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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  • Oceano Train Depot Stewardship Travel Logo

    Oceano Train Depot

    Oceano
    A critical historic site for the development of San Luis Obispo County, the Oceano Train Depot now stands as a museum and community center.
  • 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.
  • Hearst Castle Holidays

    Hearst Castle Holidays

    San Simeon
    Hearst Castle brings to life his love of all things Christmas, and invites you to join in the spirit of the season!
  • Cambria Scarecrow Festival

    Cambria Scarecrow Festival

    Cambria
    The annual Scarecrow Festival includes plenty of fall festivities, including a trail of handmade scarecrows displayed throughout the town’s East and West Villages.
  • 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.
  • Best Central Coast Farmers Markets

    Best Central Coast Farmers Markets

    Avila Beach
    Central Coast farmers’ markets bring more than fresh fixings ― they often bring prepared food, live music and entertainment, too. Grab your bag and join us.
  • Activity Map ~ Highway 1 Road Trip

    Activity Map ~ Highway 1 Road Trip

    See the sights and highlights along the Highway 1 Road Trip! Featuring 101 miles of adventure, the route stretches from the scenic coastline in Ragged Point south through the agricultural communities of Oceano and Nipomo.
  • Hiking Los Osos Stewardship Travel Logo

    Hiking Los Osos

    Los Osos
    A hiker’s paradise, Los Osos lies in a valley at the edge of the Pacific Ocean. Trails of all lengths span beaches, creeks, mountains, and bluffs.
  • Elfin Forest

    Elfin Forest

    Los Osos
    El Moro Elfin Forest Natural Area An ancient oak grove, the Elfin Forest is home to trees that grow only 4 to 20 feet tall.
  • Montaña de Oro State Park

    Montaña de Oro State Park

    Los Osos
    This park features rugged cliffs, secluded sandy beaches, coastal plains, streams, canyons, and hills, including 1,347-foot Valencia Peak.
  • Best Beaches on Highway 1 Stewardship Travel Logo

    Best Beaches on Highway 1

    Visitors can find a spectrum of options, with ideal beaches for sunbathing, beachcombing, wildlife viewing, surfing, tidepooling, doggie fun or even dune-driving.
  • 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.
  • Hiking On Highway 1

    Hiking On Highway 1

    Highway 1
    Hiking along the Highway 1 Road Trip showcases the diversity of this abundant place. From Ragged Point to Nipomo, each corner of coastal SLO CAL has its own distinctive flora, fauna, and history.
  • Free Online Trail Maps & Trail Work Volunteer Days Stewardship Travel Logo

    Free Online Trail Maps & Trail Work Volunteer Days

    San Luis Obispo County
    Visitors and local residents alike are invited to download free trail maps throughout the San Luis Obispo and the HWY 1 Discovery Route
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • Avila Beach Bird Sanctuary

    Avila Beach Bird Sanctuary

    Avila Beach
    Avila's fresh water stream micro estuary and salt water coastline provide a perfect place to eat and rest before continuing on their journey.
  • Salmon Creek Falls

    Salmon Creek Falls

    San Simeon
    Salmon Creek Falls is a natural, beautiful waterfall found on the Big Sur Pacific Coast Highway 1 located 3 miles north of Ragged Point Inn.