This Stretch of California’s Highway 1 Turns a Scenic Drive Into the Road Trip of a Lifetime–and No, It’s Not Big Sur

Big Sur might get all the attention, but keep driving south and you’ll hit Highway 1’s best-kept secret, San Luis Obispo County.

Here, road-trippers can ride Clydesdales through rolling hills, tour wine country in a vintage motorcycle sidecar, watch elephant seals spar during mating season, see humpback whales leap from the water, and end the day soaking in mineral springs under the stars.

There’s a reason it’s called “SLO CAL.” This stretch of California’s Highway 1 road trip offers a chance to slow down and enjoy the experiences along the way.

Stop in Ragged Point for Cliffside Sunset Views and a Mouthwatering Meal After a Day on the Road

Dinner at Ragged Point Restaurant is the perfect way to end a day of road-tripping along Highway 1. The restaurant offers plenty of seating, including a patio where guests can enjoy live music in the evenings. Fresh oysters, a perfectly medium-rare ribeye, and a glass of local wine make for an excellent meal, paired with an after-dinner cliffside sunset just steps away.

Plus, if you’re too tired to hit the road again, Ragged Point Inn is conveniently located next door, where you can rest before continuing your journey.

In San Simeon, You’ll Find Oceanfront Stays, Clifftop Castles, and Sparring Elephant Seals

Cavalier Oceanfront Resort in San Simeon makes an overnight stop on Highway 1 feel special. The property sits right on the water, making it easy to step outside to catch a California sunset or warm up by the oceanfront fire pits while playing a game of giant chess and listening to waves crash against the shore.

Rooms are cozy, many with fireplaces and balconies overlooking the Pacific. Heated pools and hot tubs make it easy to unwind after a day of exploring, and the on-site restaurant, Cavalier Coastal Kitchen, serves a satisfying breakfast before hitting the road.

A visit to Hearst Castle, a national historic landmark, is a 1,600-foot journey above sea level to the beautiful estate of William Randolph Hearst. Here you’ll explore art-filled rooms, Mediterranean and Spanish Revival architecture, impressive Roman-inspired pools, and lavish gardens that offer a glimpse into his European-inspired retreat, which famously hosted Hollywood stars and other prominent guests throughout the 1920s and 1930s.

The Elephant Seal Vista Point, also known as the Piedras Blancas Rookery, is a free experience not to be skipped. From December to March, you can witness northern Elephant Seals sparring for territory and giving birth on the beach.

Sebastian’s General Store is a historic stop serving delicious deli sandwiches and fresh salads, making it the perfect spot for lunch and a place to find locally made souvenirs. Just across the road, Hearst Ranch Winery offers tastings of estate-grown wines, with a large patio overlooking the ocean for a great midday break along Highway 1.

Take Clydesdales on a Trail Ride, Enjoy Boardwalk Beach Strolls, and Explore an Eclectic Downtown in Cambria

At Covell’s Ranch in Cambria, you can take guided horseback rides on giant Clydesdale horses through acres of rolling hills, no riding experience required. It’s one of the only places in the United States you can take these gentle Scottish giants on a trail ride.

Moonstone Beach Boardwalk is a mile-long wooden path that runs along the rugged shoreline, offering a perfect spot for a stroll with stunning ocean views, tidepools, and a chance to spot sea otters or dolphins. The beach is known for its smooth, colorful stones referred to as “moonstones,” but it’s best to leave them in place to help preserve the beach’s natural beauty.

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After your walk, head to Moonstone Beach Bar and Grill, a casual oceanfront restaurant just across the road. Dining on the patio with the sound of the waves nearby, we enjoyed perfectly seared scallops, fresh fish tacos, and a delicious salmon entrée.

Downtown Cambria boasts a variety of boutique shops, art galleries, antique stores, and restaurants, making it an ideal place to wander and discover unique souvenirs. After browsing its charming local offerings, stop for lunch at Brydge, a cozy restaurant known for its fresh, seasonal California cuisine. Enjoy dishes like locally sourced roasted mushrooms dressed with Parmesan, truffle oil, and breadcrumbs, or pork meatballs in a rich tomato-piquillo sauce.

Avila Beach Has Hillside Mineral Spring Hot Tubs, Humpbacks Whales, and Beachfront Entertainment

A stay at Sycamore Mineral Springs Resort & Spa is a relaxing and luxurious escape into the wooded hills of Avila Beach. Each guest room and suite includes a balcony or patio with a private mineral-spring hot tub. You can also book a private hillside mineral hot tub for a one-of-a-kind experience under the sycamore trees, or enjoy yoga classes and spa treatments.

The on-site restaurant, Gardens of Avila, offers fresh herbs and vegetables from the chef’s garden, where you can enjoy fresh farm-to-table cuisine. The Secret Garden is a secluded, tree-shaded space with wood-fired pizzas, live music, and games.

Avila Beach Whale Watching with Captain Mark is an exciting experience out on the San Luis Obispo Bay. The wildlife here is very active, featuring sea lions, sea otters, and giant humpback whales. During summer and fall, humpbacks gather in the waters off Avila Beach to feed on anchovies, often putting on a show with dramatic breaching, tail-slapping, and other feeding behaviors.

Avila Beach’s lively downtown is lined with colorful shops, casual restaurants facing the ocean, and places to grab ice cream, coffee, or a glass of local wine. Restaurants like Mersea’s Seafood Restaurant at Port San Luis serve fresh-caught seafood with incredible harbor views. At the same time, local favorites like Fat Cats Café offer hearty breakfasts and classic comfort food.

Avila Beach is the perfect place to spend an afternoon listening to live music and attending events along the promenade.

Cruise in a Vintage Motorcycle Sidecar Through Edna Valley’s Vineyards and Sip Local Wine in San Luis Obispo

A motorcycle sidecar tour through San Luis Obispo wine country is a one-of-a-kind way to explore the vineyards and scenic backroads of Edna Valley.

The ride offers open-air views and a sense of adventure, with stops like Baileyana Winery, housed inside the historic 1909 Independence Schoolhouse, which pours a wide selection of wines from grapes grown in their estate vineyards. Another stop is Claiborne & Churchill Winery, known for its crisp, Alsatian-style wines, such as Dry Riesling and Dry Gewürztraminer, which are enjoyed in a relaxed garden setting.

Edna Valley is renowned for its distinctive coastal microclimates, where cool ocean breezes and morning fog create ideal conditions for growing Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and other cool-climate varietals.

A Bucket List Road Trip Through San Luis Obispo County

A Highway 1 road trip through San Luis Obispo County turns an iconic drive into a bucket-list adventure, filled with small towns and incredible experiences. The best part of the journey isn’t just one destination, but the experiences and memories you’ll collect along the way.