Open for the Road Trip of a Lifetime

Play All Day: Avila Beach

Fun in the sun? Absolutely. Pick your perfect paradise in Avila Beach, where there’s something for everybody.

This quaint, friendly community offers several blocks of shopping, dining, cafes, and a promenade ― all just steps from the sand. Low surf, ample restrooms and a pirate playground make this beach fun and safe for parents and kids. Kayak with a guide to the Point San Luis Lighthouse, or take an adventure boat ride on the Seaweed Express. Hit the Central Coast Aquarium, where visitors can touch sharks, feed the octopus or watch jellyfish dance. Spend an afternoon walking or cycling the Bob Jones Trail (with snacks along the way at Woodstone Marketplace). Stroll historic Harford Pier, observe the harbor seals, and enjoy fresh seafood (and a view) at Mersea’s Restaurant. Or buy an ice cream, take a hayride and wander the petting zoo at the Avila Valley Barn with the kids. Not into kids play? Parents can hit the links at the Avila Beach Golf Resort, indulge in local wine tasting, or relax at the spa.

Classic Seaside Vibes: Cayucos

Bring your crew to this laid-back beach town for surf, sun, and tasty eats.

Sandwiched between the Pacific Ocean and Highway 1, Cayucos’ easygoing style appeals to all ages. The centerpiece? Cayucos State Beach, an uncrowded stretch that welcomes surfers, bodyboarders, waders, sandcastle-makers, sun-seekers ― even dogs! Little ones can play on the beach’s rambling play structure, explore tidepools, or spot whales from Captain Cass’ historic pier. Rent wetsuits and boards from Cayucos Surf Company, or better yet, take one of their supportive, professional surf classes. When hunger strikes, keep tummies happy with a slice from Ocean Front Pizza or a taco from Ruddell’s Smokehouse, both just steps from the beach. Ready for a walk? Stroll Ocean Avenue to find gifts, beachwear, antiques, and more along this quaint main street. For the more athletically inclined, try a hike along the hidden beaches of Estero Bluffs, just north of Cayucos. And no visit to Cayucos would be complete without a visit (or two, or ten!) to the famous Brown Butter Cookie Company. A favorite treat for young and old, these shortbread-style cookies come in multiple flavors, each with a kiss of sea salt on top. Wander into their Ocean Avenue shop and you may just get a freshly-baked sample.

The highway is calling. Plan your road trip today.

North Coast Natural: San Simeon & Moonstone Beach

Wildlife, walks and waves await along San Luis Obispo County’s majestic north coast.

For outdoor enthusiasts, nothing compares to the peace and charm of Cambria’s Moonstone Beach. So called for its sea-polished pebbles, Moonstone Beach delights treasure hunters of all ages with seaglass, driftwood, and broad views of the Pacific. Grab coffee in Cambria’s West Village, then make the short drive to Shamel Park, gateway to Moonstone Beach. Shamel Park features a playing field, barbecue facilities, shaded picnic tables, a seasonal swimming pool, and extensive children’s play area. Ready for family bonding time? Try the Mystery Thrill Seekers app, with 19 “whodunnit” scavenger hunt-style puzzles to solve together across Cambria, using just your smartphone. (For more Cambria fun on your smartphone, try the “Visit Cambria” app, with hikes, cycling routes and more.) Up the coast, San Simeon State Beach offers plenty of space for your “wild things” to play, including a trio of adjacent natural preserves. Splash in the waves, glimpse the beach’s abundant wildlife, or hike the park’s 3.3-mile scenic trail. Grab sandwiches at Sebastian’s General Store, followed by wine tasting (for adults) at Hearst Ranch Winery tasting room. Venturing north, don’t miss the famous Elephant Seal Rookery for close-up views of magnificent marine mammals. Or try a tour of the historic Piedras Blancas Light Station, built in 1875 to protect sea vessels from nearby “white rocks.”

Thrill-Seeker Central: Oso Flaco Lake and Oceano Dunes State Park

Feel the power of the Pacific, or the rush of driving on one of California’s only vehicle-friendly beaches.

Winding for two miles among Southern California’s largest dunes, the Oso Flaco Lake trail brings visitors into the heart of coastal culture. Native willows, myrtles, lupine, and paintbrush conceal and reveal seabirds, mammals and reptiles. At its end, the trail opens to the ocean, pounding the shore and sending sandpipers skittering. Bring a picnic and poles for surf fishing, or just enjoy the peace of this quiet corner of SLO CAL. Just up the coast, find a whole different kind of fun at the Oceano Dunes State Vehicular Recreation Area. One of only a few beaches to allow vehicles in California, this park is popular with off-roading enthusiasts. BYO dune buggy, or let a touring outfit like Pacific Adventure Tours do the driving. Prefer four legs to four wheels? Join Pacific Dunes Riding Stables for a one-hour guided horseback ride on the beach. Finish with fried chicken and waffles at The Spoon Trade and side-splitting family entertainment at The Great American Melodrama.

Highway 1 is the best scenic drive in California. Plan your trip.

Hidden Haven: Montaña de Oro and Baywood Park

One of California’s best-kept secrets, this area excels at natural splendor…and tasty eats.

Tucked a few miles off Highway 1, Montaña de Oro State Park boasts rugged coastline and dramatic ocean views. Take the whole family on one of many hikes here, or saddle up for mountain biking or horseback riding. Be sure to picnic at Spooner’s Cove, a protected beach with a freshwater inlet safe for little waders to explore. Feeling competitive? Take the family for a friendly round of foot golf at the Sea Pines Golf Resort. Get a new view of the coast with a kayak tour of the Morro Bay Estuary from Central Coast Outdoors. As for cuisine, don’t miss Noi’s Little Thai Takeout, La Palapa Mexican, and Nardonne’s Pizzeria, all along Baywood Park’s 2nd Street. Or better yet, buy your own ingredients at the popular Baywood Farmers’ Market. Afterward, walk to the Bayside Café for Beer at the Pier, a weekly free live concert (with an ocean view).

Flavor-Forward Fun: Edna Valley Wine Country

Enjoy wine tasting near the coast, from luxury private experiences to family-oriented spots.

Whether your style is casual or cosmopolitan, the Edna Valley and Arroyo Grande Valley have a wine tasting experience for you. In particular, these neighboring wine regions excel at family-friendly options, making the experience a win for all ages. In Edna Valley, try Baileyana Winery, housed in an old one-room schoolhouse. Taste from their multiple wines, pick up gourmet provisions, and play bocce on their courts. Or head to Biddle Ranch Vineyard for wines by the flight, glass or bottle, plus cornhole boards in the garden. (Don’t forget to reserve one of their beautiful cheese plates to share!) In the Arroyo Grande Valley, Talley Vineyards beckons with award-winning Chardonnay from estate vineyards. Little ones will love their toy chest, tucked away in the tasting room, as well as an expansive lawn to run. And Laetitia Vineyard & Winery pours a wide array of sparkling wines, as well as single-vineyard Pinot Noir and estate Chardonnay.

Highway 1 is the most incredible road trip in California. Visit now.