Highway 1 – the legendary PCH, or Pacific Coast Highway – is one of North America’s most scenic drives. The route hugs the California coast pretty much all the way from San Francisco to LA, via sweet towns and beauty spots such as Big Sur, Carmel and Monterey. Storms and heavy rain last year caused landslides that closed parts of the road, but it’s on schedule to re-open in its entirety by the end of July. By happy coincidence, late summer is the very best time to visit this corner of the country. September and October see San Francisco at its warmest, when the “June gloom” – chilly summertime fogs – have burned off for the season. It’s also a good time of year to spot animal icons such as sea otters and seals, plus massive humpback whales feeding offshore.

To make the most of the PCH and its epic coastal landscapes, North America specialist Bon Voyage recommends starting with a city break in San Fran before heading south to Monterey and on via Santa Barbara for a few days on the beach in Santa Monica or San Diego. A two-week trip combining flights (from Heathrow, Manchester or Glasgow), quality accommodation and car hire in September or October costs from £2,495 per person. What’s more, all Bon Voyage holidays come with a personalised “road book” containing detailed driving directions and travel tips to ensure that customers don’t miss a thing en route.

Call 0800 316 0194 or visit www.bon-voyage.co.uk.

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