Top 5 Hidden Gem Beaches along Highway 1

Cambria Sea Life

[…]94 species of seabirds, 345 species of fish, and numerous invertebrates and plants. Be sure to visit the elephant seals during your next trip to the […]

Verde of Cambria

Nature Inspired Boutique focusing on comfort and relaxation, whimsical decor and over 40 organic herbal teas with samples of the […]

Cambria Ocean Drifter

Gift shop with local products and artists and yoga […]

Santa Rosa Chapel & Cambria Cemetery

[…]oaks, Toyon trees, California Pepper trees, and various other native flowers and grasses. Headstones range from inscribed granite rock, metal, military issued, to beautiful carved marble. Of the old wooden headstones 80 have no names as they have worn off over the years but still stand. To see all of […]

Hearst Castle

[…]step inside the Hearst Castle Visitor Center to enjoy an array of items for sale. Buying Tickets to Tour Hearst Castle Tickets for tours can be purchased and reserved on the Hearst Castle website or as available at the Hearst Castle Visitor Center. Each tour ticket includes a shuttle up […]

Piedras Blancas Light Station

[…]all protected through the California Marine Life Protection Act of 1999 (MLPA). As a result, visitors to the Piedras Blancas lighthouse have access to plenty of wildlife viewing and scenic, untouched vistas. The lighthouse is also federally recognized as part of the California Coastal National Monument and Piedras Blancas Light […]

Fishing Avila Beach

[…]oil port for the U.S. Navy during World War II. It remained important in the oil industry until a storm took the pier down in 1983. Unocal rebuilt it — this time with steel and concrete — and gifted it to Cal Poly’s College of Science and Mathematics in 2001. […]

Cayucos Pier on Cayucos Beach

[…]Halloween 2015, the town of Cayucos threw a community party to celebrate the reopening of its historic pier.To see all of the locations along the Highway 1 History & Heritage Trail, check out our interactive map. The charming town of Cayucos and the historic Cayucos pier Cayucos Pier Plaques Plaques […]

Estero Bluffs State Park

[…]Estero Bluffs hiking trail is 4 miles. Lateral trails from Highway 1, however, make it possible to customize the length of a hike to suit the hiker. Difficulty The Estero Bluffs State Park trail is wide, flat, and suitable for all hiking levels. Pet-friendliness The trail here allows dogs only […]

Hiking Arroyo Grande and Edna Valleys

[…]so dress in layers; if walking poles suit you, pack those, too. Some trails really lend themselves to stopping along the way, so you may want to pack a blanket and a picnic, too. (Delicious snacks and drinks can be found at the dozens of boutique wineries in the area.) […]

Best Wine, Beer, and Food Festivals on the Central Coast

[…]of Highway 1’s most anticipated holiday gatherings, the Cambria Christmas Market is held in downtown Cambria. Featuring 30 miles of lights—nearly 2 million LED bulbs in total—the market showcases six acres of attractions. Children can enjoy miniature train rides circling the market or a visit to Santa’s House while parents […]

Highway 1 is Dog-Friendly

[…]in-house by brewer Troy Gatchell, plus wine, kombucha, tea and more. Then choose what you’d like to eat from options like abundant charcuterie plates, chorizo-beef sliders, beet and arugula salad, and local sausage plates on offer. This is also an awesome spot for kids, who can play with games and […]

Best Places to Eat on Highway 1

[…]vanilla ice cream on top for fun) Light eaters will delight in avocado toast with feta cheese and tomatoes on a slice of whole grain bread. Those looking for something hearty can grab a Turkey Pesto Breakfast Panini to-go. Coffee, espresso drinks and tea round out the menu at this […]

Scenic Drive: Your Highway 1 Road Trip

[…]take several days — and a local’s know-how. If you want the inside scoop on the best places to stop while driving the Pacific Coast Highway, you’ll need inspiration from a knowledgeable guide.Here, we’ve shared a thorough list of must-drive routes along Highway 1 that will open your eyes to […]

We’re Grateful for These Highway 1 Wonders and You Will Be Too

[…]most astonishing viewing areas in the world. From the popular lookout point at Ragged Point Inn to Cambria’s Moonstone Beach, be sure to take ample time to enjoy the view. There’s no rush! 2. The Historic Bixby Creek Bridge One of the most iconic landmarks along Highway 1, this architectural […]

Art and Culture of Highway 1

[…]have included modern rug maker Faig Ahmed, London-based painter William Brickel and portrait photos from Dese’Rae L. Stage. In the lobby, the museum hosts small, interactive shows for hands-on art. Check out the rotating public art installation outside the museum’s east entrance, as well as the murals on the museum’s […]

Biking Pacific Coast Highway 1

[…](see above), and to the south, the seaside hamlet of Cambria. It’s 10 miles from San Simeon to Cambria, with several points of interest along the way, including multiple beaches. Sink your toes into the sand at San Simeon State Beach, or head to Leffingwell Landing to explore the tidepools. […]

Beach Weddings on Highway 1

[…]wall or private deck, double sink vanity and a lovely kitchen with quartz countertops and gas stove top. Every stay includes wine tasting and a delicious full breakfast sure to get your newly-minted marriage off to the right start. Montana de Oro Weddings Spooner's Cove Located in scenic Los Osos, […]

Cayucos Cycling

[…]to Cambria LoopThis 41-mile loop begins and ends in Cayucos, but it covers both inland farmland and coastal terrain. The better part of the ride follows Old Creek Road and Santa Rosa Creek Road, which travels past the Whale Rock Reservoir. This reservoir was built in 1961 and covers 38,000+ […]