highway1roadtrip

Best Beaches for Families on the Central Coast Along Highway 1

location_onSan Luis Obispo, CA
@noelmadrid
Swipe up
Cookies Info
Read about our use of cookies.

San Luis Obispo

San Luis Obispo, California, United States

Of the 101 miles of coastline in San Luis Obispo County, half are protected shoreline. In other words, the odds are good that surf, sand and sun are always within reach here.

Visit Website

highway1roadtrip

Avila Beach

location_onAvila Beach, CA
@mariazlenz
Read about our use of cookies.

Avila Beach

Avila Beach, California, United States

Pick your perfect paradise on one of the best family beaches in California! This spacious beach features soft, fine sand and gentle waves, ideal for little ones and water play.

Visit Website

highway1roadtrip

Cayucos State Beach

location_onCayucos State Beach, Cayucos, CA
@matthewcov
Read about our use of cookies.

Cayucos State Beach

4.8 (51 Google reviews)

Cayucos, CA

Cayucos State Beach blends sand, surf and sun for a classic California vibe. Kids will love the sizeable beach playground, tidepools and fishing off historic Cayucos Pier.

Visit Website

highway1roadtrip

W.R. Hearst Memorial State Beach, San Simeon

location_onWilliam Randolph Hearst Memorial Beach, San Simeon, CA
@brigeeski
Read about our use of cookies.

William Randolph Hearst Memorial Beach

4.7 (849 Google reviews)

750 Hearst Castle Rd
San Simeon, CA

Open daily until 8:00 PMsee hourshide hours

Monday:

8:00 AM – 8:00 PM

Tuesday:

8:00 AM – 8:00 PM

Wednesday:

8:00 AM – 8:00 PM

Thursday:

8:00 AM – 8:00 PM

Friday:

8:00 AM – 8:00 PM

Saturday:

8:00 AM – 8:00 PM

Sunday:

8:00 AM – 8:00 PM

A local favorite, this beach stands adjacent to the town of Old San Simeon, across Highway 1 from Hearst Castle. In addition to calm waters and a long coastline, this protected cove also offers picnic sites, parking, restrooms, and grill stands.

Visit Website

highway1roadtrip

Moonstone Beach, Cambria

location_onMoonstone Beach, CA
@sanluisobispoguide
Read about our use of cookies.

Moonstone Beach

4.8 (71 Google reviews)

San Luis Obispo County, CA

One of the best beaches in Central California for beachcombing, Moonstone Beach encourages exploration for visitors of all ages. This beach is known for its smooth “moonstones” as well as sea glass and driftwood.

Visit Website

highway1roadtrip

Morro Bay Strand State Beach Day Use Area, Cayucos

location_onMorro Strand State Beach, CA
@oswan
Read about our use of cookies.

Morro Strand State Beach

4.7 (280 Google reviews)

San Luis Obispo County, CA

The 6 miles of white sand beach between Morro Rock and the Cayucos Pier make for a scenic and challenging walk in Highway 1 Discovery country. The Morro Bay Strand Day Use Area covers a section of that beach boasting ideal conditions for fishing, windsurfing and kite-flying.

Visit Website

highway1roadtrip

Morro Bay Dog Beach, Cayucos

location_onMorro Bay Dog Beach, Cayucos, CA
Read about our use of cookies.

Morro Bay Dog Beach

4.8 (414 Google reviews)

Cayucos, CA

Open daily until 9:00 PMsee hourshide hours

Monday:

5:00 AM – 9:00 PM

Tuesday:

5:00 AM – 9:00 PM

Wednesday:

5:00 AM – 9:00 PM

Thursday:

5:00 AM – 9:00 PM

Friday:

5:00 AM – 9:00 PM

Saturday:

5:00 AM – 9:00 PM

Sunday:

5:00 AM – 9:00 PM

Let your four-legged friend play in the surf at this charming off-leash dog beach on Cayucos’s southern end. This stretch of coastline has something for the whole family, including beachcombing (sand dollars!), wildflowers, tidepools, surfing, fishing and birding.

Visit Website

highway1roadtrip

Estero Bluffs Beach

location_onEstero Bluffs State Park, San Simeon, CA
@danna_joy_images
Read about our use of cookies.

Estero Bluffs State Park

4.9 (55 Google reviews)

750 Hearst Castle Road
San Simeon, CA

see hourshide hours

Monday:

Open 24 hours

Tuesday:

Open 24 hours

Wednesday:

Open 24 hours

Thursday:

Open 24 hours

Friday:

Open 24 hours

Saturday:

Open 24 hours

Sunday:

Open 24 hours

Part of a scenic state park, this beach can be reached by hiking through grasslands along the bluffs. While several beaches skirt the trail below, the most accessible sits in a sandy cove where Villa Creek meets the sea.

Visit Website