Things To Do

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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

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Art and Culture of Cayucos
Cayucos
The sunny beach town of Cayucos boasts a wide array of arts and culture to explore and enjoy. The common thread between it all? The presence of the mighty Pacific Ocean, just steps from downtown Cayucos. The influence of the sea can be found in nearly every artistic…
Art and Culture of Highway 1
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…
Best Beach Hotels on Highway 1
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…
Best Beach Vacation Rentals on Highway 1
Want to know the best way to enjoy the beach on your visit to Highway 1? Look no further than an oceanfront vacation rental. There are plenty of options along this iconic stretch of roadway, each with all the comforts of home and access to local living. We’ve curated a…
Best Beaches on Highway 1
Visitors can find a spectrum of options, with ideal beaches for sunbathing, beachcombing, wildlife viewing, surfing, tidepooling, doggie fun or even dune-driving.
Best Coffee on Highway 1
Ragged Point
Fuel 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…
Best Outdoor Activities on Highway 1
California’s Central Coast beckons travelers seeking the best outdoor activities Highway 1 has to offer. This diverse and picturesque stretch of coastline consistently ranks among the nation’s top destinations for outdoor activities—and for good reason. Whether you’re craving coastal hikes with panoramic ocean views, peaceful kayaking through protected waters, or…
Best Places to Eat on Highway 1
San Simeon
Dining 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.
Best Places to Stay Along Highway 1
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…
Biking Pacific Coast Highway 1
San Simeon
An 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 Osos
Ideal 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.
Cayucos Activity Map
Cayucos
Cayucos is a throw back to the original, laid-back California beach town with its relaxed vibe and Western influences. Time still moves a little slower in Cayucos.
Cayucos Cycling
Cayucos
Montaña de Oro has some of the best mountain biking on the central coast, with multiple trails ranging from beginner to expert.
Cayucos Kayaking
Cayucos
You Oughta Play with Otters
Cayucos Landing (formerly Cayucos Veterans Hall)
Cayucos
Step into downtown Cayucos and you’ll find a beautifully restored 1870s landmark that’s just come back to life—weathered redwood siding worn smooth by salt air, fresh lumber creaking underfoot and salty breeze rolling off the Pacific. Cayucos Landing—known for generations as the Cayucos Veterans Memorial Hall—reopened in August 2025 with…
Cayucos Pier on Cayucos Beach
Cayucos
The Cayucos pier was constructed in 1872 by Captain James Cass, the founder of Cayucos, and was then rebuilt and lengthened to 982 feet in 1876.
Cayucos State Beach
Cayucos
The sandy beach offers mild weather, watersports such as surfing and swimming, tidepooling.
Cayucos State Parks and Beaches
Cayucos
Sunshine, shoreline, surf and even starfish — these are just a few treasures to be found in Cayucos State Beaches and State Parks.
Central Coast Polar Bear Dips
Cayucos
The SLO CAL stretch of Highway 1 boasts two “polar bear dips” on the first day of the year, both of which are beloved traditions.
Day Trips on Highway 1
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…
Downtown Stops Along Highway 1
Cambria
Who 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.
Estero Bluffs State Park
Cayucos
The majestic Estero Bluffs State Park allows visitors to explore the landscape and beaches on the northern end of Cayucos.
Family-Friendly Things to Do on Highway 1: Best Activities for Kids From Ragged Point to Nipomo
Avila Beach
For 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.
Fishing California’s Highway 1
San Simeon
Plentiful waters invite fishing of all sorts here on our special stretch of Highway 1. Find yourself on an uncrowded white sand beach, surf fishing any one of our 100 miles of coastline.
Fishing Cayucos
Cayucos
Fishing in Cayucos is one of the best ways to explore our unique section of Highway 1. You can see the historic Cayucos Pier, the shoreline of Cayucos State Beach or Morro Strand.
Highway 1 is Dog-Friendly
Highway 1 loves its four-legged visitors! With one of the mildest, most temperate climates in the West, the great outdoors of our stretch of Highway 1 beg to be discovered. That means outside restaurant patios, parks, beaches, wineries, hiking trails and more, just right for quality time with Fido. The…
Hiking in Cayucos
Cayucos
Sweeping coastal views and a temperate climate make hiking the trails in and around Cayucos a must-do. Ready to hit the trail?
Hiking On Highway 1
Highway 1
Hiking along the Highway 1 Road Trip showcases the diversity of this abundant place. From Ragged Point to Nipomo, each corner of coastal SLO CAL has its own distinctive flora, fauna, and history.
How to Get to Highway 1
Between Ragged Point and Nipomo stretches a section of Highway 1 where time slows and landscapes dazzle. Here, rugged cliffs plunge into sapphire waters while charming towns invite exploration. Though this seaside haven feels worlds away from everyday life, reaching it requires less effort than you might think. Major cities…
Live Music on Highway 1
Forget overcrowded venues and noisy night clubs—Highway 1 moves to the rhythm of its own beat. All you need to do is listen: This stretch of California coast holds the promise of unforgettable live music experiences around every bend. This is live music Central Coast California style—spilling out of cozy…
Monterey Road Trip: The Complete Highway 1 Guide
Highway 1 hugs Monterey Bay’s glittering coast, where kelp forests sway in the Pacific current and otters float lazily along the surface. This is where your Monterey road trip begins—but here’s the secret: The best moments don’t come from checking boxes. They come from pulling over. From enchanting Monterey aquarium…
Morro Bay Beach and Morro Rock
Morro Bay
This beach is a coastal frontage park featuring outstanding picnic sites.
San Luis Obispo North Coast Byway – Route 1
The San Luis Obispo North Coast Byway provides an extraordinary experience.
Scenic Drive: Your Highway 1 Road Trip
San Simeon
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. Take your road trip on Highway 1 now.
Sea Otter Spotting
Morro Bay
Cute, furry, and playful, Southern Sea Otters make their homes just offshore along the SLO CAL stretch of Highway 1. Sea otters are native to the north Pacific Ocean, with Monterey Bay, Big Sur, and the Central Coast as hubs of activity.
Seaweed Foraging Tours
Cayucos
This is an intimate and educational experience that is always family friendly.
Skate Parks of Highway 1
Ready to roll? Skate Parks can be found all along Highway 1, providing a fun way to enjoy the great outdoors on four wheels. Whether you’re a beginner to the sport or lifelong skateboarder, you’ll find plenty of half-pipes, handrails, vert ramps and bowls to explore along the…
State Parks and Beaches of the Central Coast
Highway 1
From Ragged Point to Nipomo, you’ll find unspoiled beaches, quiet woodlands, marine protected areas, art, antiquities, and driveable dunes.
Stores in Cayucos
Cayucos
The main thoroughfare of Ocean Avenue cruises through downtown Cayucos, which boasts several unique shopping opportunities.
Surfing Cayucos
Cayucos
The Cayucos Pier is a decent spot for beginners, and it's great for families who want the quintessential surf town experience that is quiet, uncrowded and laid back.
Surfing Spots on Highway 1
San Simeon
Once called “The Lost Coast” by Surfer Magazine, this rugged stretch of coastline boasts some of the best-kept secret surf spots in California.
The 10 Best Parks on Highway 1
In a land of natural splendor, it’s no surprise that the public has access to breathtaking, fun, and fascinating parks. On this special stretch of Highway 1, the wild and the wonderful conspire to bring kids and their grownups closer to nature — and to each other. Here,…
The Best Restaurants in Cayucos
Cayucos
Aside from delicious dishes and diverse flavors, places to eat in Cayucos are special because most are within walking distance of the pier.
Things to do in Cayucos
Cayucos
Cayucos beckons as a classic California surf town. Here, mornings start with coffee and cookies, days drift between pier strolls, beaches, and bluff walks, and sunsets glow over the pier. This walkable coastal treasure invites you to park just once and explore everything from tide pools to antique finds. Build…
Things to Do in Monterey
Move to the coastal rhythm of Monterey. This waterfront destination rewards roadtrippers with world-class ocean encounters, dramatic coastal walks and historic adobe architecture. And the food—fresh, locally-caught—arrives on your plate still tasting of the tide. From the iconic Monterey Bay Aquarium to hidden waterfront nooks along the Coastal Recreation Trail,…
Things to do on Highway 1
Highway 1 isn’t just a drive — it’s where the coast invites you to slow down, breathe deep and just coast. Along this iconic stretch of California, you’ll discover countless things to do on Highway 1: from waterfalls and historic piers to whale watching, wine tasting, tidepooling and kayaking. Around…
Tide Pools and Sea Life of Cayucos
Cayucos
With 100 miles of Pacific coastline, our stretch of Highway 1 boasts abundant sea life including marine mammals, tide pools, and kelp forests.
Tide Pools and Sea Life of Highway 1
Wherever you roam along Highway 1, the ocean never lies far away. In the 57 miles of coastline between Ragged Point and Nipomo, the Pacific Ocean defines the landscape.
Whale Watching on Highway 1: Your Guide to the Whale Trail
When it comes to whale watching, the Central Coast boasts an embarrassment of riches, especially along the Highway 1 Road Trip. Here, whales, dolphins, sea otters, seals and seabirds play within full view of the shoreline.
Wildflowers on Highway 1
Cambria
Brittlebrush, poppies, bluebells, lupine, sand verbena, and evening primrose are just a handful of the incredible wildflowers that bloom on the Central Coast.
Activity Map ~ Highway 1 Road Trip
See the sights and highlights along the Highway 1 Road Trip! Featuring 101 miles of adventure, the route stretches from the scenic coastline in Ragged Point south through the agricultural communities of Oceano and Nipomo.
Arcadian Adventures
San Luis Obispo
Our mission is to provide our guests with bespoke itineraries of outdoor activities led by our dedicated guides.
Be an iNaturalist with the Cayucos Land Conservancy
Cayucos
Did you know that the Cayucos Land Conservancy sponsors a Citizen/Scientist Project on iNaturalist to catalog all plant and animal life found at Estero Bluffs State Park?
Brown Butter Cookie Company
Cayucos
Featured in the New York Times, this sister-owned cookie company is nationally known for its signature sea salt cookie: a melt-in-your-mouth shortbread morsel with just a touch of sea salt.
Cambria Christmas Market
Cambria
The Cambria Christmas Market features open-air stalls selling glühwein (hot mulled wine), traditional German foods, local vendors, and live entertainment.
Cayucos Art Association & Gallery
Cayucos
Come see the unique expressions of artisan creativity by local artists at The Cayucos Art Association & Gallery. The gallery features an array of media, from oil and water color to mixed media, ceramics, photography, jewelry, cards and birds made from gourds, dried kelp and ocean treasures from Cayucos Beach. Shows…
Cayucos Barber & Beauty Shop
Cayucos
From the original rotating barbershop pole outside to the kitschy cool red interior with black and white flooring, this step back in time is anything but when it comes to style. The owner is Molly McMinn, who introduced professional, high-quality services for women including microblading, keratin smoothing treatments and Botox,…
Cayucos Beach Playground
Cayucos
There are picnic tables, play equipment, restrooms, and outside showers available.
Cayucos Farmers Market
Cayucos
Friday Morning Market next to the beach
Cayucos Sea Life
Cayucos
San Luis Obispo County has an abundance of sea life throughout the coastal towns including elephant seals, sea otters, starfish, and many unique fish.
Cayucos Skate Park
Cayucos
All wooden ramps skatepark open to the public in Cayucos.
Cayucos Surf Company
Cayucos
We live for surf, and have shared our passion for surfing with hundreds of people since 1996.
Cayucos SurfBank
Cayucos
Cayucos SurfBank is a trusted local resource for all your surfing and beach needs. Stop in to talk with the friendly and knowledgeable staff about the best board for the conditions, gear to keep you safe and warm, or just a pick up a souvenir tee to represent. The shop…
Cayucos Tide Pools
Cayucos
This little known town in central California has some great tide pool locations to explore.
Cayucos Visitor Center
Cayucos
Listen to the quiet and stillness that only a small town in an untouched countryside can provide.
Hardie Park
Cayucos
A fun place to hold your next family event in Cayucos!
Hearst Castle Holidays
San Simeon
Hearst Castle brings to life his love of all things Christmas, and invites you to join in the spirit of the season!
Historic Windmill
Cayucos
The historic windmill is located just north of Cayucos on Highway 1.
Norma Rose Park
Cayucos
There is a play area, picnic tables, security gate, and Mutt Mitt dispenser.
Remember When Antique Malls
Cayucos
There are two stores located in this beautiful ocean community. Their ever-expanding inventory comes from approximately 100 vendors between both stores.
Whale Rock Reservoir
Cayucos
Bird watchers and fishermen will enjoy this tranquil out-of-the-way spot