I will be traveling from LA to San Francisco, and wanted to drive just a part of the way on the Pacific Coast Highway. I have read messages here that recommend 3 days for the trip up the coast, but due to time limitations I have only 1 day. Which portion of highway 1 offers the most scenic views? Where would be a good place to cut over from Highway 101 to Highway 1? (Also, being from the midwest, I am not accustomed to mountain / coastal driving, so I would like to choose a portion of Highway 1 that does not have too narrow of roads!) Thanks in advance for any help!

First of all - Hwy 1 is narrow and winding. It is a scenis highway and hugs the cliffside. There are portions that are straighetr than others but it is basically a winding, hilly road from San Diego to the Oregon Border.

The section where Hwy 1 is nearest to 101 is between Oxnard and San Luis Obispo. But that is not the most scenic stretch.

If you want to see some magnificent scenery - and only have 1 day - take 101 as far as San Luis Obispo (freeway all the way) then take Hwy 1 from there to Monterey. Cut over to Salinas and take 101 the rest of the way. The hwy 1 portion will include Morro Bay, Cambria, Big Sur and Carmnel/Monterey. That bit is about 100 miles and the only really nerveracking portion is Big Sur - but you will survive.

I'd have to agree with Janis regarding the portion of drive that is most scenic. Another option is to take the 101 to Highway 46 in the Paso Robles area and then you can drive over to Hwy 1 through the wine country. I just wouldn't recommend stopping for any wine tasting before heading up through the windy road.

As soon as you come across Hwy 46, the first town you'll come to is Cambria. It will be your last opportunity for gasoline for awhile. It's also a good place to stop and have lunch. Or have a snack and then plan on stopping for a meal up in Big Sur.

Lisa - I just did the drive along Hwy 1 last week and would agree with the above posts on the stretch between Big Sur and San Francisco. It's a total of about 140 miles of the most beautiful scenery I have ever seen... with the exception of a few inland stretches, the route takes you right along the coast... the good news for you is that by traveling North, you will be on the inside lane, safe from the fear of plunging helplessly over the unprotected edge. Don't be tempted to leave HWY 1 at any point until you hit the City of SF. There are warning signs that a section is closed due to rock falls, but there was open road when we got to that area. The 140 miles was the best four hours (with stops) that I have ever spent on the road... have fun and no fear...

Leave 101 at Rt. 46 and go west to Cambria. When you reach Hwy 1 turn north for the next 100 miles or so through Big Sur. If you just go slowly and carefully, you'll not have any "Midwestern shock", but you have to endure the twists and turns and hills in order to see the view. I generally tell people to allow 3 hours for the Big Sur portion of the drive. When you reach Carmel, if you need to speed things up you can cut back over to 101 on 156 at Castroville. Then take 101 to 85 to 280 and into the city. That part of Hwy 1 north of Monterey is interesting, but not as scenic as the Big Sur part and so can be skipped if you're running out of time or if the fog is rolling in. Sorry you've only got 1 day.