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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  • Solo Travel Highway 1’s Wide Open Spaces

    Solo Travel Highway 1’s Wide Open Spaces

    With the need for social distancing, there’s never been a better time to dream about your next party-of-one trip.
  • Preserves, Estuaries and Sanctuaries on Highway 1

    Preserves, Estuaries and Sanctuaries on Highway 1

    Avila Beach
    Find thousands of acres of protected open space, both on land and at sea. These estuaries, preserves, and sanctuaries are home to abundant wildlife.
  • Pismo State Beach

    Pismo State Beach

    Oceano
    With nearly 17 miles of Pacific coastline, Pismo State Beach has been a destination for sun and sand for generations.
  • Los Osos State Parks and Beaches Stewardship Travel Logo

    Los Osos State Parks and Beaches

    Los Osos
    With natural splendor to spare, Los Osos boasts two state parks and beaches: Montaña de Oro State Park and the Los Osos Oaks State Natural Reserve.
  • Cayucos State Parks and Beaches Stewardship Travel Logo

    Cayucos State Parks and Beaches

    Cayucos
    Sunshine, shoreline, surf and even starfish — these are just a few treasures to be found in Cayucos State Beaches and State Parks.
  • Cambria State Park And Marine Protected Area

    Cambria State Park And Marine Protected Area

    Cambria
    On Cambria’s northern edge, Leffingwell Landing begs visitors to sit and enjoy the beautiful scenery. The park offers BBQ pits, short hiking trails, a scenic lookout, boat ramp and restrooms.
  • State Parks and Beaches of San Simeon

    State Parks and Beaches of San Simeon

    San Simeon
    Visit Hearst Castle along with its neighboring San Simeon state parks and beaches, and experience the very best of the Central Coast.
  • State Parks and Beaches of the Central Coast

    State Parks and Beaches of the Central Coast

    Highway 1
    From Ragged Point to Nipomo, you’ll find unspoiled beaches, quiet woodlands, marine protected areas, art, antiquities, and driveable dunes.
  • Seaweed Foraging Tours Stewardship Travel Logo

    Seaweed Foraging Tours

    Cayucos
    This is an intimate and educational experience that is always family friendly.
  • Hot Springs in Avila Beach Stewardship Travel Logo

    Hot Springs in Avila Beach

    Avila Beach
    For generations, the natural hot springs of Avila Beach have provided relief and relaxation to visitors from far and wide. Want to soak your stress away? Find pure bliss in two legendary Avila Beach Hot Springs.
  • Avila Beaches and Piers

    Avila Beaches and Piers

    Avila Beach
    With its long stretches of white sand, boardwalks, pet-friendly spots, wildlife and bustling harbor, Avila Beach has attracted visitors for centuries.
  • Bird Watching on the Central Coast

    Bird Watching on the Central Coast

    Los Osos
    Ideal climate, terrain, and proximity to the Pacific Flyway makes the SLO CAL stretch of Highway 1 one of the finest birding regions in the world.
  • Gateway to Big Sur

    Gateway to Big Sur

    Ragged Point
    Big Sur represents the best of the West. As one of the nation’s top attractions, Big Sur sparkles with vast views of the Pacific.
  • Sea Otter Spotting Stewardship Travel Logo

    Sea Otter Spotting

    Morro Bay
    Cute, furry, and playful, Southern Sea Otters make their homes just offshore along the SLO CAL stretch of Highway 1. Sea otters are native to the north Pacific Ocean, with Monterey Bay, Big Sur, and the Central Coast as hubs of activity.
  • Historic Piers and Lighthouses on Highway 1

    Historic Piers and Lighthouses on Highway 1

    Avila Beach
    Take in all the piers and lighthouses of coastal San Luis Obispo County, or choose just one or two to explore. Either way, you’ll witness the impact of how this region’s coastal position shaped its history.
  • Avila Beach Sailing & Whale Watching

    Avila Beach Sailing & Whale Watching

    San Luis Obispo
    We are a small family run business that is passionate about sharing the beauty and exceptional wildlife of San Luis Bay, a hidden gem on the Central Coast of California.
  • Central Coast Polar Bear Dips

    Central Coast Polar Bear Dips

    Cayucos
    The SLO CAL stretch of Highway 1 boasts two “polar bear dips” on the first day of the year, both of which are beloved traditions.
  • Family Friendly Things to Do

    Family Friendly Things to Do

    Avila Beach
    For easy-breezy family fun, nothing beats a hike. Lace up your walking shoes, grab a hat and a water bottle, and head out any of coastal San Luis Obispo County’s hundreds of hiking trails.