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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Family Friendly Things to Do
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.
Farm to Table Near Highway 1
Nipomo
The stretch of Highway 1 between Ragged Point and Nipomo owes much of its magic to remarkably authentic farm-to-table abundance.
Fiscalini Ranch Preserve
Cambria
Take a seaside stroll … The Fiscalini Ranch Preserve
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 Cambria
Cambria
Weathered bluffs, kelp-draped shorelines and the timeless pull of the tide: Welcome to fishing Cambria’s pristine waters. Here, casting a line is more than a pastime—it’s an invitation to join generations of anglers who’ve discovered that the best fishing spots aren’t always the most obvious. Every reel brings you deeper…
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…
Highway 46 Scenic Drive
Cambria
Beginning at the forested seaside town of Cambria, where houses are built on stilts to mimic the stately pines that surround them, pick up scenic Highway 46 for a long and leisurely drive.
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.
Historic Piers and Lighthouses on Highway 1
Avila Beach
Take in all the piers and lighthouses of coastal San Luis Obispo County, or choose just one or two to explore. Either way, you’ll witness the impact of how this region’s coastal position shaped its history.
Horseback Riding
Oceano
Riding a horse amidst the beauty of coastal San Luis Obispo County can be a transforming experience. Get saddled up and discover a whole new perspective on our special stretch of Highway 1, from equestrian trails to vineyards.
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 Bay National Marine Sanctuary (MBNMS) — South End
San Simeon
Vast and teeming with life, the Pacific Ocean impacts nearly every part of life on the Central Coast, from wildlife to wine. But if not for the protection of the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary, this landscape might not be so pristine or majestic.
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…
Moonstone Beach
Cambria
Considered one of the Central Coast’s best beaches, Moonstone Beach is an ethereal outpost where waves meet a shoreline perfect for beachcombing.
Morro Bay Beach and Morro Rock
Morro Bay
This beach is a coastal frontage park featuring outstanding picnic sites.
Nightlife on Highway 1
Nightlife unfolds at every turn along Highway 1’s scenic coastline. While Highway 1 may be renowned for its breathtaking ocean views and picturesque landscapes, its after-hours offerings are equally captivating. Travelers can expect a laid back ambiance and a mix of local and national talent. Don’t be fooled by the…
Oktoberfest on Highway 1
Templeton
The fun and festivities of a traditional Oktoberfest celebration can be had right here in coastal San Luis Obispo County.
Preserves, Estuaries and Sanctuaries on Highway 1
Avila Beach
Find thousands of acres of protected open space, both on land and at sea. These estuaries, preserves, and sanctuaries are home to abundant wildlife.
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.
Shopping Cambria
Cambria
To discover the flavor of Cambria shopping, just head to Main Street. The town’s main thoroughfare creates a quaint shopping district that’s split into two distinct areas: the West Village and the East Village.
Shopping on Highway 1
Cambria
Find locally-made art, ceramics, cheeses, wine, furniture, surfboards, herb and spice blends, soaps, candles, glasswares, jewelry, breads, books, souvenirs, clothing and more.
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…
Solo Travel Highway 1’s Wide Open Spaces
With the need for social distancing, there’s never been a better time to dream about your next party-of-one trip.
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.
Surfing Cambria
Cambria
Located between two Highway 1 surf hotspots, San Simeon and Cayucos, Cambria’s surf scene sparkles as one of California’s hidden treasures. Local surfers cherish Cambria’s accessible waves and consistent surf conditions, particularly at Moonstone Beach. This pristine surf spot sits just a 12-minute walk from Cambria’s charming East Village,…
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,…
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 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 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 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.