Pacific Coast Highway: Trip Tips
5 Beautiful Drives
Tips
Pacific Coast Highway views are breathtaking, but its treacherous curves and scarce gas stations can leave even the most seasoned road tripper with an aching stomach. Stock up on ginger ale, saltines and Dramamine at one of the route's historic general stores: Sebastian's.
442 SLO San Simeon Rd., San Simeon, CA 93452
www.sebastians.com
805-927-4217
Big Sur's most prolific vegetation is poison oak and it's not fun if you get it. Watch out for the shrub's vaguely football-shaped leaves, clustered in threes. Even a quick brush can cause an itchy, blistery reaction.
For more information on Pacific Coast weather and road conditions, check out the California Travel & Tourism website (www.gocalif.ca.gov).
Side Ride
The 17-mile Monterey scenic drive, 20 miles north of Big Sur Village, forms a winding loop north of Carmel. For a small entrance fee, you'll have fantastic views of the coast, pass the 250-year-old Lone Cypress tree and cruise by golf fairways and mansion homes before joining up again with Highway 1.
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