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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Monterey Road Trip: The Complete Highway 1 Guide
Highway 1 hugs Monterey Bay’s glittering coast, where kelp forests sway in the Pacific current and otters float lazily along the surface. This is where your Monterey road trip begins—but here’s the secret: The best moments don’t come from checking boxes. They come from pulling over. From enchanting Monterey aquarium…
Best Outdoor Activities on Highway 1
California’s Central Coast beckons travelers seeking the best outdoor activities Highway 1 has to offer. This diverse and picturesque stretch of coastline consistently ranks among the nation’s top destinations for outdoor activities—and for good reason. Whether you’re craving coastal hikes with panoramic ocean views, peaceful kayaking through protected waters, or…
Best Beach Vacation Rentals on Highway 1
Want to know the best way to enjoy the beach on your visit to Highway 1? Look no further than an oceanfront vacation rental. There are plenty of options along this iconic stretch of roadway, each with all the comforts of home and access to local living. We’ve curated a…
How to Get to Highway 1
Between Ragged Point and Nipomo stretches a section of Highway 1 where time slows and landscapes dazzle. Here, rugged cliffs plunge into sapphire waters while charming towns invite exploration. Though this seaside haven feels worlds away from everyday life, reaching it requires less effort than you might think. Major cities…
Best Beach Hotels on Highway 1
Looking for the best beachfront hotels on Highway 1? From luxury beach hotels on the Central Coast to the most romantic beach hotels Highway 1 has to offer, the rugged beauty of this unspoiled area invites travelers to linger where ancient pines and rolling hills meet sapphire seas. Unlike many…
Best Places to Stay Along Highway 1
Lodging along Highway 1 offers more than just a room — it’s your key to California’s most magnificent coastline. From San Simeon’s dramatic cliffs to Cambria’s enchanting streets, the best places to stay on Highway 1 combine dreamy coastal vibes with unexpected delights. Fall asleep to ocean waves and rise…
Day Trips on Highway 1
Welcome to California’s quintessential coastal journey, where Highway 1 unfurls an enviable collection of seaside escapes perfect for day trips from San Francisco, Los Angeles, or the Central Valley. While each destination charms visitors into staying longer, we’ve crafted flexible two-day itineraries that showcase the best experiences along this iconic…
Things to Do in Arroyo Grande and Edna Valley
Arroyo Grande
Some corners of California’s Central Coast especially reward the people who get off Highway 1 and go looking. Arroyo Grande and Edna Valley? They are a couple of those corners. One is a walkable, creekside village with a historic suspension bridge and free-roaming roosters. The other is a cool-climate wine…
Things to do in Avila Beach
Avila Beach
Splash into a world of sun-soaked wonder in Avila Beach. With a protected cove, iconic pier and friendly locals, there’s something truly magical about this crescent of white sand tucked between Port San Luis and rolling green hills. Just 30 minutes south of San Luis Obispo (about 6 miles from…
Things to do in Los Osos Baywood
Los Osos
Tucked along one of Highway 1’s most unhurried back bay stretches, Los Osos and Baywood Park are a choose your own adventure coastline: calm estuary waters perfect for kayaking, tide pools teeming with sea life, Montana de Oro trails with views that stop you mid-step and local eats that cap…
Things to do in Cayucos
Cayucos
Cayucos beckons as a classic California surf town. Here, mornings start with coffee and cookies, days drift between pier strolls, beaches, and bluff walks, and sunsets glow over the pier. This walkable coastal treasure invites you to park just once and explore everything from tide pools to antique finds. Build…
Things to do in Cambria
Cambria
Where pine forests meet the Pacific, Cambria rewards the slow wander over the quick stop. Lean into the town’s tranquil rhythm and you’ll walk away with something deeper than a souvenir. A sunrise stroll along Moonstone Beach can easily stretch into an afternoon of farm-fresh meals, bluff-top trails and joyrides…
Things to do in San Simeon
San Simeon
Step onto windswept bluffs where world-famous architecture commands views of vast Pacific blue. This is San Simeon, the quintessential Highway 1 experience, where William Randolph Hearst’s magnificent castle rises from coastal peaks while thousands of Northern Elephant Seals gather on nearby sun-warmed beaches. A historic lighthouse cuts through morning fog…
Things to do on Highway 1
Highway 1 isn’t just a drive — it’s where the coast invites you to slow down, breathe deep and just coast. Along this iconic stretch of California, you’ll discover countless things to do on Highway 1: from waterfalls and historic piers to whale watching, wine tasting, tidepooling and kayaking. Around…
Arroyo Grande Massage and Wellness Experiences
Arroyo Grande
The Village of Arroyo Grande shines with bakeries, boutiques, bistros, and historic sites — a place that’s as relaxed as it is friendly. The strong culture of wellness and rejuvenation in Arroyo Grande may have something to do with that. Here, you’ll find plenty of stimulating and engaging…
Nipomo/Oceano Spa & Massage
Nipomo
Stressed? Nipomo/Oceano spa and massage services await to help you unwind and relax along Highway 1. With a variety of top notch spas nestled along enchanting sand dunes and fragrant Eucalyptus groves, you can easily return to your best self. Whether you book a therapeutic massage, explore infrared…
Spa & Wellness Experiences in San Simeon and Ragged Point
San Simeon
Looking to pamper yourself with a Big Sur spa day? Revitalize your body and calm your mind in scenic San Simeon and Ragged Point. With spa and wellness retreats nestled along scenic Highway 1’s Gateway to Big Sur, you can enjoy an array of spa and wellness…
Los Osos-Baywood Park Spa & Wellness Experiences
Los Osos
A spa or wellness experience in Los Osos-Baywood Park is a natural extension of the local experience. Los Osos-Baywood Park is tucked between Montana de Oro State Park and Morro Bay along the coast. The community and the residents are tranquil, easygoing, and health-conscious — an ideal…