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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  • Things to Do in Monterey

    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 in Ragged Point

    Things to do in Ragged Point

    Ragged Point
    Step to the edge of dramatic clifftops where the Santa Lucia Mountains plunge into the shimmering Pacific. Here, where towering peaks and endless blue ocean collide, the coast’s raw beauty stretches toward the horizon. Welcome to Ragged Point — your gateway to Big Sur and portal to some of Highway…
  • Things to do in San Simeon

    Things to do in San Simeon

    San Simeon
    Step onto windswept bluffs where world-famous architecture commands views of vast Pacific blue. This is San Simeon, the quintessential Highway 1 experience, where William Randolph Hearst’s magnificent castle rises from coastal peaks while thousands of Northern Elephant Seals gather on nearby sun-warmed beaches. A historic lighthouse cuts through morning fog…
  • Things to do on Highway 1

    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

    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

    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.
  • Tide Pools and Sea Life of San Simeon

    Tide Pools and Sea Life of San Simeon

    San Simeon
    The stretch of coastline along San Simeon sees some of the most diverse sea life of all of Highway 1. Here, whales spout and breach within full view of the San Simeon Pier at William Randolph Hearst Memorial Beach. Dolphins’ dorsal fins dip in and out of the…
  • W.R. Hearst State Beach Stewardship Travel Logo

    W.R. Hearst State Beach

    San Simeon
    William Randolph Hearst Memorial Beach provides the scenery, sand, and surf for an ideal beach day on Highway 1. This beach once bustled as a whaling outpost, and later as a port for receiving antiquities to adorn W.R. Hearst’s hilltop estate.
  • Whale Watching on Highway 1: Your Guide to the Whale Trail Stewardship Travel Logo

    Whale Watching on Highway 1: Your Guide to the Whale Trail

    When it comes to whale watching, the Central Coast boasts an embarrassment of riches, especially along the Highway 1 Road Trip. Here, whales, dolphins, sea otters, seals and seabirds play within full view of the shoreline.
  • Wildflowers on Highway 1 Stewardship Travel Logo

    Wildflowers on Highway 1

    Cambria
    Brittlebrush, poppies, bluebells, lupine, sand verbena, and evening primrose are just a handful of the incredible wildflowers that bloom on the Central Coast.
  • A Little Love Bridal

    A Little Love Bridal

    Cambria
    Let us give you the relaxing experience every bride deserves when planning her special day.
  • Activity Map ~ Highway 1 Road Trip

    Activity Map ~ Highway 1 Road Trip

    See the sights and highlights along the Highway 1 Road Trip! Featuring 101 miles of adventure, the route stretches from the scenic coastline in Ragged Point south through the agricultural communities of Oceano and Nipomo.
  • Arcadian Adventures

    Arcadian Adventures

    San Luis Obispo
    Our mission is to provide our guests with bespoke itineraries of outdoor activities led by our dedicated guides.
  • Arroyo Laguna Beach

    Arroyo Laguna Beach

    San Simeon
    Arroyo Laguna Beach is a windsurfing and kiteboarding spot along the northern San Luis Obispo Coast.
  • Beach Access Points

    Beach Access Points

    Cambria
    Cambria has several beach access points located throughout town. 
  • Big Sur National Scenic Byway

    Big Sur National Scenic Byway

    Big Sur
    Travel the route that hugs the California coast, providing access to austere, windswept cypress trees, fog-shrouded cliffs and the crashing surf of the Pacific Ocean.
  • Black Hand Cellars

    Black Hand Cellars

    Cambria
    Our vineyard, Torie Ranch, is located on the west side of San Miguel with nearly 3 acres planted in the Estrella River and French clones of Syrah.
  • Boucher Trail at Piedras Blancas

    Boucher Trail at Piedras Blancas

    San Simeon
    The Boucher Trail runs from the paved elephant seal viewing parking for 1.9 miles, to a half mile north of the Piedras Blancas Light Station.