Scenic Drive on the Pacific Coast Highway: San Francisco to Half Moon Bay

This is the quintessential Bay Area coast drive: Highway 1 leaving the city, hugging the bluffs through Pacifica, curving around Devil's Slide, and rolling down to the beaches of Half Moon Bay.

San Francisco Bay Area · Drive · about 50 min · 28 miles · Pleasantness: Very High

Why this route is pleasant

• Open Pacific Ocean on your right for most of the drive
• The Devil's Slide coastal cliffs, with a car-free tunnel bypass and trail
• Far less traffic and signage than the inland 280 route
• Pullouts and overlooks the whole way down for photos
• Salt air, fog burning off the headlands, and surf breaks at Pacifica

What you'll see

• Pacifica State Beach and the Pacifica Pier
• The dramatic Devil's Slide bluffs and Gray Whale Cove
• Montara Lighthouse on its headland
• The wide crescent of Half Moon Bay's beaches at the end

Best time to go

Late afternoon on a clear day, when the light goes gold over the water — or any time the coastal fog has lifted.

Open this route in Pleasant Routes · More San Francisco Bay Area routes · All cities