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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  • Best Park in Avila Beach

    Best Park in Avila Beach

    Avila Beach
    Fun in the sun? Absolutely. When it comes to having a good time, Avila Beach parks offer the best possible conditions. The average temperature in this quaint beachfront town ranges between a comfortable 64 degrees F and 72 degrees F. The white sands of the beach are always…
  • Best Parks in Arroyo Grande and Edna Valley

    Best Parks in Arroyo Grande and Edna Valley

    Arroyo Grande
    Arroyo Grande and Edna Valley Parks are a family friendly destination with plenty of safe, fun opportunities for kids or pets to run, laugh and play. Spread a blanket in the grass, explore rugged terrain, partake in friendly fieldsports, or hit the playground for an afternoon of exploration.
  • Madeline’s on Moonstone Wine Tasting

    Madeline’s on Moonstone Wine Tasting

    Cambria
    Looking for something unique to do? Cambria Shores Inn invites everyone to their oceanfront venue for wine tasting at Madeline’s on Moonstone. David Stoothoff, owner of Madeline’s, along with owners of Cambria Shores Inn, Kim and Leslie Eady, have combined talents to bring a special wine tasting experience to the…
  • Secret Garden at Sycamore Mineral Springs Resort

    Secret Garden at Sycamore Mineral Springs Resort

    San Luis Obispo
    Enjoy the beautiful outdoors in the Secret Garden at Sycamore Mineral Springs Resort, a place to grab a special drink, tasty treat, or simply relax.
  • Best Parks in San Simeon and Ragged Point

    Best Parks in San Simeon and Ragged Point

    San Simeon
    With their many miles of untouched coastline, beaches, forests — even a castle! — San Simeon and Ragged Point offer a wealth of spectacular family-friendly destinations. The parks here are wide-open for exploring and discovery. Ascend the “enchanted hilltop” of Hearst Castle to follow the footsteps of media…
  • The 10 Best Parks on Highway 1

    The 10 Best Parks on Highway 1

    In a land of natural splendor, it’s no surprise that the public has access to breathtaking, fun, and fascinating parks. On this special stretch of Highway 1, the wild and the wonderful conspire to bring kids and their grownups closer to nature — and to each other. Here,…
  • Best Parks in Cambria

    Best Parks in Cambria

    Cambria
    A good public park can add so much to a vacation along Highway 1. In Cambria, parks are destinations for flying kites, barbecuing burgers, and letting the kids (and dogs) burn off some steam. Most parks here include wide views of the Pacific Ocean, where sea otters, whales,…
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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!
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • Hiking Oceano and Nipomo Stewardship Travel Logo

    Hiking Oceano and Nipomo

    Oceano
    A hike across the varied trails of Oceano or Nipomo means wildlife, peaceful lagoons, abundant native plants, and views of the Pacific coastline.
  • Hiking Arroyo Grande and Edna Valleys

    Hiking Arroyo Grande and Edna Valleys

    Arroyo Grande
    Find yourself on a hike in either of these two scenic valleys where sunshine, vineyard views, and cool coastal breezes make for perfect conditions.
  • 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.
  • 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.