California Reopened, 10 Reasons to Take a Road Trip
Road trips are quickly becoming the most popular vacation of 2021, and with California reopening, the West Coast is primed to give you the greatest adventure there is.
With California set to fully reopen by mid-June, Highway 1 Discovery Route has compiled a list of 10 Reasons to inspire a road trip along this 100-mile stretch between Big Sur and Santa Barbara on California’s Central Coast.
- The Wildlife – Piedras Blancas Elephant Seal Rookery; otters in Avila Beach; zebras grazing below Hearst Castle; wild roosters in Arroyo Grande; Monarch Butterfly preserves; birding in Los Osos/Baywood and Morro Bay; and migrating whales along The WhaleTail
- The Wineries – from scenic outdoor wine tasting overlooking the ocean, to the award-winning wines from Edna Valley and Arroyo Grand Valley
- Solitude and Serenity – Preserves, Sanctuaries, and Secluded Pleasures along Highway 1
- Only drivable beach in California – Oceano Dunes State Vehicular Recreation Area
- Soak in the Natural Mineral Springs in Avila Beach
- Outdoor activities: ride a Clydesdale through a pristine pine forest overlooking the ocean; kayak out to a historic lighthouse only accessible by water; forage for seaweed with a local expert; forest bathing in Fiscalini Preserve; hunt for moonstones on the beaches of Cambria and San Simeon
- Explore 13 state parks within the 100-mile stretch including Montana de Oro known for its sand dunes, mountain peaks, and hiking trails
- The Food: famous Olallieberry pie from Linn’s; Brown Butter Cookies in Cayucos; playing with goats followed by a cheese tasting at Stepladder Creamery; apple picking and olive oil tastings
- It’s time to give back: Stewardship Travel for Good activities provide visitors with a new way to stay, play, and sustain when visiting our region. Here’s a map of all the places along the route where you can connect with nature, history, and local experts
- Quirky stops along the way: The Luffa Farm in Nipomo; Turtle & Tortoise Rescue Animal Sanctuary of Arroyo Grande
Highway 1 is the most iconic roadway in California, but not all sections are created equal. Highway 1 Discovery Route, the 100-mile stretch that weaves through San Luis Obispo County along California’s Central Coast, connects 10 artisan communities. Known for wide-open spaces, uncrowded white sand beaches, an abundance of outdoor adventure, wildlife, and award-winning wineries, this scenic coastal route also includes Hearst Castle, 13 state parks, an elephant seal rookery, and the only drivable beach in California.
Located midway between Los Angeles and San Francisco with Big Sur to the north and Santa Barbara to the south, Highway 1 Discovery Route includes Ragged Point, San Simeon, Cambria, Cayucos, Los Osos/Baywood, Avila Beach, Edna Valley wine region, Arroyo Grande Valley, Oceano, and Nipomo.
