Surfers wait for the perfect break in Huntington Beach. California 1 passes from one great beach to the next as it follows the coastline from Dana Point northwest through Laguna Beach, Newport Beach, and Huntington Beach en route to Seal Beach and the Los Angeles County Line. Photo taken 10/24/09.
After departing Interstate 5 at Exit 79, California 1/Pacific Coast Highway begins its northwesterly trek through coastal Orange County. Interstate 5 turns northeast into San Juan Capistrano, while California 1 remains in Dana Point. The Interstate 5 interchange is partially in San Juan Capistrano and Dana Point. The first exit from California 1 is the connection to Camino las Ramblas east in San Juan Capistrano. Photo taken 05/02/10.
This series of photos follows the ramp connecting California 1 north to Camino las Ramblas in Dana Point. At the bottom of the offramp is a traffic signal. Turn left for California 1 north or right for Camino las Ramblas. Photos taken 02/26/11.
Two lanes link Interstate 5 north with California 1/Pacific Coast Highway north. High above is Via California, a local street in Dana Point. Prior to 1964, the segment of California 1 between Interstate 5 in Dana Point-San Juan Capistrano and U.S. 101 in Oxnard was designated as Alternate U.S. 101. This designation was eliminated in favor of a newly extended California 1 designation, since California 1 is the coastal route for significant distances in Central and Northern California. No signage remains for Alternate U.S. 101, and some sections of California 1 are maintained locally by the cities through which it passes. Photo taken 05/02/10.
The transition ramp from Interstate 5 north to California 1/Pacific Coast Highway north passes under the mainline of the Interstate 5 freeway. Photo taken 05/02/10.
The transition ramp between Interstate 5 north and California 1 north passes under Camino Las Ramblas before the two merge together to form the Pacific Coast Highway. Photos taken 05/02/10.
This series of photos follows Camino Las Ramblas west as it passes through the Interstate 5 interchange and merges with the transition ramp from Interstate 5 north to California 1 north. Camino Las Ramblas has a connecting ramp to Interstate 5 north, followed by a loop ramp to Interstate 5 south. The ramps merge together to form the northbound mainline for California 1. Photos taken 02/26/11.
California 1 briefly has a freeway alignment (for about a mile) between Interstate 5 and the San Juan Creek crossing. The next exit along California 1/Pacific Coast Highway is Exit 1, Doheny Park Road to Coast Highway south and the community of Capistrano Beach (part of the city of Dana Point). Photo taken 05/02/10.
California 1 merges in with traffic from Camino las Ramblas. After the Exit 1 interchange, this freeway segment of California 1 will end (in about 0.75 mile). Follow California 1 north to Dana Harbor and Doheny State Beach. Photo taken 05/02/10.
Passing over Camino Capistrano, California 1 proceeds almost due west toward Dana Harbor. Photo taken 05/02/10.
The next exit along California 1 north is Exit 1, Doheny Park Road to Coast Highway south and the community of Capistrano Beach (part of the city of Dana Point). Photo taken 05/02/10.
Northbound California 1 meets Exit 1, Doheny Park Road to Coast Highway south and the community of Capistrano Beach (part of the city of Dana Point). Stay left for the coastal route to Dana Point, Laguna Beach, Newport Beach, and Huntington Beach. Photo taken 05/02/10.
The offramp to Exit 1 (Doheny Park Road to Coast Highway south) comes at an odd angle. The left two lanes will continue northwest along California 1. Photo taken 05/02/10.
This view looks at the gore point for Exit 1, Doheny Park Road to Coast Highway south. Photo taken 05/02/10.
California 1 is also known as the Orange County Korean War Veterans Memorial Highway. Photo taken 05/02/10.
As traffic from Doheny Park Road north merges onto California 1, an overhead sign advises of the pending end of the freeway segment. The first two traffic signals along northbound are with Doheny Park Plaza and Del Obispo Street. Photo taken 05/02/10.
California 1 passes over Doheny Park Road, which used to be U.S. 101 until the federal designation was removed in 1964. The federal route used to follow Coast Highway through San Clemente, turn northeast on Doheny Park Road, and continue into San Juan Capistrano along Camino Capistrano. Photo taken 05/02/10.
At the Serra Overhead, California 1 crosses over the railroad tracks (old Santa Fe Railroad) that carry passenger rail service operated by Metrolink and Amtrak. Photo taken 05/02/10.
A pair of END FREEWAY signs (this time yellow) are posted over the northbound lanes of California 1. Ahead, the Pacific Coast Highway will pass over San Juan Creek, then proceed into downtown Dana Point. Photo taken 05/02/10.
A California 1 north reassurance shield is posted as we pass over San Juan Creek. Photo taken 05/02/10.
The city of Dana Point placed this advance guide sign, advising traffic to use Dana Point Harbor Drive west to Doheny State Beach, Dana Point Harbor, and Ocean Institute. Watch for cross-traffic ahead. Photo taken 05/02/10.
Northbound California 1/Pacific Coast Highway meets Doheny Park Plaza at this intersection. Photo taken 05/02/10.
California 1 passes under a pedestrian bridge and arch to welcome visitors to the city of Dana Point ("Harboring the Good Life"). Dana Point had a population of 35,110 as of the 2000 Census; the city incorporated on January 1, 1989. The downtown area around Dana Point Harbor through which many of the "Street of the __ Lantern" pass is sometimes known as Lantern Village. Photo taken 05/02/10.
The next traffic signal along California 1 north is with Del Obispo Street north (right turn) and Dana Point Harbor Drive west (left turn). Turn left here to follow Dana Point Harbor Drive west to Dana Point Harbor and Doheny State Beach. Photo taken 05/02/10.
Gaining elevation, California 1 is traveling almost due west at this point. The next signalized intersection is with Street of the Crystal Lantern. According to the official History of Dana Point, when the city was laid out, several significant streets were named after lanterns, as street lights modeled after old sailing kerosene lanterns illuminated these major roadways. This history is preserved with the street names. Photo taken 05/02/10.
At the intersection with Street of the Copper Lantern, California 1 divides into two one-way streets. The northbound traffic will use Pacific Coast Highway, while southbound traffic uses Del Prado Avenue. The two directions will reunite at Street of the Blue Lantern west of downtown. Photo taken 05/02/10.
This series of photos follows California 1 north through downtown Dana Point. Three lanes wend their way through the area, with shops and restaurants lining both sides of the highway. Photos taken 05/02/10.
Northbound California 1/Pacific Coast Highway approaches Street of the Golden Lantern. Turn left here to follow Street of the Golden Lantern south to Lantern Bay Village, Heritage Park, Lantern Bay County Park, and Dana Point Harbor. Street of the Golden Lantern intersects with east-west Dana Point Harbor Drive. After Street of the Golden Lantern, the next intersection along California 1 north is with Street of the Violet Lantern. Photos taken 05/02/10.
Northbound California 1 next meets Street of the Amber Lantern as we continue west. Photo taken 05/02/10.
To California 1/Del Prado Avenue south (east), turn left on Street of the Ruby Lantern south. Photo taken 05/02/10.
A California 1 north reassurance shield is posted shortly thereafter. Photo taken 05/02/10.
At Street of the Blue Lantern, the southbound and northbound lanes of California 1 reunite. Photo taken 05/02/10.
Northbound California 1/Pacific Coast Highway meets Shoreline Drive. Photo taken 05/02/10.
California 1 curves to the northwest between Shoreline Drive and Selva Road. Take Selva Road east back toward Street of the Golden Lantern. Photo taken 05/02/10.
California 1/Pacific Coast Highway has a brief expressway segment between Selva Road and Niguel Road/Ritz Carlton Drive. An overpass carries Niguel Shores Drive over California 1. Photo taken 05/02/10.
Northbound California 1/Pacific Coast Highway approaches the signalized intersection between Niguel Road east (right) and Ritz Carlton Drive west (left). Photo taken 05/02/10.
The Ritz Carlton Hotel is located on the west side of California 1, along the Salt Creek Beach Park. Ahead, California 1 enters the community of Monarch Beach (part of Dana Point). Photo taken 05/02/10.
This view is afforded as California 1 straightens out and looks down toward Monarch Beach. Photo taken 05/02/10.
At the top of the hill are the entrance to Monarch Bay Plaza and the turnoff to Crown Valley Parkway. Photo taken 05/02/10.
Northbound California 1/Pacific Coast Highway meets Crown Valley Parkway. Photo taken 05/02/10.
The next signalized intersection along California 1/Pacific Coast Highway north is with Crown Valley Parkway north (right) and Monarch Bay Drive west (left). Crown Valley Parkway is a particularly major arterial route, heading north into the city of Laguna Niguel, then turning east to serve southern Mission Viejo (Junction Interstate 5) and Ladera Ranch, ending at Antonio Parkway. Photo taken 05/02/10.
California 1/Pacific Coast Highway only has a short distance left before leaving Dana Point and entering Laguna Beach. Photo taken 05/02/10.
California 1/Coast Highway north
Northbound California 1 leaves Dana Point and enters the city of Laguna Beach. The city was home to 23,727 as of the 2000 Census; it incorporated on June 29, 1927. Laguna Beach is well know for the arts, including its well-known Pageant of the Masters and a variety of art galleries. And of course, the city is known for its beaches. California 1 is now officially known as the Coast Highway, although many simply call it PCH for Pacific Coast Highway. Photo taken 05/02/10.
California 1/Coast Highway approaches Vista del Sol in Three Arch Bay. Photo taken 05/02/10.
The next traffic signal along California 1/Coast Highway north is with Ninth Avenue. Photo taken 05/02/10.
Entering the community of South Laguna, northbound California 1/Coast Highway approaches Third Avenue. Photo taken 05/02/10.
Northbound California 1/Coast Highway meets West Street at this traffic signal. Photo taken 05/02/10.
Shortly thereafter, the Pacific Ocean comes into view. Photo taken 05/02/10.
California 1 descends into the valley formed by Aliso Creek. The concrete T-beam arch bridge at the bottom of the hill over the creek was built in 1926 and widened in 1932. A 1929 pedestrian overcrossing bridge is located just past the creek as California 1 ascends. Aliso Beach County Park is located on the west side of the highway. Photos taken 05/02/10 and 02/26/11.
Northbound California 1/Coast Highway approaches Wesley Street in Laguna Beach. Photo taken 05/02/10.
California 1/Coast Highway meets Montage Resort Drive at this traffic signal. Photo taken 05/02/10.
Houses and residential development lines the hillsides as we approach the intersection with Nyes Place. Photo taken 05/02/10.
California 1 continues north as we pass the Casa Laguna Inn. Photo taken 05/02/10.
As we continue north, this view is afforded prior to the Diamond Street intersection. Photo taken 05/02/10.
Northbound California 1/Coast Highway meets Diamond Street at this intersection. Photo taken 05/02/10.
A porcelain enamel street sign for Agate Street is posted here, prior to the Bluebird Canyon Drive signalized intersection. Photo taken 05/02/10.
Northbound California 1/Coast Highway meets Bluebird Canyon Drive. Photo taken 05/02/10.
California 1 meets Cress Street at this intersection. Photo taken 05/02/10.
Northbound California 1 meets Thalia Street. Photo taken 05/02/10.
Soon thereafter, California 1 meets Cleo Street. Photo taken 05/02/10.
California 1 meets Legion Street at this intersection. Photo taken 05/02/10.
Morning fog continued to burn off as California 1 proceeds northwest into downtown Laguna Beach. The picturesque Hotel Laguna comes into view on the west side of the Coast Highway. Photo taken 05/02/10.
Northbound California 1/Coast Highway meets Laguna Avenue at this traffic signal. Use Park Avenue east to Park Avenue east. Photo taken 05/02/10.
At this traffic signal, California 1 meets Forest Avenue and Park Avenue. Photo taken 05/02/10.
This view looks north from the main beach in Laguna Beach toward the intersection of California 1/Coast Highway and California 133/Laguna Canyon Road. Photo taken 01/31/10.
Near Main Beach in Laguna Beach, northbound California 1/Coast Highway meets Ocean Avenue at this traffic signal. Photo taken 05/02/10.
Northbound California 1/Coast Highway approaches California 133/Broadway (Laguna Canyon Road) at the next traffic signal. California 133 turns north to pass through Laguna Canyon to connect to California 73/San Joaquin Hills Transportation Corridor and Interstate 5 and Interstate 405 near the El Toro Y interchange. A close look at the California 133 trailblazer shows a slightly different-than-usual font for the word "CALIFORNIA." This intersection marks the southern terminus of California 133, which assumes expressway characteristics north of the California 73 interchange. California 133 ends at California 241 as part of the Orange County Toll Road system. Photo taken 05/02/10.
This California 1 north reassurance shield is posted after the California 133 intersection in Laguna Beach. Photo taken 02/26/11.
Northbound California 1 meets Myrtle Street at this traffic signal. An old retaining wall, dating to the 1930s, is located on the northeast side of the Coast Highway. Photo taken 02/26/11.
Turn left at San Joaquin Street to a Vista Point. Photo taken 02/26/11.
California 1 leaves Laguna Beach near Emerald Bay and enters Crystal Cove State Park. A mileage sign provides the distance to Newport Beach (four miles) and Long Beach (28 miles). Photo taken 02/26/11.
California 1 passes through Crystal Cove State Park, offering great views of the ocean and limited development for several miles. At the north end of the park, California 1 enters the city of Newport Beach, which had a population of 70,032 as of 2000 Census and was incorporated on September 1, 1906. Photos taken 02/26/11.
Once in the city of Newport Beach, residential development lines the northeast side of the coastal highway, while the state park and protected beach is on the southwest side of the highway. California 1 continues in a northwesterly direction. Photos taken 02/26/11.
Northbound California 1/Coast Highway approaches its junction with Newport Coast Drive. Follow Newport Coast Drive east to Toll California 73. Photos taken 02/26/11.
California 1 enters the Corona del Mar community of the city of Newport Beach. Photo taken 02/26/11.
Northbound California 1 meets Poppy Avenue in Newport Beach. Photo taken 02/26/11.
This California 1 north reassurance shield is posted two blocks ahead, at Orchid Avenue. The intersecting street names in downtown Corona del Mar are named after flowers; as we continue northwest on California 1, the names are in descending alphabetical order (from Poppy Avenue to Acacia Avenue). Photo taken 02/26/11.
Beautiful palms and decorative landscaping lines this stretch of California 1 through Corona del Mar. Photo taken 02/26/11.
Some of the center median shrubs were cut into the shape of marine wildlife, such as dolphins. Photo taken 02/26/11.
In the center of Corona del Mar (Newport Beach), northbound California 1 meets Marguerite Avenue northeast to San Joaquin Hills Road. Photo taken 02/26/11.
Northbound California 1/Coast Highway meets Iris Avenue. Photo taken 02/26/11.
A few blocks later, northbound California 1 approaches the junction with former California 73, MacArthur Boulevard. Prior to the completion of the San Joaquin Hills Transportation Corridor (toll road), California 73 used to turn south near the University of California at Irvine and proceed along MacArthur Boulevard, ending at California 1 at this intersection. This truck route sign is the only evidence that MacArthur Boulevard used to be a state highway (as this sign is typically only used on the California state highway system, not on locally maintained roads). Photo taken 02/26/11.
Follow MacArthur Boulevard northeast to John Wayne (Orange County) Airport and Toll California 73. Photo taken 02/26/11.
Northbound California 1/Coast Highway meets Former California 73/MacArthur Boulevard. Photo taken 02/26/11.
Use MacArthur Boulevard northeast to evacuate a tsunami. This intersection is located around Milepost 16 on California 1. Photo taken 02/26/11.
Signs like this are all over coastal Southern California to indicate evacuation routes in the event of a tsunami. These signs point the way to higher ground and safer areas. Photo taken 02/26/11.
The next intersection along California 1/Coast Highway north is with Avocado Avenue. We will soon leave Corona del Mar and enter Newport Center. Photo taken 02/26/11.
The next intersection is with Newport Center Drive. Turn right here to Fashion Island shopping center. Photo taken 02/26/11.
Continuing northwest (almost due west), California 1/Coast Highway next approaches Jamboree Road, a major southwest-northeast arterial that extends from Newport Beach northeast to Irvine and Tustin before merging directly onto the California 261 toll road. Photo taken 02/26/11.
Northbound California 1 meets Jamboree Road at this traffic signal. Photo taken 02/26/11.
A California 1 north reassurance shield is posted after the Jamboree Road intersection, adjacent to Newport Dunes Resort along Upper Newport Bay. Photo taken 02/26/11.
Look right (north) from California 1's northbound lanes to see Upper Newport Bay. Photo taken 02/26/11.
California 1 has plenty of lanes west of Jamboree Road as we proceed toward a bridge over Newport Bay. Photo taken 02/26/11.
Northbound California 1 meets Bayside Drive at this traffic signal. Photo taken 02/26/11.
A very wide bridge carries California 1 over Upper Newport Bay; it was built in 1981. Photo taken 02/26/11.
After departing the bridge, turn right to connect to Dover Drive and Mariner's Mile. Photo taken 02/26/11.
Northbound California 1 next meets Tustin Avenue at this traffic signal. Photo taken 02/26/11.
Immediately thereafter, California 1 north meets Riverside Avenue. Photo taken 02/26/11.
Nearing Mile 20, northbound California 1/Coast Highway approaches its interchange with California 55/Newport Boulevard. Through this interchange, California 1 travels almost due west, and California 55 leaves the interchange almost due north. California 55 is a major north-south Orange County corridor, leaving Newport Beach and traveling into Costa Mesa, then proceeding north toward Santa Ana and Anaheim before ending at California 91/Riverside Freeway. Most of the route is a freeway, excluding the section in Newport Beach and part of Costa Mesa. Photo taken 02/26/11.
A bridge built in 1999 carries California 55 over California 1/Coast Highway. Stay right for the connection to California 55 north to Costa Mesa, Santa Ana, and Anaheim. The second right loops onto Newport Boulevard south to the Balboa Peninsula, part of the city of Newport Beach. Photo taken 02/26/11.
Northbound California 1 meets California 55/Newport Boulevard north to Costa Mesa and Santa Ana. Photo taken 02/26/11.
California 1/Coast Highway passes under California 55. This interchange marks the southern terminus of California 55. Newport Boulevard continues south onto Balboa Peninsula. Photo taken 02/26/11.
The second ramp loops from California 1 north to Newport Boulevard south. Photo taken 02/26/11.
Northbound California 1/Coast Highway meets the offramp from California 55 south. Photo taken 02/26/11.
After the interchange with California 55/Newport Boulevard, northbound California 1/Coast Highway proceeds through western Newport Beach en route toward Huntington Beach. As California 1 proceeds north, the coastline aims northwest toward Long Beach. Photo taken 10/24/09.
Northbound California 1/Coast Highway meets the signalized intersection for the entrance to Hoag Drive to Hoag Hospital. Photo taken 10/24/09.
The next major intersection along California 1/Coast Highway north is with Balboa Boulevard south and Superior Avenue north. Photo taken 10/24/09.
An oddly-shaped, neutered California 55 Detour trailblazer shield is posted prior to Balboa Boulevard. Take Balboa Boulevard south to downtown Newport Beach and to an alternate route to California 55/Newport Boulevard. Photo taken 10/24/09.
Northbound California 1/Coast Highway meets the signalized intersection with Balboa Boulevard south and Superior Avenue north. Photo taken 10/24/09.
After the intersection with Balboa Boulevard and Superior Avenue, northbound California 1 carries three through lanes. Photo taken 10/24/09.
A California 1 north reassurance route marker is posted soon after the traffic signal. Photo taken 10/24/09.
California 1 curves a bit to the north. The next traffic signal along California 1 north is with Prospect Street. Photo taken 10/24/09.
Northbound California 1 meets Prospect Street at this traffic signal. Photo taken 10/24/09.
Both Prospect Street and upcoming Orange Street offer access to the beach. Photo taken 10/24/09.
Northbound California 1 meets Orange Street at this traffic signal. Photo taken 10/24/09.
California 1/Coast Highway crosses over the Santa Ana River. The highway then leaves the city of Newport Beach and enters the city of Huntington Beach. Photos taken 10/24/09.
California 1/Pacific Coast Highway north
After crossing the Santa Ana River, northbound California 1 (now known as Pacific Coast Highway once again) enters the city of Huntington Beach, "Surf City USA." Incorporated on February 17, 1909, Huntington Beach had a population of 202,566 as of the 2010 Census. With wide, sandy beaches and a vibrant downtown area adjacent to a fishing pier, Huntington Beach attracts beachgoers and tourists from all over Southern California. Photos taken 02/26/11 and 10/24/09.
A second welcome sign asserts Huntington Beach's title as Surf City USA. A trademark dispute in 2008 pitted Huntington Beach against Santa Cruz for the title of Surf City USA, and Huntington Beach emerged as the victor in this dispute. The trademark is officially held by the Huntington Beach Conference and Visitors Bureau. Adjacent wetlands offer a relief from the urban development seen to the southeast in Newport Beach and to the northwest in downtown Huntington Beach. Photo taken 10/24/09.
The next signalized intersection along California 1/Pacific Coast Highway north is with Brookhurst Street, which travels north to Fountain Valley. California 1 proceeds northwest into Huntington Beach. Photo taken 02/26/11.
Northbound California 1/Pacific Coast Highway meets Brookhurst Street at this traffic signal. Brookhurst Street travels north parallel to the Santa Ana River toward a junction with Interstate 405. On the west side of the highway is Huntington State Beach, which extends along the Pacific Coast parallel to California 1 between the Santa Ana River outlet northwest to the California 39 intersection. Photo taken 02/26/11.
This section of California 1/Pacific Coast Highway functions like an expressway, with regularly spaced intersections. The next intersection is with Magnolia Street. Photo taken 10/24/09.
Northbound California 1/Pacific Coast Highway meets Magnolia Street at this traffic signal. Magnolia Street also travels north toward Edison Community Park and the city of Fountain Valley. Photo taken 10/24/09.
The Huntington Beach Generating Station (HBGS) dominates the view along the Pacific Coast Highway as we approach downtown Huntington Beach. This power plant, which was operated by Southern California Edison until electricity was deregulated, is now operated by AES. Powered by natural gas, the power plant uses steam turbines to generate electricity. Photos taken 10/24/09.
Northbound California 1/Pacific Coast Highway meets Newland Street at this traffic signal. Photo taken 10/24/09.
The next signalized intersection along California 1/Pacific Coast Highway north is with California 39/Beach Boulevard. This intersection marks the southern terminus of California 39. This intersection also connects California 1 and California 39 to the entrance to Huntington State Beach and Huntington City Beach. The city beach continues north of this point toward downtown Huntington Beach. As of fall 2009, there were no advance route markers for California 39 posted on California 1 north; that changed by winter 2011. Photos taken 02/26/11 and 10/24/09.
Northbound California 1/Pacific Coast Highway approaches its junction with California 39/Beach Boulevard north. Turn right to follow California 39 north through Huntington Beach toward Westminster, Garden Grove, Stanton, Buena Park, and La Habra. Photo taken 02/26/11.
Northbound California 1/Pacific Coast Highway meets California 39/Beach Boulevard north at this traffic signal. Plans originally called for both California 1 and California 39 to be freeways, and had those plans come to fruition, a major freeway-to-freeway interchange would have been built somewhere near here for the connection between California 1/Pacific Coast Freeway and California 39/Beach Freeway. Some proposals from the 1960s even showed portions of California 1 freeway being constructed offshore to minimize impact on the beach itself. Photo taken 10/24/09.
A pedestrian arch bridge allows pedestrians to cross over the Pacific Coast Highway safely; some pedestrians are beach-goers from the nearby Hyatt Regency Hotel. Photo taken 10/24/09.
Northbound California 1/Pacific Coast Highway meets Twin Dolphin Drive. The towering Waterfront Hilton comes into view ahead on the right. Photo taken 10/24/09.
Leaving the Huntington Street intersection (home of the Ultimate Challenge statue), northbound California 1/Pacific Coast Highway proceeds into downtown Huntington Beach. Photo taken 02/26/11.
Northbound California 1/Pacific Coast Highway meets First Street. Photo taken 02/26/11.
After passing First Street, northbound California 1/Pacific Coast Highway meets Main Street in downtown Huntington Beach. Turn right onto Main Street north to the central business district, complete with restaurants, bars, and gift shops. On-street parking and parking lots are available. The Huntington Beach Pier, which extends southwest over the ocean, offers fishing and sightseeing opportunities. The pier begins at this intersection. Photo taken 10/24/09.
Northbound California 1/Pacific Coast Highway meets Sixth Street. Photo taken 02/26/11.
Shortly thereafter, California 1/Pacific Coast Highway north meets Ninth Street. Photo taken 02/26/11.
Leaving the downtown area of Huntington Beach, California 1/Pacific Coast Highway north approaches Seventeenth Street. Photo taken 02/26/11.
After the intersection with Golden West Street, a sign in the median indicates California 1/Pacific Coast Highway is also U.S. Submarine Veterans of World War II Highway. Photo taken 02/26/11.
Between Golden West Street and Seapoint Avenue, California 1 passes by an oil field on the right and more beaches on the left. Photo taken 02/26/11.
Looking northwest out over the water, the skyline of Long Beach comes into view, including the cruise ship terminal, port of Long Beach, Queen Mary, and towering skyline. Photo taken 02/26/11.
And then looking due west, the oil platforms in the coastal waters and Catalina Island come into view (at least on clear days like this one). Photo taken 02/26/11.
After the intersection with Seapoint Avenue, California 1 enters the Bolsa Chica State Beach and Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve. This bridge crosses over water that connects the lagoon with the ocean. Photo taken 02/26/11.
The next left connects California 1 to the Bolsa Chica State Beach parking area. Photo taken 02/26/11.
This view looks north at the lagoon in Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve. Photo taken 02/26/11.
Leaving Bolsa Chica, northbound California 1 approaches its intersection with Warner Avenue. California 1 mostly remains in the city of Huntington Beach, but portions also cruise through Sunset Beach, an unincorporated community adjacent to the beach. Photo taken 02/26/11.
A California 1 north reassurance shield assembly is posted after the intersection with Warner Avenue. Photo taken 02/26/11.
In Sunset Beach, northbound California 1/Pacific Coast Highway approaches Fifth Street (left) and Coral Cay Lane (right). Turn right for Huntington Harbor. Photo taken 02/26/11.
Northbound California 1/Pacific Coast Highway meets Broadway in Sunset Beach. Photo taken 02/26/11.
Still in Sunset Beach, northbound California 1/Pacific Coast Highway meets Admiralty Drive (right) and Nineteenth Street (left). Photo taken 02/26/11.
Northbound California 1/Pacific Coast Highway approaches Anderson Street. At this point, California 1 leaves Sunset Beach. Photo taken 02/26/11.
California 1/Pacific Coast Highway proceeds north into Surfside. Photo taken 02/26/11.
Leaving Surfside, California 1 leaves Huntington Beach and enters the city of Seal Beach. This city had a population of 24,157 people as of the 2000 Census and incorporated on October 25, 1915. Photo taken 02/26/11.
California 1 skirts the edge of Seal Beach National Wildlife Refuge and a United States Naval Weapons Station. This bridge passes over a channel that brings water from the ocean (Anaheim Bay) into the interior estuaries of the national wildlife refuge. Photo taken 02/26/11.
California 1 passes over the Anaheim Bay Bridge (built in 1967). In this area, wetlands dominate the view to the northeast of Pacific Coast Highway. This series of pictures follows California 1 as it proceeds northwest through the wildlife refuge and past the Naval facility. Photos taken 02/26/11.
Northbound California 1/Pacific Coast Highway approaches Seal Beach Boulevard as we leave the preserved areas and again return to developed areas. Welcome to downtown Seal Beach. Photo taken 02/26/11.
The first traffic signal in a little more than a mile connects California 1/Pacific Coast Highway north with Seal Beach Boulevard, which travels north to interchange with Interstate 405/San Diego Freeway just east of Long Beach. Continue straight ahead on California 1 to downtown Long Beach. Photo taken 02/26/11.
A California 1 north reassurance shield is posted after the Seal Beach Boulevard intersection. Photo taken 02/26/11.
California 1/Pacific Coast Highway approaches Balboa Drive north (right) and 12th Street south (left). Photo taken 02/26/11.
Northbound California 1/Pacific Coast Highway approaches Main Street south (left) and Bolsa Avenue east (right). Turn left here for Seal Beach's historic downtown and municipal pier. Main Street is the equivalent of Ninth Street. Photo taken 02/26/11.
This view shows California 1/Pacific Coast Highway north between Main Street and Fifth Street in Seal Beach. Photo taken 02/26/11.
Northbound California 1/Pacific Coast Highway approaches its final traffic signal in Orange County, with First Street. Ahead is the sign welcoming motorists into Los Angeles County and the bridge connecting Seal Beach with Long Beach over the San Gabriel River. Photo taken 02/26/11.
Scenes Pertaining to California 1
Near the outfall of Aliso Creek is Aliso Beach County Park in the city of Laguna Beach. These pictures were taken after a winter storm had passed through the area, bringing storm water to the ocean (hence the different colors between murky freshwater and blue ocean water). Photos taken 02/26/11.
The Aliso Creek bridge carries California 1 over Aliso Creek. The concrete arch bridge was built in 1926 and expanded in 1932. Photos taken 02/26/11.
This statue of Duke Kahanamoku, considered by many to be the Father of Surfing, is located near the southeastern corner of the intersection of California 1 and Main Street in downtown Huntington Beach across from the Pier. Photo taken 10/24/09.
Just south of the Huntington Beach Pier at the intersection between California 1/Pacific Coast Highway and Huntington Street is the Ultimate Challenge statue (situated on the west corner). The bronze statue was placed in 1976 and is unique as the surfer is "au naturel," which is most likely an illegal way to surf in public waters today. Photos taken 02/26/11.
The Huntington Beach Pier is located southwest of the intersection of California 1 and Main Street. A small plaza adjacent to the highway acts as a gateway to the long pier, which has plenty of spots for sightseeing and fishing. Photos taken 10/24/09.
These views look west from the plaza near the pier's north end out toward the sandy beaches and surf of Huntington City Beach. In the far distance are several oil drilling platforms. Photos taken 10/24/09.
An expansive, sandy beach helps define Huntington Beach as a beach town. Photos taken 10/24/09.
Waves crash on Huntington Beach; this view looks down from the pier. Photos taken 10/24/09.
Surfers wait for the next best wave as we look down from Huntington Beach Pier. Looking north and west from the pier, one can see the distant oil platforms as well as the shoreline. Photos taken 10/24/09.
At the end of the Huntington Beach Pier is a restaurant, which offers regular service. Photo taken 10/24/09.
Now looking northeast, these views are afforded looking along Huntington Beach Pier toward the mainland. Lifeguard Tower Zero rises above the pier to offer lifesaving and rescue support. Photos taken 10/24/09.
Back on the shore, these views look at Huntington Beach Pier both from the east and from underneath the structure. Photos taken 10/24/09.
