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A bounty of exciting experiences await in coastal San Luis Obispo County. Guadalupe-Nipomo Dunes Natural History Center This non-profit organization works to protect the Guadalupe-Nipomo Dunes, a 30-kilometer stretch of the largest intact coastal dune ecosystem on Earth. Take a free, naturalist-led Stewardship Travel tour to learn about this fragile landscape. Hummer tours near Pismo […]

We all want more immersive experiences in our lives, especially when we travel. The new year should ring in less calendar obsession and bring more opportunities to lose ourselves in our surroundings. The Coastal Discovery Celebration offers just such an opportunity to unwind, expand and contribute to making our surroundings (and ourselves) more meaningful. From […]

In a Pacific state of mind? Whether you choose to spend the bulk of your vacation under the water, on top of the water, or hiking, camping and exploring near the water—SLO CAL has your next coastal adventure on tap. Look no further than the seaside communities nestled along scenic Highway 1, where endless blue waves and sunny […]

HIGHWAY 1’S TIME-HONORED DESTINATIONS AWAIT YEAR-ROUND Cruise back in time as you traverse Highway 1 along the scenic SLO CAL coast. From illuminating lighthouse tours to Hearst’s famous castle overlooking the Pacific, the region’s rich history is revealed with every ebb and flow of the tide. Sure, the whaling ships and Dune-dwelling poets may be long […]

This winter, go where the weather is always merry and bright (more than 300 days of sun per year means your winter vacation has little chance of being rained out). Pack your swimsuit, hiking boots, your appetite, and perhaps a Santa sun visor. Highway 1’s coastal communities are legendary for outdoor fun, fresh cuisine and enchanting destinations open to the […]

Want to travel deeper? Follow our all-new History & Heritage Trail History buffs, start your engines. Introducing the Highway 1 Discovery Route’s History & Heritage Trail, designed for travelers who want to dig deep on their travels. Step back in time by exploring landmarks that shaped Central Coast history, including train depots, ports, ranchos ― […]

Photo © 2013 “Mike” Michael L. Baird, flickr.bairdphotos.com As part of the Coastal Discovery Celebration, why not have a whale of a time whale watching along Highway 1? Nothing brings a sense of awe for nature’s wonders like seeing a whale spout or tail with your own eyes. And on the Highway 1 Discovery Route, […]

Ever wonder why we call it the Highway 1 “Discovery” Route? Simple: This stretch of 101 miles through coastal San Luis Obispo County begs to be discovered. Along its twists and turns, every inch of Highway 1’s untouched shoreline contains vast worlds to explore. Each step through quiet forests, historic landmarks, and charming towns leads […]

Highway 1 Dream Drive AUGUST 9, 2018 The iconic coastline drive along Highway 1 has re-opened to travelers! So we’re celebrating with a Highway 1 Dream Drive on Thursday, August 9th. From the Central Coast Tourism Council: Extreme weather in 2017 severely affected the areas around Big Surhttps://highway1discoveryroute.com/activities/gateway-to-big-sur/ and northern San Luis Obispo County, resulting […]

Hot springs, wine, and… pirates? Exploring Avila Beach, CA Where you can pick your perfect paradise Whatever your idea of a perfect vacation looks like, it probably involves a good amount of relaxing. Relaxing doesn’t always have to equal boring; it can mean treating yourself to an invigorating hike with scenic views, or exploring a […]

Whale Trail The Whale Trail is a series of sites where the public may view orcas, other cetaceans and marine mammals from shore. Along the Whale Trail you’ll be looking over the waters of one of our nation’s most spectacular marine protected areas, offering some of the best wildlife viewing in the world-including 34 species of […]

An Essential PCH Road Trip Article Reposted from Roadrippers.com Highway 1 has been called “America’s most scenic drive”…and once you drive it you’ll understand why. Prepare to enter another world of coastal hamlets, lush woodlands, and vibrant small towns. The 101-mile stretch from Ragged Point to Nipomo is also known as the California Highway 1 […]

Kind Traveler on Highway 1 Kind Traveler on California Highway 1 – 130 Hotels, Destinations, & Charities Empowering Travelers To Do Good Highway 1 Discovery Route celebrates Kind Traveler’s one-year anniversary and a way for travelers to easily make a positive difference. Kind Traveler, the travel industry’s first socially responsible, ‘Give + Get’ hotel booking […]

Avila Wine Trail Nestled beneath the sheltering hills of Point San Luis and the Avila lighthouse, the Avila Wine Trail features family-owned and operated wine venues offering award-winning vintages that capture the essence of wine making on the Central Coast. From downtown beachfront wine tasting rooms to the See Canyon and Avila Valley wineries just […]

Forget NorCal or SoCal; SLO Cal is where it’s at! By Emily Chiu – BuzzFeed “So, are you from here?” I asked Jonny Ziegler as I alternately writhed and muscled my way into a wetsuit in the parking lot of Pismo Beach. Ziegler, owner of Sandbar Surf School, watched patiently as his coppery tan legs […]

10 Instagram-able moments Repost from SFGate.com It was a crazy winter, but great news for all you California coast sun seekers: Highway 1 Discovery Route is open and jam-packed with stop after stop of outdoor adventures, pristine beaches, wine tasting, historical activities, fresh seafood, breathtaking views, iconic sites, and more. If you have travel coming up […]

 Tasting SLO Cal Wineries As you roam the CA Highway 1 Discovery Route, you’ll find yourself tasting wines among lush rolling vineyards and in beach-front tasting rooms. So get ready to stick around and enjoy the wines and the views.There’s no shortage of delicious wines from the two major appellations in San Luis Obispo County: […]

Our Family Road Trip May 9, 2017 Katie Ellison This is the third part of our family California road trip. We went for 17 days and went from San Francisco to San Diego, stopping in all different places on the way. This is from Monterey to Avila Beach to Ventura. I am absolutely loving going […]