Cycling the
Pacific Coast Highway

Advice on cycling the Pacific Coast Highway, with information on routes, books, and accommodation options through Washington, Oregon and California.

Cycling the Pacific Coast Highway

Cycling the Pacific Coast Highway is one of the most amazing cycling experiences in the world. From the Canadian border to the border with Mexico, the routes take you on the highways and the byways through over 1700 miles of magnificent West Coast scenery.

Cycling the Highway is a challenge, but it can be done in about 40 days by anyone who is reasonably fit and at home in the saddle. That's an average of about 40-50 miles a day, though some days will be shorter and some days longer, depending on the breaks you take and the accommodation options you're looking for.

But if you have the time to take a slower pace then do it. Leave yourself more time to enjoy the magnificent West Coast scenery and the attractions you'll see on the way:

Beaches
Gardens
Lighthouses
Museums
National Historical Monuments
National Parks
State Parks
Wildlife

You'll want to know where to stay, from historic inns and guesthouses to hotels, motels, hostels, and campsites.

There's some basic advice on which way to travel and why, on the stretches where you'll have to cycle along the main Highway, and the places where there are established cycle routes.

But even if you don't have the time or the energy to cycle the whole of the route in one memorable journey, you can always do a short stretch or two as part of your West Coast vacation.

You can also stop off and enjoy cycling in some of the towns and cities you'll see on the way. For some inspiration, read Rich Grant's account of Cycling Round San Francisco Bay.

In Southern California, the Pacific Coast Highway follows the old historic 101 route through the San Diego area. This cycling-friendly area has great views, interesting things to do and nice beaches. For more information, see Biking in San Diego.

If you want information from someone who's cycled the Pacific Coast Highway, visit the Crazy Guy on a Bike website.

Here's a cool (if long) video on what it's like to cycle
from Santa Monica to Malibu:

And check out these books from people who've done it
Bicycling the Pacific Coast
Cycling the USA West Coast
Two Wheels North: Bicycling the West Coast in 1909

Other cycling pages

Ways to Go
Here are links to the different ways you can go along the Pacific Coast Highway, one of the most popular drives in the world but you can also cycle it.
Coastal California Guidebook
Lonely Planet's Coastal California guidebook is the ideal travel guide for driving or cycling the Pacific Coast Highway from the Oregon border to Mexico.
Alaska to Mexico by Bike
Downhills Don't Come Free by Jerry Holl is an inspiring account of his trip from Alaska to Mexico by bike, and also showing why we sometimes need a challenge.
Bicycling the Pacific Coast Book Review
Bicycling the Pacific Coast Book Review is a complete route guide for cyclists planning to bike from Canada through Oregon, Washington & California to Mexico.
Cycling the USA West Coast
Lonely Planet's Guide to Cycling the USA West Coast is a bicycling guidebook for anyone touring California, Oregon and Washington by bike.
Bicycling the West Coast in 1909: Two Wheels North
Two Wheels North: Bicycling the West Coast in 1909 is the award-winning story of two young men who cycled the Pacific Coast from Santa Rosa to Seattle.