Things To Do

Your ultimate guide to the best things to do along the iconic Highway 1. Immerse yourself in the breathtaking beauty of the California coast, from the grandeur of Hearst Castle to lazy beach-side hamlets. Discover hidden gems, encounter diverse wildlife, and indulge in the region’s vibrant art and culture. Let this comprehensive resource be your compass for an unforgettable road trip adventure.

Featured Attractions

Hearst Castle

Cayucos Pier

Oceano Dunes

Piedras Blancas Lighthouse

Activities

Best Things to Do

Arts & Culture

Beaches

Biking

Fishing

Golfing

Hiking

Shopping

Surfing

Wildlife Viewing

Farmer’s Markets

Spas & Wellness

All Things to Do

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  • Sandboarding, Surfing & Other Oceano Boardsports

    Sandboarding, Surfing & Other Oceano Boardsports

    Oceano
    The area is a family-friendly, natural playground for anyone who likes to ride — or anyone who wants to learn. Surfers, bodyboarders and skimboarders find plenty of space to play in the beaches south of the Pismo Pier.
  • Be an iNaturalist with the Cayucos Land Conservancy Stewardship Travel Logo

    Be an iNaturalist with the Cayucos Land Conservancy

    Cayucos
    Did you know that the Cayucos Land Conservancy sponsors a Citizen/Scientist Project on iNaturalist to catalog all plant and animal life found at Estero Bluffs State Park?
  • Best Parks in Oceano and Nipomo

    Best Parks in Oceano and Nipomo

    Oceano
    However you choose to experience Oceano and Nipomo’s parks, you’re sure to find lots of secret spots to explore and space to roam.
  • Fishing Oceano and the Nipomo Mesa

    Fishing Oceano and the Nipomo Mesa

    Oceano
    At the southern end of our special stretch of Highway 1, the sister towns of Oceano and Nipomo offer a variety of fishing opportunities. Here, you’ll find pier fishing, surf fishing, kayak fishing — even lake fishing.
  • Best Parks in Los Osos-Baywood Stewardship Travel Logo

    Best Parks in Los Osos-Baywood

    Los Osos
    With its mild, sunny weather, rugged beauty and beachside location, Los Osos-Baywood has all the right conditions for a day at the park.
  • Surfing Los Osos

    Surfing Los Osos

    Los Osos
    Surfing this unspoiled stretch of coastline off Highway 1 should be on every experienced surfer’s bucket list. Epic waves, beautiful barrels and a rare unexposed break make this the stuff of surfing dreams.
  • Fishing Los Osos

    Fishing Los Osos

    Los Osos
    As one of the most secluded and unspoiled areas on the California coast, Los Osos offers terrific opportunities for fishing. Whether you prefer to fish from a kayak, from shore, or from the rocks, you’re likely to feel a tug on your line.
  • Sea Life and Tide Pools of Los Osos and Baywood Park

    Sea Life and Tide Pools of Los Osos and Baywood Park

    Los Osos
    With several miles of coastline, including plenty of bays and channels composed of craggy terrain, Los Osos is an area perfect for tide pools.
  • Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary (MBNMS) — South End Stewardship Travel Logo

    Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary (MBNMS) — South End

    San Simeon
    Vast and teeming with life, the Pacific Ocean impacts nearly every part of life on the Central Coast, from wildlife to wine. But if not for the protection of the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary, this landscape might not be so pristine or majestic.
  • Best Parks in Cayucos

    Best Parks in Cayucos

    Cayucos
    This charming seaside town is a family-friendly destination with multiple parks and open spaces. Settle into one of Cayucos’ parks and let the kids burn off some energy — or the pets, for that matter!
  • Fishing Cayucos

    Fishing Cayucos

    Cayucos
    Fishing in Cayucos is one of the best ways to explore our unique section of Highway 1. You can see the historic Cayucos Pier, the shoreline of Cayucos State Beach or Morro Strand.
  • Stores in Cayucos

    Stores in Cayucos

    Cayucos
    The main thoroughfare of Ocean Avenue cruises through downtown Cayucos, which boasts several unique shopping opportunities.
  • Tide Pools and Sea Life of Cayucos Stewardship Travel Logo

    Tide Pools and Sea Life of Cayucos

    Cayucos
    With 100 miles of Pacific coastline, our stretch of Highway 1 boasts abundant sea life including marine mammals, tide pools, and kelp forests.
  • Fishing California’s Highway 1

    Fishing California’s Highway 1

    San Simeon
    Plentiful waters invite fishing of all sorts here on our special stretch of Highway 1. Find yourself on an uncrowded white sand beach, surf fishing any one of our 100 miles of coastline.
  • Surfing Spots on Highway 1

    Surfing Spots on Highway 1

    San Simeon
    Once called “The Lost Coast” by Surfer Magazine, this rugged stretch of coastline boasts some of the best-kept secret surf spots in California.
  • Tide Pools and Sea Life of Highway 1

    Tide Pools and Sea Life of Highway 1

    Wherever you roam along Highway 1, the ocean never lies far away. In the 57 miles of coastline between Ragged Point and Nipomo, the Pacific Ocean defines the landscape.
  • Scenic Drive: Your Highway 1 Road Trip

    Scenic Drive: Your Highway 1 Road Trip

    San Simeon
    If you want the inside scoop on the best places to stop while driving the Pacific Coast Highway, you’ll need inspiration from a knowledgeable guide. Take your road trip on Highway 1 now.
  • Biking Pacific Coast Highway 1

    Biking Pacific Coast Highway 1

    San Simeon
    An all-time favorite cycling route, Highway 1 offers spectacular views and challenging climbs with great restaurants, wineries and attractions along the way.