San Luis Obispo

San Luis Obispo, California, United States

From the jagged cliffs of Ragged Point to the rolling dunes in Oceano, here are the best beaches by town on our iconic stretch of Highway 1!

Ragged Point

Ragged Point, California, United States

Unique among beaches along this stretch of Highway 1, Ragged Point’s Black Swift Falls Beach has black sand. (Some call it a purple sand beach—you be the judge!) The color is a remnant of ancient volcanoes whose sediment mixed into the beach sand. The sight is striking, though getting there is a challenge. Be ready for a short but steep hike down to the beach by a series of switchbacks descending 400 feet. The payoff? A secluded black-sand beach and a waterfall that runs down the towering cliffside, tumbling to the beach and into the ocean.

750 Hearst Castle Rd
San Simeon, CA

This serene beach is known for its calm and glassy waters, exceptional views, and easygoing, family-friendly vibe. It’s also a point of historical interest, as it once belonged to William Randolph Hearst, whose hilltop estate lies just across Highway 1. A great way to begin any beach day here is at the Coastal Discovery Center at the base of the San Simeon Pier.

Bluff Trail
Cambria, CA

Looking for a quiet, natural beach with wildlife galore? You’ll find it in the Fiscalini Ranch Preserve, an open space protected by the American Land Conservancy. The preserve contains a network of 17 hiking and biking trails, including the Bluff Trail, which is ADA accessible.

Cayucos, CA

Cayucos State Beach blends sand, surf and sun for a classic California vibe. Kids will love the sizable beach playground, with its swingset, tall slide, and jungle gym to challenge your little monkeys. They’ll also get a kick out of fishing off the historic Cayucos Pier—no fishing license required—and exploring tidepools at the beach’s southern end.

San Luis Obispo County, CA

If lounging by the ocean is your style, nothing beats the views at Spooner’s Cove beach. The spot is named after a previous owner, Alden B. Spooner II, who smuggled illegal alcohol from this very beach during the Prohibition. A quick glimpse of the landscape explains why: the cove is completely protected.

Avila Beach

Avila Beach, California, United States

One of only two off-leash beaches along Highway 1, Olde Port Beach is for the dogs! On this long stretch of open shoreline, pups of all sizes, shapes and personalities can run, cavort, sniff and socialize leash-free. Located on the north side of Avila Beach, Olde Port Beach sits just across the mouth of San Luis Obispo Creek. (It’s also a midway point between the Cal Poly Pier and the historic Harford Pier.)

Lopez Dr
Arroyo Grande, CA

Want a beach that’s not along the Pacific shoreline? Try Lopez Lake for something different, located inland from Arroyo Grande in the Lopez Lake Recreation Area. The lake’s 22-mile perimeter offers a private beach experience, whether visitors park and walk to shore or rent a boat to discover hidden coves.

Oceano

Oceano, California, United States

Aside from the fact that they’re part of one of the largest dune complexes in the nation, the Oceano Dunes are unique for allowing motor vehicles directly onto the sand. You read that right: the Oceano Dunes are the only coastal dunes in California where driving is permitted.

Pismo Beach

Pismo Beach, California, United States

With its classic California beach culture, souvenir shops, pier and casual eateries, Pismo Beach is fun and entertaining, and it attracts loads of tourists. The same goes for Morro Rock Beach, whose embarcadero, marine wildlife and fresh seafood are sought after by visitors from across the world.