California 1 - From the Coast to US 101

This is my favorite road in California as of 2026. You make your way from the coast back to the 101 through a beautiful forest climbing up and down the coastal range. The road follows the contours of the land so there are *many* curves and turns.

It has two main sections: the first 10 miles which is a tight climb up over a headland from the ocean to Rockport. The road is very technical with one 1st gear 10mph curve and many other 2nd gear curves. This is the oldest section of road as they finished resurfacing this first a few years ago. There are a few areas where the redwoods and pines have pushed the road up but it's mostly very smooth. Beware of tight, decreasing radius corners sneaking up on you; carry too much speed (and you'll want to go fast) and you'll be in trouble.

The second area, after a brief straight through Rockport is buttery, smooth and glorious. They finished resurfacing the entire road in 2024, so it's one of the best surfaces in this database. It has many tight technical corners and turns that will have you practicing quick hands. There are some straights where you can build up quite a bit of speed, but like the first section, watch out for the tight corners. Your brakes will get a workout.

Traffic can be a problem; aim for driving this during shoulder season and in the early morning, or evening. We've had good luck spending the night in Fort Bragg and leaving early, or hitting this stretch at sunset. As with all the NorCal forest roads, watch for deer.

This is an absolute crown jewel and the reason why we have roads and sports cars. Do whatever you can to drive this one.