Pacific Coast Highway

The Pacific Coast Highway is one of America’s defining motorcycle roads, following California’s rugged central coastline through the legendary Big Sur region. The route combines ocean views, dramatic cliffs, forested mountains and a road that repeatedly bends between the Pacific and the Santa Lucia Mountains. Rather than being defined by a single climb or summit, its appeal comes from the continuous combination of landscape and road.

Leaving Monterey and Carmel, the route quickly becomes more dramatic as Highway 1 reaches the Big Sur coast. Long sweeping bends are mixed with tighter corners as the road follows the contours of the mountains, with the Pacific appearing and disappearing between the trees and cliffs. Every section brings a different perspective, from elevated coastal views to stretches where the road feels almost suspended above the ocean.

For riders, the Pacific Coast Highway offers a different kind of technical challenge from the Alpine passes. There is little emphasis on altitude or tight hairpins; instead, the reward comes from maintaining a smooth rhythm through continuous corners while managing changing sightlines, traffic and the narrow coastal road. The combination of riding and scenery makes even the less technical sections feel like part of the experience.

This is a road where the destination is never the only reason to stop. Keep the ocean beside you, follow the bends and let the California coast do the rest.

Highway 1 through Big Sur can be affected by landslides, rockfalls, roadworks and temporary closures, so current road conditions should always be checked before riding. Traffic can be noticeable during weekends and peak holiday periods, particularly around popular viewpoints and Big Sur. Fuel and services are limited along the central section, so it is sensible to start with enough fuel for the route. Fog can also appear quickly along the coast, reducing visibility even on otherwise clear days.

The Ride Beyond route begins in Monterey and follows the coast towards Carmel-by-the-Sea before joining the most spectacular section of California’s Highway 1. The road quickly leaves the more developed coastline behind as it approaches the cliffs and mountains of Big Sur.

The section around Bixby Creek Bridge marks the beginning of the route’s most recognisable coastal scenery. From here, Highway 1 winds continuously along the mountainside, alternating between sweeping bends and tighter corners while the Pacific Ocean remains a constant presence below. The road passes through Big Sur before continuing south along the rugged coastline.

Further south, the route reaches the area around McWay Falls, where the combination of cliffs, ocean and forest creates one of the most distinctive landscapes along the entire journey. From here, Highway 1 gradually moves away from the most dramatic Big Sur cliffs as it continues towards Morro Bay.

The Pacific Coast Highway is best ridden without trying to rush it. Leave room for the viewpoints, allow the road to set the rhythm and remember that the coastline is as much a part of the route as the asphalt beneath you.