Things To Do

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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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  • Art and Culture of Arroyo Grande & Edna Valley

    Art and Culture of Arroyo Grande & Edna Valley

    Arroyo Grande
    The beauty and bounty of Highway 1 inspires a wealth of art and culture in each of its communities, Arroyo Grande and Edna Valley among them. In Arroyo Grande, find a lively sense of history inside impeccably-preserved buildings like the Santa Manuela Schoolhouse. This quaint spot and others…
  • Hearst Castle Zebras

    Hearst Castle Zebras

    San Simeon
    What’s black and white and visible from Highway 1? Believe it or not, zebras are a common sight for drivers passing Hearst Castle, between San Simeon and Ragged Point. The gorgeously striped species is native to Africa, but the herd here descends from zebras in William Randolph…
  • The Sweet Springs Nature Preserve Stewardship Travel Logo

    The Sweet Springs Nature Preserve

    Los Osos
    Located at the meeting of freshwater run-off and the saltwater ocean, the Sweet Springs Nature Preserve is a jewel of natural Los Osos. At 32 acres, the preserve is owned by the Morro Coast Audubon Society and includes hiking trails, interpretive signs, footbridges, and memorial benches. Local and migratory…
  • 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…
  • Fishing Avila Beach

    Fishing Avila Beach

    Avila Beach
    Avila Beach consistently lands on anglers’ bucket lists for good reason: the fishing and the views are excellent here. For those without a watercraft, two piers invite anglers of all ages and abilities to drop a line. Rockfishing in this area is also particularly good, for those willing…
  • 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.
  • Tide Pools and Sea Life of Avila Beach

    Tide Pools and Sea Life of Avila Beach

    Avila Beach
    Imagine a seaside community surrounded by a wealth of wildlife in its own habitat, and you’ve probably imagined a place like Avila Beach. The sound of waves crashing, birds singing, and seals barking is the soundtrack to any day spent here. All creatures great and small inhabit and…
  • Cambria Murals

    Cambria Murals

    Cambria
    The towers have become a popular “must-see” for both residents and visitors.
  • 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,…
  • Fishing Arroyo Grande

    Fishing Arroyo Grande

    Arroyo Grande
    Discover Fishing Along Highway 1 Lopez Lake General Info Located 10 miles east of Arroyo Grande, this freshwater lake is formed by the Lopez Dam, built in 1969 on Arroyo Grande Creek. The lake totals 49,200-acre-feet; fluctuating water levels and capacity can be found through the San Luis…
  • Shopping the Village of Arroyo Grande

    Shopping the Village of Arroyo Grande

    Arroyo Grande
    Old-fashioned charm, mom-and-pop storefronts, and a friendly Main Street reminiscent of years gone by make Arroyo Grande and neighboring Edna Valley must-shop destinations. Visitors love walking the Village of Arroyo Grande (or “the Village,” as the locals call it), taking in the sights and sounds of this…
  • Fishing San Simeon & Ragged Point

    Fishing San Simeon & Ragged Point

    San Simeon
    Explore Fishing in San Simeon & Ragged Point Fishing San Simeon With dramatic coastline, mild weather and rugged scenery, San Simeon and Ragged Point offer a beautiful backdrop for your fishing trip. Look for a wide variety of fishing opportunities here, including pier fishing, rock fishing, surf fishing,…
  • Surfing San Simeon to Ragged Point

    Surfing San Simeon to Ragged Point

    San Simeon
    Beyond San Simeon’s Highway 1’s well-known surf spots lies a coastline that feels like it’s been waiting just for you. From Big Sur’s southern swells to the hidden breaks near Ragged Point, peeling waves tuck into pristine coves, ready to reward those willing to explore. This is surfing as nature…
  • Tide Pools and Sea Life of San Simeon

    Tide Pools and Sea Life of San Simeon

    San Simeon
    The stretch of coastline along San Simeon sees some of the most diverse sea life of all of Highway 1. Here, whales spout and breach within full view of the San Simeon Pier at William Randolph Hearst Memorial Beach. Dolphins’ dorsal fins dip in and out of the…
  • 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,…
  • Fishing Cambria

    Fishing Cambria

    Cambria
    The site of fishing tournaments and a historic fishing community, Cambria has been a destination for anglers for centuries. Bring your gear and prepare to spend an hour — or a week! — enjoying these tranquil, abundant waters. Ask the locals for tips, and they’ll likely guide you…
  • Surfing Cambria

    Surfing Cambria

    Cambria
    Located between two Highway 1 surf hotspots, San Simeon and Cayucos, Cambria’s surf scene sparkles as one of California’s hidden treasures. Local surfers cherish Cambria’s accessible waves and consistent surf conditions, particularly at Moonstone Beach. This pristine surf spot sits just a 12-minute walk from Cambria’s charming East Village,…