The California section of Highway 1 is perhaps most famous for the rugged cliffs, bridges, and waterfalls of Big Sur. But don’t sleep on the 100-mile section just south of Big Sur, known as the Highway 1 Discovery Route. Stretching from Nipomo in the south to Ragged Point in the north, this area is jam-packed with quaint beach towns, interesting wildlife, roadside attractions, outdoor recreation opportunities, amazing culinary experiences, and spectacular natural beauty.
Here’s what not to miss on a Pacific Coast Highway road trip along California’s Central Coast.
The Oceano Dunes State Vehicular Recreation Area is a perfect stop for anyone traveling in a Jeep or other four-wheel-drive vehicle, or for RVers who like to bring along dirt bikes or ATVs. This drive-on beach, the only one of its kind in California, also offers primitive beach camping (reservations required) and hiking opportunities within its expansive dune system. Note that off-roading will be phased out here by 2024 after a recent decision made by the California Coastal Commission.
Morro Rock is impossible to miss when traveling along the coast through San Luis Obispo County. The 580-foot-tall volcanic plug sits on a tied island just outside of Morro Bay’s harbor. The area surrounding the rock is a state park open to visitors—including RVs up to 35 feet—or you can grab a bite on one of the harbor restaurant patios facing the coast and admire the rock from a distance.
San Simeon, California, United States
Five miles north of Hearst Castle, you’ll find another famous Central Coast attraction: the Piedras Blancas Elephant Seal Rookery. Walk out to the accessible viewing area and spend some time observing and photographing the colonies of northern elephant seals that sleep, flop, sunbathe, and swim along the shore. The second largest seal in the world, these slow-moving beasts can weigh up to 5,000 pounds. It’s an enjoyable—albeit smelly—quick stop on your trip north.
