Why do we call this time of year the season of Coastal Discovery? Simply put, this is the best season to discover the hidden secrets of Highway 1 and the Central Coast. Wildlife peaks in winter, offering opportunities to see creatures in their element. Witness thousands of monarch butterflies clustered on eucalyptus branches, elephant seals birthing pups, birds stopping along the Pacific Flyway, and whales spouting offshore. The abundance of creatures great and small during this time of year will foster anyone’s love of Highway 1 and the great outdoors. Travel a coastal hiking trail that affords opportunities to marvel at everything from the tiniest seabird to dolphins cruising the mighty Pacific Ocean. Or head out into the blue with a kayak, surfboard or stand-up paddleboard to watch otters dive and float with their young. Of course, a drive is always in order on Highway 1, and our section is named a Scenic Byway by the U.S. Department of Transportation. Along the way, look west over the untouched and protected beauty of the Pacific Ocean, including the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary. Look east, and you might even spy a herd of zebras! You’ll also find miles of uncrowded white sand beaches and multiple landmark sites like lighthouses, piers, and historic estates. However you decide to discover the hidden secrets of Highway 1, you’ll never look at it the same way again.
With so much to discover, you’ll need a good guide to find all the best wildlife viewing spots, trails, backroads, and activities just right for you. That’s where our Coastal Discovery Trail comes in. This comprehensive map includes natural preserves, beaches, views and open spaces with recommendations for families, solo travelers, and even dog owners. Get the scoop on where to see butterflies, whales, elephant seals, otters, and birds, plus hikes, walks, and other must-have moments along Highway 1. You’ll even discover experiences specifically designed with conservation in mind, called Stewardship Travel for Good activities. Use the Coastal Discovery Trail to build your own itinerary, or follow our North Coast or South Coast itineraries. These two-day plans provide opportunities for a closer connection to the wild things of Highway 1, and opportunities to make a difference here. What’s more, they suggest eateries, wineries, and other tasty spots between adventures to keep you energized and satisfied.
Itineraries to Travel for Good
Around here, we open our arms to all visitors, but we especially love folks who arrive engaged, and ready to immerse in local culture. That’s why we created our Travel for Good itineraries: a series of eight itineraries that bring the curious traveler to the heart of Highway 1. Here you’ll find thoughtfully-curated lists of activities to experience, flavors to taste, and sights to savor. These aren’t just any attractions; they are the very fabric of the Highway 1 Road Trip. When you engage with our itineraries, you tap directly into what makes this stretch of Highway 1 so special. So let our wildlife, history, landscape and heritage change you: in doing so, you protect and insure them for generations to come. In addition to your clothes, sunglasses, and toiletries, pack your lust for life and commitment to caring. After all, travel favors those who jump in over those who sit back and observe.
Best Wildlife on Highway 1Ready to see the abundance of wildlife our section of Highway 1 has to offer and be part of the good? Plan a seven-day road trip that takes in the best wildlife-viewing available.Learn MoreAvila BeachSpend two days getting acquainted with the charming seaside town of Avila Beach by visiting its historic lighthouse, piers, aquarium and participating in a beach clean up. Plus: wine tasting, restaurants, nature walks and more.Learn MoreOceano & NipomoGo deep into the culture of Oceano and Nipomo with trips to walk its dunes, taste its BBQ, and meet its kaleidoscope of Monarch Butterflies.Learn MoreCambriaRide horseback on majestic Clydesdale horses, go on a treasure hunt at Moonstone Beach, eat iconic olallieberry pie, and walk the historic streets of Cambria.Learn MoreCayucosThere’s so much to experience in Cayucos. See whales offshore, harvest seaweed on a foraging tour, and join locals on a sea bluff conservation tour —and even sample world-famous cookies.Learn MoreEdna Valley & Arroyo GrandeHometown charm hits heavy in Edna Valley and Arroyo Grande Valley. Spend time birdwatching and hiking, visiting historic sites, wine tasting, dining and shopping at the farmers market.Learn MoreLos OsosDo as the locals do! Enjoy this itinerary that takes in Los Osos Baywood’s, beaches, nature preserves, cafes and brewpubs and get a chance to work alongside locals helping preserve our trails. Learn MoreSan Simeon & Ragged PointDrive Highway 1 between these two towns, and you’ll understand right away what makes this stretch of road a Scenic Byway. Afterward, paddle in a quiet bay, learn about the ancient Chumash people, watch for whales, and tour a historic lighthouse.Learn More
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Travel For Good Video
Watchable wildlife
Few places boast the wealth of wildlife we have on Highway 1 — especially in winter, when marine mammals, butterflies, and birds pass through. Several species make their home here only in winter, whether to escape the cold, to mate or to birth young. Still others stop here on their way somewhere else, like many birds and whales. The good news is you can see all of them along our 100 miles of pristine and protected Pacific coastline. Be sure to check out our Wildlife Viewing Tips to ensure everyone enjoys the experience, including the wildlife.
Elephant Seals
Captivating and unreal, these marine mammals come to their rookery in San Simeon throughout the year to mate, pup, and molt. Watch their fascinating life cycle play out before your very eyes, just feet away from the viewing area.
Whale Trail
The Whale Trail organization identifies the best places for whale watching on the West Coast. And guess what? San Luis Obispo County boasts 10 of those sites — the most of any county in California. Find a trail sign, learn what to look for, and enjoy the search for one of these most majestic creatures.
Sea Otters
No one can resist the fuzzy, furry face of a California Sea Otter. Witness these plucky, industrious animals in their habitat, where they hunt, feed their young, float and play. Most lookout spots offer close-up views of our resident sea otters in their element.
Tide Pools
With 100 miles of coastline, half of which are protected, our stretch of Highway 1 boasts a wealth of tidepools. Among the shallows, find sea stars, urchin, hermit crabs, anemones, and many, many other tiny critters.
Monarchs
Monarch butterflies are so breathtaking, it’s no wonder they’re named so royally. See them in the thousands as they cluster on trees and in groves across Highway 1 in winter.
Bird Watching
Fun fact: 42 percent of all bird species in the United States have been seen in San Luis Obispo County. Do as the locals do and don your binoculars for a birdwatching walk along the coast.
Zebras
Zebras?!? Yes, zebras. Thanks to the eccentricity of 20th century tycoon William Randolph Hearst, a herd of these exotic animals live in San Simeon. See them grazing as you drive past Hearst Ranch and Hearst Castle.
Coastal Discovery Trail
The Coastal Discovery Trail brings the best of our 100 miles of Pacific coastline right to you. Pick and choose the elements of the Central Coast that most speak to you from our list of locals-favorite destinations. Along the way, see abundant wildlife, sites of historical significance, and awe-inducing wide open spaces. Learn about hiking trails that lead past waterfalls, dunes, and ancient oaks. Pristine white sand beaches welcome families, solo travelers and even four-legged friends — all crowd-free at this time of year. And then there are unique experiences you can’t find anywhere else, like kayaking out to a lighthouse and foraging seaweed for lunch. Each of these experiences is sure to change you, but they’re also designed to preserve and protect our most valuable natural places. Every activity you engage with on the Coastal Discovery Trail has the potential to deepen your understanding and love of this breathtaking place. Create new connections and participate in experiences that conserve this place you’ve come to love.
Plan Your Trip
Use the Coastal Discovery Trail to choose your own adventure, or take a tip from us and follow a specially curated itinerary. Here, you’ll find two punch lists— one for the North Coast and one for the South Coast. These have been designed by locals to show the most essential spots, delicious dishes and memorable moments along our stretch of Highway 1. Along the North Coast, hike the perfect peaks of Montana de Oro State Park and the Estero Bluffs, looking for whales offshore. Forage for seaweed on a guided tour, visit the elephant seal rookery, and walk historic Cambria. And for flavor, dine on seafood, fruit pies, global cuisine and food truck fare while sipping local wine. Along the South Coast, learn how to watch for whales in Avila Beach and contribute to its conservation. Enjoy watching sea otters, sea lions, monarch butterflies and shore birds among towering dunes. Walk the historic Harford Pier, kayak to the Point San Luis Light Station, hike through the dunes and cross the Oso Flaco Estuary. And don’t forget breakfast, lunch, dinner, and Edna Valley wine tasting. Want to see it all? Read our Weekend Itinerary blog for the best of North and South. These itineraries pack the best of Highway 1 into what’s sure to be a weekend to remember.
Look for this logo
When you see this logo, you can partake in a Travel For Good activity along the Highway 1 Road Trip. Feel good about your travel.
Stewardship Travel for Good
Stewardship travel along California’s Highway 1 means experiencing the coast in a way that gives back (makes a difference). As you take in dramatic ocean views, watch wildlife and wander through historic seaside towns, you also have opportunities to help care for this remarkable place. You might join a beach cleanup, support local farmers’ markets, stay in eco-friendly inns or learn about wildlife preserves that protect local wildlife. It’s about exploring one of the world’s most iconic drives while ensuring its beauty and culture thrive for future travelers.
Why Travel for Good?
• Feel good about your travel.
• Meet new people.
• Learn from local experts.
• Understand how your donations help.
• Make a difference when you travel.
• Help keep our stretch of Highway 1 beautiful for everyone.
Stewardship Travel for Good Activities
With your help, we can ensure this extraordinary stretch of Highway 1 thrives for generations to come.
Along your journey, more than 50 attractions invite you to slow down, explore and connect with the California coast in meaningful and memorable ways. Wander solo, gather your family or join a group adventure. No matter how you travel, each experience offers a chance not just to discover, but to give back (make a difference). Along these miles of protected shoreline, within a national marine sanctuary, across 13 state parks and inside countless wildlife preserves, opportunities abound to enjoy nature while helping to preserve it.
Because the truest way to experience this place is to care for it as you go.
View Stewardship Activities