Iconic Seaside Panoramic Road Itinerary
Take the Iconic Seaside Panoramic Road trip and experience the best of the US coast. Starting in Santa Cruz and ending in Lucia, the 174km drive will take you through some of the most stunning coastal towns in the US. From Monterey, a stunning seaside city full of attractions, to Carmel by the Sea, a charming village full of boutique stores and art galleries, to Big Sur, one of the most beautiful places in America, this road trip will leave you with lasting memories.
The best time to take this road trip is from May to October, when the days are long and the weather is warm. As you drive, you'll be treated to stunning views of the Pacific Ocean, pristine beaches, and breathtaking landscapes. The road is in excellent condition, making it suitable for all drivers. Although this road trip can be enjoyed on a budget, it is best experienced with a higher budget to ensure a higher level of experience. So, get ready to take the Iconic Seaside Panoramic Road trip and experience the US coast like never before.
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174 km
route length
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START
Santa Cruz
Distance 174 km
Driving time 3.0 h
Pace: modest
45.4 kWh
Airports
SFO
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Santa Cruz, located in California, United States, is the perfect starting point to the Iconic Seaside Panoramic Road. This city is renowned for its beautiful beaches, redwood forests and its vibrant downtown.
The most iconic sights in Santa Cruz include the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, a seaside amusement park with roller coasters and carnival games, Natural Bridges State Beach, a beach known for its natural bridge formations, and the University of California Santa Cruz, a public research university with a stunning redwood campus. For those who travel by air, the closest international airport is the San Francisco International Airport (IATA: SFO), which offers car rentals.
Santa Cruz is also home to a variety of restaurants, art galleries, and entertainment venues, making it the perfect place to start the Iconic Seaside Panoramic Road. Visitors can explore the city’s colorful murals, visit its historic sites, and find souvenirs from its vibrant shops. Whatever the reason for your visit, Santa Cruz is sure to provide you with an unforgettable experience.
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Santa Cruz
- Monterey
Distance 72 km
Driving time 1.0 h
Pace: fast
21.5 kWh
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Itinerary
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Are you ready for an incredible road trip from Santa Cruz to Monterey? You will travel 45 miles and it will take you less than one hour. Along the way, you will be captivated by the beautiful landscapes and the historical sites. Make sure to take some pictures to remember this amazing journey.
On your way to Monterey, you will drive along the breathtakingly beautiful California coastline. From Santa Cruz, you will pass through Moss Landing, a beautiful fishing village. You will also drive by Elkhorn Slough, a great place to watch the wildlife and take in the stunning views.
Once you reach Monterey, you will be able to explore the Cannery Row and the Monterey Bay Aquarium. Both of these places are a must-see. You will also be able to enjoy the amazing restaurants, the great shops, and the wonderful beaches.
For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please check out the "Itinerary" of this stage. Enjoy your trip!
Monterey - United States - North America - Scenic Drive - Wikipedia
Monterey - United States - North America - Scenic Drive - www.needpix.com
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Monterey
- Pebble Beach
- Carmel by the Sea
Distance 20 km
Driving time 0.8 h
Pace: slow
4.6 kWh
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Itinerary
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Start your road trip in Monterey, California and explore the wonders of the central coast! Your first stop is Pebble Beach, just 12 miles away and a drive of fewer than 1 hour. Here you can explore the iconic 17-Mile Drive, a scenic loop that offers stunning views of the Pacific coastline. Along the way, you can stop at the iconic Lone Cypress tree, which has been standing alone on the rocky shoreline since the 1880s. You can also visit the Spanish Bay, a beautiful beach with a picturesque pier and plenty of activities to enjoy. After Pebble Beach, it's time to drive to Carmel-by-the-Sea. This enchanting village is known for its art galleries, boutique shops, and historic architecture. You can explore the charming streets and take in the breathtaking views of the coastline. You can also visit the Point Lobos State Natural Reserve, where you can see a variety of wildlife, including sea lions, seals, and sea otters. Of course, you can also relax on the beach and watch the waves crash against the shore. For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please consult the Itinerary of this stage.
Carmel by the Sea - United States - North America - Scenic Drive - Wikipedia
Carmel by the Sea - United States - North America - Scenic Drive - Wikimedia Commons
Carmel by the Sea - United States - North America - Scenic Drive - commons.wikimedia.org
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Carmel by the Sea
- Big Sur
Distance 41 km
Driving time 0.7 h
Pace: fast
12.4 kWh
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Itinerary
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Let's start the adventure with a 26mi road trip from Carmel by the Sea to Big Sur! Get ready to be mesmerized by the stunning landscapes of the Pacific Coast Highway. The driving time is fewer than 1 hours, and you can take a break at Point Lobos State Natural Reserve and enjoy the breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean. Don't forget to visit the historical Point Sur Lighthouse, built in 1889, and the Garrapata State Park with its redwood groves and rugged coastline. As you arrive in Big Sur, you can explore the iconic Bixby Bridge, the highest single-span concrete bridge in the world, and the Andrew Molera State Park with its trails and secluded beaches. You can also visit the McWay Falls, a beautiful 80ft waterfall which flows directly into the ocean. To get the most out of this stage, more information regarding attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route is available in the "Itinerary" of this stage. So, let's hit the road and enjoy this amazing journey!
Big Sur - United States - North America - Scenic Drive - www.flickr.com
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Big Sur
- Lucia
Distance 41 km
Driving time 0.7 h
Pace: fast
12.4 kWh
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Itinerary
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Welcome Road-Trippers! Get ready for an unforgettable journey from Big Sur to Lucia! This 26mi stretch of breathtaking coastal views and majestic redwood forests is one of the most beautiful routes in the United States. It will take you fewer than 1 hours to drive this route, so make sure to take your time and enjoy the views.
Big Sur is the perfect spot to start your journey. It offers many attractions such as the Bixby Bridge, Andrew Molera State Park, and the McWay Falls. You can also take a walk along the beach or explore the trails.
When you reach Lucia, you can enjoy the amazing views of the Pacific Ocean, the rocky coastline, and the rolling hills. The Point Sur Lighthouse is a must-see, as well as the Pfeiffer Beach and the Limekiln State Park.
This is only one of the stages of your journey, but you can find more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route in the "Itinerary" of this stage. So, get ready for an adventure and enjoy your trip from Big Sur to Lucia!
Lucia - United States - North America - Scenic Drive - Wikimedia Commons
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Lucia
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Lucia, situated in the United States, is the perfect destination to end the Iconic Seaside Panoramic Road trip. The town is full of fascinating attractions, from the striking natural beauty of the coastline to the vibrant culture of the downtown area. The sea view from the pier is breathtaking and the beach is perfect for a relaxed afternoon of sunbathing and swimming.
The downtown area of Lucia is full of interesting attractions and activities. Visit the local art museum to explore the work of some of the area's most talented artists or take a stroll through the historic district and enjoy the unique architecture of the past. There are plenty of shops and restaurants, offering something to suit all tastes.
For those travelling by car, the Iconic Seaside Panoramic Road trip ends in Lucia. The closest international airport is the Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) which is approximately an hour away by car.
Lucia is the perfect destination to end the Iconic Seaside Panoramic Road trip. Enjoy the beautiful scenery, experience the vibrant culture, and explore the variety of attractions the town has to offer.
Iconic Seaside Panoramic Road at a glance
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Start:
Santa Cruz
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End:
Lucia
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Distance:
174 km
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Stay:
1 day
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Getting there:
San Francisco International Airport (SFO)
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When to drive:
January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November, December
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More info:
More info you can find in the "Itinerary" section at each stage.
Before you set off
Embark on the Iconic Seaside Panoramic Road Trip, a captivating journey of approximately 174 kilometers (108 miles) from Santa Cruz to Lucia along the breathtaking US Pacific Coast. This scenic route, also known as California's Highway One, offers travelers the opportunity to explore charming coastal towns, take in extraordinary seaside vistas, and witness some of the United States' most magnificent landscapes.
Key Destinations and Top Sights:
- Santa Cruz: Kickstart your adventure in this surfer's paradise with its vibrant beach culture, historic boardwalk, and the Santa Cruz Surfing Museum housed in a lighthouse.
- Monterey: Immerse yourself in this seaside city's rich marine heritage, including the world-renowned Monterey Bay Aquarium, a leader in ocean conservation and research, and historic Cannery Row, once the sardine-packing capital of the world.
- Carmel by the Sea: Stroll through this enchanting village's narrow, tree-lined streets, discover upscale boutique shops, and explore a plethora of art galleries, or visit the Carmel Mission, founded in 1771.
- Big Sur: Experience the awe-inspiring grandeur of Big Sur, with its dramatic coastline, towering redwoods, and the architectural marvel of Bixby Creek Bridge, one of the tallest single-span concrete bridges in the world.
Best Time to Go:
The optimal period for this Road Trip is from May to October when travelers can enjoy long, warm days perfect for sightseeing and a variety of outdoor activities, such as beachcombing, surfing, and wildlife watching.
Potential Risks:
- Dense coastal fog can significantly reduce visibility, particularly in the early morning and late afternoon, which is a hallmark of the region's microclimates.
- Wildlife crossings are common, especially in the less populated and more natural areas like Big Sur; drivers should be cautious of animals such as deer.
- Occasional landslides or Road closures due to weather conditions are possible; however, the route is usually well-maintained with clear signage.
Interesting Facts for Roadtrippers:
- The route boasts numerous pullouts and viewpoints for photography enthusiasts, including the iconic McWay Falls, an 80-foot waterfall that flows directly onto the beach.
- Accommodation options along the drive range from rustic campgrounds nestled in state parks to luxury resorts perched on cliffs, catering to a wide spectrum of budgets and preferences.
- The drive features some narrow, winding stretches that offer thrilling driving experiences, especially through the cliff-hugging turns around Big Sur.
- Fuel stations, restaurants, and other amenities become less frequent in remote sections like the stretch between Carmel and San Simeon, so it's wise to plan ahead for necessities.
- Cell service can be unreliable in certain areas, particularly in the mountainous regions, so downloading offline maps and travel guides is recommended.
A good choice for:
The Iconic Seaside Panoramic Road Trip is an extraordinary coastal adventure that showcases the natural splendor and cultural allure of the American West Coast. It's a journey that invites travelers to immerse themselves in the beauty of the rugged coastline, the serenity of seaside hamlets, and the thrill of the open Road. Whether seeking heart-pumping adventures or tranquil retreats, this iconic journey along the US coast is sure to leave you with memories that last a lifetime.
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