Arroyo Grande

Arroyo Grande, California, United States

The charming towns along our unique stretch of Highway 1 have a wild side just waiting to be discovered. From the zebras that roam the grounds of Hearst Castle to the magnificent elephant seals of San Simeon and the exciting whale watching excursions at Morro Bay. Whether your little ones are fascinated by marine life, dream of petting furry friends, or are intrigued by the world of wildlife conservation, there's an animal adventure waiting for every kind of animal enthusiast—both the young and the young at heart.

San Luis Obispo County, CA

Grab the reins! Riding a horse amidst the beauty of coastal San Luis Obispo County can be a transforming experience. Get saddled up and discover a whole new perspective on our special stretch of Highway 1, from equestrian trails to vineyards. And in Oceano and neighboring Pismo Beach, find several options for riding horseback on the beach. Nothing compares to the experience of taking in the SLO CAL coastline on horseback. Reserve a guided beach walk in Oceano or Pismo Beach, or find your trail in Cambria, Montana de Oro State Park or nearby Templeton. The options for saddling up are many, here.

750 Hearst Castle Rd
San Simeon, CA

Believe it or not, zebras are a common sight for drivers passing Hearst Castle, between San Simeon and Ragged Point. Just a 45 minute drive from SLO Wine Country, Hearst built a zoo on his San Simeon ranch, which stands beside Highway 1. He was an animal lover, and an excellent host who enjoyed entertaining guests with exotic and non-native species. Hearst kept his menagerie of caged animals on “Animal Hill,” while field animals roamed the ranch freely. Though the zoo had to be dismantled eventually, some of those field animals remained on the land and their descendants roam there today. The zebras can easily be seen from the road throughout the year.

250 San Simeon Ave
San Simeon, CA

Be amazed to see the Elephant Seals in their habitat, from a close but safe distance. The Piedras Blancas Elephant Seal Rookery sits just off Highway 1, seven miles north of San Simeon and a 45-minute drive from Wine Country. Follow a flat, wheelchair-accessible path with a railing to witness their remarkable life cycle on the beach. See males challenge each other to an Elephant Seal fight, or witness the birth of an Elephant Seal baby. For information, check out one of many interpretive displays, or talk to a knowledgeable docent. Best of all? This attraction is completely free and open to the public, every day of the year.

Morro Bay

Morro Bay, California, United States

Whale watching along Highway 1 and Morro Bay is a popular pastime for the whole family to enjoy along San Luis Obispo County’s scenic coastline. Although whales aren’t known to enter the Morro Bay Estuary, you can easily catch a glimpse of these majestic creatures from both onshore and offshore vantage points in and around Morro Bay as well as all along scenic Highway 1. Find a fresh outlook atop elevated viewing areas perfect for relaxing with a pair of binoculars, or embark on a chartered vessel designed to whisk whale watchers out to sea.

Arroyo Grande

Arroyo Grande, California, United States

Explore Highway 1’s wild playground with your free Hidden Secrets Map - link below! Unlock awe-inspiring whale watching and wildlife viewing, wide open spaces, tranquil beaches, uncrowded trails, and friendly coastal communities. Discover Highway1's lesser known secrets, and take your wild adventure to the next level with opportunities to hike, dine, dream and de-stress.