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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SLO Botanical Garden
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San Luis Obispo Botanical Garden

San Luis Obispo

The mission of the San Luis Obispo Botanical Garden is to display the diverse plant life of the Mediterranean climate…

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…

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…

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 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…

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.…

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.

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.

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

Various

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

Cayucos Beach Aerial
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The Perfect Cayucos Weekend Itinerary: Beaches, Bluffs and Small-Town Charm

Cayucos

Cayucos rewards travelers who slow down. Park the car, walk Ocean Avenue, and let the tide set the pace. A…

Pismo Preserve
The Pismo Preserve

Pismo Beach

Already a beloved local open space, the Pismo Preserve shows hikers, bikers and equestrians ocean views they hadn’t seen before…

Sweet Springs
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The Sweet Springs Nature Preserve

Los Osos

Located at the meeting of freshwater run-off and the saltwater ocean, the Sweet Springs Nature Preserve is a jewel of…

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…

Cycling in Edna Valley Vineyards
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Things to Do in Arroyo Grande and Edna Valley

Arroyo Grande

Some corners of California’s Central Coast especially reward the people who get off Highway 1 and go looking. Arroyo Grande…

Aerial views Libertine Avila Beach
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Things to do in Avila Beach

Avila Beach

Splash into a world of sun-soaked wonder in Avila Beach. With a protected cove, iconic pier and friendly locals, there’s…

Ragged Point Bridge
Things to Do in Big Sur

Big Sur

Nestled along California’s breathtaking Highway 1, the Gateway to Big Sur beckons travelers with its awe-inspiring beauty and diverse attractions.…

Moonstone Beach Boardwalk Cambria
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Things to do in Cambria

Cambria

Where pine forests meet the Pacific, Cambria rewards the slow wander over the quick stop. Lean into the town’s tranquil…

Walking along the Cayucos Pier
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Things to do in Cayucos

Cayucos

Cayucos beckons as a classic California surf town. Here, mornings start with coffee and cookies, days drift between pier strolls,…

Back Bay Inn Los Osos
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Things to do in Los Osos Baywood

Los Osos

Tucked along one of Highway 1’s most unhurried back bay stretches, Los Osos and Baywood Park are a choose your…

Ragged Point Highway 1
Things to Do in Monterey

Various

Move to the coastal rhythm of Monterey. This waterfront destination rewards roadtrippers with world-class ocean encounters, dramatic coastal walks and…

A couple walking on sand dunes at the Oceano Dunes
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Things to do in Oceano/Nipomo

Oceano

Where coastal dunes roll into oak-studded farmland, Oceano and Nipomo unfold as Highway 1’s quieter thrill—the kind of place where…

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…

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