Highway 1 - San Mateo Coast | California Motorcycle Roads and Rides

Motorcycle Roads & Rides > Routes > United States > California

Highway 1 - San Mateo Coast

Average Rating - This road has been rated by 4 visitors

State: California
Date Submitted: December 1, 2009
Submitted by: Hyster
Motorcycle Road Length: 62 Miles Miles

Written Directions

To do this North to South, find your way to Daly City - most likely by way of I-280 - and pop over the hill to Pacifica. Once your on Hwy 1, it's pretty hard to get lost. Santa Cruz is hard to miss; watch out for tourist traffic on Mission.

Scenery

This is the edge of the continent, folks. Any farther west requires a wetsuit. You will have views of the Pacific to your right and wooded hills and farmland to your left. In Spring, you'd swear you're in Ireland.

Road Quality

Nice surface, with rolling hills and sweeping turns. In summer there can be a motor home or two, and watch out for pedestrian traffic near the many state beaches. Cars may brake suddenly to turn off into the parking lots. Stay alert. Good visibility and plenty of safe passing lanes. Be patient - slow down and live.

Roadside Amenities

Plenty of places to eat to start the day in Pacifica - try Nicks in Rockaway Beach. Farther south, stop for coffee and a walk-about in Half Moon Bay. A short side trip up Hwy 84, and you can mingle with fellow travelers at the Mercantile in San Gregorio. Artichoke soup and ollaliberry pie at Duarte's in Pescadero is a must, as is coffee and ice cream in Davenport. Ten miles later, you're in Santa Cruz.

Additional Info

- View the weather forecast for this area from Yahoo weather .

Nickname (optional) Hyster

Add a Photo Add a Video


Reviewed by Guest on August 26, 2010 (1 out of 1 members found this review useful.)
Creator: Gonzy
motorcycle_year: 2010
motorcycle_make: Harley-Davidson
motorcycle_type: Touring
Comment: This is a ride that I never tire of! Rolling hills, gentle curves, magnificent views. While in Pacifica you have to try Gorilla BBQ, it's on the northbound side of Hwy 1. If you're heading south, make a left turn at Reina del Mar then an immediate right into the driveway then go around the rear of the buildings and to the red rail car. When in Santa Cruz make a quick stop for coffee, pastries and a light meal at Kelly's French Bakery, it's where the locals go. Make a right at the 2nd signal light in town, Swift Ave, go over the tracks, turn left into the driveway at the corner of the next intersection.You won't regret it!
Was this review helpful? Yes \| No

Reviewed by Guest on June 15, 2010 (0 out of 1 members found this review useful.)
Creator: John
motorcycle_year: 1991
motorcycle_make: Suzuki
motorcycle_type: Sport
Comment: Excellent drive
Was this review helpful? Yes \| No

Reviewed by Guest on April 3, 2010 (0 out of 0 members found this review useful.)
Creator: Richard
motorcycle_year: 2008
motorcycle_make: Kawasaki
motorcycle_type: Cruiser
Comment: been on this road many times and it's a nice road matter of fact it was the first day ride I took on this bike. can get cold if the fog is in so dress in layers. the road is pretty straight which will allow you to look at all the scenery. in Pacifica there is a great BBQ place called Gorilla BBQ it's a red train car on the inland side of the hwy. they don't have any seats inside but some benches on the hill.
Was this review helpful? Yes \| No

Reviewed by Guest on February 10, 2010 (0 out of 0 members found this review useful.)
Creator: DeDe
motorcycle_year: 2008
motorcycle_make: Yamaha
motorcycle_type: Cruiser
Comment: Great Ride! Youthful Memories! Nice beaches! Nicks is excellent �fresh Oysters. Last there in 2008, much more traffic now. Heading there this year. For an excellent loop ride, once in Santa Cruz head up Hwy 9 to Skyline Blvd (a 4 way stop) turn left to head back toward SF. Be sure to stop a Alice�s Restaurant (inspired by Arlo) � They have great hamburgers, good service and a biker friendly destination (30+ years). At this Junction you�ll have several choices, west to the coast, east down to San Mateo or continue north toward Half moon bay road were Skyline Bvld ends, either turn right to go to Hwy 280 or left to Hwy 1.
Was this review helpful? Yes \| No