all the information.
Hi what hotel motel did you stay at ..!I want budget but nice myself x
Hi, please, can you help me to decide which way to drive...? south to north or viceversa.....my first thoughts is starting in San Diego and finishing in San Francisco before catching the plane back to Europe( where i live)., i think finishing in San Francisco is much nicer than to do in L.A ,but plenty people says is better from north to south so you are closer to the sea while driving....does it make much difference this option...?.Thanks.Best regards.Marcelo
@marcelopisani8157 That is an interesting question. Weather/time of year might make a difference. SF can get cold and is often windy. SD is pretty much beautiful all year round. You can see the ocean pretty easily if you are driving north or south, but as you indicate, you are on the ocean side of the road if you are going south. I hope you have a fabulous time!
Is march a good month to do a road trip?
Nicely presented thanks. I’m hoping to do this in my Sprinter van (need to convert it first) some day soon - within the next year from San Francisco.
I guess the part around Big Sur where the road fell away has now been repaired?
Thanks for your wonderful advice & guidance. I wish there had been a motorcycle specific inputs for international travellers who want to explore natural wonders of USA on road.
Thanks a lot for your kind help.
I did this trip from San Francisco to LA, loved it
So awesome, it is a great one
If you car camp and buy groceries, you can do this trip really cheap… basically just the cost of gas. I will say though that finding good free coastal camping is tough, but it is doable. I did it a few years back.
Yea it can be a much cheaper trip with camping and no expensive food spots
Man im planning on car camping it but im worried about parking. Do you happen to remember what places/ what kind of places you found?
@@travismaenle9416 so I drove the entire coast from LA all the way up California and oregon into Washington to the end of Washington state. It was kind of tough to find free camping compared to other parts of the country, but I did it. First night I camped at a paid csmp site in the beach near malibu, then I drove inland and stayed at walmart… can’t remember exactly where. Then got to big sur… I snuck my car into pfeiffer state park and slept for free inside in my car… this was actually a great spot. Then stayed on the side of the road for free north of Bixby bridge on the way to monterey. Then stayed at a free beach spot north of santa cruz on the way to san fransisco. …pescadero state beach. Then stayed in San Francisco…. There is a view point parking area right near the golden gate bridge… it was free and awesome. Then north on the 1 stayed near for bragg… coastal parking lot mackerricher sp. then drove north to the redwoods… stayed at a great rest area…trinidad northbound rest area. Continued in next comment…
@@travismaenle9416 north on the 101 into oregon… stayed at three rigers casino parking lot… just go in and ask to stay. Went north again and then into eugene oregon and stayed at a walmart. Then went to bend oregon and stayed at a walmart. Then went back to eugen and stayed at a walmart there again. Then bavk to the coast north on thw 101 stayed at a rest area in tillamook oregn just south of town on the 101. Then went to portland. Tons of parking in portland ohtside of town at some huge rest areas toms of people staying there. Back to tillamook stayed kn the coast again. Headed norht on 101 into washington stayed in Aberdeen which is Kurt Cobaines home town… stayed at a walmart… super depressing town. Continued in next comment…
@@travismaenle9416 went north on the 101 through olympci national park… went to Forks Washington stayed in forks at several places… there is a grocery store where i dont think you’re supposed to park but i did and was fine, i parked in back near the employee parking. Also there is a state park i paid to stay at one night. Then went all the way north to neah bay and cape flattery which is the absolute end of the coast I would recommend going here and hiking the trail. That’s the abd furthest you can go on the coast. Then head inland and stayed at a walmart in a town near olympic national park hurrican ridge. So that’s all the spots i stayed on the coast. It’s an amazing drive. Hope this all helps. Go do it if you can, you won’t regret it and it’s amazing! If you do wnd up going or staying at any kf these places come back and comment here and let me know. Good luck and have fun !
We live in Northern California and your video with your dad got me going for a road trip. Took my grandchildren to Cambria this summer. Beautiful drive. Thank you for sharing. Have wonderful weekend 🤗😎🤗
A big thank you for your video that included hiking Fern Canyon. I'm doing a National Park tour at the moment and just completed Fern Canyon based on your recommendation. Really awesome!
Me and my girlfriend are doing the Big Sur portion of this drive in early March. From people more familiar with this route, how is the weather/road closures during this time of year? I want to make the most of this trip but I am aware that landslides can really shake things up on this road.
Saw the trip video with your dad and now want to visit places I had no idea existed! Did you happen to notice any EV charging stations along the way in the small towns? I’m very concerned there won’t be any facilities.. looking forward to your next adventure 😊
Excellent tips, gives me to explore when i do it again. The most amazing bit of my trip donw PCH1 last year, was high up heading to Big Sur, we were above the clouds, stopping you could hear the sea below but couldnt see it, was so amazing and got some great pictures
You mean, where I am in N. County SD, what I believe to be PCH, isn’t?
Please add some Drone Aerial view to some places especially green landscapes parks. Most people around the world surely wants to see Aerial views in the US.
You could lower costs with packing most of your meals and camping.
Wow, I’m really surprised by the budget.
We had an epic PCH road trip recently too! It’s the most magical place.
How much extra time would I need to add in the Oregon coast?
When is the best time of year in terms of less traffic and not terrible weather?
Josh you are awesome and ALL your videos rock!!!
There is an airport in Eureka CA 60 miles north of where highway 1 begins in Legget CA where you can fly in and rent a car to drive from North to South.
Oh good to know!
Great video! I would like to add my few cents worth as I’ve spent some time along PCH 1. Places that you should definitely spend some time is: Cambria, the downtown area has some very nice shops and restaurants, there are several motels along the coast and you are close to wineries, Hearst Castle and the elephant seal rookery. Moro Bay is also another great place with fresh seafood and a pretty sizable sea otter population. My absolute favorite is Monterey; great restaurants, shopping and of course, Monterey Bay Aquarium. If anyone has seen Finding Dory, the aquarium in that film is based off Monterey Bay Aquarium. Also several whale watching tours (summertime is best to see humpback whales). Further north is Ano Nuevo to see elephant seals, Pigeon Point Lighthouse (which has a hostel), Santa Cruz (the boardwalk) and Half Moon Bay (where they held surfing competitions). If you venture into San Francisco please be careful not to leave valuables in your car, even in the tourist spots cars are being broken into. North of SF is Point Reyes (lighthouse, elk), Bodega Bay, Mendocino and Fort Bragg. I’ve been both south and north of all the above but these are my favorites. Keep in mind that it can be quite foggy in the summer as well as windy, so dress appropriately. There are lots of turnouts so please be courteous and let faster traffic pass. Honestly, there is so much to see you can easily make an hour long video just on PCH 1! There is a reason why it’s consistently voted one of the most beautiful routes in America!
I’m worried about running out of money .. I want to rent a car & stay in clean motels on this route suggestions please 🙏
1. make sure you know there aren't any fire, and rain on the route and during the trip. PCH near big sur is a mess when it rains and wild fire would put you on major detours.
2. quite a few bridges requires toll, such as golden gate bridge going south, etc so know how you are going to pay for them, the license plate info etc are all important, if you from CA with a fastrak bring it
3. Unless you have a few thousand to spend on one night, you are going to want to stay outside of Big Sur. Also do not stay in SF with a rental car or even your own car, unless you want to shell out for abnormal parking fees and risk stolen, damaged car.
4. Ice chest, for chilled drinks and snacks are also a good idea, food along the coast are quite expensive, lunch and dinner food are great, but for average water and snacks sort of outrageous in tourist towns and always try to gas up at bigger city, always top off
5. Look back, sometimes the view is actually quite good looking back.
6. sometimes a slight detour off the 1 is actually quite good or just take the 101 on your return trip or trip there.
These are all fantastic tips!
IMHO the views and build-up is way better driving from South to North.
That is probably true, instead of ending in LA / Orange County haha
I believe you've been living healthy since I last saw ya. Good work!
Been trying my best!
Thanks for the information! Great job
I want to know where bought the lobster roll.
REALLY love the cost breakdown at the end and would enjoy it you made that a regular feature in your content!
Trying to make that a part of all the big road trips now
LOVE PCH!!! Thanks for another great video!
Thanks for watching!
thanks for sharing this
Pops does not like drop offs!
So I want to stay two nights somewhere on my trip. I'm thinking Mensecino / Caspar / Little River area but maybe someone can help me if that not the best place to stop over
Your going to pay a lot in Mendocino for a place to stay, just north of Mendocino is Fort Bragg (its about 20 minutes away) where hotels are cheaper and there's more of a selection
@@sasham1280 Thank you
I done it on a motorcycle several times. Much better then in a car
That would be awesome!
Great information. !
For Ytube algo...
Cheers
haha thanks!
Great tips! Thank you!
You are so welcome!