Things To Do

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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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Day Spa and Massage Retreats on Highway 1
Rejuvenate mind and body with relaxing Highway 1 spa and wellness experiences to suit every need. Whether you seek a refreshing facial or therapeutic massage, there’s countless ways to boost wellbeing along Highway 1. From soothing Big Sur spa and massage treatments to natural hot springs in Avila Beach, discover…
Beach Weddings on Highway 1
Beach weddings along Highway 1 offer up the perfect combination of sunny weather, gorgeous coastal scenery and oceanfront hotels and vacation rentals perfect for hosting your big day and guests. With miles of pristine coastline and untouched alcoves, you can say “I do” backdropped by crashing waves, glittering tide pools…
Beer Gardens, Craft Breweries & Taverns of Highway 1
Whether you prefer lagers, wild ales, IPAs or porters, our stretch of Highway 1 has beer for every kind of palate. This is home to pioneering brewers who have helped usher the craft beer movement to the nation and the world. They also inspired younger brewers to start…
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
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
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
Avila Beach
Casting a line into Avila Beach’s gentle surf isn’t just about the catch—it’s about stepping into a timeless coastal playground where generations of anglers reel in more than the fruit of their labor. This stretch of calm bay waters, historic piers and white sand beauty delivers year-round angling adventures along…
Best Weddings in Wine Country
Edna Valley
Wine country weddings are scenic, memorable and incredibly romantic. Thanks to year-round sunny weather and an array of unique venues nestled among the vines, find dream wine country wedding venues all along Highway 1 and beyond. From breathtaking ranches and rustic barns strung with twinkle lights to the grandeur of…
Best Restaurants & Dining in Avila Beach
Avila Beach
With sunshine, surf, sand, and salty air, Avila Beach feels a lot like a perfect, tucked-away paradise. Sweeten the deal — literally! — with delicious cuisine, and Avila Beach becomes downright irresistible. Fortunately for travelers of all tastes and budgets, Avila Beach offers some of the freshest dining around. Splurge…
Shopping in Avila Beach
Avila Beach
Avila Beach feels like paradise, and not only for its white sand beaches and other natural wonders — it’s a shopper’s paradise as well. Though downtown Avila Beach comprises just a few square blocks near the Avila Pier, these contain a wide assortment of storefronts. Deep into the…
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
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…
Best Restaurants in Arroyo Grande and Edna Valley
Arroyo Grande
Discover a diverse range of dining experiences in Arroyo Grande and Edna Valley to suit every mood, preference and budget. From farm-to-table fare paired with local wine to authentic global cuisines, restaurants in Arroyo Grande and Edna Valley are here to serve something tasty for everyone. Indulge in lunch…
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
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 Lopez Lake
Arroyo Grande
Watch the morning mist lift off Lopez Lake as you cast your first line of the day. This 940-acre reservoir, nestled just 10 miles east of Arroyo Grande, offers something most fishing spots can’t: the perfect blend of productive waters and scenery that makes you forget about everything else. …
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
San Simeon
Jagged cliffs, hidden coves and the steady rhythm of crashing waves: Welcome to fishing San Simeon and fishing Ragged Point. Here, catching fish is more than a pastime — it’s a thrilling introduction to the raw natural beauty of Highway 1. Every cast brings you closer to the coast: towering…