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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  • 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.
  • Pismo State Beach

    Pismo State Beach

    Oceano
    With nearly 17 miles of Pacific coastline, Pismo State Beach has been a destination for sun and sand for generations.
  • Point San Luis Lighthouse Stewardship Travel Logo

    Point San Luis Lighthouse

    Avila Beach
    Founded in 1890, Point San Luis Lighthouse has saved many lives in its time, and remains a beacon over San Luis Bay. Visit a piece of history on Highway 1.
  • 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 Botanical Garden Stewardship Travel Logo

    San Luis Obispo Botanical Garden

    San Luis Obispo
    The mission of the San Luis Obispo Botanical Garden is to display the diverse plant life of the Mediterranean climate zones of the world and to provide opportunities for education, recreation, conservation and research. 
  • 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.
  • Sandboarding, Surfing & Other Oceano Boardsports

    Sandboarding, Surfing & Other Oceano Boardsports

    Oceano
    The area is a family-friendly, natural playground for anyone who likes to ride — or anyone who wants to learn. Surfers, bodyboarders and skimboarders find plenty of space to play in the beaches south of the Pismo Pier.
  • Scenic Drive: Your Highway 1 Road Trip

    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.
  • Scuba Diving

    Scuba Diving

    Morro Bay
    SLO Divers offers scuba diving excursions for spear fishing, photography and sightseeing. 
  • Sea Life and Tide Pools of Los Osos and Baywood Park

    Sea Life and Tide Pools of Los Osos and Baywood Park

    Los Osos
    With several miles of coastline, including plenty of bays and channels composed of craggy terrain, Los Osos is an area perfect for tide pools.
  • Sea Life of Oceano and Nipomo

    Sea Life of Oceano and Nipomo

    Oceano
    The stretch of Highway 1 between Oceano and Nipomo is some of the most beautiful and biologically diverse coastline in the state. Here, 15 miles of dunes make up one of the largest coastal dune systems in California.
  • Sea Otter Spotting Stewardship Travel Logo

    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.