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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  • Highway 1 is Dog-Friendly

    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 On Highway 1

    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.
  • Hiking San Simeon and Ragged Point

    Hiking San Simeon and Ragged Point

    San Simeon
    Whether your preferred hike involves a view of the coastline, country or mountains, you will have no problem finding a path that matches your skill level and desired scenery.
  • Historic Piers and Lighthouses on Highway 1

    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.
  • How to Get to Highway 1

    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

    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 Stewardship Travel Logo

    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 Stewardship Travel Logo

    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 Beach and Morro Rock

    Morro Bay
    This beach is a coastal frontage park featuring outstanding picnic sites.
  • Piedras Blancas Light Station Stewardship Travel Logo

    Piedras Blancas Light Station

    San Simeon
    The Piedras Blancas Light Station stands as a monument to maritime days gone by. The lighthouse, built in 1875 and still in operation today, offers 2-hour tours of its interior and grounds, year-round.
  • Preserves, Estuaries and Sanctuaries on Highway 1

    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.
  • Romance on Highway 1

    Romance on Highway 1

    Ignite romance on Highway 1, where coastal ambiance meets idyllic experiences for two. Explore oceanfront dining, secluded beaches and awe-inspiring sunsets all along this scenic coastal byway. Stroll along the sand, discover local wildlife, wine taste or indulge in a relaxing couple’s massage—Highway 1 is your oyster. Whether planning an…
  • San Luis Obispo North Coast Byway – Route 1

    San Luis Obispo North Coast Byway – Route 1

    The San Luis Obispo North Coast Byway provides an extraordinary experience.
  • San Simeon Activity Map Stewardship Travel Logo

    San Simeon Activity Map

    San Simeon
    The stunning natural beauty of San Simeon Cove; the enchantment of a hilltop castle - what a beautiful way to start the day! 
  • San Simeon Kayaking/Boating

    San Simeon Kayaking/Boating

    San Simeon
    Go out and explore the wonders of the Central Coast from the best seat in the house, your kayak!
  • San Simeon Pier

    San Simeon Pier

    San Simeon
    Before the advent of the railroad and easily traversed highways, most of the commerce in central California was conducted by ship and piers and wharfs were vitally important.
  • San Simeon Surfing

    San Simeon Surfing

    San Simeon
    San Simeon is reliable and popular in the spring among local surfers, with wide beach breaks and chest-high swells.
  • San Simeon Wind Sports

    San Simeon Wind Sports

    San Simeon
    The winds around San Simeon beaches offer an excellent chance to take part in wind sports such as windsurfing and kiteboarding.