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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  • 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,…
  • 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…
  • Tide Pools and Sea Life of Cambria

    Tide Pools and Sea Life of Cambria

    Cambria
    Along Cambria’s craggy, dramatic shoreline, witness the lives of thousands of tiny creatures in their watery habitat. These tide pools offer the opportunity for curious minds to discover a whole world of life at the ocean’s surface.
  • Sea Life of Oceano and Nipomo

    Sea Life of Oceano and Nipomo

    Oceano
    The stretch of Highway 1 between Oceano and Nipomo is some of the most beautiful and biologically diverse coastline in the state. Here, 15 miles of dunes make up one of the largest coastal dune systems in California.
  • 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.
  • Arcadian Adventures

    Arcadian Adventures

    San Luis Obispo
    Our mission is to provide our guests with bespoke itineraries of outdoor activities led by our dedicated guides.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • Downtown Stops Along Highway 1

    Downtown Stops Along Highway 1

    Cambria
    Who doesn’t love the hustle and bustle of an active downtown? Town greens and plazas provide a gateway to the best attractions a destination can offer, from historic landmarks to dining, shopping, and entertainment.
  • Wildflowers on Highway 1 Stewardship Travel Logo

    Wildflowers on Highway 1

    Cambria
    Brittlebrush, poppies, bluebells, lupine, sand verbena, and evening primrose are just a handful of the incredible wildflowers that bloom on the Central Coast.
  • 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.