Things To Do

Highway 1 Road Trip logo - links to homepage
Tidepool Children
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

Activities

All Things to Do

Search
Destinations
Features
61 results found.
61 found
0
Arroyo Grande village family
Arroyo Grande Village

Arroyo Grande

The quaint, historic, and lively, Village of Arroyo Grande (Downtown), charms visitors with its one-of-a-kind shops, dining, and community events.

Avila Beach
Avila Beaches and Piers

Avila Beach

With its long stretches of white sand, boardwalks, pet-friendly spots, wildlife and bustling harbor, Avila Beach has attracted visitors for…

Arroyo Grande Swinging Bridge on Highway 1
Best Parks in Arroyo Grande and Edna Valley

Arroyo Grande

Arroyo Grande and Edna Valley Parks are a family friendly destination with plenty of safe, fun opportunities for kids or…

Moonstone Beach in Cambria, CA
Best Parks in Cambria

Cambria

A good public park can add so much to a vacation along Highway 1. In Cambria, parks are destinations for…

Cayucos Park Bench
Best Parks in Cayucos

Cayucos

This charming seaside town is a family-friendly destination with multiple parks and open spaces. Settle into one of Cayucos’ parks…

Bluff hike at Montana De Oro State Park in Los Osos, CA
Stewardship Travel for Good Logo
Best Parks in Los Osos-Baywood

Los Osos

With its mild, sunny weather, rugged beauty and beachside location, Los Osos-Baywood has all the right conditions for a day…

Best Parks in Oceano and Nipomo

Oceano

However you choose to experience Oceano and Nipomo’s parks, you’re sure to find lots of secret spots to explore and…

Best Parks in San Simeon and Ragged Point

San Simeon

With their many miles of untouched coastline, beaches, forests — even a castle! — San Simeon and Ragged Point offer…

Robin's Dining Cambria
Best Places to Eat in Cambria

Cambria

With its relaxed small-town-by-the-sea vibe, Cambria welcomes diners to get cozy in a wide variety of restaurants, cafes, bakeries and…

Couple dining, Avila Beach
Best Restaurants & Dining in Avila Beach

Avila Beach

With sunshine, surf, sand, and salty air, Avila Beach feels a lot like a perfect, tucked-away paradise. Sweeten the deal…

Ember Restaurant Arroyo Grande
Best Restaurants in Arroyo Grande and Edna Valley

Arroyo Grande

Discover a diverse range of dining experiences in Arroyo Grande and Edna Valley to suit every mood, preference and budget.…

High Street Deli Los Osos
Best Restaurants in Los Osos – Baywood Park

Los Osos

Los Osos – Baywood might be one of the smaller towns along Highway 1, but it’s easily the most diverse…

Old Juans Cantina Dining
Best Restaurants in Oceano and Nipomo

Oceano

On the menu here, you’ll find culinary treasures specific to the Central Coast like Santa Maria Style BBQ, tri-tip and…

Ragged Point Inn Dining
Best Restaurants in San Simeon and Ragged Point

San Simeon

Restaurants in San Simeon combine fresh Central Coast ingredients with locally-caught seafood, stunning Pacific Ocean views and a diverse array…

Credit @EroicaCalifornia
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…

Fiscalini Ranch Preserve, Cambria
Stewardship Travel for Good Logo
Cambria Activity Map

Cambria

The Cambria Discovery Route highlights 24 points of interest along the northern coast of San Luis Obispo County. 

Downtown Cayucos
Stewardship Travel for Good Logo
Cayucos Activity Map

Cayucos

Cayucos is a throw back to the original, laid-back California beach town with its relaxed vibe and Western influences. Time…

Cayucos Pier on Cayucos Beach

Cayucos

The Cayucos pier was constructed in 1872 by Captain James Cass, the founder of Cayucos, and was then rebuilt and…

Cayucos Beach surfer
Cayucos State Beach

Cayucos

The sandy beach offers mild weather, watersports such as surfing and swimming, tidepooling. 

Cayucos Pier
Stewardship Travel for Good Logo
Cayucos State Parks and Beaches

Cayucos

Sunshine, shoreline, surf and even starfish — these are just a few treasures to be found in Cayucos State Beaches…

Cayucos Polar Bear Plunge
Central Coast Polar Bear Dips

Cayucos

The SLO CAL stretch of Highway 1 boasts two “polar bear dips” on the first day of the year, both…

Tour the Dana Adobe in Nipomo
Stewardship Travel for Good Logo
Dana Adobe

Nipomo

The historic Dana Adobe in Nipomo transports visitors back to the time of vaqueros, ranchos and Mexican land grants.

Highway 1 Dream Drive
Day Trips on Highway 1

Various

Welcome to California’s quintessential coastal journey, where Highway 1 unfurls an enviable collection of seaside escapes perfect for day trips…

Cayucos Pier Aerial
Downtown Cayucos

Cayucos

The quaint downtown of Cayucos boasts field-to-table restaurants, antique stores, public art and cafes ― all just steps from the…

Load More