How to Plan Your Pacific Coast Highway Route 1 Driving Tour in San Francisco

If you’re traveling to San Francisco, don’t miss the opportunity to explore the iconic Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) which is also known as Route 1. Steep cliffs, rugged coastlines, and stunning ocean views make PCH one of the most scenic drives in the world. Planning for a road trip on the PCH can seem daunting, but we’ve got you covered. In this post, we’ll guide you through on how to plan your Pacific Coast Highway Route 1 Driving Tour in San Francisco.

Overview of the Pacific Coast Highway Route 1 Driving Tour

The tour takes place in San Francisco and starts with a self-led smartphone audio guide which you can download prior to your trip. This audio guide will come in handy as it will take you from San Francisco to Los Angeles while sharing fun facts and stories about the cities and landmarks you pass by. One of the best parts of this tour is that you can explore the Pacific Coast Highway Route 1 independently, and at your own pace. This driving tour is a great option for those who enjoy flexibility in their travels. It is important to note that this tour is app-based, meaning the app on your smartphone will guide you throughout the tour. Also, the app’s GPS functionality allows you to use it offline, so you can download it even before you arrive in San Francisco.

Highlights of the Driving Tour

The cities and landmarks mentioned in this section are not part of the tour price, they are just highlights of the tour. The driving tour covers many iconic landmarks along Route 1. A few highlights that you shouldn’t miss include:

• The Golden Gate Bridge: No trip to San Francisco is complete without visiting the Golden Gate Bridge. Drive across this iconic suspension bridge and get a great view of the city.
• Monterey Bay Aquarium: This aquarium is home to a wide variety of marine animals, including sea otters, penguins, and sharks.
• Bixby Creek Bridge: This is one of the most iconic bridges on the Pacific Coast Highway. Drive over this picturesque bridge and capture some great vacation photos.
• Big Sur: Big Sur is a rugged coastline that offers breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean. This part of the drive is the most scenic.

What’s Included in the Tour

The Pacific Coast Highway Route 1 Driving Tour includes the app on your phone, a link to download the Tour Guide App by Action and Password for your tours, a flexible schedule that allows you to use any day, any time, and also travel over multiple days or on your next trip. The best part about this tour is that it never expires, which means you can download it now and use it for your future road trips. This app-based tour is great value for money. You only have to buy one per car, so you don’t have to pay for each person. Plus, it’s much cheaper than the cost of hiring a tour guide.

How to Book the Tour

If you’re planning a Pacific Coast Highway Route 1 Driving Tour, you can book the tour in advance with Viator, a third-party company that offers travel tours, excursions, and activities worldwide. To book the tour, simply visit their website and search for “Pacific Coast Highway Route 1 Driving Tour.” You’ll find all the tour details along with the price and any other information that you’ll need. Book the tour here

Book Your Tour Now

The Pacific Coast Highway Route 1 Driving Tour is a must-experience tour. With a beautiful coastline, stunning views, and a flexible schedule, it’s no wonder that this road trip is one of the most popular tourist destinations in California. So, download the app, get in your car, and start exploring this beautiful part of the West Coast. That’s how you plan a Pacific Coast Highway Route 1 Driving Tour in San Francisco for an unforgettable vacation.

San Francisco Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What is San Francisco known for?

San Francisco is known for many things, including the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz Island, cable cars, its beautiful hills, and diverse culture. It is also known for its thriving tech industry, iconic landmarks, world-renowned restaurants, and rich history.

2. When is the best time to visit San Francisco?

The best time to visit San Francisco is during the summer months between June and August, when the temperatures are mild and the skies are clear. However, San Francisco weather is known to be unpredictable, so it’s best to bring layers and be prepared for a mix of sunshine and fog.

3. What are some must-visit attractions in San Francisco?

San Francisco has plenty of must-visit attractions, including: – Golden Gate Bridge – Alcatraz Island – Fisherman’s Wharf – Chinatown – Cable Cars – Golden Gate Park – Painted Ladies – Palace of Fine Arts

4. What is the cost of living in San Francisco?

San Francisco is known for having one of the highest costs of living in the United States. Housing, transportation, and food expenses are all typically more expensive compared to other cities in the country.

5. What is the transportation system like in San Francisco?

San Francisco has a public transportation system that includes buses, cable cars, light rail, and trains. The Muni system provides transportation throughout the city, while BART (Bay Area Rapid Transit) connects San Francisco to other cities in the Bay Area.

6. What are the best neighborhoods to visit in San Francisco?

Some of the best neighborhoods to visit in San Francisco include: – The Mission District – Haight-Ashbury – North Beach – Pacific Heights – Nob Hill – Castro District – SoMa (South of Market)

7. What are some popular festivals and events in San Francisco?

San Francisco is known for its vibrant events and festivals. Some of the most popular ones include: – Pride Parade (June) – Outside Lands Music Festival (August) – San Francisco International Film Festival (April) – Hardly Strictly Bluegrass (October) – Fleet Week (October)

8. What are some of the best restaurants in San Francisco?

San Francisco is known for its world-renowned restaurants, including: – The French Laundry – Gary Danko – Swan Oyster Depot – La Taqueria – Tartine Bakery – Zuni Cafe

9. What are some outdoor activities to do in San Francisco?

San Francisco has an abundance of outdoor activities. Some of the best ones include: – Hiking in Golden Gate Park – Walking across the Golden Gate Bridge – Biking along the Embarcadero – Kayaking in the San Francisco Bay – Picnicking in Dolores Park

10. What is the weather like in San Francisco?

San Francisco weather is known to be unpredictable, but typically mild. The city is known for its foggy mornings and cooler temperatures, with average temperatures ranging from mid-40s to mid-60s Fahrenheit throughout the year.

How to Spend Your Time as a Tourist in San Francisco

San Francisco is one of the most iconic cities in the world, known for its stunning architecture, hilly landscapes, world-class cuisine and vibrant culture. Whether you are visiting San Francisco for the first time or returning for a visit, there is an endless supply of things to see and do. In this guide, we will take you through some of the best ways to spend your time as a tourist in San Francisco.

1. See the Golden Gate Bridge

No trip to San Francisco is complete without a visit to the Golden Gate Bridge. This iconic suspension bridge is world-famous for its striking orange color and spans 1.7 miles across the Golden Gate Strait. You can walk, bike, or drive across the bridge and take in the breathtaking views of the San Francisco Bay and the city skyline.

2. Explore Fisherman’s Wharf

Fisherman’s Wharf is one of the city’s most popular tourist destinations, offering fun-filled attractions, delicious seafood restaurants, and unique shopping opportunities. Walk along the bustling waterfront, see the sea lions sunbathing on Pier 39, and explore the exhibits at the Maritime National Historic Park.

3. Visit Alcatraz Island

Alcatraz Island is a must-see attraction for anyone visiting San Francisco. Once a maximum-security prison, Alcatraz is now a National Historic Landmark and home to a fascinating history museum. Take a ferry ride to the island and tour the prison, featuring the world’s most notorious criminals such as Al Capone and the “Birdman of Alcatraz”.

4. Go to the Top of Coit Tower

Coit Tower is a San Francisco landmark rising 210 feet above the city’s skyline. Take the elevator to the top of the tower for spectacular 360-degree views of the city, including Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz Island, and the Bay Bridge. The tower is also home to a historic mural created by local artists during the Great Depression.

5. Walk through Golden Gate Park

Golden Gate Park is a lush oasis in the middle of the city, covering more than 1,000 acres. The park features gardens, lakes, walking paths, and cultural attractions such as the California Academy of Sciences and the de Young Museum. You can also rent a paddleboat on Stow Lake and enjoy a peaceful afternoon on the water.

6. Experience Chinatown

San Francisco’s Chinatown is the largest outside of Asia, offering an immersive cultural experience with its vibrant markets, traditional architecture, and delicious Chinese cuisine. You can explore the tucked-away alleys and lanes, browse shops selling exotic herbs and teas, and sample dim sum at one of the many restaurants.

7. Ride a Cable Car

San Francisco’s cable car system is a unique and iconic transportation system, dating back to the 1800s. Today, visitors can take a ride through the city’s hilly terrain and experience a thrilling, one-of-a-kind mode of transportation. Take the cable car to Nob Hill for stunning views of the city.

8. Visit the Exploratorium

The Exploratorium is a popular science museum located on Pier 15 of the San Francisco waterfront. The museum features interactive exhibits and displays that explore science, art and human perception. Visitors can also enjoy stunning views of the bay from the museum’s outdoor observation area.

9. Enjoy the Food Scene

San Francisco’s food scene is world-renowned and offers a variety of cuisine, from authentic Mexican to Michelin-starred restaurants. Don’t miss out on San Francisco’s signature dish, cioppino, a hearty seafood stew that originated in the city. Try some sourdough bread from Boudin Bakery or indulge in a sweet treat from the Ghirardelli chocolate factory.

10. Experience the Nightlife

San Francisco’s nightlife is vibrant and diverse, offering something for everyone. From cool jazz clubs to live music venues and rooftop bars, the city has it all. Visit the historic San Francisco Opera House for a classical music experience or catch a game at Oracle Park, home of the San Francisco Giants. Book Your Tour Now San Francisco is a city full of life, culture, and history. Whether you are interested in exploring the outdoors or discovering the city’s unique culture and cuisine, San Francisco is sure to offer an unforgettable experience. Use this guide to plan your itinerary and make the most of your time in this iconic city.