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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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.

Spooner’s Cove

Los Osos

Traveling to Spooner's Cove, located within Montaña de Oro State Park, you'll take in views of rugged cliffs, sandy beaches…

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.

Downtown Cayucos
Stores in Cayucos

Cayucos

The main thoroughfare of Ocean Avenue cruises through downtown Cayucos, which boasts several unique shopping opportunities.

Surfer at Avila Beach
Surfing Avila Beach

Avila Beach

Our Central Coast beach towns offer waves suitable for surfing, kite surfing, windsurfing and boogie boarding.

Surfing Moonstone Beach
Surfing Cambria

Cambria

Located between two Highway 1 surf hotspots, San Simeon and Cayucos, Cambria’s surf scene sparkles as one of California’s hidden…

Cayucos Pier Surfing
Surfing Cayucos

Cayucos

The Cayucos Pier is a decent spot for beginners, and it's great for families who want the quintessential surf town…

Surfing Moonstone Beach
Surfing Los Osos

Los Osos

Surfing this unspoiled stretch of coastline off Highway 1 should be on every experienced surfer’s bucket list. Epic waves, beautiful…

Cayucos Surf
Surfing Pismo Beach

Pismo Beach

Since the mid-20th century, surfers have enjoyed shredding the waves in and around Pismo Beach. In fact, Pismo Beach hosts…

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

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…

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