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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  • Downtown Stops Along Highway 1

    Downtown Stops Along Highway 1

    Cambria
    Who doesn’t love the hustle and bustle of an active downtown? Town greens and plazas provide a gateway to the best attractions a destination can offer, from historic landmarks to dining, shopping, and entertainment.
  • 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.
  • Estero Bluffs State Park Stewardship Travel Logo

    Estero Bluffs State Park

    Cayucos
    The majestic Estero Bluffs State Park allows visitors to explore the landscape and beaches on the northern end of Cayucos.
  • 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.
  • Fiscalini Ranch Preserve

    Fiscalini Ranch Preserve

    Cambria
    Take a seaside stroll … The Fiscalini Ranch Preserve
  • 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 Cambria

    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…
  • Fishing Cayucos

    Fishing Cayucos

    Cayucos
    Fishing in Cayucos is one of the best ways to explore our unique section of Highway 1. You can see the historic Cayucos Pier, the shoreline of Cayucos State Beach or Morro Strand.
  • 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…
  • 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…
  • Highway 46 Scenic Drive

    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 in Cayucos

    Hiking in Cayucos

    Cayucos
    Sweeping coastal views and a temperate climate make hiking the trails in and around Cayucos a must-do. Ready to hit the trail?
  • 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.