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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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.
The Sweet Springs Nature Preserve
Los Osos
Located at the meeting of freshwater run-off and the saltwater ocean, the Sweet Springs Nature Preserve is a jewel of natural Los Osos. At 32 acres, the preserve is owned by the Morro Coast Audubon Society and includes hiking trails, interpretive signs, footbridges, and memorial benches. Local and migratory…
Things to Do in Arroyo Grande and Edna Valley
Arroyo Grande
Arroyo Grande and Edna Valley offer a range of activities across a landscape of vineyards, farmland and rugged wilderness. From world class wine tasting and family friendly lake sports to historic sites and antiquing, you’ll never run out of great things to do in this pastoral California playground. If you’re…
Things to do in Avila Beach
Avila Beach
Splash into a world of sun-soaked wonder in Avila Beach. With a protected cove, iconic pier and friendly locals, there’s something truly magical about this crescent of white sand tucked between Port San Luis and rolling green hills. Just 30 minutes south of San Luis Obispo (about 6 miles from…
Things to do in Cambria
Cambria
Where pine forests meet the Pacific, Cambria rewards the slow wander over the quick stop. Lean into the town’s tranquil rhythm and you’ll walk away with something deeper than a souvenir. A sunrise stroll along Moonstone Beach can easily stretch into an afternoon of farm-fresh meals, bluff-top trails and joyrides…
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 Los Osos Baywood
Los Osos
Looking for the best things to do in Los Osos Baywood? With hiking, tidepooling and oceanfront dining on the roster, there’s never a dull moment along Highway 1’s scenic back bay. Whether you seek adventure or relaxation, this overnight itinerary is your roadmap to the best things to do in…
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 in Oceano/Nipomo
Oceano
Where coastal dunes roll into oak-studded farmland, Oceano and Nipomo unfold as Highway 1’s quieter thrill—the kind of place where a morning boardwalk through wetlands leads to an afternoon ride across towering dunes, then wraps with oak-grilled steaks under mesa stars. This is where coastal calm meets unexpected thrills: accessible…
Things to do in Ragged Point
Ragged Point
Step to the edge of dramatic clifftops where the Santa Lucia Mountains plunge into the shimmering Pacific. Here, where towering peaks and endless blue ocean collide, the coast’s raw beauty stretches toward the horizon. Welcome to Ragged Point — your gateway to Big Sur and portal to some of Highway…
Things to do in San Simeon
San Simeon
Step onto windswept bluffs where world-famous architecture commands views of vast Pacific blue. This is San Simeon, the quintessential Highway 1 experience, where William Randolph Hearst’s magnificent castle rises from coastal peaks while thousands of Northern Elephant Seals gather on nearby sun-warmed beaches. A historic lighthouse cuts through morning fog…
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 Avila Beach
Avila Beach
Imagine a seaside community surrounded by a wealth of wildlife in its own habitat, and you’ve probably imagined a place like Avila Beach. The sound of waves crashing, birds singing, and seals barking is the soundtrack to any day spent here. All creatures great and small inhabit and…
Tide Pools and Sea Life of Cambria
Cambria
Along Cambria’s craggy, dramatic shoreline, witness the lives of thousands of tiny creatures in their watery habitat. These tide pools offer the opportunity for curious minds to discover a whole world of life at the ocean’s surface.
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.