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
307 found
307 found
1
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…

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…

Biking the Bob Jones Trail
Bob Jones Bike Trail (Avila Beach)

San Luis Obispo

The Bob Jones Trail is the "City to the Sea" bike trail

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
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. 

Credit @EroicaCalifornia
Cambria Cycling

Cambria

With an ever-changing landscape and breathtaking views, Cambria is ideal for avid road cyclists. Anticipate two major climbs, some steep…

Fiscalini Ranch Bench Cambria
Cambria Hikes

Cambria

When it comes to Cambria hiking trails, you’ll find deep pine forests, coastal bluffs, and famous boardwalks – find moonstones…

Cambria Kayaking/Boating

San Simeon

Shamel Park in Cambria to the Cayucos Pier is a fun tour that meanders down the uncrowded North Coast.

Sea Otters Photo credit required- Photo © 2013 “Mike” Michael L. Baird
Cambria Sea Life

San Simeon

San Luis Obispo County has an abundance of sea life throughout the coastal towns including elephant seals, sea otters, starfish,…

Leffingwell Landing in Cambria
Cambria State Park And Marine Protected Area

Cambria

On Cambria’s northern edge, Leffingwell Landing begs visitors to sit and enjoy the beautiful scenery. The park offers BBQ pits,…

Carrizo Plain Wildflower Super Bloom
Carrizo Plain Superbloom: Best Time to Visit and Where to See Wildflowers

Santa Margarita

Experience the Carrizo Plain superbloom, a rare and vivid wildflower event that transforms the California Valley into rolling fields of…

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 Cycling

Cayucos

Montaña de Oro has some of the best mountain biking on the central coast, with multiple trails ranging from beginner…

Cayucos Kayaking

Cayucos

You Oughta Play with Otters

Cayucos Landing Exterior
Stewardship Travel for Good Logo
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 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…

Coastal Discovery Center Tour
Stewardship Travel for Good Logo
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
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 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…

Load More