Highway 1 is regarded as not only one of the best road trips in the United States, but also the world. The coastal cruise promises dramatic bluffs, panoramic ocean vistas, and many designated viewpoints to capture it all. Plus, you’ll get the opportunity to explore some of California’s greatest treasures, like popular Big Sur and quaint Carmel-by-the-Sea.
The key to getting the best out of this stretch of the Pacific Coast Highway is to start up north in a destination like San Francisco and drive down to Los Angeles. Not only do these two major cities provide convenient flight options, but you’ll also be riding along the water, which will also in turn make it easier to pull over and take those FOMO-inducing photos. To help you embark on this adventure we’ve put together a comprehensive, seven-day itinerary on where to stop along the way as well as mini guides to the towns you’ll be passing through.
The dining room at The BatteryPhoto: Douglas Friedman / Courtesy of The Battery
Day 1
If you can, nab a flight that’ll get you to San Francisco by noon to make the most of your first day. Head straight from the airport to The Battery, a chic member’s club that also doubles as a hotel. With only 14 accommodations, it’s intimate and, thankfully, quiet. Once you’ve dropped off your bags, go down the street to Hog Island Oyster Co. and pick up some fresh (and sustainable) mollusks for lunch. For dessert, venture over to their neighbor Humphry Slocombe for a scoop of Blue Bottle Vietnamese coffee ice cream or Golden Gate Bakery in nearby Chinatown for egg tarts that rival those of Hong Kong (just make sure they’re open; the owners have a very sporadic vacation schedule) before you make a beeline to Alcatraz.
After you’ve toured the famed former federal penitentiary, wander over to Fisherman’s Wharf where you’ll see hundreds of sea lions at Pier 39, but skip the touristy shops and head back to your room to recharge and freshen up before dinner. There are certainly plenty of dining options in the city, but if you can manage to nab a reservation, Atelier Crenn should be at the top of your list. A three-Michelin-starred restaurant by the inimitable chef Dominique Crenn, the creative French chef delivers an ocean-forward menu with a focus on local produce. But if you weren’t able to secure a booking, try your luck with neighboring Bar Crenn, a listening bar with elevated bites along with an intimate tasting experience at the counter. And if you’ve still got some energy before you call it a night, enjoy The Battery’s cozy courtyard with a tipple from the bar.