Whether it’s wide open for all or closed to cars due to rockslides and washouts, cycling Highway 1 in California is something every road cyclist should experience.
- Challenging climbs & breathtaking descents
- Stunning coastal views
- The Central Coast’s unique microclimate
- Rider-friendly towns
- Next-level experience when closed to vehicle traffic
- Natural & historical attractions
- Incredible local cycling community
Highway 1 is not just a road—it’s a rite of passage. The highway hugs the edge of the Pacific, winding through misty cliffs, hidden beaches, and postcard towns with every kind of climb, descent, and ocean breeze in between. One moment you’re cruising flats with migrating whales offshore, the next you’re grinding a climb with miles of coast unfolding below.
If you’re chasing solitude, challenge, or just the perfect coastal spin, read on to learn why the Central Coast’s stretch of highway is a one-of-a-kind grind.
Highway 1 Closures = A Golden Opportunity for Cyclists
When closure signs go up on Highway 1, most travelers turn back. But cyclists? We clip in.
While Highway 1 is one of the most scenic rides in the world, it’s also prone to landslides, washouts, and weather-related closures—especially in the winter and spring months. When closures hit, the cars disappear and the legendary Pacific Coast Highway transforms into a quiet ribbon of road tailor-made for two wheels.
Suddenly, cycling Highway 1 in California becomes a rare and unforgettable experience—one where the Pacific Ocean air, steep climbs, and dramatic views are yours alone.
With fewer cars (or none at all), you’re free to ride at your pace, hear the waves, and take the lane. There’s nothing like biking Highway 1 when it’s calm, quiet, and wide open. It’s a rare kind of ride, and it starts right here on the Central Coast.
Tips for Navigating Highway 1 When It’s Closed
Riding during a Highway 1 closure is epic, but a little prep goes a long way:
- Check Highway 1 road conditions with Caltrans before you go.
- Pack extra snacks and water—amenities can be limited.
- Bring your flat kit—debris and coastal wind can make a mess of your tires.
- Download your route in advance (cell service is spotty in some areas).
- Know your bailouts—many routes loop inland if needed.
Best Places to Stay Along Highway 1: Cambria & San Simeon
Looking for hotels on Highway 1 where you can roll straight from bed to bike? Cambria and San Simeon in San Luis Obispo County are your perfect cyclist-friendly basecamps for multi-day rides or weekend escapes.
Stay in Cambria
Cambria is a charming town with ocean air, local eats, and cozy inns just blocks from the beach. Many are bike-friendly hotels along Highway 1 with secure storage and easy access to top routes. Fuel up at Cambria Coffee Roasting Co., or grab post-ride olallieberry pie at Linn’s.
Stay in San Simeon
In San Simeon, you can stay steps away from your next bike ride on Highway 1. Whether you’re heading toward Big Sur or the Piedras Blancas Light Station, this quiet coastal community is all about the views—and fewer crowds.
Need help picking a spot? Check out our full lodging guide and book a place that’s ready for both you and your bike.
Best Bike Routes on Highway 1
These Highway 1 cycling routes hug the coast, climb into the hills, and return with windswept stories to tell.
- Ragged Point Route
- Gorda Route
- Highway 1 Adventure Route
- Avila Beach Route
Ragged Point Route
This is coastal California cycling at its purest. From San Simeon to the “Gateway to Big Sur,” this 37-mile ride features some of the best road stops on Highway 1—including the elephant seal rookery, Hearst Castle views, and Ragged Point’s famous million-dollar view from the vista at Ragged Point Inn.
Gorda Route
Nearly 70 miles and over 5,000 feet of climbing—this is your Highway 1 adventure. When the road to Big Sur is closed to cars, cyclists get the coastline to themselves. Add a couple trailhead hikes and you’ve got an epic day in the saddle.
Highway 1 Adventure Route
133 miles. 11,637 feet of elevation. This Pacific Coast Highway cycling gauntlet takes you inland, to the Santa Lucia mountains, then winds you back to the coast. It’s perfect for multi-day bikepacking when you’re ready to go full send.
Avila Beach Route
A full coastal century with serious payoff. Ride from Cambria down the Pacific Coast Highway through Morro Bay, past the iconic volcanic cap of Morro Rock, and into Avila Beach. It’s a mix of long miles, sea views, and coastal charm—perfect for those looking to go big and soak it all in.
Top Pacific Coast Highway 1 Attractions
Even when you’re chasing watts, don’t miss these top scenic Highway 1 attractions:
- Elephant Seal Rookery: A rare, year-round viewing area just north of San Simeon
- Hearst Castle: An iconic backdrop to your ride, plus worthwhile guided tours
- Piedras Blancas Light Station: A historic gem with coastal photo ops
- Ragged Point: Stop at the Portal to Big Sur and soak in the moments at Ragged Point
- Hiking Trails: Plenty of spots to lock the bike and get moving on two feet
- Arterial to Wine Country: Quick detours to Cambria’s tasting rooms or Edna Valley’s vineyards
- Monarch Butterfly Groves: Featuring several viewing spots along the Western Monarch Trail
These are the kind of Pacific Coast Highway Route 1 California attractions that shift your ride from scenic to epic.
Join the Cycle Central Coast Community, Share Your Highway 1 Ride
Cycle Central Coast is more than a map—it’s a community. We’re building a movement around the best cycling routes on Highway 1, and we want you to join the pack, whether you’re going on a casual road trip or doing some intense training.
- Follow our Instagram and Facebook, and tag us in your photos and videos.
- Join our Strava Club and participate in our Ride of the Month.
- Share your story with us—especially those “no traffic, no problem” kind of rides.