We're hoping to make the drive up (or down) CA Hwy 1 sometime during the next week or so. We're not in a rush and have 2-3 days to make the drive. After looking online there seems to be a quite a list of places to see. For those who have made the drive can you offer up what you felt were 2-3 absolute must-see places to see or stop? Also, curious about parking/rest options. We'll be traveling in an in-bed, cabover, truck camper. Any particular things to be aware of? Lastly, anyone have any preferences on making the drive going north or south? Thank you!

As to going north or south: going south you are on the ocean side of the road, and so have better views. Going north you are on the land side of the road and can't see the ocean as well; however, if you're scared of heights (or especially if your passenger is), it may be much less intimidating.

I'll ask first....what parts of Hwy 1 and what rig are you traveling in?

Since you will be in a TC, this drive will be a piece of cake, compared to doing it in a trailer. (Which is what I have done a few times.) . This time of year, you can hit some serious fog along that route -- no big deal, although it does interfere with the views!Since (as the driver) you will be watching the road, you might as well do it north to south so that your lucky passenger gets to look straight down the cliffs. That route also makes it easier to pull out into the turnouts, so that you can actually get to see something, too.Bring binoculars -- maybe even two pair! On calm mornings, before the wind picks up, you might be able to see whales spouting.There are elephant seals at Ragged Point -- not sure if they are there at this time of year.Are you going from SF to LA? Or are you also doing the northern part from SF up to Westport?

Camp for two nights minimum at USFS Plaskett Creek. No dump, cell service or internet but water is available.

Check out Morro Bay, Cambria, San Simeon State Park (great hikes) and the elephant seals.

CA Hwy 1 - Tips and Tricks? | Good Sam Community

CA_Traveler
Explorer III
May 21, 2019
Pismo, Avila, Morro Bay, Big Sur, Carmel, Monterey, Moss Landing, Santa Cruz, Half Moon Bay, San Francisco, Bodega Bay and north are some of our favorite areas. Hog Island Oysters south of Bodega Bay is a must for us. If you do cross the GG stay right (required for RVs anyway) and immediately exit to the view area. A great view or maybe fog.

Be advised that some will never take the Big Sur portion a second time. Ditto for the section from the GG to Marshall.
the_bear_II
Explorer
May 20, 2019
Keep an eye out for hidden driveways or idiots pulling out from one of the many shops/parking areas. We had a couple of close calls during our last trip.
DarkSkySeeker
Explorer
May 20, 2019

Highway 1 north of SF can be narrow and steep down to the ocean. There are several campgrounds in Bodega Bay.

I think your original post said 2-3 days. You'll find yourself rushed if you keep that schedule.
rr2254545
Explorer
May 20, 2019
Made the trip several times here are my favorite California stops

Monterey Bay Aquarium
17 Mile Drive – Pebble Beach
Hearst Castle
otrfun
Explorer II
May 20, 2019
profdant139 wrote:
. . . Bring binoculars -- maybe even two pair! On calm mornings, before the wind picks up, you might be able to see whales spouting.

There are elephant seals at Ragged Point -- not sure if they are there at this time of year . . .
Two Hands wrote:
Check out Morro Bay, Cambria, San Simeon State Park (great hikes) and the elephant seals.
Thanks, profdant139 and Two Hands! will definitely put this down on our list of things to do!
otrfun
Explorer II
May 20, 2019
downtheroad wrote:
I'll ask first....what parts of Hwy 1 . . .
profdant139 wrote:
. . . Are you going from SF to LA? Or are you also doing the northern part from SF up to Westport?
Pretty firm on LA/SF. May head farther north if time permits.
otrfun
Explorer II
May 20, 2019
DrewE wrote:
As to going north or south: going south you are on the ocean side of the road, and so have better views. Going north you are on the land side of the road and can't see the ocean as well; however, if you're scared of heights (or especially if your passenger is), it may be much less intimidating.
profdant139 wrote:
. . . Since (as the driver) you will be watching the road, you might as well do it north to south so that your lucky passenger gets to look straight down the cliffs. That route also makes it easier to pull out into the turnouts, so that you can actually get to see something, too . . .
Leaning towards heading north. My wife just looked at some pictures of the CA coast and has expressed some concern about the steep cliffs and drop-offs :E
Two_Hands
Explorer
May 20, 2019
Check out Morro Bay, Cambria, San Simeon State Park (great hikes) and the elephant seals.
Lwiddis
Explorer II
May 20, 2019
Camp for two nights minimum at USFS Plaskett Creek. No dump, cell service or internet but water is available.
profdant139
Explorer II
May 20, 2019
Since you will be in a TC, this drive will be a piece of cake, compared to doing it in a trailer. (Which is what I have done a few times.) . This time of year, you can hit some serious fog along that route -- no big deal, although it does interfere with the views!

Since (as the driver) you will be watching the road, you might as well do it north to south so that your lucky passenger gets to look straight down the cliffs. That route also makes it easier to pull out into the turnouts, so that you can actually get to see something, too.

Bring binoculars -- maybe even two pair! On calm mornings, before the wind picks up, you might be able to see whales spouting.

There are elephant seals at Ragged Point -- not sure if they are there at this time of year.

Are you going from SF to LA? Or are you also doing the northern part from SF up to Westport?