This route is the edge of the country. You can't go any further west unless you have a wetsuit . This road trip travels through the area surrounded by views of the Pacific on one side and rolling hills and farmland on the other. In spring the views along the way make you feel like you're in Ireland. The road is nice with some hilly terrain and sweeping turns. In summer you can see a motor home or two, and pedestrian traffic near state beaches can be heavy.
Towns/Cities You'll Pass By/Through
There are a few small towns sprinkled throughout this path. Starting in Pacifica you'll head down to Half Moon Bay and then to Santa Cruz. The best moments of this trip, though, is breaking away from the towns and on to wide open stretches.
Attractions & Points-of-Interests Along the Way
There are plenty of good places to eat in Pacifica. One of them is Nicks in Rockaway Beach. Further south you can stop in Half Moon Bay to get some coffee and take a look around. Mercantile in San Gregorio, where you can mingle with other travelers, is a short detour up Hwy 84. Make sure you stop at Duarte's in Pescadero for some artichoke soup and ollaliberry pie and don't miss out on a cup of coffee and ice cream in Davenport. Ten miles further is Santa Cruz. Also, this road trip has many state parks along the way. Choose the ones you think you'll enjoy the most or visit them all.
Reviewed by Guest on March 15, 2010 (0 out of 0 members found this review useful.)
Comments: 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.
Reviewed by BRTP Partners on March 15, 2010 (0 out of 0 members found this review useful.)
Attraction or Point-of-Interest recommendation:Wilder Ranch State Park is along this road trip. Visit the official website for more information: "The park has 34 miles of hiking, biking and equestrian rails winding through coastal terraces and valleys. Several restored buildings once belonging to the Wilder family are preserved. The park has tours and living history demonstrations to help visitors explore the history of early ranchers and farmers along the Central Coast. The site was originally the main rancho supplying Santa Cruz Mission. It later became a successful and innovative dairy ranch. Surrounding grounds include Victorian homes, gardens, and historic adobe."
Reviewed by BRTP Partners on March 15, 2010 (0 out of 0 members found this review useful.)
Attraction or Point-of-Interest recommendation:Pomponio State Beach is along this road trip. Visit the official website for more information:
"This area provides access to miles of gently sloping, sandy beaches at the base of high sandstone bluffs. This day-use facility features a small lagoon, roaring surf - and a wide parking area, picnic tables, and barbecues."
Reviewed by BRTP Partners on March 15, 2010 (0 out of 0 members found this review useful.)
Attraction or Point-of-Interest recommendation:Montara State Beach is along this road trip. Visit the official website for more information: "This beach is a popular location for visitors who can explore the beach tide pools or go surf fishing. The beach is bounded by low hills both to the north and south. Restaurants and grocery stores are nearby."
