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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  • Best Beach Hotels on Highway 1

    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

    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 Stewardship Travel Logo

    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 Central Coast Farmers Markets

    Best Central Coast Farmers Markets

    Avila Beach
    Central 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

    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 of California Coastal Wine Region

    Best of California Coastal Wine Region

    Edna
    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.
  • Best of Holiday Activities on Highway 1

    Best of Holiday Activities on Highway 1

    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 Outdoor Activities on Highway 1 Stewardship Travel Logo

    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 Park in Avila Beach

    Best Park in Avila Beach

    Avila Beach
    Fun in the sun? Absolutely. When it comes to having a good time, Avila Beach parks offer the best possible conditions. The average temperature in this quaint beachfront town ranges between a comfortable 64 degrees F and 72 degrees F. The white sands of the beach are always…
  • Best Parks in Arroyo Grande and Edna Valley

    Best Parks in Arroyo Grande and Edna Valley

    Arroyo Grande
    Arroyo Grande and Edna Valley Parks are a family friendly destination with plenty of safe, fun opportunities for kids or pets to run, laugh and play. Spread a blanket in the grass, explore rugged terrain, partake in friendly fieldsports, or hit the playground for an afternoon of exploration.
  • Best Parks in Cambria

    Best Parks in Cambria

    Cambria
    A 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,…
  • Best Parks in Cayucos

    Best Parks in Cayucos

    Cayucos
    This charming seaside town is a family-friendly destination with multiple parks and open spaces. Settle into one of Cayucos’ parks and let the kids burn off some energy — or the pets, for that matter!
  • Best Parks in Los Osos-Baywood Stewardship Travel Logo

    Best Parks in Los Osos-Baywood

    Los Osos
    With its mild, sunny weather, rugged beauty and beachside location, Los Osos-Baywood has all the right conditions for a day at the park.
  • Best Parks in Oceano and Nipomo

    Best Parks in Oceano and Nipomo

    Oceano
    However you choose to experience Oceano and Nipomo’s parks, you’re sure to find lots of secret spots to explore and space to roam.
  • Best Parks in San Simeon and Ragged Point

    Best Parks in San Simeon and Ragged Point

    San Simeon
    With their many miles of untouched coastline, beaches, forests — even a castle! — San Simeon and Ragged Point offer a wealth of spectacular family-friendly destinations. The parks here are wide-open for exploring and discovery. Ascend the “enchanted hilltop” of Hearst Castle to follow the footsteps of media…
  • Best Pet Friendly Hotels on Highway 1

    Best Pet Friendly Hotels on Highway 1

    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

    Best Places to Eat in Cambria

    Cambria
    With 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

    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.