Introducing the History and Heritage Trail, a collection of landmarks and significant points along Highway 1 designed to bring visitors closer to the roots of coastal San Luis Obispo County. Step back in time and step up to help preserve the places, cultures, and stories of this rich, varied region.
Use this map to visit preserved locations where it’s easy to imagine yourself back in time; as a brave and dedicated lighthouse keeper living on a rocky point, as a Native Californian fishing with generations of inherited knowledge, as a visionary clipper ship captain looking out to sea on the pier you built. Imagine waiting for the train in a rustic depot, or catching the stagecoach to your castle on an “enchanted hill” overlooking thousands of acres. Walk through a timeless cemetery surrounded by the largest Monterey Pine stand in California. And finally…make sure you don’t get yourself thrown in the old Hoosegow!
Travel Tips & Using the Map
Each site on the map is approximately 100 years or older. Click on the "Learn More" link on each to discover details, stories, and additional locations to explore.
Most sites are open for visitors during specific hours, but many destinations are “hidden in plain sight” and can be viewed and visited day or night (e.g. historic piers, cemeteries, etc).
Most sites you’ll visit have ways for you to “feel good and do good.” As a Stewardship Traveler, you can contribute time, efforts, or funds to help preserve and protect the special spots you experience here on the History & Heritage Trail.
- 1Point San Luis Lighthouse
- 2The Hoosegow Jailhouse
- 3Sebastian’s General Store & Old San Simeon Village
- 4Walk Back in Time: Cambria Museum & Historic Buildings Self-Guided Walking Tour
- 5Santa Rosa Chapel & Cambria Cemetery
- 6Piedras Blancas Light Station
- 7Cambria Historical Museum
- 8Paulding History House
- 9Swinging Bridge
- 10Rancho Nipomo Historical Dana Adobe Visit
- 11Harmony Dairy and Town – Population: 18
- 12Santa Manuela Schoolhouse
- 13Cayucos Pier on Cayucos Beach
- 14Hearst Castle
- 15Spooner Ranch House at Montaña de Oro State Park
Sign up to receive your free Highway 1 Beaches map with insider knowledge to the best beaches for your Highway 1 roadtrip.