Things To Do in San Simeon

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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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Highway 1 scenic aerial view
San Luis Obispo North Coast Byway – Route 1

Various

The San Luis Obispo North Coast Byway provides an extraordinary experience.

Hearst Castle in San Simeon, CA
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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…

San Simeon kayaking
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…

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.

wind surfing, San Simeon
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…

Highway 46, Cambria
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…

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

Seaweed foraging in Cayucos
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Seaweed Foraging Tours

Cayucos

This is an intimate and educational experience that is always family friendly.

Cambria West Village Couple Shopping
Shopping on Highway 1

Cambria

Find locally-made art, ceramics, cheeses, wine, furniture, surfboards, herb and spice blends, soaps, candles, glasswares, jewelry, breads, books, souvenirs, clothing…

Walking dog along coastal trail
Solo Travel Highway 1’s Wide Open Spaces

Various

With the need for social distancing, there’s never been a better time to dream about your next party-of-one trip.

Spa & Wellness Experiences in San Simeon and Ragged Point

San Simeon

Looking to pamper yourself with a Big Sur spa day? Revitalize your body and calm your mind in scenic San…

San Simeon coastline with wildflowers
State Parks and Beaches of San Simeon

San Simeon

Visit Hearst Castle along with its neighboring San Simeon state parks and beaches, and experience the very best of the…

Highway 1 aerial view near San Simeon
State Parks and Beaches of the Central Coast

Highway 1

From Ragged Point to Nipomo, you’ll find unspoiled beaches, quiet woodlands, marine protected areas, art, antiquities, and driveable dunes.

San Simeon Surfing
Surfing San Simeon to Ragged Point

San Simeon

Beyond San Simeon’s Highway 1’s well-known surf spots lies a coastline that feels like it’s been waiting just for you.…

Cayucos Beach surfer
Surfing Spots on Highway 1

San Simeon

Once called “The Lost Coast” by Surfer Magazine, this rugged stretch of coastline boasts some of the best-kept secret surf…

Kids playing at park Avila Beach
The 10 Best Parks on Highway 1

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In a land of natural splendor, it’s no surprise that the public has access to breathtaking, fun, and fascinating parks.…

Highway 1 Sunset
The Ultimate Highway 1 Road Trip Itinerary: Ragged Point to Nipomo

Various

Want the ultimate Highway 1 road trip itinerary? Ours turns this stretch from Ragged Point to Nipomo into a full…

Black Swift Falls Trail
Things to do in Ragged Point

Ragged Point

Step to the edge of dramatic clifftops where the Santa Lucia Mountains plunge into the shimmering Pacific. Here, where towering…

Viewing Elephant Seals
Things to do in San Simeon

San Simeon

Step onto windswept bluffs where world-famous architecture commands views of vast Pacific blue. This is San Simeon, the quintessential Highway…

Downtown Arroyo Grande Village
Things to do on Highway 1

Various

Highway 1 isn’t just a drive — it’s where the coast invites you to slow down, breathe deep and just…

Tidepooling on the coast
Tide Pools and Sea Life of Highway 1

Various

Wherever you roam along Highway 1, the ocean never lies far away. In the 57 miles of coastline between Ragged…

Tidepool
Tide Pools and Sea Life of San Simeon

San Simeon

The stretch of coastline along San Simeon sees some of the most diverse sea life of all of Highway 1.…

WR Hearst State Beach
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W.R. Hearst State Beach

San Simeon

William Randolph Hearst Memorial Beach provides the scenery, sand, and surf for an ideal beach day on Highway 1. This…

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