Discover 20 Hidden Gems on California’s Pacific Coast Highway

California’s iconic Highway 1 has many natural and historic attractions along the Central Coast, famous for its beaches and migrating whales. However, there are also numerous “secret” spots along the approximately 440-mile coastal drive between San Francisco to the north and Los Angeles to the south (where Highway 1 becomes Pacific Coast Highway).

Have grippy shoes and cameras ready for a new perspective on a classic road trip.

Stow Lake, San Francisco

Paddle on a manmade lake dating back to 1893 in Golden Gate Park. Stow Lake Boathouse rents rowboats and pedal boats ideal for cruising by the lake’s stone bridge, waterfall, and Chinese pavilion. Experience the delightful wildlife, including ducks, turtles, and various birds.

Batteries to Bluffs Trail, San Francisco

Leave the city behind for a short hike that follows the Presidio’s wild western shoreline. Seasonal native dune plants and wildflowers attract butterflies and birds. Therefore, consider a sunset hike for majestic views.

Devil’s Slide Trail, Pacifica

Walk on the only stretch of Highway 1 closed to cars. The easy 1.3-mile paved trail has signage, benches, and stunning ocean views. This trail was once part of Highway 1 but was transformed into a pedestrian route due to safety concerns over falling boulders. Look closely to discover remnants of an ill-fated railway within the hilly terrain.

Sea Horse Ranch, Half Moon Bay

Horseback riding on the beach is sure to be a trip highlight. The one-hour scenic Equestrian Trail ride ($100) offers beach and ocean views but does not traverse the sand. Alternatively, choose the 90-minute Trail and Beach tour ($110) which includes a ride on Poplar Beach. The Early Bird Special provides a two-hour trail and beach ride for only $85.

Shakespeare Society of America Headquarters, Moss Landing

To stop or not to stop? The answer is yes! Moss Landing is a small fishing port known for its seafood and is also home to the Shakespeare Society of America headquarters. Here, you can browse thousands of artifacts, some dating back 500 years, as well as a rare book and reference collection.

Public Art Walk, Sand City

Grab a coffee at a local bakery and download a map to find murals, a dino sculpture, and painted bee boxes on a self-guided public art walk in Sand City, a quaint town on the Monterey Peninsula. The quirky, Instagram-worthy installations are created by local and visiting artists.

Hidden Beach and Waterfall, Ragged Point

While McWay Falls may be the most photographed waterfall on the Central Coast, it is not the only one worth seeing. At Ragged Point, a steep, half-mile Black Swift Trail leads to a hidden black sand beach with a waterfall. However, caution is advised as the trail can be slippery.

Piedras Blancas Light Station, San Simeon

Built in 1875, this still-operating light station is named for the unique white rocks offshore, which are home to seabirds, sea lions, and elephant seals. Soak up lighthouse history on a two-hour tour of the Fog Signal Building and the lighthouse’s lower level. For best wildlife sightings, bring binoculars. Reservations are necessary.

Fiscalini Ranch Preserve, Cambria

Take a walk on the wild side at the Fiscalini Ranch Preserve, a protected open space with over 150 different native plants and 430 birds. Miles of hiking trails and coastal bluffs with views of migrating whales and birds make this a must-stop destination—and it’s free.

Marley Family Seaweeds, Cayucos

Engage in a unique experience by joining a private seaweed foraging tour with the Marley family. This culinary adventure teaches sustainable harvesting and includes tasting nutritious kelp and enjoying a seaweed ramen treat on the beach.

Cayucos Tide Pools, Cayucos

Discover diverse marine life in various tide pools between Estero Bluffs (the shortest walk to shore) and Harmony Headlands. Plan your visit during low tide for optimal exploration of sea stars, anemones, spiny urchins, and purple shore crabs. A beached boat at Point Estero is also worth a visit.

Morro Bay National Estuary, Morro Bay

While you may have seen the enormous Morro Rock (it’s hard to miss!), explore the secluded estuary and wetland area teeming with wildlife. Hike coastal trails or rent a kayak from A Kayak Shack and paddle through the calm waters towards Sandspit Beach.

Swinging Bridge, Arroyo Grande

Balance on a swinging bridge that is 40 feet above Arroyo Grande Creek and spans 171 feet across. It was constructed in early 1875 by the Short family, whose land was divided by the creek.

Dunes Center, Guadalupe

The Guadalupe-Nipomo Dunes held a secret about the 1923 film “The Ten Commandments” for nearly a century. After filming, director Cecil B. DeMille had the set buried in the dunes. Excavation revealed artifacts like a huge sphinx head, prohibition-era liquor bottles, and various historical items at the Dunes Center.

Llama Farm, Santa Barbara

Experience “glamping” at El Capitan Canyon, where resort guests can hike to a nearby llama farm, interact with the animals, and learn from the farmers. Additionally, llamas can often be spotted by the side of the road just south of the campground.

Rancho La Patera and Stow House, Goleta

Dive into California’s railroad and lemon history at this historic site and enjoy a ride on a miniature train at the adjacent South Coast Railroad Museum (open on weekends). Furthermore, indulge in the lush Victorian gardens and enjoy free concerts held on the first Sunday of each month.

Ventura Botanical Gardens, Ventura

A fire in 2017 that scorched the ocean-view Ventura Botanical Gardens revealed hidden terraces and long stone walls from the late 1700s. These features are now integral to the 107-acre Mediterranean-themed gardens, which have since rejuvenated.

Self-realization Fellowship Lake Shrine, Pacific Palisades

Find your zen at the hilltop nature and spirituality sanctuary, which features a temple, meditation garden, and a lake filled with ducks, swans, fish, and turtles. Founded by Paramahansa Yogananda, the Gandhi World Peace Memorial houses a portion of Gandhi’s ashes sent from India.

Annenberg Community Beach House, Santa Monica

Enjoy a visit to the public beach house, which features the Marion Davies Guest House, a historic swimming pool with marble decking, volleyball courts, and more. Built in the 1920s by William Randolph Hearst for actress Marion Davies, the property was sold to the state of California in 1959 and is operated by the City of Santa Monica.

Venice Canals, Venice Beach

Tucked away in a residential neighborhood, the Venice Canals (built in 1905 by Abbot Kinney to resemble Venice, Italy) are surrounded by lovely homes with private docks for non-motorized boats. Stroll along picturesque sidewalks and bridges to capture beautiful photographs of the tranquil canals.