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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  • Biking Pacific Coast Highway 1

    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.
  • Biking Ragged Point and San Simeon

    Biking Ragged Point and San Simeon

    San Simeon
    The stretch of Highway 1 between Ragged Point and San Simeon offers some of the most sought-after cycling in the world.
  • Bird Watching on the Central Coast

    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.
  • California Coastal National Monument

    California Coastal National Monument

    San Simeon
    Connecting the Pacific Ocean with the land, the California Coastal National Monument provides unique coastal habitat for marine-dependent wildlife and vegetation
  • Cambria Scarecrow Festival

    Cambria Scarecrow Festival

    Cambria
    The annual Scarecrow Festival includes plenty of fall festivities, including a trail of handmade scarecrows displayed throughout the town’s East and West Villages.
  • Coastal Discovery Center at San Simeon Bay Stewardship Travel Logo

    Coastal Discovery Center at San Simeon Bay

    San Simeon
    Located on beautiful San Simeon Bay, the Coastal Discovery Center celebrates the connection between land and seas.
  • Day Spa and Massage Retreats on Highway 1

    Day Spa and Massage Retreats on Highway 1

    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…
  • Day Trips on Highway 1

    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…
  • Dog Friendly Activities Along Highway 1

    Dog Friendly Activities Along Highway 1

    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.
  • Elephant Seals of San Simeon Stewardship Travel Logo

    Elephant Seals of San Simeon

    San Simeon
    Find Elephant Seals on the beach, just off Highway 1. The rookery is easily accessible, free, and open to the public, year-round.
  • EV Road Trips Along Highway 1

    EV Road Trips Along Highway 1

    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

    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 Stewardship Travel Logo

    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.
  • Fishing California’s Highway 1

    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 San Simeon & Ragged Point

    Fishing San Simeon & Ragged Point

    San Simeon
    Jagged cliffs, hidden coves and the steady rhythm of crashing waves: Welcome to fishing San Simeon and fishing Ragged Point. Here, catching fish is more than a pastime — it’s a thrilling introduction to the raw natural beauty of Highway 1. Every cast brings you closer to the coast: towering…
  • Gateway to Big Sur

    Gateway to Big Sur

    Ragged Point
    Big Sur represents the best of the West. As one of the nation’s top attractions, Big Sur sparkles with vast views of the Pacific.
  • Hearst Castle Stewardship Travel Logo

    Hearst Castle

    San Simeon
    With its extravagant antiquities, architecture, and heritage, Hearst Castle welcomes hundreds of thousands of visitors each year. Plan your visit today.
  • Hearst Castle Zebras

    Hearst Castle Zebras

    San Simeon
    What’s black and white and visible from Highway 1? Believe it or not, zebras are a common sight for drivers passing Hearst Castle, between San Simeon and Ragged Point. The gorgeously striped species is native to Africa, but the herd here descends from zebras in William Randolph…