Driving from San Francisco to Big Sur along Highway 1 is one of the most unforgettable experiences you can have as a traveler. Many travelers consider it as one of the best road trips in the world. The highway is designated as an All-American Road which means it meets at least two of the six “intrinsic qualities” designated by the United States Department of Transportation. This article lists all six of the qualities. Before you travel Highway 1 on your next adventure, take a look at the below tips.
Rent A Convertible
On my recent trip I rented a Porsche 911 Carrera S convertible from Turo.com.
There’s no better way to experience Highway 1 than by cruising down the road in a convertible.
Feeling the wind in your hair and the sun on your skin adds an extra level of joy to the travel experience. Nowadays renting a car is pretty inexpensive thanks to Turo. Turo is a peer-to-peer car rental service—think Airbnb for cars. The site gives you the chance to rent luxurious cars at prices much lower than other rental services. To learn more visit the company’s website.
Be Smart About Staying Overnight
If you begin your trip in San Francisco and only drive to Big Sur, then you can definitely complete the trip there and back in one day. However, if you really want to take your time and stop at a number of locations, then you should plan on staying overnight. One of the best hotel options is the Post Ranch Inn which is located in Big Sur. The Post Ranch Inn is a luxurious getaway and can be pricey. If you’d prefer a cheaper option you should look into renting a cabin along the coast or finding a suitable campsite where you can really enjoy the outdoors. For more information take a look at this Big Sur camping guide.
Take Your Time
The view from the road
Highway 1 is meant to be experienced slowly. If you start your journey early in the morning, you’ll likely join many other travelers who have the same idea. Also, keep in mind that people use Highway 1 to commute to work each morning, so you may encounter traffic. Start your journey with the mindset that you’re going to take your time, and you won’t be upset if your ride takes longer than expected.
Don’t Be Afraid To Explore Other Roads
While Highway 1 is one of the most beautiful road trips you can take, there are other roads close by that are also worth exploring. For example, the Palo Colorado Road makes its way through a redwood forest and the winding Nacimiento Road provides travelers with spectacular views of the Pacific Ocean.
