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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Bird Watching on the Central Coast

Los Osos

Ideal climate, terrain, and proximity to the Pacific Flyway makes the SLO CAL stretch of Highway 1 one of the…

CA Coastal National Monument
California Coastal National Monument

San Simeon

Connecting the Pacific Ocean with the land, the California Coastal National Monument provides unique coastal habitat for marine-dependent wildlife and…

Fiscalini Ranch Preserve, Cambria
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Cambria Activity Map

Cambria

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

Cambria Historical Museum
Cambria Historical Museum

Cambria

Built into one of Cambria’s oldest homes, the Guthrie-Bianchini House, this museum stands right downtown in Cambria’s East Village.

Cambria Murals

Cambria

The towers have become a popular “must-see” for both residents and visitors.

Cambria Scarecrow Festival
Cambria Scarecrow Festival

Cambria

The annual Scarecrow Festival includes plenty of fall festivities, including a trail of handmade scarecrows displayed throughout the town’s East…

Downtown Cayucos
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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 Landing Exterior
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Cayucos Landing (formerly Cayucos Veterans Hall)

Cayucos

Step into downtown Cayucos and you’ll find a beautifully restored 1870s landmark that’s just come back to life—weathered redwood siding…

Cayucos Pier Aerial View
Cayucos Veterans Hall

Cayucos

The Cayucos Veteran's Hall is a meeting and rental hall facility available to the public. 

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…

Coastal Discovery Center Tour
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Coastal Discovery Center at San Simeon Bay

San Simeon

Located on beautiful San Simeon Bay, the Coastal Discovery Center celebrates the connection between land and seas.

Tour the Dana Adobe in Nipomo
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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…

Los Osos Golf Sea Pines
Downtown Los Osos & Baywood

Los Osos

Tucked into the southern side of Morro Bay, Los Osos and Baywood Park might just be the coolest beach towns…

Paso Robles Downtown
Downtown Paso Robles

Paso Robles

Downtown Paso Robles provides a walkable wonderland of restaurants, boutique shops, wine tasting rooms and art galleries to explore. Known…

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…

Downtown Avila
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…

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,…

Montana De Oro
Fishing Los Osos

Los Osos

As one of the most secluded and unspoiled areas on the California coast, Los Osos offers terrific opportunities for fishing.…

Hearst Castle, San Simeon
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Hearst Castle on Highway 1: Tours, Tickets, and How to Plan Your Visit

San Simeon

With its extravagant antiquities, architecture, and heritage, Hearst Castle welcomes hundreds of thousands of visitors each year. Plan your visit…

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…

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…

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