Bay Area driving guide · Mountains & coast
Highway 9, Skyline & Pescadero coastal drive
A great choice when you want a drive with a bit of everything: a wooded climb out of Saratoga, a stretch along Skyline, a stop at Alice’s, and a winding run through Pescadero to the ocean.
- Highway 9
- Skyline
- Highway 84 west
- Pescadero Creek Road
- Highway 1 north
- Start
- Downtown Saratoga
- Finish
- San Gregorio on Highway 1
- Return
- Optional loop below
Why this drive
The changing scenery is the reason to choose this drive. The mountain roads give the first part its character, Pescadero gives you a reason to stop, and the coast makes a satisfying finish. It suits a day built around the drive itself, with time for food and a beach stop along the way.
The route
Highway 9: Saratoga to Saratoga Gap
Start in downtown Saratoga and follow Highway 9 uphill to its junction with Skyline Boulevard. This is the front side of 9: wooded bends and a sustained climb to the ridge.
Road details & map →Skyline north to Alice’s
At Saratoga Gap, take Highway 35 north toward the Highway 84 junction at Alice’s. Skyline connects the two mountain crossings and gives this drive its ridge section.
Road details & map →Highway 84 west through La Honda
At Alice’s, take Highway 84 west toward La Honda and the coast. After La Honda, turn left onto Pescadero Creek Road.
Road details & map →Pescadero Creek Road to the ocean
Follow Pescadero Creek Road through Loma Mar and on to Pescadero. Stop in town if you like, then continue west to Highway 1 at Pescadero State Beach.
Road details & map →Highway 1 north to San Gregorio
Turn north on Highway 1 for the coastal part of the drive, finishing at San Gregorio. The change from wooded roads to open ocean views is the payoff.
Road details & map →
Good places to stop
Chevron in Saratoga
A convenient meetup and fuel stop before the climb up Highway 9.
Alice’s / Four Corners ↗
A popular motorcycle meetup at the Skyline–84 junction, with food and fuel nearby.
Downtown Pescadero ↗
A small downtown with cute coffee shops and lots of character. A lovely place to stretch your legs and grab a coffee before heading back to the coast.
Pescadero State Beach ↗
A coastal stop right where Pescadero Creek Road meets Highway 1.
Optional extension: The Ritz-Carlton, Half Moon Bay ↗
Continue north past San Gregorio on Highway 1, then take Miramontes Point Road to the hotel. Great ocean views and a place to grab a drink. Don’t drink and drive. This extends the drive beyond its San Gregorio finish; return south to San Gregorio if you want to follow the loop below.
Make it a loop
To close the loop, take Highway 84 east from San Gregorio through La Honda to Alice’s, then Skyline south to Saratoga Gap and Highway 9 downhill to Saratoga. This return retraces the Skyline and Highway 9 sections. You can also finish at the coast and choose your own route home.
Weekends & road conditions
Police sometimes patrol Highway 9 and Skyline, including weekends. Local riders have reported enforcement on both roads. Follow posted limits throughout the drive.
Expect other drivers, motorcycles and cyclists around these popular roads and junctions. Before heading out, check Caltrans QuickMap for state-highway conditions and San Mateo County road closures for local roads.
Route references
- BMW CCA: connecting Highway 9, Skyline, Highway 84 and Pescadero ↗
- California State Parks: Coastside map and beach access ↗
- The Ritz-Carlton: Highway 1 and Miramontes Point Road access ↗
Guide updated September 9, 2026. Route descriptions cover the named sections; check current access before travelling.