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
143 results found.
View:
Standard Card
Mini Card
-
Art and Culture of Cambria
CambriaThe charming hamlet of Cambria lies along a stretch of Highway 1 so picturesque, it can’t help but foster creativity and culture. This historic town sets the stage for some of Highway 1’s most beloved and meaningful artistic endeavors. Visit the Cambria Center for the Arts, where locals… -
Get ready for an artistic adventure along Highway 1. This breathtaking coastal route isn’t just about stunning vistas—it’s a living gallery where creativity, history and natural beauty collide. From the world-class opulence of San Simeon’s Hearst Castle to charming Cambria art galleries, the Highway 1 art and culture scene is…
-
Beach weddings along Highway 1 offer up the perfect combination of sunny weather, gorgeous coastal scenery and oceanfront hotels and vacation rentals perfect for hosting your big day and guests. With miles of pristine coastline and untouched alcoves, you can say “I do” backdropped by crashing waves, glittering…
-
Whether you prefer lagers, wild ales, IPAs or porters, our stretch of Highway 1 has beer for every kind of palate. This is home to pioneering brewers who have helped usher the craft beer movement to the nation and the world. They also inspired younger brewers to start…
-
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…
-
Visitors can find a spectrum of options, with ideal beaches for sunbathing, beachcombing, wildlife viewing, surfing, tidepooling, doggie fun or even dune-driving. -
Best Central Coast Farmers Markets
Avila BeachCentral Coast farmers’ markets bring more than fresh fixings ― they often bring prepared food, live music and entertainment, too. Grab your bag and join us. -
Best Coffee on Highway 1
Ragged PointFuel your Highway 1 road trip with a freshly-brewed cup of coffee. From bold beans to specialty lattes, find an array of energizing offerings served daily at a range of coastal coffee shops. With bright, modern coffee houses and cozy cafes perfumed with the scent of just-made pastries, there’s something… -
Sip, swirl and savor award-winning wines beneath a warm sun, sometimes just one mile from the ocean. Come visit Highway 1 for culture and wine.
-
The holidays shine brightest on Highway 1, where you can find ways to celebrate in every season of the year. From the beaches to the vineyards, the farmland to the coastland, this section of Highway 1 offers a unique blend of events and festivals for locals and visitors alike. Every…
-
Best Parks in Cambria
CambriaA good public park can add so much to a vacation along Highway 1. In Cambria, parks are destinations for flying kites, barbecuing burgers, and letting the kids (and dogs) burn off some steam. Most parks here include wide views of the Pacific Ocean, where sea otters, whales,… -
Highway 1 welcomes four-legged travelers to California’s most spectacular coastal stretch, along with their human companions. This legendary roadway beckons pet owners with accommodations that embrace furry folks as treasured guests. Temperate weather creates ideal conditions for year-round dog-friendly activities and adventures. These include canine-friendly beaches, scenic hiking trails…
-
Best Places to Eat in Cambria
CambriaWith its relaxed small-town-by-the-sea vibe, Cambria welcomes diners to get cozy in a wide variety of restaurants, cafes, bakeries and wine tasting rooms. Here, you’ll find everything from casual to fine dining, seaside vistas to tucked away fireside tables for two. -
Best Places to Eat on Highway 1
San SimeonDining is a major attraction along our stretch of Highway 1 for good reason: the food, the views, and the ambiance are world-class. And not just in one or two towns — options abound in every destination here. -
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…
-
Coastal San Luis Obispo County indulges in any excuse to throw a party. These festivals get to the heart of what the Central Coast is all about: good food, good friends, and good vibes.
-
Biking Pacific Coast Highway 1
San SimeonAn all-time favorite cycling route, Highway 1 offers spectacular views and challenging climbs with great restaurants, wineries and attractions along the way. -
Bird Watching on the Central Coast
Los OsosIdeal climate, terrain, and proximity to the Pacific Flyway makes the SLO CAL stretch of Highway 1 one of the finest birding regions in the world. -
Cambria Activity Map
CambriaThe Cambria Discovery Route highlights 24 points of interest along the northern coast of San Luis Obispo County. -
When you spend a valuable hour or two collecting marine debris and litter with friends, family, or on your own, you help protect wildlife and make a difference with your visit.
-
Cambria Cycling
CambriaWith an ever-changing landscape and breathtaking views, Cambria is ideal for avid road cyclists. Anticipate two major climbs, some steep descents and rolling hills with some flats. -
Cambria Hikes
CambriaWhen it comes to Cambria hiking trails, you’ll find deep pine forests, coastal bluffs, and famous boardwalks - find moonstones and hidden treasures. -
Cambria Historical Museum
CambriaBuilt into one of Cambria’s oldest homes, the Guthrie-Bianchini House, this museum stands right downtown in Cambria’s East Village. -
Cambria Kayaking/Boating
San SimeonShamel Park in Cambria to the Cayucos Pier is a fun tour that meanders down the uncrowded North Coast. -
Cambria Murals
CambriaThe towers have become a popular “must-see” for both residents and visitors. -
Cambria Scarecrow Festival
CambriaThe annual Scarecrow Festival includes plenty of fall festivities, including a trail of handmade scarecrows displayed throughout the town’s East and West Villages. -
Cambria Sea Life
San SimeonSan Luis Obispo County has an abundance of sea life throughout the coastal towns including elephant seals, sea otters, starfish, and many unique fish. -
Anyone who has been to Cambria will tell you: this is a healing, calming, and nurturing place. With miles of native Monterey pines, rugged coastline and bright blue sky, Cambria provides rest, rejuvenation, and tranquility to those who seek it. Spa, massage and wellness practitioners offer a very…
-
On Cambria’s northern edge, Leffingwell Landing begs visitors to sit and enjoy the beautiful scenery. The park offers BBQ pits, short hiking trails, a scenic lookout, boat ramp and restrooms.
-
Rejuvenate mind and body with relaxing Highway 1 spa and wellness experiences to suit every need. Whether you seek a refreshing facial or therapeutic massage, there’s countless ways to boost wellbeing along Highway 1. From soothing Big Sur spa and massage treatments to natural hot springs in Avila Beach, discover…
-
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…
-
California’s Central Coast provides a fun and safe playground for both dogs and their humans. Stay in dog-friendly lodging, dine in dog-friendly restaurants, and frolic on dog-friendly beaches, hikes and parks.
-
Downtown Stops Along Highway 1
CambriaWho doesn’t love the hustle and bustle of an active downtown? Town greens and plazas provide a gateway to the best attractions a destination can offer, from historic landmarks to dining, shopping, and entertainment. -
Highway 1 is an excellent destination for electric vehicle drivers. With several electric vehicle (EV) charging stations on the route, explore ten small towns on a single charge. Planning ahead is important for any electric vehicle road trip and can add time onto your travel itinerary. For this reason, Highway…
-
Family Friendly Things to Do
Avila BeachFor easy-breezy family fun, nothing beats a hike. Lace up your walking shoes, grab a hat and a water bottle, and head out any of coastal San Luis Obispo County’s hundreds of hiking trails. -
Farm to Table Near Highway 1
NipomoThe stretch of Highway 1 between Ragged Point and Nipomo owes much of its magic to remarkably authentic farm-to-table abundance.
