Road trip California's iconic coastal route without the crowds Sunday through Thursday
Most travelers assume weekends are the best time to hit the California coast—but the real magic happens midweek. So when’s the best time to hit Highway 1? From Sunday through Thursday, Highway 1—one of California’s most iconic scenic routes—slows down, revealing its most authentic self: golden dunes brushed by the breeze, misty cliffs glowing in the morning light and small towns that feel like hidden gems again. Midweek travel offers a collective exhale—when the breeze carries nothing but salt, sun and the call of the open road. Swap surf stories with local fishermen, discover tide pools teeming with life and stroll for miles along secluded shores where the only footprints might be your own. With fewer crowds and more to explore, this breathtaking stretch is wide open and ready when you are. It may feel worlds away, but Highway 1 connects easily to major cities by plane, rail, or road. Ready to unlock Highway 1’s best-kept secret? We’ll show you why Sunday through Thursday is the ultimate coastal cheat code—and how to make the most of every mile.
Why Midweek Means More for Highway 1 Road Trippers
Slow down and move with the tide. From Sunday through Thursday, Highway 1 shifts into its most effortless rhythm: Less crowds (no elbowing for that golden-hour photo), easier trailhead parking, last-minute dinner reservations and boutique hotel rates often 30–50% lower than weekends. But the real magic? Experiencing the coast the way locals do: Sun warming your skin, seafoam glittering along the shore, a heron lifting into the morning mist. That breezy patio seat? It’s yours. Fresh oysters and coastal chardonnay taste better without the wait. With no need to rush, the coast reveals its quieter wonders—roadside strawberries, a hidden shipwreck at low tide, a bloom-covered trail, a sunset shared only with dolphins dancing in the surf. Let Highway 1 lead the way—Midweek, the journey becomes the destination.
Where to Go (and Why Midweek Makes It Better)
Every Highway 1 stop shines a little brighter midweek—when the pace slows and authentic experiences beckon.
Embrace calm in Cayucos: The historic Cayucos Pier becomes your private fishing spot, where pelicans dive for breakfast right beside your line. Antique shops invite unhurried wandering, and the weekday farmers’ market overflows with treasures that vanish by the weekend—just-picked avocados, local honey, fresh-baked bread. Walk quiet beaches where curious seals mingle with local surfers and let the laid back rhythm of the community dictate your itinerary.
The beach is yours in Cambria: Moonstone Beach’s wooden boardwalk provides a meditative stroll, where waves tumble over stones worn smooth by time. Downtown galleries and artist studios welcome you to linger, explore and e take home a handcrafted work of art. With fewer visitors, tasting rooms offer generous pours and heartfelt conversation. Even the sand sparkles differently midweek—those legendary moonstones catch the light, awaiting your collection.
Wander wide open trails in Los Osos and Montaña de Oro: Plentiful paths meander through coastal bluffs where eucalyptus branches sway gently in the breeze. Whether hiking or biking, you’ll feel the untamed beauty of the Pacific all around you—just birdsong and the crash of waves along the rugged shore. Midweek, tide pools gleam with otherworldly stillness—be sure to take a moment to spy sea stars and urchins just below your feet.
Soak up uncrowded views in San Simeon and Ragged Point: With lookout points blissfully free of weekend crowds, you’re free to marvel at the view. At Ragged Point, dramatic cliffs drop into the Pacific in jaw-dropping fashion—especially at sunset, when you may have the entire horizon to yourself. In San Simeon, spy sweeping lighthouse vistas and elephant seals basking on the beach.
Taste more relaxation in Avila Beach and Edna Valley: In Edna Valley, tasting rooms shift into midweek mode, with vintners eager to share the stories behind every swirl. Vineyard paths unfold under wide-open skies, where the ocean’s influence lingers on the vine. In Avila Beach, protected coves reveal coveted swimming spots and spontaneous mineral spring soaks are blissfully unscheduled.
Discover deserted dunes in Nipomo and Oceano: Step into a windswept dunescape where rolling dunes ripple in golden light. Without weekend crowds, ATV rides are pure exhilaration, with photo ops around every shifting curve. In Nipomo, no need to rush the day away—there’s plenty of time to meander the Oso Flaco Lake boardwalk, rich with midweek birdwatching opportunities.
A Two-Day Midweek Road Trip Along Highway 1
Pack more authentic coastal experiences into 48 hours than most weekend trips manage
Day 1: Explore Northern Coastal Treasures
Start your midweek Highway 1 escape with lunch at Ragged Point Restaurant, where floor-to-ceiling windows frame the endless Pacific and the daily catch arrives fresh from the sea. With fewer crowds, every moment slows—gulls glide effortlessly on the breeze as you savor each bite. Yes might even catch a glimpse of a whale along the horizon (a worthy dessert).
Head south to San Simeon for a Hearst Castle tour, the hilltop estate of old Hollywood opulence. Midweek visits mean smaller groups and a quieter pace, letting you soak in the hush of the gothic library or catch the gleam of gilded tiles in the Neptune Pool.
Pause at Elephant Seal Vista Point at Piedras Blancas, where sunbathing giants lounge like royalty. With easy parking and uninterrupted views, you might catch pups splashing in the surf or hear mothers calling as massive bulls snooze on the sand—nature’s drama unfolding right before your eyes.
End your day in Cambria with a sunset stroll along the Moonstone Beach Boardwalk. Midweek, the path feels serene and reflective, benches empty and ready for you to watch the sky shift from amber to violet along the horizon.
Day 2: Wine Country and Beach Towns
Grab breakfast in Cayucos at Hidden Kitchen, where famous blue corn waffles come piled with seasonal produce—and fewer diners means your table’s ready now. Afterward, stroll the historic 1872 pier, where local surfers paddle beneath the piers.
Head inland through rolling hills to Edna Valley, where ancient volcanic peaks cradle some of California’s most acclaimed cool-climate vines. At Tolosa Winery or Tangent, midweek tastings move with relaxed magic, when winemakers can stop and share stories behind each prized bottle.
Wrap your midweek Highway 1 adventure in Avila Beach, where a protected cove welcomes waders into temperate waters and kayakers paddle through hidden sea caves. Roll from ocean to forest along the Bob Jones Trail, a peaceful path perfect for explorers of all ages. As twilight falls, soak in the hillside hot tubs at Sycamore Mineral Springs, where mineral-rich waters ease tired muscles. Beneath a canopy of stars, the coast feels hushed, peaceful—entirely yours.
Make the Most of Your Midweek Trip
Take advantage of midweek lodging deals
Many coastal inns offer discounted rates Sunday through Thursday—often with room upgrades just for showing up when it’s quieter. Book directly with the hotel or inn for the best perks. Enjoy ocean views, cozy fireplaces, or that dreamy seaside room where sunset views are simply spectacular.
Pack for coastal weather
Layers are your best friend along Highway 1. Mornings may bring thick fog, afternoons dazzle with ample sunshine and evenings cool quickly with ocean breeze. A light windbreaker, a warm layer and comfortable walking shoes will carry you from tide pools to trailheads with ease.
Chase the golden hour
With fewer travelers at scenic overlooks, it’s easier to catch postcard-perfect moments—no selfie stick required. Start your day with a sunrise stroll along the shore, where you might spot seals or otters just beyond the surf. At sunset, watch the seaside cliffs and cypress groves glow gold, capturing Highway 1’s most photogenic hour in peace.
Follow your curiosity
The real magic of midweek on Highway 1? The freedom to wander. Stop for roadside wonders, explore unmarked trails and say “yes” to local tips when they come. Whether it’s fresh avocados sold from a pickup truck or a hidden waterfall revealed by a friendly barista, the coast has a way of rewarding those who listen.
Why Wait for the Weekend?
Highway 1 awaits—and from Sunday through Thursday, it’s all yours. Clear your schedule and let the adventure unfold, mile by magic mile. Midweek travel along Highway 1 offers more than just fewer crowds—it opens the door to deeper connections with the land, the locals and the laid-back rhythm of California’s awe-inspiring Central Coast. It’s the freedom to snag that ocean-view table without a reservation, to linger in a quiet tasting room or to wander a misty bluff trail. Let the weekend warriors do their thing. You’re ready for Highway 1’s midweek majesty.
