California’s Highway 1 road trip is one of the most iconic drives in the country, and San Luis Obispo County offers some of its most memorable stops.
This stretch of the Central Coast, often called SLO CAL, combines gorgeous coastal scenery with small-town charm, wine country, and incredible wildlife interactions.
1. Ragged Point: Gateway to Big Sur
Ragged Point (Wander Worthy)
Ragged Point is often called the “Gateway to Big Sur,” and its dramatic cliffs make an unforgettable first impression. Stop at the Ragged Point Inn for lunch or dinner, where the restaurant serves fresh California cuisine with a side of ocean views.
Afterward, grab a seat in one of the Adirondack chairs perched on the cliff’s edge and watch a colorful sunset while listening to crashing waves. For road-trippers with more time, there’s a short but steep trail down to a secluded black-sand beach.
2. San Simeon: Elephant Seals and Cliffside Castles
Elephant Seals (Wander Worthy)
The main attraction in San Simeon is Hearst Castle, the grand hilltop estate built by newspaper mogul William Randolph Hearst. You can tour grand rooms filled with art and antiques, wander through beautiful gardens, and see the famous Neptune Pool.
Just a few minutes away, don’t miss the Elephant Seal Vista Point where you can watch hundreds of elephant seals lounging, sparring, and even giving birth during mating season. For a local bite, stop at Sebastian’s General Store for tasty deli sandwiches, or enjoy a glass of wine across the street at Hearst Ranch Winery, where estate-grown wines pair perfectly views of the Pacific ocean.
3. Cambria: Horeseback Rides and Boardwalks
Covell’s Clydesdales (Highway 1 Road Trip)
In downtown Cambria explore the walkable main street lined with art galleries, antiques, and boutique shops. Then, enjoy lunch at Brydge Restaurant, where seasonal, local ingredients are used to bring fresh, healthy bites.
Nearby Moonstone Beach has a well-maintained mile-long wooden boardwalk with vantage points for spotting dolphins, otters, and seabirds. For a unique experience, book a trail ride at Covell’s Clydesdales, home to a herd of Scottish gentle giants that take riders through rolling hills.
4. SLO: Sidecar Wine Country Tours
Sidecar Tours (Wander Worthy)
San Luis Obispo, known locally as SLO, is the heart of the county. Just outside the small city lies Edna Valley, one of California’s top wine regions. For an extra special adventure, take a motorcycle sidecar wine tour. You’ll cruise vineyard-lined backroads with stops at tasting rooms like Baileyana Winery and Claiborne & Churchill.
5. Avila Beach: Mineral Springs and Humpback Whales
Whale Watching in Avila Beach (Vincent Shay Photography)
In Avila Beach, book a soak at Sycamore Mineral Springs Resort & Spa, where hillside hot tubs offer private mineral baths under the sycamore trees. Down at the harbor, go on a whale watching tour for the chance to see the incredible sight of humpback whales feeding, lunging, and breaching the surface.
After your excursion, enjoy fish tacs and ocean views at Mersea’s or stop by Fat Cats Café for a hearty brunch. The downtown Avila Beach has boutique shopping and spots to grab ice cream before heading back on the road.
Highway 1 Road Trip Through SLO CAL
Highway 1 Road Trip
San Luis Obispo County’s stretch of California’s Highway 1 road trip is more than just a scenic drive. It’s a collection of charming coastal towns, each with its own personality perfect for an exciting road trip through California’s beautiful Central Coast.