California Highway 1, also known as Pacific Coast Highway, is considered as one of the most scenic routes in the world. It stretches over 600 miles, running along the Californian coast, which makes it a favorite amongst road-trippers. The iconic coastal highway was, however, severely damaged in 2017 after back-to-back natural disasters which led to closure of a crucial section of the route. Since February 2017, the impassable gap in the two-lane highway made it impossible for tourists to enjoy the bucket-list trip. Now after 18 months of closure, the highway has been re-opened with a new stretch of road built on top of the massive landslide at a cost of $54 million. To celebrate the reopening of the iconic route, Visit California and Central Coast area destination partners together recently organized a historic drive along the Highway 1.
California’s Dream Drive which took place last Thursday saw a convoy of more than 80 cars representing eight decades of the highway – from classic vintage, to sleek and
modern, to hydrogen-fueled and electric models. Classics, such as a 1934 Convertible Coupe 840A, a 1934 Ford Phaeton, and a 1934 Pierce Arrow Silver 840A Coupe were joined by modern automobiles like the 2018 Genesis G80S Sport and a 2018 Karma electric vehicle. “Driving Highway 1 is a bucket-list experience many travelers dream about, and its closure made headlines around the world,” said Caroline Beteta, Visit California President & CEO. “Many communities along this stretch have suffered while the road has been closed. We’re proud to announce to the world today that Highway 1 is open and better than ever, and the Central Coast is ready to welcome travelers looking for the ultimate California road trip.” The convoy proceeded down Highway 1, across the newly constructed quarter-mile section, before ending with a sunset beach barbecue in the shadow of Morro Rock in the coastal town of Morro Bay.
From a 1934 Ford Phateon to a 2018 Fisker Karma – A convoy of 80 cars celebrated the reopening of California’s highway 1
