Blog

Cliff-climbers, ocean paddlers and eager explorers of all ages: If top secret thrills, chills and action are what you seek, look no further. We’re unveiling Highway 1’s most enticing hidden romps along the sea, sand and sky!

From breathtaking ocean views coveted by nature photographers of all levels to sunny beachside photo opps ready for family smiles, you’ll soon discover why Highway 1 is known as one of the most photogenic coastal wonders in the world.

Pick up a rental car from LA, roll back the sunroof, and get ready to enjoy these less-traveled PCH highlights—all of which are just as fantastic as the world-famous ones.

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 […]

Cayucos Tide Pools This locals’- favorite beach in San Luis Obispo County (SLO Cal)  showcases amazing tide pool locations for visitors to explore. They may be harder to find but the scenery and location is definitely worth the visit. These tide pools are located at the base of a long stretch of bluffs and headlands […]

Estero Bluffs State Park Estero Bluffs State Park is located north of Cayucos and west of Highway One from the intersection of North Ocean Street to Villa Creek. The park is approximately 355 acres consisting of grassland-dominated coastal terrace that slopes from Highway One to the Pacific Ocean. The property is bisected by San Geronimo […]

Historic Cass House Cass House – In 1875, Cayucos was composed of Captain Cass’ store, warehouse, private dwelling, and wharf, and in the distance stood a lone ranch house.  Captain Cass’ house was built approximately between the time of his arrival in San Luis Obispo in 1867 and 1875. All of the building materials were transported by ship along […]

The Gateway to Big Sur, The Black Swift Falls Trail Delivers Epic Views   Ragged Point, home of the ‘Million Dollar View’ showcasing barren, steep cliffs rushing into the sea is a landmark stop for travelers on the iconic Highway 1 Discovery Route. Towering 400 feet above the Pacific Ocean, the view from the point […]

Seals, Plankton, and Sea Creatures, Oh My! Adventure awaits on the Iconic Highway 1 at the Coastal Discovery Center When you hear San Simeon, the first thing that comes to mind most often is the historic Hearst Castle nestled in the Santa Lucia mountain range overlooking the Pacific Ocean. The media mogul William Randolph Hearst […]

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 […]

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 […]

The Historic Oceano Train Depot The Oceano Train Depot is in near-original condition as when it was in use and is open for tours of this 1904 train depot that remains virtually untouched. The Oceano Depot was once the most important building in South San Luis Obispo County as all passenger, freight, telegraph, and mail […]

 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: […]

Rancho Nipomo Dana Adobe Standing in a grove of stately Eucalyptus trees on Nipomo Mesa is a 13-room adobe residence built by Captain William Goodwin Dana in 1840. Restoration efforts have restored this gracious home to much of its original splendor. Burros and other farm animals from the great Rancho era can still be found […]

 Old Edna Townsite Plan Your Reunion in 2017 By Cheryl Crabtree Planning a family gathering for multiple generations isn’t as easy as it used to be. In the old days, grandparents, their children, the grandchildren, aunts, uncles and cousins often lived within easy traveling distance to the family hub, often a farm or home with […]

Covell’s California Clydesdales A hidden gem in Central California on CA Highway 1 Discovery Route via Alexandra Williams, Fun and Fit Want to know about a hidden gem in Central California that is walking distance from downtown Cambria? You are probably already thinking “yes,” and once you read about it and see the pictures, you’ll be […]

Piedras Blancas Lightstation Go back in time to the lonely and blustery life of the lighthouse keeper with a visit to the Piedras Blancas Lighthouse. First lit in 875, to guide ships along the Central Coast of California, the 100-foot-high lighthouse operated for 100 years. In 1975, the tower was automated and the station went […]

Montaña de Oro State Park This park features rugged cliffs, secluded sandy beaches, coastal plains, streams, canyons, and hills, including 1,347-foot Valencia Peak. Naturalists and backpackers enjoy the solitude and freedom found along the park’s trails. There are also mountain biking and equestrian trails. The best-known beach is Spooner’s Cove, across from the campground. The […]