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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surfing pismo
Oceano Surfing

Oceano

Whether you're a pro or just starting out, we have the perfect weather and the right wave for you to…

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…

Avila Beach pier
Olde Port Beach

San Luis Obispo

This is the first beach you will find after crossing the bridge out of Avila and into Port San Luis.

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.

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…

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…

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…

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.

Kitboarding in Oceano
Sandboarding, Surfing & Other Oceano Boardsports

Oceano

The area is a family-friendly, natural playground for anyone who likes to ride — or anyone who wants to learn.…

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…

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…

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.

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…

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