United States, California
The Pacific coast at its most theatrical, cliff curves above the open ocean.
Length
145 km
In miles
90.1 mi
Driving time
4 hr 32 min
Atlas rating
9.5 / 10
The run
Carmel to San Simeon, following the SR 1. Drive it in either direction, though the views usually favour the climb.
Season
Landslide closures are frequent, check before setting out
Checked by the Drivers Atlas desk
Scored and written by the Drivers Atlas editorial desk, drawing on driven routes across the UK and Europe, mapping data and member road reports. Every road in the library carries a driving and scenery score set by the same method. How we score roads.
Last reviewed 6 April 2026
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