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HomeRoad TripsNorth AmericaUnited StatesWest USACaliforniaRagged Point Panoramic Road
Highway 1 California

Ragged Point Panoramic Road

San Luis Obispo - Morro Bay - Cambria - Hearst Castle - Ragged Point

Expect on your itinerary

Benefit-stress ratio Benefit-stress ratio
Landscape Landscape
Comfort Comfort
Road conditions Road conditions
Security Security
Beach Beach
Urban life Urban life
Culture Culture
Ragged Point Panoramic Road ACTIVATE MAP Stages4 km94 h/stage0.3

Best months to drive

I II III IV V VI
VII VIII IX X XI XII

Road Trip Costs

How much does it cost to go on a Ragged Point Panoramic Road in California?

Economy
Low budget options by car rental, accommodation and catering. In- and Out-bound travel expenses are not included.
rent & more 45EUR drive & more 13EUR sleep & more 77EUR eat & more 72EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) 162EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) incl. rented car 207EUR
Standard
Mid budget options by car rental, accommodation and catering. In- and Out-bound travel expenses are not included.
rent & more 54EUR drive & more 13EUR sleep & more 121EUR eat & more 108EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) 242EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) incl. rented car 296EUR
Premium
High budget options by car rental, accommodation and catering. In- and Out-bound travel expenses are not included.
rent & more 90EUR drive & more 25EUR sleep & more 198EUR eat & more 144EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) 367EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) incl. rented car 457EUR
Camper
On the road in RV, overnight at camp grounds with self-catering. In- and Out-bound travel expenses are not included.
rent & more 225EUR drive & more 25EUR sleep & more 55EUR eat & more 72EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) 152EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) incl. rented car 377EUR
Car rental Book hotel Flights
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Ragged Point Panoramic Road Itinerary

Take a memorable journey along the Ragged Point Panoramic Road. Starting in San Luis Obispo, this 94km route takes you through the beautiful towns of Morro Bay, Cambria, and Hearst Castle. Along the way, you can enjoy the stunning views of the Pacific Ocean, rolling hills, and lush forests. This route is best traveled in the spring or summer when the weather is perfect for sightseeing. The roads are in excellent condition, making it suitable for all drivers. You should plan to spend at least one day on the route in order to enjoy the sights and take in the experience. With a moderate budget, this road trip is sure to provide you with lasting memories.
number of days 1 number of days
route length 94 km route length
budget fair budget
good for family good for
traffic direction on the right traffic direction
accident level low accident level

START San Luis Obispo

Distance 94 km Driving time 1.2 h Pace: fast 28.2 kWh Airports LAX
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San Luis Obispo is the perfect starting point for your Ragged Point Panoramic Road road trip. Located in the beautiful Central Coast of California, San Luis Obispo is a great place to explore and discover. There are plenty of sights to see, such as the Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa, the Bubblegum Alley or the Dallidet Adobe and Garden. You can also take a stroll along the San Luis Obispo Creek or enjoy the amazing views from the Madonna Mountain or Bishop Peak. If you are traveling by air, the closest international airport is San Luis Obispo County Regional Airport (SBP), where you can rent a car to start your road trip. There are several car rental options available at the airport, so you can easily find the perfect car for your journey. So begin your Ragged Point Panoramic Road road trip in San Luis Obispo and make sure to take advantage of all the amazing sights the city has to offer.

1 San Luis Obispo - Morro Bay

Distance 24 km Driving time 0.3 h Pace: fast 7.2 kWh View map Itinerary
junction of road trips
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Welcome to the San Luis Obispo to Morro Bay road-trip! This journey is 15mi long and should take you less than an hour to complete. You will be able to enjoy the scenery of the California Central Coast while you drive. Start your tour in San Luis Obispo and visit the San Luis Obispo Mission, the oldest mission in California. Then, you can take a stroll at the San Luis Obispo Botanical Garden and enjoy the beauty of the gardens and the views of the surrounding hills. As you drive to Morro Bay, you can take a break in Los Osos and visit the Montaña de Oro State Park. Here you can explore the trails and beaches and take in the stunning views of the Pacific Ocean. When you arrive in Morro Bay, you can visit the Morro Rock and the Morro Bay Estuary. Both are great places to take photos and appreciate the beauty of the Central Coast. Finally, you can take a walk along the Embarcadero and enjoy the restaurants and shops. More information regarding attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route is available in the "Itinerary" of this stage. Enjoy your road-trip!

2 Morro Bay - Cambria

Distance 29 km Driving time 0.3 h Pace: fast 8.8 kWh View map Itinerary
junction of road trips accommodation options
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Embark on your road trip journey from Morro Bay, United States and explore the beautiful coastal drive of 18 miles, taking you to Cambria in less than an hour. Start your journey in Morro Bay, with its iconic Morro Rock and stunning beaches of white sand. Visit the Morro Bay State Park, with its stunning views of the bay and the beautiful wildlife, and the Morro Bay National Estuary, a great spot for bird watching. As you drive along the coast, take in the breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean and the rolling hills of the Central Coast. Stop at the charming coastal towns of Cayucos and San Simeon, and don't miss the opportunity to visit the Hearst Castle, a National Historic Landmark. Continue your drive to Cambria, a quaint and picturesque town, and explore the Moonstone Beach, a stunning beach with a great view of the ocean. Visit the Fiscalini Ranch Preserve, a great spot for hiking and biking, and the Piedras Blancas Light Station, a historic lighthouse. This is just one of the many stages of your road trip journey, and more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route is available in the "Itinerary" of this stage. So, buckle up and get ready to explore the beautiful coastal drive from Morro Bay to Cambria.

3 Cambria - Hearst Castle

Distance 15 km Driving time 0.2 h Pace: fast 4.6 kWh View map Itinerary
accommodation options
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Welcome to the beautiful road trip stage from Cambria to Hearst Castle! This 10mi drive will take you less than an hour and you will have the opportunity to explore some of the most interesting places in the area. Starting in Cambria, you can visit the Fiscalini Ranch Preserve, a great place to take a walk and enjoy the beauty of nature. Also, you can visit the Moonstone Beach Boardwalk and enjoy the stunning views of the ocean. Continuing your journey, you will reach Hearst Castle, a National Historic Landmark and former home of newspaper magnate William Randolph Hearst. Here, you can take a tour of the grounds, explore the gardens and admire the breathtaking architecture of the main building. For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please refer to the "Itinerary" of this stage. Enjoy your road trip!

4 Hearst Castle - Ragged Point

Distance 25 km Driving time 0.3 h Pace: fast 7.5 kWh View map Itinerary
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Welcome to the Hearst Castle to Ragged Point road trip! This 16-mile journey will take you less than an hour, and is part of a larger tour. Your first stop is Hearst Castle, a magnificent estate built by media mogul William Randolph Hearst. Enjoy a guided tour of the castle, or explore the grounds and gardens at your own pace. Don't forget to take in the breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean from the terraces! Next, take the scenic route down Highway 1 to Ragged Point. This small seaside town is a popular spot for whale-watching, fishing, and kayaking. Take a stroll along the beach, or explore the nearby trails for some incredible views of the rugged coastline. And don't forget to check out the Ragged Point Inn and Resort, a historic hotel perched atop a cliff overlooking the ocean. The inn offers a variety of amenities and activities, such as a pool, spa, and restaurant. For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, be sure to check out the “Itinerary” of this stage. Enjoy your road trip!

  Ragged Point

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Ragged Point is a beautiful coastal town located in the United States, at the end of a scenic road trip known as the Ragged Point Panoramic Road. The drive is full of picture-perfect views that are sure to take your breath away. The road trip ends at the spectacular Ragged Point Beach, which offers stunning views of the California coastline. The town of Ragged Point is home to a variety of attractions, including the Ragged Point Lighthouse, a picturesque structure that has been standing since 1868. The area also features the Ragged Point Inn and Restaurant, which offers a variety of delicious seafood and other dishes. For those who wish to explore the natural beauty of the area, there are several hiking trails that are perfect for a leisurely stroll or a more challenging hike. The Point Sur State Historic Park offers a variety of activities, such as kayaking, whale watching, and fishing. For travelers coming from abroad, the closest international airport is the San Francisco International Airport (SFO). From there, the drive to Ragged Point is approximately three and a half hours, allowing for plenty of time to enjoy the views along the way. At the end of the road trip, you'll find the charming and picturesque town of Ragged Point, a perfect place to end your journey. With its stunning views and a variety of attractions, Ragged Point is sure to please all travelers.

Ragged Point Panoramic Road at a glance

Before you set off

Embark on the Ragged Point Panoramic Road Trip, an unforgettable 94km journey starting from the idyllic San Luis Obispo and meandering through the enchanting Morro Bay, the artsy town of Cambria, to the grandiose Hearst Castle. This route offers a kaleidoscope of vistas including the azure Pacific Ocean, rolling hills, and lush forests.

Key Destinations and Top Sights:

  • San Luis Obispo: This inviting city boasts the beautifully preserved Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa and a lively downtown area teeming with boutiques and cafes.
  • Morro Bay: Known for the imposing Morro Rock, a volcanic plug standing 576 feet tall, this coastal city is a haven for wildlife enthusiasts, surfers, and kayakers.
  • Cambria: A gem along the route, Cambria is dotted with unique shops and is steps away from the stunning Moonstone Beach, where you might spot migrating whales or collect colorful moonstones.
  • Hearst Castle: An opulent estate built by newspaper magnate William Randolph Hearst, the castle is an architectural marvel with its impressive collection of art and lavish gardens, offering a glimpse into early 20th-century luxury.

Best Time to Go:

To fully enjoy the drive and outdoor activities, the best time to embark on this Road Trip is during the spring or summer when the weather is mild, and the region's flora is in full bloom.

Potential Risks:

The pristine Roads can be shrouded in coastal fog, particularly in the morning and evenings, which may reduce visibility. The route also includes curvy sections along the cliffs that require attentive driving.

Facts for Roadtrippers:

  • The drive is accessible to drivers of all skill levels, thanks to the well-maintained Roads.
  • A moderate budget should cover the Trip's expenses, including accommodations, dining, and attractions.
  • Taking at least a full day for the drive is recommended, ensuring ample time to explore each destination and soak in the scenic vistas.

A good choice for:

With its seamless blend of nature's grandeur and cultural landmarks, the Ragged Point Panoramic Road Trip is a journey that will etch itself in your memory for its diverse landscapes and rich experiences.

Facts for safer driving in California

drink drive limit drink drive limit 0.5
max speed urban max speed urban 40 km/h
max speed rural max speed rural 72 km/h
max speed highway max speed highway 129 km/h
headlights at daytime headlights at daytime off
fire extinguisher fire extinguisher yes
tolls tolls yes
seat belts seat belts yes

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