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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163 found
1
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…

Tidepool Sea anemone
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Monterey Bay Aquarium: The Complete Visitor Guide

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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

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

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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…

Piedras Blancas Lightstation
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Piedras Blancas Light Station

San Simeon

The Piedras Blancas Light Station stands as a monument to maritime days gone by. The lighthouse, built in 1875 and…

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…

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…

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

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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 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…

Aerial view of the Santa Barbara Coastline and Pier
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Santa Barbara Road Trip Guide: Routes, Stops, and Weekend Planning

Santa Barbara

Few coastal cities stack experiences like Santa Barbara: glittering waterfront, lively downtown, relaxed beaches, coastal wine plus canyon trails all…

Tidepool
Sea Life and Tide Pools of Los Osos and Baywood Park

Los Osos

With several miles of coastline, including plenty of bays and channels composed of craggy terrain, Los Osos is an area…

Sea Life of Oceano and Nipomo

Oceano

The stretch of Highway 1 between Oceano and Nipomo is some of the most beautiful and biologically diverse coastline in…

Avila Beach Promenade
Shopping in Avila Beach

Avila Beach

Avila Beach feels like paradise, and not only for its white sand beaches and other natural wonders — it’s a…

Shopping in Cambria: West Village, East Village, and Main Street Finds

Cambria

To discover the flavor of Cambria shopping, just head to Main Street. The town’s main thoroughfare creates a quaint shopping…

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.

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Spooner Ranch House at Montaña de Oro State Park

Los Osos

In 1892, Alden B. Spooner, Jr. built this ranch house overlooking the sea.

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