Highway 1: Half Moon Bay to Santa Cruz

CA 1, Cabrillo Highway, Coast Road · Half Moon Bay → Santa Cruz

Leisurely44 mi50 min2,700 ft climbHigh point ≈ 500 ftOne way

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The drive

This is the San Mateo and Santa Cruz coast on Highway 1, driven south from just below Half Moon Bay. The road runs across open bluffs, past beaches and farmland, with the ocean on your right the whole way.

It passes Pigeon Point Light Station, goes on by Año Nuevo, and reaches Davenport before ending at the edge of Santa Cruz at Western Drive. The curves are gentle; the draw is the coast.

The drive is 43.8 miles and takes about 50 minutes without stops, though most people take longer. It meets the end of the La Honda Road drive near San Gregorio.

Along the way

Half Moon Bay (south of town)
Pigeon Point Light Station
Davenport
Santa Cruz (Western Drive)

Elevation

2,700 ft of climbing · high point ≈ 500 ft

Half Moon BaySanta Cruz

Curves

Mostly gentle curves

Half Moon BaySanta Cruz

GentleHairpins

Good to know

Pigeon Point Light Station State Historic Park has free admission and parking, according to California State Parks.
Año Nuevo State Park, about 20 miles north of Santa Cruz on Highway 1, charges a vehicle day-use fee. Elephant seal walks need no reservation from April to November; December to March they are guided walks booked through ReserveCalifornia.
Caltrans listed no restrictions on Highway 1 in San Mateo or Santa Cruz counties when checked.

Open all year, weather permitting. Roads close for snow, fire, storms and repairs: before you set off, check Caltrans: Highway 1 road conditions.

Questions about this drive

How long is Highway 1 from Half Moon Bay to Santa Cruz?

Highway 1 from south of Half Moon Bay to Santa Cruz is 43.8 miles and takes about 50 minutes without stops.

Is Highway 1 between Half Moon Bay and Santa Cruz twisty?

No. Highway 1 on this stretch has mostly gentle curves along bluffs and beaches.

Is there a fee at Pigeon Point Lighthouse?

California State Parks lists free admission and parking at Pigeon Point Light Station State Historic Park.

Can you see elephant seals from Highway 1 near Santa Cruz?

Año Nuevo State Park, on Highway 1, offers elephant seal walks. From April to November, you pick up a free permit at the entrance; from December to March, guided walks need a reservation.

What you get in the app

Turn by turn, on this roadSpoken directions along the exact route. Carve never reroutes you onto a faster one.

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Distance, time, elevation, curves and intensity are from Carve's route. Checked 2026-10-28.

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