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
-
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 This past drive was uber slow due to large RVs and folks not wanting to allow folks to pass them. PLEASE be courteous and share the road.
sharrongeg
November 16, 2022Some 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 at the Citizen Kane castle.
Pro tip: Highway 1 has a total of just over 656 miles, it is the longest state route in California
September 30, 2022Stopped 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 up to Buzzard's Roost! Although we hadn't planned to" hike" (flipflops, no water, no sunscreen), the lure of the woodsy trail .. . . WOW!
August 28, 2022Not 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 highway to enjoy the views of the sea and take photographs
August 21, 2022 -
Many interesting sights, good hiking, parks, cute towns to explore. Beautiful ocean views and opportunities to enjoy the outdoors.
July 30, 2022We 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 A word of caution though, when the sign says there is a curve in the road it's not a suggestion!
May 30, 2022This 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 population and easy parking with tons of beach access.
February 2, 2022 -
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 time limit. There are simply too many walks to take, vistas to view, and other people doing the same to rush. It is unspoiled which is simply amazing, but with that there are VERY few places for a bathroom or food or gas purchase. If you need any of those you will be distracted- prepare. Do not come if you are afraid of heights, afraid of continuous hairpin turns, get annoyed driving behind people enjoying scenery or bring anyone who does. Once you are on this road you cannot get off. If you are fine with the above you will not want to. It would be a long drive with young children as it is gorgeous but the times to get out of the car are overlooks and can be a long way down. Now - if you are still interested you MUST take this trip. I could have stopped all day at any point just to absorb the experience. There are many state parks and trails along the way. My husband loved the actual driving. I would have driven off the road as I would have at one point or another been trying to take in the views. We went through periods of intense fog to complete clarity. Every stop was amazing but as others have mentioned the stop at the elephant seal rookery was a highlight. They are RIGHT there. When we were there we could see about 5 in the water but then if you go right or left they are laying all over the beach, sunning or fighting. I have a new vision of what I look and feel like after a good meal. In summary, if this remotely appeals to you, make the time. Words are inadequate to describe.
June 30, 2021so pretty. this place is really one of a kind. the view is simply breath taking. Great opportunities for photos
March 20, 2021Traveling on a Convertible road trip with family. On our way from SLO to Hearst Castle, stopped along the way. Absolutely Beautiful.
October 22, 2020I'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 It's not a fast route, but worth the drive and make sure to stop once in a while.
August 6, 2020
Destinations
Get to know our beach towns and vineyard-framed villages.
Ragged Point on Highway 1
The Cliff With The Million-Dollar View
Ragged Point is known as “the million-dollar view” for good reason: natural splendor abounds here at the gateway to Big Sur. Look down on the dramatic coastline, where waves crash on the rocky shore. Pull off this Scenic Byway for a cliffside hike down to a scenic waterfall and stay for the sunset. Or follow your bliss to the landmark Ragged Point Inn for anything from an ice cream cone to a multicourse dinner ― with a view, of course.
Don’t forget that the drive to and from Ragged Point is an attraction all its own. Complete with secret beaches and remote ranches, this cinematic stretch of Highway 1 is considered one of the most breathtaking drives in the world.
San Simeon
Enchanted Castles and Wondrous Wildlife
William Randolph Hearst put San Simeon on the map in 1919 with “La Cuesta Encantada,” otherwise known as Heart Castle. His spectacular hilltop estate once catered to movie stars and dignitaries; today, the sprawling property welcomes visitors as a museum and state park.
But luxury and opulence are just one side of San Simeon. Witness the majesty of this part of the Morro Bay National Marine Sanctuary, including an historic lighthouse. Get to know a migrating herd of Northern Elephant Seals, up-close and personal. Or bask in the dappled sunlight of William Randolph State Beach, a protected cove surrounding a historic pier and quiet waters.
Cambria
The Cozy Seaside Escape
”Quaint” doesn’t begin to describe this coastal hamlet, where antique shops and cafes line the street. Reminiscent of a New England village, Cambria invites you to hunt for moonstones and sea glass on the beach, or sit down to a juicy slice of olallieberry pie. The town also boasts one of the largest herds of Clydesdale horses in the nation, and you can book a ride. Savor the season with the annual scarecrow festival or a German-style Christmas market that lights up the town beneath the pines. Or embark on a history walk through Cambria’s streets, full of stories and well-preserved architectural treasures.
Cayucos
Good Tides and Good Vibes
Here, surfers catch picture-perfect waves beside a historic pier and kids build sandcastles under the sun. Cayucos is all about good vibes, whether at lunch in a sea captain’s historic home or streetside for an epic 4th of July celebration. Shop for the perfect surfboard, built by a local craftsman, or walk the six miles of white sand beach to Morro Rock. However you get to know Cayucos, leave time to slow down and soak up the sun.
Los Osos & Baywood
Mother Nature’s Playground
With hiking, equestrian and mountain biking trails, Montana de Oro State Park anchors the sister towns of Los Osos and Baywood.
The sister towns of Los Osos and Baywood collaborate to make magic by the sea, encouraging visitors to linger longer. Dine on fresh fare, then amble to the pier to watch the sun tuck behind the horizon. Kayak past an oyster farm in the Morro Bay National Estuary, then hit the links at a coastal golf course.
But whatever you do on this easygoing section of Highway 1, don’t miss Montana de Oro State Park, which anchors it all. Find hiking, biking and equestrian trails here, plus beaches, local history, and ocean views that seem to never end.
Avila Beach
Pick Your Perfect Paradise
Looking for a small, family-friendly beach town with something for everyone? Hit up Avila Beach, a sweet coastal city with more than its fair share of attractions.
Here, the shoreline faces a boardwalk flanked with unique shopping, wine tasting, and dining options. Enjoy sun and fun on the white sand beach, and grab a shaved ice when it’s time to cool down. In the mood for a quiet walk? Take a paved trail directly to the beach, under a canopy of sycamore trees. Or maybe you’d rather drive: cruise the drivable pier, or drive golf balls at the nearby oceanfront course. Apple lovers will delight in vast apple orchards, open for tastings in a pretty country canyon. And history buffs will want to see a working lighthouse dating from 1890, tucked into the folds of a coastal hillside.
Oceano & Nipomo
Authentic and Action-Packed
At the southernmost end of San Luis Obispo County’s stretch of Highway 1, the rubber meets the road…and the sand! Off-road enthusiasts cruise to the State Park in Oceano to hit the only drivable beach in California. In Nipomo, the finest barbecue in the West cooks low and slow over red oak coals, the same way it has for centuries. Picturesque golf courses await novice players and experts alike, and a professional theater stages old-timey melodramas for plenty of laughs. Want in on the action? All you need to pack is your sense of adventure.
Edna Valley & Arroyo Grande Valley
Village Charm And Coastal Wines
The past is alive and well ― and as charming as ever ― just four miles from Highway 1. Walk the Village of Arroyo Grande, lined with boutique shops, dining, and historic landmarks open to the public. Or take a country drive to the Old Edna Townsite, once known for its saloon, artists and wild parties. For a zipline, ropes course, fishing and water play, head to Lopez Lake and soak up the fun. And for wine-lovers, taste through the Edna and Arroyo Grande Valleys, some of California’s only coastal wine regions, just four miles from Pismo Beach.
Upcoming Events
Your next adventure awaits
-
Seeds: Nature’s Artful Engineering ExhibitOctober 18, 2022 to February 23, 2023Morro BayExhibition highlighting the diversity of native California plants comes to the Morro Bay Museum of Natural History
-
Nature Nights at the SLO Botanical GardenNovember 11, 2022 to March 19, 2023San Luis ObispoThe event will feature large format light projections throughout the eight-acre portion of the 150-acre Garden.
-
San Luis ObispoHave you ever wondered how the garden beds were initially prepared, what the irrigation schedule is or pretty much anything about any of the plants?
-
Cambria Film FestivalFebruary 08 to February 12, 2023CambriaThe Cambria Film Festival will include a few favorite full-length films from previous decades as well as brand new features and shorts.
-
Arroyo GrandeWalk from the Guadalupe-Nipomo Dunes Center along Oso Flaco Lake's 2½ mile boardwalk to the Pacific Ocean and view first-hand the first blushes of spring as the native flora and fauna emerge from winter's rest.
-
Montaña de Oro State Park & Trail Restoration DaysOctober 29, 2022 to February 12, 2023Los OsosVisitors and local residents are invited to join the popular trail work days throughout the year, including Super Bowl Sunday.
-
BlendFest on the CoastFebruary 23 to February 26, 2023CambriaVisitors to the coastal Highway 1 towns of Cambria and San Simeon have an opportunity to participate in this popular event that focuses on blending wines from nearby Paso Robles.
-
Festival Mozaic: Notable Insight – NovacekFebruary 24, 2023Los OsosPianist John Novacek leads a Notable Insight focusing on his own work for piano, cello and clarinet called Trio Marlenita.
-
Festival Mozaic: Notable Dinner – FaureFebruary 25, 2023NipomoMusic director and violinist Scott Yoo takes you on a tour behind the music of Faure's Piano Trio in the newly constructed Dana Adobe Cultural Center in Nipomo.
-
Festival Mozaic: Chamber ConcertFebruary 26, 2023San Luis ObispoA chamber concert featuring Scott Yoo, violin Bion Tsang, cello Burt Hara, clarinet John Novacek, piano.
-
Festival Mozaic: Artist-in-Residence, Jonah KimOctober 02, 2022 to March 26, 2023San Luis Obispo2022-23 Artist-in-Residence cellist Jonah Kim joins pianist Dominic Cheli, San Francisco Ballet soloist Julia Rowe, and choreographer Wei Wang
-
San Luis ObispoFlutist and host of NPR's Sunday Baroque, Suzanne Bona, joins Cal Poly music professor Craig Russell and friends.
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.
Activities
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.