[…]plenty of time to unlock tension, pain, and obstacles to healing. Start with a morning of golf, hiking, cycling, horseback riding, or kayaking, followed by a renewing soak in the Tranquility Spa. Its warm waters brings energy and flexibility to any stay in Los Osos-Baywood Park. The Tranquility Spa provides […]
[…]to do in Ragged Point. This beautiful Highway 1 destination offers up spectacular scenery, serene hiking trails and unique lodging overlooking California’s pristine Pacific coastline. Known as the Gateway to Big Sur, there are few places that can boast a more stunning landscape. Home to dramatic cliffs, black sand beaches, […]
[…]Gems Part 2Glocally ImagesGlocally ContentMaps:Wildlife ViewingHidden SecretsBeachesCoastal HikingAds:Sample Ads970×250 Chart a Course970×250 Go Your Own Way970×250 Savor the Journey970×250 Take Your Time970×250 Hit the Road970×250 Put Yourself on the Map970×250 Downshift to Discovery970×550 Chart a Course970×550 Go Your Own Way970×550 Savor the Journey970×550 Take Your Time970×550 Hit the Road970×550 Put […]
[…]offer excellent opportunities for sea otter sightings, as well as miles of unspoiled coastal hiking trails. Find details on these locations and several others on our Otter Spotting page. Download your free Wildlife map from highway 1 Castle Zebras Zebras are native to Africa—so what are they doing on Highway […]
[…]docent-led hike.Uncrowded fun: Nearby Montaña de Oro State Park offers up unique camping and hiking opportunities. Explore tide pools and wild flowers and end the day strolling the beach by foot or horseback. If you want to really disconnect and let loose, try standup paddle boarding along the calm back […]
[…]A Hiker's Paradise Head for the top: Coastal hiking has a way of refreshing your spirit, one step at a time. A road trip to Montana de Oro is sure to brighten your outlook: With diverse terrain that includes staggering peaks, sandy trails, pristine pebbly beaches and shimmering tide pools, […]
[…]sunny oasis waits in Avila Beach. Scan for majestic whales along the horizon while hiking the serene Sycamore Crest Trail. Keeping this lovely landscape pristine is as easy as a day at the beach: Enjoy lunch at the Avila Beach Golf Resort, where you can pick up a free coastal […]
[…]attractions and activities to indulge in along the way, too. From unspoiled public beaches to open hiking trails, wildlife viewing to hidden swimming holes, this section of Highway 1 entertains and engages — no wallet required! Whether you’re a large family trying to make the most of every penny or […]
[…]the area boasts some of the region’s best skiing and snowmobiling, while summer is excellent for hiking, golfing, fishing and camping. Fall leaf peeping is some of the best in the country.SITKA, AlaskaOne of the best towns to visit on Alaska’s Inside Passage, Sitka makes an excellent base for wild […]
[…]outdoor destinations. Behold the pristine majesty of wildflower-covered hills, unique coastal hiking trails and secluded pebble beaches. Whether you horseback ride along the surf or explore bountiful tidepools, you’re sure to round out your kayak expedition with a welcome stretch of the legs. Sweet Springs Nature Preserve With over 32 […]
[…]in the peaceful mineral springs hot tubs Nearby ActivitiesHiking (Sycamore Crest Trail, Caves Landing, Bob Jones, etc)Avila Beach is home to many hiking trails that afford spectacular ocean views. Touch the sky with the challenging Ontario Ridge Trail, or trek among the trees on the Sycamore Crest Trail behind Sycamore […]
What: Free hiking and mountain biking maps and trail maintenance days When: Year-round Reservation Required: None required Volunteers are welcome year round to help build, restore and maintain hiking, biking, and equestrian trails. All work day events and classes are well organized by the Central Coast Concerned Mountain Bikers group, […]
[…]beautiful coastal town features plenty of exciting activities for the whole family to enjoy. From hiking and dining to antique shopping and pier fishing, Cayucos is a relaxing coastal escape with laid back charm to spare. Whether you’re a surfer, hiker or art lover, there’s a Cayucos destination with your […]
[…]by its calm waters and experience the beauty of its landscape. Here, find outdoor activities like hiking and biking, shopping, spas, and dining organized as a basic itinerary that’s perfect for an overnight stay. Traveling with kids? Find fun for the whole family in Avila Beach on our overview of […]
[…]activities aplenty. Pick up picnic provisions in Cambria or downtown San Simeon, and spend the day hiking, fishing, whale watching, visiting with the Great Northern Elephant Seal, and much more. Or there’s always the simple, perfect option to spend the day lazing on the nearby beach, collecting seashells and driftwood. […]
[…]at Lopez Lake Lopez Lake provides all-day outdoor fun for the whole family. A picturesque camping, hiking and outdoor recreation area, this rugged Arroyo Grande destination offers up boating, jet skiing, kayaking and more. Spend the afternoon peacefully floating on the lake or cast a line from a quiet fishing […]
[…]ocean on clear days, check out the Duna Vista Loop Trail, which is 7 miles long and suitable for hiking, mountain biking and horseback riding. Things to do in Come experience like the locals. where To Stay in Plan your stay at one of the many hotels or vacation rentals […]
[…]and include bathroom facilities. Other activities include swimming, surfing, surf fishing, and hiking the dunes to gain spectacular views of the dramatic coastline. The famous Pismo Clam can be found here, too. Clammers must have a valid fishing license and rigid measuring tool (clams must measure at least 4 1/2” […]
[…]charm hits heavy in Edna Valley and Arroyo Grande Valley. Spend time birdwatching and hiking, visiting historic sites, wine tasting, dining and shopping at the farmers market.Learn MoreLos OsosDo as the locals do! Enjoy this itinerary that takes in Los Osos Baywood’s, beaches, nature preserves, cafes and brewpubs and get […]
[…]most popular destinations here is Montaña de Oro State Park, which offers more than 50 miles of hiking and mountain biking trails with spectacular ocean, mountain, and valley vistas. The park features rugged cliffs, the spectacular Spooner’s Cove, coastal plains, streams, canyons, and hills, including 1,347-foot Valencia Peak.Nearby in El […]
[…]Grande and Edna ValleysHit the lake for a rugged escapeExplorers wanted: The dusty, oak-studded hiking trails surrounding Lopez Lake in Arroyo Grande are home to a surprising number of animals, including deer, turkey, eagles, bears and foxes, just to name a few. One thing we can promise? You won’t be […]
Who doesn’t desire their own private beach? Discover the next best thing with these 5 hidden gem beaches located along scenic Highway 1. From serene shores and quiet coves to undulating dunes, our uncrowded slice of San Luis Obispo County (SLO CAL) Coast beckons savvy surfers, beachcombers and sunbathers alike. […]
[…]to explore you will find top beaches and state parks nearby. There are also plenty of walking and hiking trails in both San Simeon and Cambria. If you’re looking for history, the Piedras Blancas Light Station and Point Sur Lightstation are excellent options. Layout This two bedroom, two bathroom house […]
[…]sure to blow your hair back, you’ll be living (and leaping) like a local. Time to grab your hiking boots, a surfboard and your most fearless friends. These eye-popping expeditions won’t discover themselves! Which adventurer are you? Get your free hidden secrets map here 1. The High Flyer You’ve never […]
[…]travel along Highway 1 that you’ll want to remember: Be sure to stick to designated trails while hiking, biking or exploring. This helps prevent damage to sensitive habitats and minimizes the impact on wildlife. Additionally, avoiding littering is an easy way to show respect for the environment and keep our […]
[…]the Pacific as well as the popular Fiscalini Ranch Preserve. The preserve offers many excellent hiking trails, perfect for taking Fido out on an adventure (on leash is a must!). There are also many other great hiking options in and around Cambria to check out. If you prefer to be […]
[…]in Paradise Hiking along the Highway 1 Discovery Route showcases the diversity of this abundant place. From Ragged Point to Nipomo, each corner of coastal SLO CAL has its own distinctive flora, fauna, and history. More About hiking […]
[…]is best known for its picturesque windswept coastline. Outdoor enthusiasts enjoy beach-front hiking, surfing, fishing and searching for sparkly Moonstones along Moonstone Beach. This stunning white sand beach boasts awe-inspiring central coast views that run north and south for miles and offers a plethora of lodging opportunities. There’s a wooden boardwalk […]
[…]park has beach access, trails, and two benches overlooking the ocean. Cambria also offers a Hiking Trails Loop and an Historical Architecture & Garden Loop. Or check out the downloadable Cambria Discovery Route with a variety of things to do and see in Cambria and the surrounding […]
[…]Shell Beach, and the Pismo Bay, all the way south to Santa Barbara County. This is a popular local hiking trail, especially on the weekends. Remember to bring a bell and share the trail.To reach the trailhead, park at Cave Landing: from Highway 101 north, exit Avila Beach Drive and […]
[…]San Simeon State Park. You’ll find public restrooms, picnic facilities, tidepools, and short hiking trails around the park. From here, travel north on Highway 1 past San Simeon to Ragged Point. At mile 26, pull over for a walk along the Salmon Creek Trail, whose waterfall is just a short […]
[…]the San Simeon Point […]
[…]Reservoir is prime for bird watching, especially around the Santa Rita Creek. Fishing, bicycling, hiking and hang gliding are also popular in this area. Whale Rock Dam was built in 1961, creating a 40,662 acre foot resevoir. The reservoir provides drinking water for the city of San Luis Obispo, the […]
[…]Harbor, the sandspit, and even Morro Rock. Hiking through the Elfin Forest Tide Pools of Montaña de Oro In Montaña de Oro State Park, family-friendly Spooner’s Cove attracts kids of all ages with its protected beach, wade-able pretty freshwater stream, and vast tidepools. Parents appreciate that Spooner’s Cove offers a […]
[…]methods and varieties, and sits just southeast of the adobe via an ADA-accessible pathway. Hiking Trails A system of pathways totalling one mile of trail surrounds the Dana Adobe. Each has significance to the natural and cultural history of this land. Take a walk along the Heritage Trail to follow […]
[…]for weather that can vary widely from morning to evening. And don’t forget grippy shoes for hiking, as well as a wide-brimmed hat to protect your skin and to block the sun for a clear birding view. Extra credit: If you’re traveling with a birding group, bring walkie talkies to […]
[…]Golf Resort. Take in the coastal scenery as you float under the Bob Jones Trail bridge, a popular hiking and biking destination for all ages. Visitors should note that the south side of the beach can become a bit crowded when the resort hosts live music concerts. From hot springs […]
[…]along the shore, but only with a license. Hiking the scenic Harmony Headlands trails Morro Strand State Beach This long state beach with a view of Morro Rock actually comprises two strips of coastline. The northern end of Morro Strand State Beach lies between 24th Street and Chaney Avenue; the […]
[…]ocean views. Summit mountains, skirt the cliffs or explore quiet valleys along one of many hiking, biking and equestrian trails. These 10,000+ acres are also home to Spooner’s Cove and the historic and quaint Spooner Ranch House. Wildlife enthusiasts will appreciate the excellent birdwatching and tidepooling. And advanced surfers will […]
Cambria is a great destination for so many reasons: a bustling downtown, delicious dining, history, hiking and more. But one of Cambria’s best-loved features is its access to sea life and tidepools. Along Cambria’s craggy, dramatic shoreline, witness the lives of thousands of tiny creatures in their watery habitat. These […]
[…]as limited stables for the group sites. (Campers are expected to clean up after their horses.) All hiking and biking trails at Montaña de Oro State Park are also equestrian trails, along the coastline, on mountains, and through eucalyptus forests. Additionally, Sea Pines Golf Resort offers corrals for guests, only […]
[…]generations. Here you can find something for everyone, from clam-digging and fishing to surfing, hiking and wildlife viewing.Just south of Pismo State Beach, the Oceano Dunes State Vehicle Recreation Area (SVRA) welcomes vehicles to the only drivable beach in California. The SVRA is also the only driveable dune complex in […]
[…]to the rugged coastline of San Simeon, impressive oceanfront dining options abound. Spend the day hiking, cycling, shopping or touring Hearst Castle, then head out for a meal to remember. Indulge in a romantic farm-to-table excursion at the Ragged Point Inn or go for steak and seafood at the Manta […]
[…]is called the Pecho Coast Trail, which travels over land owned by PG&E. But while private hiking is not permitted on the Pecho Coast Trail, kayaking to the cove is very much allowed. It’s also very quiet and rewarding: look for mussels, urchins, sea stars, hermit crabs, anemones, and more. […]
[…]Pismo Beach as you’ve never seen it before–from the top of a hiking trail–when you make a trip to the stunning Pismo Preserve. At 880 acres of pure beauty, this pristine coastal hiking area offers up one of the most stunning and unique views in all of San Luis Obispo […]
[…]hotel positioned just steps from the sand, a vacation rental nestled near tide pools and coastal hiking trails or a cozy bed and breakfast stay with a balcony that opens onto an oceanfront sunset, lodging along Highway 1 offers up all the seaside amenities you desire in an uncrowded, peaceful […]
[…]Los Osos. At 32 acres, the preserve is owned by the Morro Coast Audubon Society and includes hiking trails, interpretive signs, footbridges, and memorial benches. Local and migratory birds, as well as many other wildlife species, favor these saltwater marsh wetlands, the cypresses, pines and eucalyptus trees. This bayside forest […]
[…]of attractions, including history and heritage sites, wildlife observation, farm-to-table dining, hiking trails and cycling routes. Wineries and tasting rooms are scattered throughout San Simeon, Cambria, Cayucos and Avila Beach. For fans of pinot noir and chardonnay, Edna Valley and the SLO Coast Wine region to the south are a […]
[…]things to do in San Simeon? This beautiful seaside town offers up exceptional wildlife viewing, hiking, dining and sightseeing. San Simeon is home to historic Hearst Castle, a must-see attraction that combines impressive architecture, museum-worthy works of art and stunning coastal views. Roadtrippers should plan on staying overnight to best […]
[…]of activities to enjoy, from wine tasting to horseback riding. Top things to do in Cambria include hiking, sightseeing, dining and shopping—but there’s so much more to explore. Ready to find out what to do in Cambria? Check out our itinerary below for the ultimate overnight stay. Explore Things to […]