Road-tripping the Pacific Coast Highway: A Practical Guide

The best way to drive the PCH is south-to-north, starting in San Clemente and ending in Leggett. Budget at least 5 full days to experience the coast without spending your entire vacation behind the steering wheel.

1. Map your route by segments. Divide your trip into three sections: Southern (San Clemente to Santa Barbara), Central (Santa Barbara to Monterey), and Northern (Monterey to Leggett). Don't try to drive more than 150 miles per day if you want to actually see the sights.
2. Secure your rental car. Rent a standard mid-size vehicle rather than a large SUV to handle the narrow, winding curves of Big Sur. Ensure your rental agreement allows for one-way drop-offs if you aren't doing a loop.
3. Download offline maps. Cell service is non-existent for long stretches of the Big Sur coastline. Download Google Maps for the entire state of California for offline use before you leave home.
4. Time your driving. Stick to driving during daylight hours. The fog (especially in summer) and the lack of guardrails in some sections make night driving on the PCH dangerous and pointless since you can't see the ocean.

Should I drive North or South?

Driving South (North to South) is preferred because you are in the lane closest to the ocean, making it much easier to pull over into vista points.

Is it safe to drive Big Sur?

Yes, provided you drive slowly. The roads are narrow and winding, and landslides occur; always check the Caltrans website for real-time road closures before departing.