La to San Francisco Drive Highway 1 - Google Maps: A Complete Road Trip Guide

The scenic drive from LA to San Francisco on Highway 1 is a must-do road trip for anyone who loves the Pacific Coast. This 560-mile journey will take you through some of the most stunning coastal scenery in the US.

The drive can be completed in about 10 hours, but I recommend breaking it up into two days to really take in the sights. With Google Maps as your guide, you'll be able to navigate the twists and turns of Highway 1 with ease.

One of the most beautiful stretches of the drive is through Big Sur, where the highway hugs the coast and offers breathtaking views of the ocean. Be sure to stop at Bixby Bridge, one of the most iconic spots on the drive.

Google Maps will help you find the best places to stop along the way, including beaches, hiking trails, and charming coastal towns.

Before you leave, it's essential to know that the fastest route from Los Angeles to San Francisco is Interstate 5, which will take you between 5.5 and 6 hours.

However, if you want to experience the ultimate California road trip, Highway 1 is the way to go. It's one of the most beautiful scenic drives in the world, but be prepared to add about 100 miles (160 km) to your trip.

Plan to spend 2 to 3 days to fully enjoy the wonders of Highway 1, and consider renting an RV to make the most of your adventure.

If you're looking for a break from the crowds, Highway 1 has got you covered. The beaches along this stretch of the Pacific Coast Highway are remarkably uncrowded and open, with sunshine and space aplenty in which to revel.

You can pull off at any point and take a quick jaunt down to the beach or spend the day exploring the coastal plains, forests, and shoreline via winding paths. Breathe in the salty-fresh air and feel your workaday cares melt away.

Each of these awe-inspiring moments is yours, just off Highway 1. Stand on the cliffs at Ragged Point and watch the ocean churn below. Look out into a dreamily secluded bay at Hearst Memorial State Beach.

The coastal hiking trails of various lengths and difficulty are also accessible right off the road. Take a quick hike down to the beach or spend the day exploring the coastal plains, forests, and shoreline via winding paths.

You'll find something for everyone on Highway 1, whether you're looking to reconnect with yourself, your friends, your family, or your planet. With uncrowded beaches and coastal hiking trails, this stretch of the Pacific Coast Highway offers a special way to restore your spirit and experience roadside coastline wonder.

You can plan your LA to San Francisco drive on Highway 1 in as little as a day, but it's better to take your time to enjoy the scenic views.

The Pacific Coast Highway is a long stretch, and you'll want to consider how much time you have to complete the trip. Some travelers prefer to spend a week driving the coast of California, while others have only a couple of days.

Regardless of your time frame, you can use a coastal road trip planner to create your best California self-drive itinerary. This will help you plan your trip and make the most of your time.

To stay organized, consider using travel planning printables to keep track of your itinerary and packing list.

The drive from Los Angeles to San Francisco on Highway 1 is a scenic route that takes about 10 hours, but don't let Google Maps fool you - it's not a drive for a single day.

You should allocate at least two days for driving along this section of the California coast, with three days being even better, allowing you some time to explore Monterey too.

The drive can take longer, especially if you prefer to just cruise along the road, with some drivers taking closer to 11-12 hours.

As you drive along Highway 1, you'll eventually find yourself within a reasonable distance of Big Sur and its state parks. Big Sur is a nature lover's paradise, and you'll want to spend some time exploring the many natural wonders along the way.

You can choose to visit all of the state parks or find your favorite as you go. There are 6 state parks in Big Sur, CA that should be on your bucket list.

Big Sur's state parks are stops along the way, so make sure to check them out. If you love hiking, this is definitely the area where you should be spending some time along the highway.

The drive from Los Angeles to San Francisco up Highway 1 takes about 10 hours, straight through. However, this doesn't account for breaks or exploring the many scenic stops along the way.

You should allocate at least two days for driving along this section of the California coast, with three days being even better to allow time to explore Monterey.

The drive is slow in parts, especially in areas close to Los Angeles where the road takes you through various towns, and in the Big Sur area where the road curves along the cliffs.

Plan for 12-14 hours of driving time, including breaks for stretching your legs, filling up on gas, or having lunch. Some drivers may even take longer, closer to 11-12 hours.