Pacific Coast Highway
Best early. By late morning on a weekend it's bumper to bumper through Malibu. Cyclists, surfers crossing, and cars slowing for the view are all part of the road.
State Route 1 along the Malibu coast; free, open 24/7. The spine of the canyon-loop drives, linking Topanga, Malibu Canyon, Latigo, and Decker.
Early mornings for lighter traffic and coastal light. Summer weekends and sunsets are scenic but congested.
Heavy — commuters, beachgoers, and cyclists. Slow through Malibu on warm weekends; watch for beach pedestrian crossings.
Mostly wide and well-paved, but the Malibu stretch is prone to rockslides and storm or fire closures. Watch for parked cars and cross-traffic.
The Pacific Coast Highway runs the coast from Santa Monica up through Malibu, ocean on one side and the cliffs and canyon homes on the other. It's one of the most famous drives in the world, and the default coast run for anyone with a car in LA.
