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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  • 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.
  • Downtown Cayucos

    Downtown Cayucos

    Cayucos
    The quaint downtown of Cayucos boasts field-to-table restaurants, antique stores, public art and cafes ― all just steps from the beach.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • San Simeon Pier

    San Simeon Pier

    San Simeon
    Before the advent of the railroad and easily traversed highways, most of the commerce in central California was conducted by ship and piers and wharfs were vitally important.
  • 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
  • Paddle Back In Time to Historic Lighthouse Stewardship Travel Logo

    Paddle Back In Time to Historic Lighthouse

    Avila Beach
    Paddle back in time with professional kayak guides to the 125 year old fully restored and quite beautiful Point San Luis Lighthouse in Avila Beach, California
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • Oceano Dunes District Visitor Center

    Oceano Dunes District Visitor Center

    Oceano
    This facility provides our community and park visitors with new educational opportunities.
  • 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.
  • Cambria Pickleball by the Sea

    Cambria Pickleball by the Sea

    Cambria
    Our club is growing and we invite you to come out and give this easy-to-learn, fun game with the funny name, "Pickleball," a try.  
  • SeaPhoto App

    SeaPhoto App

    San Simeon
    Teachers, students, beachgoers, researchers and others can now view a wealth of information about central California marine life
  • Morro Bay Estuary

    Morro Bay Estuary

    Morro Bay
    Morro Bay was designated a state estuary in 1994 and an “estuary of national significance” in 1995 as a result of a tireless community-based effort to protect this precious resource.
  • 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.
  • Cayucos Tide Pools

    Cayucos Tide Pools

    Cayucos
    This little known town in central California has some great tide pool locations to explore.