Blog Category: Highway 1

California’s iconic Highway 1 has many natural and historic attractions along the Central Coast, famous for its beaches and migrating whales. But there are also numerous “secret” spots along the approximately 440-mile route.

Take a walk on the wild side! Discover Highway 1’s most surprising wildlife viewing tips this winter, the perfect time to catch awe-inspiring animals and sea life in action.

Though large animals are extremely rare globally, we’re still fortunate in North America to see many species that live on or near our continent.

Situated on the Central Californian Coast between beach towns Big Sur and Santa Barbara, Highway 1—and the charming coastal towns of San Luis Obispo County tucked along with it—isn’t just a roadway. Highway 1 Road Trip is a destination in its own right!

Central California's oceanside cities inspire a luscious sense of peach.

You march to the beat of your own drum. Folks take notice when you enter a room. You’re always immersed in the next cultural craze before anyone else in your friend group. Take a bow: you're a trendsetter!

Top travel journalists from across the country have been writing about the wonders of the Highway 1 Road Trip. Some are in awe of our gorgeous beaches. Others are fascinated by our beautiful wine country. Many are stunned by the diverse things to do here. All have an appreciation for…

From Laurie Werner at ForbesCraggy cliffs bordering crashing waves with blankets of fog rolling in over one stretch of road and then suddenly disappearing around the next bend.  If you drive down California’s famous Highway 1 from San Francisco to…

From Eric Lindberg at AAA ColoradoFor many travelers, the stretch of California halfway between Los Angeles and San Francisco is merely a drive-through gas stop. But just off Highway 101, rolling hills of vineyards that produce some of the state’s best wines descend toward the…

On California’s Central Coast stretch of Highway 1, a low-key exploration of wineries, restaurants and nature.

Craving an unforgettable meal served off the beaten path? Follow your discerning taste buds to Highway 1, where a secret treasure trove of delectable dining experiences await the bold, the curious and the hungry.

From David Kindy at Smithsonian MagazineThe Best Place to Watch Monarch Butterflies Migrate Might Be This Little California Beach TownThousands of western monarchs migrate to Pismo Beach each fall to escape winter cold, but climate change threatens the species’ survival.

Located roughly halfway between Los Angeles and San Francisco, San Luis Obispo County unspools for more than 80 miles along California’s Central Coast.

From breathtaking ocean views coveted by nature photographers of all levels to sunny beachside photo opps ready for family smiles, you’ll soon discover why Highway 1 is known as one of the most photogenic coastal wonders in the world.

Expect elephant seals and monarch butterfly preserves, white sandy beaches and wineries, a world-famous castle, and some of the freshest food in the state.

From Hugh Garvey at Sunset MagazineFood-obsessed travelers tend to romanticize culinary epiphanies in faraway places: eating Hokkaido scallop at a Ginza sushi spot in Tokyo, fresh anchovies on a sun-dappled deck on the Amalfi coast, cuttlefish in the bustling Boqueria market in Barcelona. But with…

From the beach to the vineyard, unique wine tasting experiences abound along Highway 1. With diverse wine trails and charming tasting rooms, you’ll find tasty pairings, vibrant events and stunning views (plus, more than a few surprises along the way).

Shake Things Up With These 5 Truly Epic Family Road TripsA family road trip is a family road trip, until it’s not.From Terry Ward of Fatherly Family road trips never go out of style. But they do get predictable. Even when…