Best Places To Stay Along Highway 1

California’s iconic Highway 1, also known as the Pacific Coast Highway, is a scenic route that spans 655 miles of stunning coastline, offering breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean, picturesque towns, and exciting attractions. For travelers, finding the perfect place to stay along this route can make all the difference in their journey. With so many amazing options to choose from, it can be overwhelming to decide where to rest your head. That’s why we’ve put together this guide to the best places to stay along Highway 1, highlighting the top destinations, accommodations, and experiences that will make your trip truly unforgettable.

Overview

This comprehensive guide will take you on a journey from San Francisco to San Diego, highlighting the most popular and charming towns, cities, and attractions along the way. From luxurious resorts and boutique hotels to cozy bed and breakfasts and budget-friendly motels, we’ll explore the best places to stay in each region, including:

Central Coast

Discover the charming towns of Cambria, Morro Bay, and Solvang, and experience the natural beauty of Big Sur and Hearst Castle.

Southern California

Explore the vibrant cities of Santa Barbara, Ventura, and Malibu, and enjoy the sun-kissed beaches and theme parks of Los Angeles and San Diego.

Whether you’re looking for adventure, relaxation, or a mix of both, this guide will help you plan your dream trip along Highway 1, with insider tips and recommendations on where to stay, what to do, and how to make the most of your time on this incredible California road trip.

Best Places to Stay Along Highway 1: A Comprehensive Guide

Highway 1, also known as the Pacific Coast Highway, is one of the most scenic routes in the United States, stretching over 655 miles along the California coast. The highway offers breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean, rugged cliffs, and picturesque towns, making it a popular road trip destination. When planning a trip along Highway 1, finding the right accommodations can make all the difference. In this article, we’ll explore the best places to stay along Highway 1, from luxurious resorts to cozy bed and breakfasts.

North Coast: Leggett to Fort Bragg

The northernmost section of Highway 1 begins in Leggett and winds its way north to Fort Bragg. This stretch is known for its rugged coastline, scenic hiking trails, and quaint towns.

Leggett: The Gateway to the North Coast

Leggett is a small town located at the intersection of Highway 1 and Highway 101. It’s a great place to stop for the night, with several motels and inns offering comfortable accommodations. (See Also: Best Places To Stay Crested Butte)

• Standish-Hickey State Recreation Area: This campground offers 75 campsites, hiking trails, and stunning views of the Eel River.
• Leggett Inn: A cozy motel with comfortable rooms and a restaurant serving American cuisine.

Garberville: A Hippie Haven

Garberville is a charming town known for its laid-back atmosphere and eclectic shops. It’s a great place to stop for a night or two, with several inns and vacation rentals available.

• The Benbow Inn: A historic inn with luxurious rooms, a restaurant, and a bar.
• Garberville Inn: A cozy motel with comfortable rooms and a hot tub.

Fort Bragg: A Coastal Gem

Fort Bragg is a charming coastal town with a rich history and natural beauty. It’s a great place to stay for a few nights, with several hotels, inns, and vacation rentals available.

• The Beachcomber Motel: A beachfront motel with comfortable rooms and stunning ocean views.
• The Inn at Newport Ranch: A luxurious bed and breakfast with elegant rooms and a hot tub.

Central Coast: Mendocino to Cambria

The central section of Highway 1 is known for its stunning coastline, scenic drives, and charming towns.

Mendocino: An Artist’s Paradise

Mendocino is a charming coastal town known for its art galleries, scenic views, and historic architecture. It’s a great place to stay for a few nights, with several inns, bed and breakfasts, and vacation rentals available.

• The Mendocino Hotel and Garden Suites: A historic hotel with luxurious rooms and a garden.
• The Inn at Mendocino: A cozy bed and breakfast with comfortable rooms and a hot tub.

Fort Ross: A Historic Gem

Fort Ross is a historic site located just north of Jenner. It’s a great place to stop for the night, with several campgrounds and vacation rentals available.

• Fort Ross State Historic Park: A campground with 20 campsites and hiking trails.
• The Fort Ross Lodge: A cozy lodge with comfortable rooms and a restaurant.

Cambria: An Artistic Haven

Cambria is a charming coastal town known for its art galleries, scenic views, and historic architecture. It’s a great place to stay for a few nights, with several inns, bed and breakfasts, and vacation rentals available.

• The Cambria Landing Inn: A cozy bed and breakfast with comfortable rooms and a hot tub.
• The Olallieberry Inn: A luxurious inn with elegant rooms and a gourmet breakfast.

South Coast: Big Sur to Malibu

The southern section of Highway 1 is known for its rugged coastline, scenic drives, and iconic landmarks. (See Also: Best Places To Stay In Los Olivos)

Big Sur: A Scenic Wonderland

Big Sur is a scenic stretch of coastline known for its rugged cliffs, scenic hiking trails, and iconic landmarks like Bixby Bridge. It’s a great place to stay for a few nights, with several campgrounds, inns, and vacation rentals available.

• Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park: A campground with 194 campsites, hiking trails, and scenic views.
• The Big Sur Inn: A cozy inn with comfortable rooms and a restaurant.

Carmel-by-the-Sea: A Quaint Town

Carmel-by-the-Sea is a charming town known for its white-sand beaches, scenic drives, and historic architecture. It’s a great place to stay for a few nights, with several inns, bed and breakfasts, and vacation rentals available.

• The Cypress Inn: A historic inn with luxurious rooms and a restaurant.
• The Carmel River Inn: A cozy bed and breakfast with comfortable rooms and a hot tub.

Malibu: A Beachside Paradise

Malibu is a beachside town known for its scenic coastline, surfing beaches, and celebrity homes. It’s a great place to stay for a few nights, with several hotels, inns, and vacation rentals available.

• The Malibu Beach Inn: A beachfront hotel with comfortable rooms and stunning ocean views.
• The Malibu Country Inn: A cozy inn with comfortable rooms and a hot tub.

Recap and Key Points

In this article, we’ve explored the best places to stay along Highway 1, from luxurious resorts to cozy bed and breakfasts. Whether you’re looking for a beachfront hotel or a secluded campground, there’s something for everyone along this scenic route. Remember to plan ahead, book your accommodations early, and take your time to enjoy the stunning views and charming towns along the way.

We hope this guide has been helpful in planning your trip along Highway 1. Happy travels!

Frequently Asked Questions: Best Places to Stay Along Highway 1

What are the most popular towns to stay in along Highway 1?

Some of the most popular towns to stay in along Highway 1 include Cambria, Morro Bay, San Luis Obispo, Big Sur, and Monterey. These towns offer a range of accommodations, from budget-friendly motels to luxury resorts, and are close to many of the highway’s top attractions. (See Also: Best Places To Stay In Sydney)

Are there any budget-friendly options for accommodation along Highway 1?

Yes, there are many budget-friendly options for accommodation along Highway 1. Consider staying in a hostel or motel, or look for vacation rentals that can be more cost-effective than hotels. Additionally, many state and national parks along the highway offer campsites and RV facilities for those who want to rough it.

What are some must-see attractions to visit along Highway 1?

Some must-see attractions along Highway 1 include Hearst Castle, Big Sur’s Bixby Bridge, McWay Falls, and the Monterey Bay Aquarium. You should also consider stopping at some of the charming coastal towns, such as Cambria and Carmel, and taking a scenic drive along the 17-Mile Drive in Pebble Beach.

How long does it take to drive the entire length of Highway 1?

The length of time it takes to drive the entire length of Highway 1 depends on how many stops you make along the way. The highway stretches for approximately 655 miles, and the drive can take anywhere from 10 to 20 hours, depending on traffic and the number of stops you make. It’s recommended to break up the drive into several days to fully appreciate the scenic views and attractions.

Are there any safety concerns I should be aware of when driving Highway 1?

Yes, there are some safety concerns to be aware of when driving Highway 1. The road is narrow and winding in many places, and there are often no guardrails or shoulders. Additionally, the highway can be prone to landslides and closures, especially during the winter months. Be sure to check road conditions before you leave and drive defensively, and consider pulling over at designated viewpoints to take in the scenery rather than trying to drive and sightsee at the same time.