Highway 1
—
The Road Trip of a Lifetime
THE VERY BEST OF CALIFORNIA IS YOURS
FOR THE TAKING.
magine the road trip of your life gliding past uncrowded beaches and wine grapes ripening in the sun. California dreaming? Think again.
I
Highway 1 is the most iconic roadway in California, but not all sections are created equal. The section that passes along the coast between Monterey and Santa Barbara through San Luis Obispo County (known as SLO CAL), brims with the best of the Highway 1 experience. And as the gateway to Big Sur, this SLO CAL stretch is well within reach.
What sets it apart? One-hundred miles of Pacific coastline, half of which are protected. A national marine sanctuary and a national estuary. Thirteen state parks. An elephant seal rookery and Monarch butterfly preserves. A Scenic Byway designation from the U.S. Department of Transportation. Two historic lighthouses and five historic piers. The only drivable beach in California. Centuries-old Monterey Pines, Hundreds of acres of coastal vineyards. Uncrowded white sand beaches. History and heritage at every turn with nine locales on the National Register. And Hearst Castle, a hilltop beauty that is a State and National Landmark.
And that's just the beginning.
Bury your toes in the sand and get to know the locals. Indulge in farm-fresh and ocean-fresh cuisine, and wines from family-owned vineyards. Glimpse abundant wildlife and historic wonders, all in the comfort of a laid-back culture and picture perfect climate.
Want to plan the road trip of a lifetime? Follow your curiosity to our SLO CAL stretch of Highway 1, and let the wonder begin.
Inspire
Ever wonder why you always wake up with sand in your bed, doodle itineraries on dinner napkins or dream about tasting rooms? Fortunately, Highway 1 offers the exact roadmap you need to learn who you are as a traveler. Maybe that's why they call it the Highway 1 Discovery Route? The best thing about taking the traveler quiz? Every answer can be found along Highway 1. Whether on a beach, in a winery or down a trail, when traveling Highway 1 everyone really does win a prize.
A: Get some sand between your toes
B: Figure out where the local wine shop is located
C: Unpack your binoculars
D: Research family friendly restaurants
01
01
When you arrive at your destination, your first move is to:
Describe yourself as a traveler:
02
02
A: You judge your trip in trailheads
B: You pack your produce basket whenever possible
C: You count your stars in tidepools
D: You believe ‘travel is for sharing’
03
03
Choose your ideal restaurant:
A: Must have a terrace for scanning the ocean
B: Locally sourced, unique to area with a great wine list
C: Quick bites located near nature
D: Has a well thought out kids’ menu
D: Bike, car or walk, as long as all sizes fit nicely
C: Slowly, so that I don’t miss a single bird, whale spout or anemone
B: Preferably between great meals
A: Human-powered or bust
Choose your ideal restaurant:
04
04
How do you like to get around?
D: Full of playgrounds, beaches and casual chances to learn something new
C: Filled with field guides, water sandals, and habitats
B: A long lunch followed by tasting room tour with an interesting midafternoon snack
A: Closing as many exercise rings as possible
Choose your ideal restaurant:
Describe your perfect afternoon:
05
05
D: Remembered fondly with smiles and anecdotes from everyone
C: Teeming with mammal sightings, bird watching, plant identifying, and insect spotting
B: One sensational meal and vintage after another
A: Packed with adventures from ATVs to trail rides
Choose your ideal restaurant:
The best vacation ever is:
06
06
D: Snacks for the trip
C: Your binoculars
B: Your tasting notebook
A: Your daypack
Choose your ideal restaurant:
The first item you pack is:
07
07
TAKE THE QUIZ
The only day there isn’t sand in your bed is when you change the sheets. You’re the kind of traveler who thinks of clothes in layers, packing in terms of having the right foot gear and planning by trail map. These days, you understand outdoor adventures include responsibility, so you never travel without looking into giving back and your backpack always has a pocket dedicated to litter pickup. You prefer nature nurturer to nature lover and you’re never satisfied until you find out what’s over the next dune.
Everything Outdoors
You’re absolutely fine with labels, as long as they are affixed to 750ml bottles. You always travel with a corkscrew and follow any sign with grapes on it. You’re not just about wineries and tasting rooms, however, you discovered long ago that there’s a farmer’s market somewhere everyday and you intend to find them. #Farmlife is definitely your hashtag of choice, you like honey and olive oils that have a story to tell. Every day provides another opportunity for you to prove that life really is a tasting menu.
Coastal Foodie
You never leave home without your binoculars and field guides. You count your stars in tidepools and think ocean views are for spout scanning. You know the scientific names for seals and pull your mud boots on every chance you get. Back home, your screen saver is a saltwater aquarium. When you say “dive in” you mean it literally and keep your tanks or snorkel by the backdoor. You’ll gladly walk into a sunset, especially during the fall shorebird migration.
Marine Life Lover
Your perfect day contains plenty of show & tell. To you, traveling solo means you must be on a business trip. The first items you pack for vacation are snacks. You believe there’s no school like a tidepool and you’ve still never seen a touch tank you didn’t like. There’s also still nothing like a child’s first whale spout. In short, your favorite hashtag is #travelisforsharing.
Family Friendly
Try again
Try again
Try again
Try again
Where To Hike On The Highway
Oceano Dunes Natural Preserve
Wildlife Viewing and Stewardship Tips
Jocko’s Stakehouse
Wine Tasting
Where To Eat
Elephant Seals Of
San Simeon
Best Places For
Whale Watching California
Cayucos Tide Pools
Monarch Butterfly Grove
Cayucos Pier
Bob Jones Trail
Best Places For Whale Watching California
Avila Valley Barn
D: Snacks for the trip
C: Your binoculars
B: Your tasting notebook
A: Your daypack
The first item you pack is:
07
D: Remembered fondly with smiles and anecdotes from everyone
C: Teeming with mammal sightings, bird watching, plant identifying, and insect spotting
B: One sensational meal and vintage after another
A: Packed with adventures from ATVs to trail rides
The best vacation ever is:
06
D: Full of playgrounds, beaches and casual chances to learn something new
C: Filled with field guides, water sandals, and habitats
B: A long lunch followed by tasting room tour with an interesting midafternoon snack
A: Closing as many exercise rings as possible
Describe your perfect afternoon:
05
D: Bike, car or walk, as long as all sizes fit nicely
C: Slowly, so that I don’t miss a single bird, whale spout or anemone
B: Preferably between great meals
A: Human-powered or bust
How do you like to get around?
04
D: Has a well thought out kids’ menu
C: Quick bites located near nature
B: Locally sourced, unique to area with a great wine list
A: Must have a terrace for scanning the ocean
Choose your ideal restaurant:
03
D: You believe ‘travel is for sharing’
C: You count your stars in tidepools
B: You pack your produce basket whenever possible
A: You judge your trip in trailheads
Describe yourself as a traveler:
02
D: Research family friendly restaurants
C: Unpack your binoculars
B: Figure out where the local wine shop is located
A: Get some sand between your toes
When you arrive at your destination, your first move is to:
The only day there isn’t sand in your bed is when you change the sheets. You’re the kind of traveler who thinks of clothes in layers, packing in terms of having the right foot gear and planning by trail map. These days, you understand outdoor adventures include responsibility, so you never travel without looking into giving back and your backpack always has a pocket dedicated to litter pickup. You prefer nature nurturer to nature lover and you’re never satisfied until you find out what’s over the next dune.
Everything Outdoors
Try again
You’re absolutely fine with labels, as long as they are affixed to 750ml bottles. You always travel with a corkscrew and follow any sign with grapes on it. You’re not just about wineries and tasting rooms, however, you discovered long ago that there’s a farmer’s market somewhere everyday and you intend to find them. #Farmlife is definitely your hashtag of choice, you like honey and olive oils that have a story to tell. Every day provides another opportunity for you to prove that life really is a tasting menu.
Coastal Foodie
Try again
You never leave home without your binoculars and field guides. You count your stars in tidepools and think ocean views are for spout scanning. You know the scientific names for seals and pull your mud boots on every chance you get. Back home, your screen saver is a saltwater aquarium. When you say “dive in” you mean it literally and keep your tanks or snorkel by the backdoor. You’ll gladly walk into a sunset, especially during the fall shorebird migration.
Marine Life Lover
Try again
Your perfect day contains plenty of show & tell. To you, traveling solo means you must be on a business trip. The first items you pack for vacation are snacks. You believe there’s no school like a tidepool and you’ve still never seen a touch tank you didn’t like. There’s also still nothing like a child’s first whale spout. In short, your favorite hashtag is #travelisforsharing.
Family Friendly
Try again
01
Highway 1
THE VERY BEST OF CALIFORNIA IS YOURS FOR THE TAKING.
The Road Trip
of a Lifetime
—
SIP & SAVOR
Road Trip of a Lifetime
MARINE LIFE
best beaches
HEARST CASTLE
HIKING IN PARADISE
—
—
Discover
—
—
Explore
Engage
connect with us:
Sponsored BY:
What type of adveture do you seek?
WHAT TYPE OF ADVENTURE DO YOU SEEK?
Dog-Friendly Activities
Along Highway
Kayaking Morro
Bay Estuary
OWIN
CARLY
DANI
AIKO
Oceano Dunes
Natural Preserve
Where To Hike
On The Highway
Jocko’s
Stakehouse
Wine Tasting
Where To Eat
Elephant Seals Of
San Simeon
Monarch Butterfly Grove
Best Places For
Whale Watching California
Cayucos Tide Pools
Cayucos Pier
Bob Jones Trail
Best Places For Whale Watching California
Avila Valley Barn
SEE WHAT OTHERS ARE SHARING DURING THEIR ADVENTURES ALONG HIGHWAY 1
PHOTO GALLERY
CLICK ON THE MAP TO PLAN YOUR TRIP ALONG HIGHWAY 1
Please sign up to our
Newsletter to receive
More Information
Central Coast of California Blossoms with Wine Estates and History Minutes from Pacific Coast Highway 1
From Monarchs to Massive Dunes – Oceano & Nipomo Provide Highway 1 Travelers with Plenty of Unique Experiences
Central Coast of California Blossoms with Wine Estates and History Minutes from Pacific Coast Highway 1
From Monarchs to Massive Dunes – Oceano & Nipomo Provide Highway 1 Travelers with Plenty of Unique Experiences
Pick Your Perfect Paradise in Avila Beach
More articles in this series:
Estero Bluffs and Morro Strand Embrace Cayucos – A Gem of a Coastal Village
Montaña de Oro and Morro Bay State Parks Bookend Undiscovered Los Osos – Baywood Park
San Simeon Continues to Shine Upon Coastal Wildlife, Hearst Castle and Historic Setting
All Eyes in March are on a Roamin’ Holiday along Highway 1 Discovery Route
10 Instagram-able moments on Highway 1
Cambria Invites Visitors to Disappear From the World for Awhile
Best Wine, Beer,
And Food Festivals
Best Wine, Beer, And Food Festivals
Best Central Coast
Farmers Markets
Family Friendly
Things To Do
Family Friendly
Things To Do
Best Central Coast
Farmers Markets
—
—
—
—
PHOTO GALLERY
TUCKER
TIFFANY
CASSI
SARAH
Featured Story
Highway 1's Best Beaches: Uncrowded and Wide Open
Click Here to
Read More
Click Here to Read More
Featured Story
Highway 1's Best Beaches: Uncrowded and Wide Open
Click Here to
Read More
Click Here to Read More
More Stories in this series:
A Bounty of Secluded Beaches Awaits You on Highway 1
Discover Avila Beach, the heavenly coastal town that’s just a drive away
History and outdoor adventure converge at these Central Coast beach towns
Highway 1
—
The Road Trip of a Lifetime
THE VERY BEST OF CALIFORNIA IS YOURS
FOR THE TAKING.
magine the road trip of your life gliding past uncrowded beaches and wine grapes ripening in the sun. California dreaming? Think again.
I
Highway 1 is the most iconic roadway in California, but not all sections are created equal. The section that passes along the coast between Monterey and Santa Barbara through San Luis Obispo County (known as SLO CAL), brims with the best of the Highway 1 experience. And as the gateway to Big Sur, this SLO CAL stretch is well within reach.
What sets it apart? One-hundred miles of Pacific coastline, half of which are protected. A national marine sanctuary and a national estuary. Thirteen state parks. An elephant seal rookery and Monarch butterfly preserves. A Scenic Byway designation from the U.S. Department of Transportation. Two historic lighthouses and five historic piers. The only drivable beach in California. Centuries-old Monterey Pines, Hundreds of acres of coastal vineyards. Uncrowded white sand beaches. History and heritage at every turn with nine locales on the National Register. And Hearst Castle, a hilltop beauty that is a State and National Landmark.
And that's just the beginning.
Bury your toes in the sand and get to know the locals. Indulge in farm-fresh and ocean-fresh cuisine, and wines from family-owned vineyards. Glimpse abundant wildlife and historic wonders, all in the comfort of a laid-back culture and picture perfect climate.
Want to plan the road trip of a lifetime? Follow your curiosity to our SLO CAL stretch of Highway 1, and let the wonder begin.
Inspire
Ever wonder why you always wake up with sand in your bed, doodle itineraries on dinner napkins or dream about tasting rooms? Fortunately, Highway 1 offers the exact roadmap you need to learn who you are as a traveler. Maybe that's why they call it the Highway 1 Discovery Route? The best thing about taking the traveler quiz? Every answer can be found along Highway 1. Whether on a beach, in a winery or down a trail, when traveling Highway 1 everyone really does win a prize.
A: Get some sand between your toes
B: Figure out where the local wine shop is located
C: Unpack your binoculars
D: Research family friendly restaurants
01
01
When you arrive at your destination, your first move is to:
Describe yourself as a traveler:
02
02
A: You judge your trip in trailheads
B: You pack your produce basket whenever possible
C: You count your stars in tidepools
D: You believe ‘travel is for sharing’
03
03
Choose your ideal restaurant:
A: Must have a terrace for scanning the ocean
B: Locally sourced, unique to area with a great wine list
C: Quick bites located near nature
D: Has a well thought out kids’ menu
D: Bike, car or walk, as long as all sizes fit nicely
C: Slowly, so that I don’t miss a single bird, whale spout or anemone
B: Preferably between great meals
A: Human-powered or bust
Choose your ideal restaurant:
04
04
How do you like to get around?
D: Full of playgrounds, beaches and casual chances to learn something new
C: Filled with field guides, water sandals, and habitats
B: A long lunch followed by tasting room tour with an interesting midafternoon snack
A: Closing as many exercise rings as possible
Choose your ideal restaurant:
Describe your perfect afternoon:
05
05
D: Remembered fondly with smiles and anecdotes from everyone
C: Teeming with mammal sightings, bird watching, plant identifying, and insect spotting
B: One sensational meal and vintage after another
A: Packed with adventures from ATVs to trail rides
Choose your ideal restaurant:
The best vacation ever is:
06
06
D: Snacks for the trip
C: Your binoculars
B: Your tasting notebook
A: Your daypack
Choose your ideal restaurant:
The first item you pack is:
07
07
TAKE THE QUIZ
The only day there isn’t sand in your bed is when you change the sheets. You’re the kind of traveler who thinks of clothes in layers, packing in terms of having the right foot gear and planning by trail map. These days, you understand outdoor adventures include responsibility, so you never travel without looking into giving back and your backpack always has a pocket dedicated to litter pickup. You prefer nature nurturer to nature lover and you’re never satisfied until you find out what’s over the next dune.
Everything Outdoors
You’re absolutely fine with labels, as long as they are affixed to 750ml bottles. You always travel with a corkscrew and follow any sign with grapes on it. You’re not just about wineries and tasting rooms, however, you discovered long ago that there’s a farmer’s market somewhere everyday and you intend to find them. #Farmlife is definitely your hashtag of choice, you like honey and olive oils that have a story to tell. Every day provides another opportunity for you to prove that life really is a tasting menu.
Coastal Foodie
You never leave home without your binoculars and field guides. You count your stars in tidepools and think ocean views are for spout scanning. You know the scientific names for seals and pull your mud boots on every chance you get. Back home, your screen saver is a saltwater aquarium. When you say “dive in” you mean it literally and keep your tanks or snorkel by the backdoor. You’ll gladly walk into a sunset, especially during the fall shorebird migration.
Marine Life Lover
Your perfect day contains plenty of show & tell. To you, traveling solo means you must be on a business trip. The first items you pack for vacation are snacks. You believe there’s no school like a tidepool and you’ve still never seen a touch tank you didn’t like. There’s also still nothing like a child’s first whale spout. In short, your favorite hashtag is #travelisforsharing.
Family Friendly
Try again
Try again
Try again
Try again
Where To Hike On The Highway
Oceano Dunes Natural Preserve
Wildlife Viewing and Stewardship Tips
Jocko’s Stakehouse
Wine Tasting
Where To Eat
Elephant Seals Of
San Simeon
Best Places For
Whale Watching California
Cayucos Tide Pools
Monarch Butterfly Grove
Cayucos Pier
Bob Jones Trail
Best Places For Whale Watching California
Avila Valley Barn
D: Snacks for the trip
C: Your binoculars
B: Your tasting notebook
A: Your daypack
The first item you pack is:
07
D: Remembered fondly with smiles and anecdotes from everyone
C: Teeming with mammal sightings, bird watching, plant identifying, and insect spotting
B: One sensational meal and vintage after another
A: Packed with adventures from ATVs to trail rides
The best vacation ever is:
06
D: Full of playgrounds, beaches and casual chances to learn something new
C: Filled with field guides, water sandals, and habitats
B: A long lunch followed by tasting room tour with an interesting midafternoon snack
A: Closing as many exercise rings as possible
Describe your perfect afternoon:
05
D: Bike, car or walk, as long as all sizes fit nicely
C: Slowly, so that I don’t miss a single bird, whale spout or anemone
B: Preferably between great meals
A: Human-powered or bust
How do you like to get around?
04
D: Has a well thought out kids’ menu
C: Quick bites located near nature
B: Locally sourced, unique to area with a great wine list
A: Must have a terrace for scanning the ocean
Choose your ideal restaurant:
03
D: You believe ‘travel is for sharing’
C: You count your stars in tidepools
B: You pack your produce basket whenever possible
A: You judge your trip in trailheads
Describe yourself as a traveler:
02
D: Research family friendly restaurants
C: Unpack your binoculars
B: Figure out where the local wine shop is located
A: Get some sand between your toes
When you arrive at your destination, your first move is to:
The only day there isn’t sand in your bed is when you change the sheets. You’re the kind of traveler who thinks of clothes in layers, packing in terms of having the right foot gear and planning by trail map. These days, you understand outdoor adventures include responsibility, so you never travel without looking into giving back and your backpack always has a pocket dedicated to litter pickup. You prefer nature nurturer to nature lover and you’re never satisfied until you find out what’s over the next dune.
Everything Outdoors
Try again
You’re absolutely fine with labels, as long as they are affixed to 750ml bottles. You always travel with a corkscrew and follow any sign with grapes on it. You’re not just about wineries and tasting rooms, however, you discovered long ago that there’s a farmer’s market somewhere everyday and you intend to find them. #Farmlife is definitely your hashtag of choice, you like honey and olive oils that have a story to tell. Every day provides another opportunity for you to prove that life really is a tasting menu.
Coastal Foodie
Try again
You never leave home without your binoculars and field guides. You count your stars in tidepools and think ocean views are for spout scanning. You know the scientific names for seals and pull your mud boots on every chance you get. Back home, your screen saver is a saltwater aquarium. When you say “dive in” you mean it literally and keep your tanks or snorkel by the backdoor. You’ll gladly walk into a sunset, especially during the fall shorebird migration.
Marine Life Lover
Try again
Your perfect day contains plenty of show & tell. To you, traveling solo means you must be on a business trip. The first items you pack for vacation are snacks. You believe there’s no school like a tidepool and you’ve still never seen a touch tank you didn’t like. There’s also still nothing like a child’s first whale spout. In short, your favorite hashtag is #travelisforsharing.
Family Friendly
Try again
01
Highway 1
THE VERY BEST OF CALIFORNIA IS YOURS FOR THE TAKING.
The Road Trip
of a Lifetime
—
SIP & SAVOR
Road Trip of a Lifetime
MARINE LIFE
best beaches
HEARST CASTLE
HIKING IN PARADISE
—
—
Discover
—
—
Explore
Engage
connect with us:
Sponsored BY:
What type of adveture do you seek?
WHAT TYPE OF ADVENTURE DO YOU SEEK?
Dog-Friendly Activities
Along Highway
Kayaking Morro
Bay Estuary
OWIN
CARLY
DANI
AIKO
Oceano Dunes
Natural Preserve
Where To Hike
On The Highway
Jocko’s
Stakehouse
Wine Tasting
Where To Eat
Elephant Seals Of
San Simeon
Monarch Butterfly Grove
Best Places For
Whale Watching California
Cayucos Tide Pools
Cayucos Pier
Bob Jones Trail
Best Places For Whale Watching California
Avila Valley Barn
SEE WHAT OTHERS ARE SHARING DURING THEIR ADVENTURES ALONG HIGHWAY 1
PHOTO GALLERY
CLICK ON THE MAP TO PLAN YOUR TRIP ALONG HIGHWAY 1
Please sign up to our
Newsletter to receive
More Information
Central Coast of California Blossoms with Wine Estates and History Minutes from Pacific Coast Highway 1
From Monarchs to Massive Dunes – Oceano & Nipomo Provide Highway 1 Travelers with Plenty of Unique Experiences
Central Coast of California Blossoms with Wine Estates and History Minutes from Pacific Coast Highway 1
From Monarchs to Massive Dunes – Oceano & Nipomo Provide Highway 1 Travelers with Plenty of Unique Experiences
Pick Your Perfect Paradise in Avila Beach
More articles in this series:
Estero Bluffs and Morro Strand Embrace Cayucos – A Gem of a Coastal Village
Montaña de Oro and Morro Bay State Parks Bookend Undiscovered Los Osos – Baywood Park
San Simeon Continues to Shine Upon Coastal Wildlife, Hearst Castle and Historic Setting
All Eyes in March are on a Roamin’ Holiday along Highway 1 Discovery Route
10 Instagram-able moments on Highway 1
Cambria Invites Visitors to Disappear From the World for Awhile
Best Wine, Beer,
And Food Festivals
Best Wine, Beer, And Food Festivals
Best Central Coast
Farmers Markets
Family Friendly
Things To Do
Family Friendly
Things To Do
Best Central Coast
Farmers Markets
Featured Story
Coastal Discovery Celebration Continues to Grow as Key Stewardship Travel Opportunity...
Click Here to
Read More
Click Here to Read More
Featured Story
Coastal Discovery Celebration Continues to Grow as Key Stewardship Travel Opportunity...
Click Here to
Read More
Click Here to Read More