Blog Category: Must See Spots

Covell’s California Clydesdales A hidden gem in Central California on CA Highway 1 Discovery Route via Alexandra Williams, Fun and Fit Want to know about a hidden gem in Central California that is walking distance from downtown Cambria? You are probably already thinking “yes,” and once you read…

Piedras Blancas Lightstation Go back in time to the lonely and blustery life of the lighthouse keeper with a visit to the Piedras Blancas Lighthouse. First lit in 875, to guide ships along the Central Coast of California, the 100-foot-high lighthouse operated for 100 years. In 1975,…

Montaña de Oro State Park Extensive hiking trails for all levels at Montana de Oro State Park This park features rugged cliffs, secluded sandy beaches, coastal plains, streams, canyons, and hills, including 1,347-foot Valencia Peak. Naturalists and backpackers enjoy the solitude and freedom found along the park’s trails. There…

Piedras Blancas Elephant Seal Rookery The Northern Elephant Seal migrates thousands of miles twice each year, from the open oceans to a land-based rookery, where it breeds, births, molts, and rests between trips. The Piedras Blancas rookery, on Highway 1, seven miles north of San Simeon…

Hearst Castle’s Majestic Tours Hearst Castle – in 1865, George Hearst, a wealthy miner, purchased 40,000-acres of ranchland that included the Mexican Ranchos of Piedras Blancas, San Simeon and Santa Rosa. In 1919, his only son, William Randolph Hearst, inherited the land from his mother, Phoebe…

Fiscalini Ranch Preserve Once the exclusive purview of the Chumash and Salinian Native American tribes, this breathtaking stretch of seaside bluff is now permanently protected from development. Thanks to the American Land Conservancy and the local chapter of SWAP (Small Wilderness Area Preservation), a favorite one-mile trail along the restless…

The mission of the Central Coast Aquarium is to cultivate a community dedicated to ocean stewardship. The Aquarium was born from a passion for the sea and community and is committed to providing opportunities centered around education, engagement and action. Based in Avila Beach, the center expands the aquarium visit…

Swinging Bridge Although not part of the Historical Society properties, the Swinging Bridge is an interesting historic site in Arroyo Grande. The only one of its kind in California, it is in the middle of town in an area known as “The Village.” The bridge is 171 feet long and swings 40 feet…

Historic Huasna Township Drive The Huasna Valley is known for its prime farmland, supporting both fruit orchards and crops of vegetables, berries, flowers and herbs.  Huasna is located 20 minutes from the town of Arroyo Grande on the California Central Coast.  Vegetables grown in the Huasna area can be…

Lopez Lake Recreational Area Lopez Lake Recreation Area, located just ten miles east of Arroyo Grande, is one of the top choices for camping, leisure trips and interpretive hikes and boating with Rangers. With 22 miles of shoreline and summer lake temperatures around 70, there is something for everyone; camping,…

Avila Valley Barn Avila Valley Barn – While the rest of the world celebrates the harvest in autumn, the rich bounty of the earth lasts all year round at the Avila Valley Barn. Ripe peaches, juicy berries, crisp apples, and a cornucopia of locally grown vegetables are displayed in…

Point San Luis Lighthouse Point San Luis Lighthouse – in 1867 President Andrew Johnson issued an executive order directing the Department of the Interior “to take the necessary steps to cause the reservation for Light House purposes of an area of land at Point San Luis.” The first pier at Port…

Highway 1 Discovery Route’s Foto Feature Whale Watching Photo by @PacificWhaleResearch Whale Watching is an activity that can be fun for the whole family, which might be why it’s more popular than ever. The most common whales spotted off the Central Coast of California are…