i'll be out in california from tomorrow until sunday...a buddy and myself are renting bikes and plan to ride the PCH on thursday.

looking for good suggestion on places to see, places to eat, places to avoid.

thanks guys!

 

Where are you starting and where are you ending up?

 

Same question as above. The road runs the entire coast of California.

 

Also known as California State Route 1, the PCH was built in 1934 and took 15 years to complete. It runs for nearly 550 miles in California, stretching along most of the state's coastline.

For the most dramatic scenery packed into less than half the mileage, set your sights on the Central Coast and a journey of about 240 miles from Monterey south to Santa Barbara.

Driving the route from north to south is ideal, as you'll be on the ocean side of the road the entire way, allowing unobstructed views of the jagged coastline below. Three days is a minimum, and if time allows you could easily spend more.

About 115 miles south of San Francisco, Monterey epitomizes Northern California living with mild year-round temperatures, a marine sanctuary just offshore and good cultural attractions.

At the turn of the 20th century, Cannery Row was the site of a busy salmon and abalone canning industry. These days, the historic quarter on the peninsula is the go-to destination for dining and lodging.

Consider detouring along the private 17-Mile Drive to Pebble Beach, where the 7th hole is considered one of the most picturesque greens on the planet.

Back south on the PCH, a few miles from Monterey, is the artsy enclave of Carmel-by-the-Sea - the start of the most scenic stretch of coastline along the entire route.

The sound of barking sea lions carries inland at Point Lobos State Park, where rocky headlands are interspersed with jewel-like coves. Lunch on gourmet pizzas at a redwood table tucked into gardens at Forge in the Forest, before getting back on the road.

South of Carmel is where the route really reels you into its splendor. And while you never know when that ubiquitous coastal fog is going to lower a curtain over the views, when it lifts it's as if Oz is being revealed.

The road winds high on the cliffs, with the crashing surf below. Many of the beaches you'll see are inaccessible or require serious hikes in, making them all the more enchanting.

It's less than 30 miles from Carmel to Big Sur, but the going is slow, as the road snakes back and forth and travelers creep along to soak up the scenery.

At Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park, an 80-foot waterfall cascades from the granite cliffs onto the beach. If you stop at only one spot, make it Nepenthe Restaurant. There you can sip a glass of wine perched atop a cliff with the views beckoning below.

Before you get to San Simeon, pull off at Piedras Blancas Beach, where elephant seals pack the beach in the winter months.

Hearst Castle - newspaper magnate William Randolph Hearst's enormous slice of paradise - is about 65 miles south of Big Sur, in San Simeon.

Yes, it's touristy. Yes, it's crowded. And yes, it's worth visiting.

Book tickets online in advance (Tour 1 is a broad overview of the property that lasts less than two hours, and is the best option for first-time visitors).

Balance out all that opulence with a different sort of attraction down the road, in the seaside village of Cambria.

Nit Wit Ridge is a folk art fantasy - a poor man's castle built from thousands of found objects (read: treasures from trash).

Cambria's idyllic forest-meets-ocean locale and small town setting make it a great stopover for the night. Lost in the woods, the Cambria Pines Lodge offers cabins and up-market suites. A short walk away, The Brambles Dinner House is one of the best restaurants in town.

Before cutting inland to San Luis Obispo, stop to fly a kite on the wide swath of sand at Morro Bay and hunt for anemones in the tidal pools.

While the beatniks can no longer afford Big Sur these days, the area retains much of that natural living and free loving vibe.

San Luis Obispo is a college town (Cal Poly is here) with a surfy vibe, and home to one of the most kitschy-cool hotels ever. The Madonna Inn is over-the-top ornate, with 109 completely unique rooms that range from caveman-style to old English decor. Gents shouldn't miss a trip to the men's bathroom in the main lobby, where the urinal has a waterfall feature.

In the winter months, pull over at Pismo Beach to see the trees aflutter with orange and black monarch butterflies that winter here for the season.

Instead of continuing south on U.S. 1 from Pismo Beach, take the inland route to Santa Barbara along Route 101, and stop for some swilling in the Santa Ynez Valley's wine region. (If you've seen the movie 'Sideways,' you'll recognize some of the vineyard views.)

Solvang, a Danish-style town that's become somewhat of a tourist clich, is worth a quick stopover to pick up some Danish pastries and check out the odd gingerbread and windmill scenery, before pressing on to Santa Barbara.

Many native Californians consider Santa Barbara the best vestige of an early California atmosphere. Dubbed the 'American Riviera,' the city certainly gets tonier by the minute. However, you can still find old school pockets that pay homage to the Golden State's true surf-and-sand lifestyle. The city's walkability makes it a great destination for aimless wandering as you soak up the atmosphere.

Mission Santa Barbara, founded in 1786, still functions as a church. It is considered one of California's prettiest buildings, and the tourists come in droves.

Stearns Wharf is a tourist mecca, too, but a pleasant spot for a waterfront wander.

For an old California vibe, spend the night at Cabrillo Inn at the Beach. A 1950s-style hotel, it's one of the most economical oceanfront options (snag an upstairs room for the best views).

The Upham Hotel, a historic bed-and-breakfast downtown, is a touch more romantic.


When it comes to dining, you'll rarely go wrong with seafood or Mexican in Santa Barbara.

For the latter, try La Super-Rica Taqueria (622 N. Milpas St. - no Web site), where the Oaxacan-style eats earned acclaim from Julia Child herself.

For seafood in a romantic setting, check out Harbor Restaurant, on the wharf.

Finally, to toast your last stop on the PCH in true California fashion, hit the Santa Barbara Brewing Company for a locally brewed ale.

 

I did it once. Best ride of my life

 

If in Santa Cruz at night try to visit the Beach Board walk. Quite a site with all the rides and lights. Only a few boardwalks still around.

I second 17 mile drive, but coming to think of it I have never seen a motorcycle there. You might want to check I am thinking they are not allowed.

Great seafood dive in a place called Moss Landing. Phil's Fish Market was featured on Throwdown with Bobby Flay.

Also take a quick stop at Duartes in Pescadero.

Lots to see and do, but some might be a little off the beaten path.

 

only one day? I don't know where you are starting from --

but the best parts of PCH/HWY 1 are north of Morro Bay -- there is a good section in the Malibu area -- but the rugged coast above Morro Bay to Monterey is fantastic. Also the section above San Franciso through Mendocino and Fort Bragg is breath taking.

there is some pretty coast views up through Santa Barbara and Goleta -- but to me just normal.

If you get up to Moss Landing, I recommend Sea Harvest restaurant over Phils -- we prefer the flavorings of the clam chowder -- even though Phils gets a lot of press

Currently, motorcycles are not allowed on the 17 Mile Drive. I have heard of motorcycles getting on it by saying they were visiting someone - but can't confirm it.

Being a Calif resident -- and having been over that road and others --if you PM me with specific questions or possibly other routes let me know

 

Honestly, it is all pretty fantastic. I went from LA to SF and had a blast.

 

we're picking up our bikes in LA. have them all day. so we're working with the southern half of socal.

thanks for all the suggestions so far, will look through them

 

I think going north of LA to SF is a much better route. Going south, you will have to go around Camp Pendleton and once you get to Oceanside it is stop and go stop signs and redlights through little towns most of the way to SD. There is some beautiful coastal cruising, but not as much as you would think.