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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Black Swift Falls Trail
Hiking On Highway 1

Highway 1

Hiking along the Highway 1 Road Trip showcases the diversity of this abundant place. From Ragged Point to Nipomo, each…

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…

Oceano Horseback Riding
Horseback Riding

Oceano

Riding a horse amidst the beauty of coastal San Luis Obispo County can be a transforming experience. Get saddled up…

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Hot Springs in Avila Beach

Avila Beach

For generations, the natural hot springs of Avila Beach have provided relief and relaxation to visitors from far and wide.…

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. 

Montana de Oro
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Los Osos State Parks and Beaches

Los Osos

With natural splendor to spare, Los Osos boasts two state parks and beaches: Montaña de Oro State Park and the…

Photo credit required to California State Parks Oceano Dunes District
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Monarch Butterfly Groves on Highway 1

Pismo Beach

The site is part of an Audubon Nature Preserve, featuring a vegetative restoration project and access trails to monarchs and…

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.

Tidepool Sea anemone
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Monterey Bay Aquarium: The Complete Visitor Guide

Various

Step into the Monterey Bay Aquarium and feel world on land slip away. Towering kelp forests sway just beyond the…

Tidepool Family
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Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary (MBNMS) — South End

San Simeon

Vast and teeming with life, the Pacific Ocean impacts nearly every part of life on the Central Coast, from wildlife…

Ragged Point Highway 1
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Monterey Road Trip: The Complete Highway 1 Guide

Various

Highway 1 hugs Monterey Bay’s glittering coast, where kelp forests sway in the Pacific current and otters float lazily along…

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.

Morro Bay Whale Watching Boat
Morro Bay Whale Watching

Morro Bay

Whale watching along Highway 1 and Morro Bay is a popular pastime for the whole family to enjoy along San…

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Oceano & Nipomo Activity Map

Oceano

Explore Oceano as part of the Highway 1 Road Trip. 

Oceano train station
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Oceano Train Depot

Oceano

A critical historic site for the development of San Luis Obispo County, the Oceano Train Depot now stands as a…

Oso Flaco Lake hike in Nipomo along Highway 1
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Oso Flaco Lake

Arroyo Grande

Just north of Guadalupe, California, lies one of the most scenic natural areas all along California’s coast, Oso Flaco Lake.

Aerial views from Pismo Beach Preserve
Pismo Beach Hiking

Pismo Beach

Hiking in Pismo Beach is all about blue skies, golden sand and gorgeous coastal vistas. With a bevvy of beach…

Pismo Beach Pier
Pismo Beach Pier and Plaza: Parking, What to Do, and How to Plan Your Visit

Pismo Beach

Step out onto one of California’s longest piers and experience the laid-back rhythm that makes Pismo Beach one of the…

Pismo State Beach

Oceano

With nearly 17 miles of Pacific coastline, Pismo State Beach has been a destination for sun and sand for generations.

Point San Luis Lighthouse
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Point San Luis Lighthouse

Avila Beach

Founded in 1890, Point San Luis Lighthouse has saved many lives in its time, and remains a beacon over San…

Preserves, Estuaries and Sanctuaries on Highway 1

Avila Beach

Find thousands of acres of protected open space, both on land and at sea. These estuaries, preserves, and sanctuaries are…

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