Pacific Coast Highway

This is maybe one of the most gorgeous highways in the US. I have driven it from Crescent City down to San Diego (not all in one stretch) and it never fails to impress. Perhaps my favorite segment of the PCH or Highway 1 is the one along Bodega Bay. Bodega Bay has been a family tradition of ours going back decades. It actually has been a family tradition since before I was born, so it is very close to my heart. I love the crashing waves, craggly coastline and sunny one second, socked in foggy the next weather. It is breathtaking and just gorgeous overall. I know many people do not care for NorCal beaches as they think only hot sun and flat sandy expanses do a beach make. No skin off my nose, that just means it is less crowded and more peaceful for those of us who do love it.
The road itself is very winding and can be hazardous if you are not used to such curvaceous driving conditions. I am always amazed at how fast people will drive along here. Really, take your time, enjoy the view and get to the beach alive. Also, try and be curteous to your fellow travelers, at nighttime turn down your brights when you pass someone going the other direction. Don’t tailgate those of us who don’t think that life is a racecourse. Really, we will pull over as soon as humanly possible and let you pass if you really want to take your life into your hands, but don’t put my family at risk. Also, be cognizant that some people bike and walk along these narrow roads and reducing your speed can mean the difference between a happy day and tradgedy.
Okay, enough with my safety rant, back to the beauty of our California Coastline. It really is a gift of nature and deserves to be respected and revered. Next time you drive along this stretch, take a moment to pull over and reflect on the horizon, breathe in the sea air and appreciate what beauty is naturally occuring in life.

The Pacific Coast Highway never fails to impress. Be it gently winding around the Central Coast in view of Hearst Castle, or clinging to the cliffs as it climbs to Fort Ross on Sonoma’s North Coast, there is an astounding variety of sights. Around Bodega Bay, it’s windy, but not as treacherous as Jenner/​Sea Ranch. It’s scenic going through the San Andreas Fault Zone. Is it any surprise that the Greek god of oceans, Poseidon, was called «Earth-​shaker»? One can feel the Earth and the Sea move.

it was really nice to get away this weekend. I enjoyed how peaceful the view was, sometimes it’s nice to just relax pull over, and take a look around. and to think just a few hours away is such a wonderful view.

Without any doubt, this is one of my favorite stretches of road in this state, in this country, on this continent, on this planet, in our solar system, and in our galaxy.
Yeah, through the years, I’ve probably had the chance to find some better ones, but this one will always hold a special place for me, because it made me appreciate all that CAN be. You see, I spent most of my youth in southern California outside of heLL. A. There, roads are lifeless, dirty, crowded, and definitely most non-​triumphant.
So when I took to the Pacific Coast Highway (PCH), particularly the stretch on the northern California coast (it comes back to the northern coast at Bodega Bay), it was truly an eye-​opening experience. California State 1, is actually just a portion of the PCH. This highway actually covers almost 10k miles from Chile to Canada. Some day I’ll travel those other miles, but for now, this portion will do.
A marvel of engineering. This beautiful road is cleanly carved into the craggy coastal bluffs. It offers all-​viewing vistas, zips along the water, and curvy roller coaster rides.
It’s no wonder why artists come here to get lost and are never found again. The beauty here is a robber of people eager to be stolen from the hustle & bustle.
I can be posted missing on a Pacific Coast Highway milk carton any day!
Personal Addendum: Enya’s «Watermark» has always served as a favorite soundtrack for me while driving this road. Yes, I know my machismo takes a hit, but who cares.