San Luis Obispo County’s Stretch of Highway 1

Wide Open, Untamed, and Ready to Explore

Imagine the road trip of your life, gliding past uncrowded beaches and wine grapes ripening in the sun. California dreaming? Think again.

Highway 1 is the most iconic roadway in California, but not all sections are created equal. The length that passes along the coast through San Luis Obispo County (known as SLO CAL) brims with the best of the Highway 1 experience. And as the gateway to Big Sur, this SLO CAL stretch is well within reach.

What sets us apart? One-hundred miles of Pacific coastline, half of which are protected. A national marine sanctuary and a national estuary. Thirteen state parks. An elephant seal rookery and Monarch butterfly preserves. A Scenic Byway designation from the U.S. Department of Transportation. Two historic lighthouses and five historic piers. The only drivable beach in California. Centuries-old forests. Hundreds of acres of coastal vineyards. Uncrowded white sand beaches. History and heritage at every turn with nine locales on the National Register. And Hearst Castle, a hilltop beauty that is a State and National Historic Landmark.

And that’s just the beginning.

Bury your toes in the sand and get to know the locals. Indulge in farm-fresh and ocean-fresh cuisine, and wines from family-owned vineyards. Glimpse abundant wildlife and historic wonders, all in the comfort of a laid-back culture and picture-perfect climate.

Want to plan the road trip of a lifetime? Follow your curiosity to our SLO CAL stretch of Highway 1, and let the wonder begin.

See the reviews

  • star rating  I have done this drive many times. The views are spectacular (if the fog isn’t in) and there limitless places to stop, gawk, walk, hike & picnic. ... read more

    avatar thumb sharrongeg
    November 16, 2022

    star rating  Some hair pin turns but the greatest views in the U..S.
    And I was in.a German car with new Pirelli tires. Really some tight squeezes.
    Next time I'll stop... read more

    RSM123123
    September 30, 2022

    star rating  Stopped at Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park just to take the edge off driving all day. A little meander down to the creek turned into a two hour hike... read more

    carol_oceanhills
    August 28, 2022

    star rating  Not to be Missed Drive... Drove highway one from Carmel By the sea all the way down to Malibu on my way to LA.
    Many pull overs along the... read more

    Robert N
    August 21, 2022
  • star rating  Many interesting sights, good hiking, parks, cute towns to explore. Beautiful ocean views and opportunities to enjoy the outdoors.

    Sggypsy
    July 30, 2022

    star rating  We traveled Highway 1 up the coastline and the views and vistas are stunning, if you get a chance to even drive a short bit of HWY 1 you should.... read more

    GitchSup
    May 30, 2022

    star rating  This is a gorgeous area of the California coast line. Filled with wildlife and beautiful views you will not regret cruising through the local towns. There is low... read more

    Connie F
    February 2, 2022

    star rating  Fantastic views all along the road with several interesting stops along the way, Don't forget to stop at the sea lions.

    mukimoderno
    July 12, 2021
  • star rating  I have done countless beautiful road trips. This one was a true wow. You absolutely must take it if the following do not bother you. You cannot be on a... read more

    Jill J
    June 30, 2021

    star rating  so pretty. this place is really one of a kind. the view is simply breath taking. Great opportunities for photos

    deborabQ4619MG
    March 20, 2021

    star rating  Traveling on a Convertible road trip with family. On our way from SLO to Hearst Castle, stopped along the way. Absolutely Beautiful.

    davidpC5228WJ
    October 22, 2020

    star rating  I'm born and raised in California and don't drive this scenic route as often as I should. The California coastline is beautiful and unlike any other drive in CA.... read more

    Adina Morano E
    August 6, 2020

Destinations

Get to know our beach towns and vineyard-framed villages.

Upcoming Events

Your next adventure awaits

  • Mar
    29
    Beauty and the Beast: California Wildflowers and Climate Change
    March 24 to September 17, 2023
    From: 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM
    Morro Bay
    Beauty and the Beast: California Wildflowers and Climate Change features over 52 color photographs of wildflowers representing seven of California’s regions
    More Details
  • Apr
    1
    Orchid Fest
    April 01 to April 02, 2023
    From: 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM
    San Luis Obispo
    Come and experience the splendor of orchids!
    More Details
  • Apr
    4
    Garden Founder Walk and Talk
    February 07 to April 04, 2023
    From: 10:00 AM to 12:30 PM
    San Luis Obispo
    Have you ever wondered how the garden beds were initially prepared, what the irrigation schedule is or pretty much anything about any of the plants?
    More Details
  • Apr
    9
    Acorn Adventures Hikes
    February 12 to May 14, 2023
    From: 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM
    San Luis Obispo
    This monthly family-friendly hike is approximately a mile and a half with stops at our human sundial.
    More Details
  • Apr
    15
    Dana Adobe’s NatureFest
    April 15, 2023
    From: 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM
    Nipomo
    Guided hikes, LIVE animal presentations, face painting, local vendors, food booths, tours of the Adobe, and much more.
    More Details
  • Apr
    16
    San Luis Obispo
    Flutist and host of NPR’s Sunday Baroque, Suzanne Bona, joins Cal Poly music professor Craig Russell and friends.
    More Details
  • Apr
    22
    Wine 4 Paws
    April 22 to April 23, 2023
    San Luis Obispo County
    Pet loving wine drinkers can help our four-legged friends by visiting ANY of the participating wineries throughout the weekend, when a portion of the proceeds will be donated to Woods Humane Society!
    More Details
  • Apr
    25
    San Luis Obispo International Film Festival
    April 25 to April 30, 2023
    San Luis Obispo
    San Luis Obispo International Film Festival.attracts local, national and international work, and has played host to many visiting filmmakers, extreme sport athletes and big screen celebrities.
    More Details
  • Apr
    26
    San Luis Obispo
    The film shows how this artistically whimsical festival is brought to the streets of Cambria every October. 
    More Details
  • May
    4
    Cruisin Morro Bay Car Show
    May 04 to May 07, 2023
    Morro Bay
    Classic cars from around the country cruise to show off their shines. Ice Cream Social, BBQ, Harbor Cruises and more! 
    More Details
  • May
    7
    Antique Street Faire
    May 07, 2023
    From: 7:00 AM to 3:00 PM
    Cayucos
    The Cayucos Chamber hosts the faire twice yearly for visitors to shop for antiques, collectibles, and vintage items.
    More Details
  • Jun
    23
    Live Oak Music Festival
    June 23 to June 25, 2023
    San Luis Obispo
    Live Oak draws music aficionados of all ages to experience concerts in a beautiful setting with SLO County’s iconic volcanic peaks, the Morros, as the backdrop.
    More Details
  • Jun
    24
    Mac & Cheese Fest: Avila Beach
    June 24, 2023
    From: 2:00 PM to 6:00 PM
    Avila Beach
    Mac and Cheese, wine tasting, cocktail sampling, games and more! Plus, live music!
    More Details
  • Jul
    8
    Nipomo
    Enjoy this intimate performance on the adobe veranda by the nationally acclaimed cowboy entertainer, Dave Stamey.
    More Details
  • Aug
    9
    Rebelution – Good Vibes Summer Tour 2023
    August 09 to August 10, 2023
    Avila Beach
    Good Vibes Summer Tour 2023: Rebelution + Special Guests hits Avila Beach, CA
    More Details
  • Sep
    17
    Eroica Vintage Bicycle Ride
    September 17, 2023
    Cambria
    Eroica returns to the Central Coast for Spring of 2022!
    More Details
  • Sep
    30
    Heritage Day at the Dana Adobe
    September 30, 2023
    Nipomo
    Activities include live historical reenactments, traditional dance performances, gold panning, portrayals of famous historical characters, food, and live entertainment.
    More Details
  • Dec
    9
    Annual Gala at the Dana Adobe
    December 09, 2023
    Nipomo
    An evening of toasting to our fantastic organization and a forum for building long-lasting relationships while networking with your peers.
    More Details
All events

Plan Your Trip

Ready to design a vacation to remember? We can’t wait to see you here.

Where To Stay

Find Your Haven

This wonder-filled stretch of Highway 1 offers a wide variety of lodging options to ensure that your stay is an enjoyable one. Choose from oceanfront property, vineyard views, family-friendly suites and private retreats. Whether you’re looking for a historic inn, vacation rental or budget hotel, the Highway 1 Discovery Route promises to provide a comfortable hideaway.

Where To Eat

Bring An Appetite

Dining on this stretch reveals our embarrassment of riches, from farm to sea. Taste seafood straight from the waves, produce dewey from the morning’s harvest, and bread still warm from the oven. From tacos in Oceano to oysters in Cambria, barbecue in Nipomo to apple pie in Avila Beach, we’ve got great taste. What’s more? We’re more than happy to share. So pull up a chair, fill your glass, and settle in for what’s sure to be a delicious stay.

Things To Do

Be Amazed

Let our stretch of Highway 1 astound you. Start the day off-roading on the dunes and finish with a glass of wine and vineyard view. Build sandcastles one hour and witness the decadence of a real-life castle the next. Watch whales dance offshore, then dance like a local at a street festival. The rewards are great in our neck of the woods, and they’re all yours for the taking.

#Highway1RoadTrip