Things To Do

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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.

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Cayucos Beach surfer
Cayucos State Beach

Cayucos

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

Dog High Five in Cayucos
Dog Friendly Activities Along Highway 1

Various

California’s Central Coast provides a fun and safe playground for both dogs and their humans. Stay in dog-friendly lodging, dine…

Cayucos surfer & dog
Dog-Friendly Highway 1: The Best Places to Explore with Your Dog

Various

The best road trips are built for two: your dog, ears flapping in the coastal breeze, and you, taking in…

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…

Pismo Beach Golf Course
Downtown Pismo Beach

Pismo Beach

With surfing, shopping and dining on the itinerary, downtown Pismo Beach is all about overdelivering on classic California fun in…

Vineyards, Edna Valley
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Edna Valley & Arroyo Grande Valley Activity Map

San Luis Obispo

Explore the beautiful scenery and all that Edna Valley and Arroyo Grande Valley have to offer

Family at Tide Pools
Family-Friendly Things to Do on Highway 1: Best Activities for Kids From Ragged Point to Nipomo

Avila Beach

For easy-breezy family fun, nothing beats a hike. Lace up your walking shoes, grab a hat and a water bottle,…

Fiscalini Ranch Preserve
Fiscalini Ranch Preserve

Cambria

Take a seaside stroll … The Fiscalini Ranch Preserve

Million Dollar View Ragged Point
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…

Highway 46, Cambria
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…

Hiking Arroyo Grande and Edna Valleys

Arroyo Grande

Find yourself on a hike in either of these two scenic valleys where sunshine, vineyard views, and cool coastal breezes…

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…

Bluffs Hike in Montana De Oro State Park
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Hiking Los Osos

Los Osos

A hiker’s paradise, Los Osos lies in a valley at the edge of the Pacific Ocean. Trails of all lengths…

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Hiking Oceano and Nipomo

Oceano

A hike across the varied trails of Oceano or Nipomo means wildlife, peaceful lagoons, abundant native plants, and views of…

Hiking in 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…

Cayucos pier and surfers
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…

How to Get to Highway 1

Various

Between Ragged Point and Nipomo stretches a section of Highway 1 where time slows and landscapes dazzle. Here, rugged cliffs…

Picnic Los Osos
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Los Osos & Baywood Activity Map

Los Osos

The Oso de Oro Loop takes you on a diverse tour of Los Osos and Baywood Park. 

Spooners Cove
Montaña de Oro State Park

Los Osos

This park features rugged cliffs, secluded sandy beaches, coastal plains, streams, canyons, and hills, including 1,347-foot Valencia Peak.

Moonstone Beach Boardwalk Wildflowers
Moonstone Beach

Cambria

Considered one of the Central Coast’s best beaches, Moonstone Beach is an ethereal outpost where waves meet a shoreline perfect…

Morro Rock at sunset
Morro Bay Beach and Morro Rock

Morro Bay

This beach is a coastal frontage park featuring outstanding picnic sites.

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Oceano & Nipomo Activity Map

Oceano

Explore Oceano as part of the Highway 1 Road Trip. 

The Oceano Dunes
Oceano Dunes Guide: SVRA, Camping, Beach Driving & More

Oceano

Walk where both the Chumash and Dunites walked

Avila Beach pier
Olde Port Beach

San Luis Obispo

This is the first beach you will find after crossing the bridge out of Avila and into Port San Luis.

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