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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  • Dog Friendly Activities Along Highway 1

    Dog Friendly Activities Along Highway 1

    California’s Central Coast provides a fun and safe playground for both dogs and their humans. Stay in dog-friendly lodging, dine in dog-friendly restaurants, and frolic on dog-friendly beaches, hikes and parks.
  • San Simeon Pier

    San Simeon Pier

    San Simeon
    Before the advent of the railroad and easily traversed highways, most of the commerce in central California was conducted by ship and piers and wharfs were vitally important.
  • Pacific Coast Railway Union Oil Pier “Cal Poly Pier”

    Pacific Coast Railway Union Oil Pier “Cal Poly Pier”

    Avila Beach
    In 1914 the Pacific Coast Railway Company constructed a pier at Port San Luis for commercial shipping.
  • Paddle Back In Time to Historic Lighthouse Stewardship Travel Logo

    Paddle Back In Time to Historic Lighthouse

    Avila Beach
    Paddle back in time with professional kayak guides to the 125 year old fully restored and quite beautiful Point San Luis Lighthouse in Avila Beach, California
  • Avila Beach Murals

    Avila Beach Murals

    Avila Beach
    The towers have become a popular “must-see” for both residents and visitors.
  • Pacific Valley Bluff Trail

    Pacific Valley Bluff Trail

    Big Sur
    Highway 1 is most famous for its coastal views, so you'll definitely want to take the chance to hop out of your car and stroll along the Pacific Valley Bluff Trail.
  • Oceano Dunes District Visitor Center

    Oceano Dunes District Visitor Center

    Oceano
    This facility provides our community and park visitors with new educational opportunities.
  • Boucher Trail at Piedras Blancas

    Boucher Trail at Piedras Blancas

    San Simeon
    The Boucher Trail runs from the paved elephant seal viewing parking for 1.9 miles, to a half mile north of the Piedras Blancas Light Station.
  • SeaPhoto App

    SeaPhoto App

    San Simeon
    Teachers, students, beachgoers, researchers and others can now view a wealth of information about central California marine life
  • Morro Bay Estuary

    Morro Bay Estuary

    Morro Bay
    Morro Bay was designated a state estuary in 1994 and an “estuary of national significance” in 1995 as a result of a tireless community-based effort to protect this precious resource.
  • Cayucos Tide Pools

    Cayucos Tide Pools

    Cayucos
    This little known town in central California has some great tide pool locations to explore.
  • Central Coast Outdoors

    Central Coast Outdoors

    Morro Bay
    From the serene protected waters of Morro Bay to the rocky cliffs along Shell Beach, kayaking is a sport that can be enjoyed by all. 
  • Guadalupe-Nipomo Dunes Natural History Center

    Guadalupe-Nipomo Dunes Natural History Center

    Guadalupe
    The Guadalupe-Nipomo Dunes Complex is comprised of 18 miles of coastline and is one of the most ecologically significant and largest intact coastal dune ecosystems on earth.
  • Cayucos Land Conservancy Bluffs & Nature Walks

    Cayucos Land Conservancy Bluffs & Nature Walks

    Cayucos
    The "Bluff Walks" and nature walks program offers guided hikes on the Bluffs and other ecosystems on the coast. 
  • Volunteer at Guadalupe-Nipomo Dunes Natural History Center Stewardship Travel Logo

    Volunteer at Guadalupe-Nipomo Dunes Natural History Center

    Guadalupe
    The Volunteer Program at the Dunes Center is crucial to its ability to fulfill its mission. 
  • Fiscalini Ranch Preserve Monthly Work Day Stewardship Travel Logo

    Fiscalini Ranch Preserve Monthly Work Day

    Cambria
    The Ranch is far from the largest of coastal ecosystems, but packs more biological diversity into a confined area than many larger properties.
  • San Luis Obispo North Coast Byway – Route 1

    San Luis Obispo North Coast Byway – Route 1

    The San Luis Obispo North Coast Byway provides an extraordinary experience.
  • Big Sur National Scenic Byway

    Big Sur National Scenic Byway

    Big Sur
    Travel the route that hugs the California coast, providing access to austere, windswept cypress trees, fog-shrouded cliffs and the crashing surf of the Pacific Ocean.