[…]shoreline and tide pools, this trail reflects the best of Montaña de Oro State Park hiking. The trail encompasses 3.4 miles, out and back, beginning near Spooner Ranch House and the visitor center. Marvel at untouched California views of the bay and Morro Rock. One half-mile after crossing the first […]
[…]pools. Look for the trailhead near the Montaña de Oro visitor center and Spooner Ranch House. The trail begins with a wooden bridge, followed by ocean vistas. After a half mile, stop at Corallina Cove or continue hiking for more primitive trail to Quarry Cove. Valencia Peak Trail At 4.5 miles round […]
[…]This seasonal waterfall cascades 300 feet down to the ocean—well worth the trek. You can find the trailhead for a short, steep hike to the beach right by the Million Dollar View on Highway 1. Once you pull over, equip yourself with sturdy hiking shoes (note: avoid sandals), and embark […]
[…]1,347 feet, it’s the tallest point in the park, and a top-notch spot for extended coastal views. The trail to the top covers the spectrum from sandy to hard-packed, so good hiking shoes are a must. The distance is 4.4 miles, out and back, with an elevation of about 1,000 […]
[…]is due in part to the beach’s tucked-away position from the road. To reach the shoreline, take the trails leading from two pull-outs off Highway 1. (And be warned: the southern entrance is protected with barbed wire. Be ready to squeeze in!) But if you want a secluded spot that’s […]
[…]Sea Otters. Extra fun: Walk the San Simeon Cove to San Simeon Point for a family-friendly hike. The trailhead is located just north of the pier. View whales right from the pier Cambria is Family Friendly Playground at Shamel Park Young kids (and their parents) will delight in the rambling […]
[…]and even the occasional orca, this stretch of coastline makes for great whale watching. In fact, the Whale Trail organization identified more prime whale viewing sites in San Luis Obispo County than any other in California. Ten of those lie along Highway 1: in Oceano, Avila Beach, Cayucos, Cambria, and […]
[…]whales come here annually to feed, bringing whale watchers from all over to catch sight of them. The Whale Trail organization has named Pismo State Beach one of the best sites for viewing whales on the West Coast. Other sea life to be seen here includes harbor seals, sea lions, […]
[…]Further south, the Boucher Trail boasts two fantastic spots for wildlife viewing along its path: The Whale Stop and The Otter Stop. The Whale Stop provides a wide, sweeping view of an area where whales often breach and put on a spectacular show. And The Otter Stop features a view […]
[…]or Strawberry Canyon. A serene sunset along the Whale Rock Reservoir Ocean View from Cayucos State Beach On your road trip, pull over for a cruise down North Ocean Avenue in Cayucos, just a stone’s throw away from Highway 1. This is Cayucos’s main thoroughfare, running directly parallel to downtown, […]
[…]bikers and equestrians, mountain bikers are asked to use bike bells. These alert other folks on the trail who otherwise might not hear you coming, especially around blind corners. Should you need a bike bell, the Central Coast Concerned Mountain Bikers organization provides bells through Bells 4 Bikes. Find a […]
[…]Cave Landing Road and turn south onto it. Drive for half a mile, then park in the large dirt lot. The trail to Pirate’s Cove proceeds south from here; though it is short, be aware that the trail is rather steep. Historic Avila Beach Piers Avila Beach Pier During Avila […]
[…]with your own eyes. And on the Highway 1 Discovery Route, whale watching is easier than ever with the Whale Trail. The Whale Trail provides a series of points on the Pacific Coast from which to see marine mammals. Each locale includes interpretive signs and information for whale watchers of all […]
[…]especially between December and April each year. Not ready to get wet? No need to paddle out. The Whale Trail Organization has identified Avila Beach as one of the best whale-watching sites on the West Coast. You can find the Whale Trail’s interpretive sign at the Avila Beach Pier, not […]
[…]and horseback riders of your presence on trails. (Some trails make these available to borrow at the trailhead; see below.) And of course, all cyclists should wear a helmet at all times.After your ride, you may find yourself wanting to experience more of the Central Coast. If that’s the case, […]
[…]Dream,” an IMAX movie about Mr. Hearst and Hearst Castle. The film is produced exclusively for the theater, and all tickets to Hearst Castle include admission to see Building The Dream. Running short on time? Check out the Visitor Center lobby where you can see a display of 17th century […]
[…]rugged bluffs and the remnants of a seaside dairy farm. Bring your pup on leash here, or to the Whale Rock Reservoir for a hike.Dog-Friendly Hikes in Cayucos Los Osos For a panoramic view of Montaña de Oro and Morro Bay, hike the Black Hill Trail with your dog, on […]
[…]1, whale watching is possible along nearly every section of our 80 miles of coastline. In fact, the Whale Trail—a national organization that identifies the best whale watching sites across North America’s western coast—has designated six viewing sites here. These locations, like the Cayucos Pier and Moonstone Beach Boardwalk in […]
[…]parking lot near the Rookery, the Boucher Trail runs to the Piedras Blancas Light Station. The trail boasts everything from vistas of the coastline, wildlife, coastal bluffs, grasslands, wetlands, and more.14. Explore Downtown CambriaDowntown Cambria has so much to offer. The historical East and West Villages are chock-full of galleries, boutiques, historic buildings, […]
[…]also seen turtles and beavers in and around the freshwater lagoon, as well as deer on the grass. The trail is not a difficult one, with just a 4-foot gain in elevation, but poison oak grows heavily here. Prepare to keep your dog from wandering into it, and consider wearing […]
[…]known for putting on unforgettable displays along the water (see our epic list of Highway 1 Whale Trail viewing spots here). Plus, there’s always new discoveries happening under the deep. In fact, a rare Octopus Garden was recently found off the at the Davidson Seamount, a very special protected marine area bordering […]
[…]views and a temperate climate make hiking the trails in and around Cayucos a must-do. Ready to hit the trail? Bring water, sunscreen, a hat…and your sense of adventure. EXPLORE HIKING IN CAYUCOS Choose from one of the four Cayucos hikes mentioned below to start trekking WHALE ROCK RESERVOIR TRAIL […]
[…]WatchingCambria is designated as one of the top places for whale watching by The Whale Trail, a national organization. Find The Whale Trail’s informative interpretive sign at Shamel Park, adjacent to Moonstone Beach — and don’t forget your binoculars. Elephant SealsA treasure of the Central Coast lies just north of […]
[…]watchers, whale pods can be seen along the coast at different times throughout the year. (In fact, the Whale Trail organization, which identifies the best whale-watching spots on the West Coast, has named this area a top lookout point.) No need to hire a charter or take an Oceano whale-watching […]
[…]Cayucos Pier anchors the state beach. Stroll the pier, watch the surfers, look for whale spouts at the Whale Trail sign, and even fish without a license. Coastal Access In addition to the shoreline at the pier, several entry points to Cayucos Beach stand along Pacific Avenue, through residential neighborhoods. […]
[…]de Oro is a true expression of Highway 1’s natural abundance. Tucked along the southern end of the Estero Bay, this 8,000-acre state park is one of California’s largest, with pebbly beaches, coastal trails and vibrant tide pools galore. Explore the popular Bluff Trail, the more challenging Valencia Peak Trail, […]
[…]Watching on the Whale TrailEncountering the majesty of whales traveling the Pacific shoreline should be on every solo traveler’s bucket list. Here on Highway 1, it’s possible to spy a puff from a blowhole, a fin or a tail out at sea, or even close-up. You just need to know […]
[…]1 Discovery Route’s Whale Trail features ten unique stops nestled along the coast. Look for the Whale Trail signs along your way for more information and handy viewing tips. Each stop is well positioned for catching sight of these majestic creatures, which make the bulk of their appearances December-May. Bird […]
[…]2003. The hike through marine terraces to the ocean spans 1.5 miles or 3 miles, there-and-back. The trail opens to wide views of the Pacific Ocean where whales, dolphins, and other sea life can be spotted. Enjoy vistas that include steep, rocky bluffs, crashing waves, and seabirds. Benches stand along […]
[…]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 drive west, under the freeway. After two miles, turn left onto Cave Landing Road, drive […]
[…]walks is dog-friendly, but be aware that leash laws are enforced on each of them. To preserve the trail ecosystems, and for everyone’s safety, do not let your dog off-leash — you can be ticketed! So please keep Fido safe by clipping on his leash. Explore Hiking Along Highway 1 […]
[…]then travel southeast to reach Highway 1. Turn south on the Santa Rosa Creek Trail and stay on the trail as it crosses Highway 1. Turn right on Main Street for 1.3 miles, then left onto Santa Rosa Creek Road for 14 miles into the country. Pass Stolo Vineyards, a […]
[…]beside a freshwater lagoon. The area is popular for bird watching, canoeing and fishing. To reach the trailhead, turn onto Pier Avenue from Highway 1. Pull into the Pismo State Beach-Oceano Campground parking lot, just by the Nature Center on the right. The trailhead is on the east side of […]
[…]and Castoro Cellars Winery often features live music on weekends. Looking for more music? Come for the Whale Rock Music & Arts Festival held each September in the vineyards, where a lineup of world-famous musicians take the stage. Castoro Cellars also offers regular yoga classes, as well as a disc […]
[…]hiking boots, grab your walking stick and suspend your disbelief. Spring is the best time to hit the trail along Highway 1, where incredible hiking terrain meets and stunning coastal scenery, elephant seals, wildflowers—even a shipwreck! Hike like a local and discover hidden waterfalls, fearless hang gliders, excellent wine tasting, […]
[…]time for sightings. The new interpretive sign at the end of the pier is an official spot on the Whale Trail. When the ocean is calm, you can spot tail flukes and dorsal fins. Big splashes may indicate a whale has just breached. Notice the shape of whale blows: gray whales are […]
[…]of making everyone feel like a local. Watching for gentle giants at Cayucos’ dedicated Highway 1 Whale Trail stop, chock full of insights. Ready to stretch your legs? Become an iNaturalist at the Estero Bluffs State Park, where you’re sure to stumble across wildlife (and perhaps even a real-life shipwreck). […]
[…]Trail The Whale Trail organization identifies the best places for whale watching on the West Coast. And guess what? San Luis Obispo County boasts 10 of those sites — the most of any county in California. Find a trail sign, learn what to look for, and enjoy the search for […]
[…]Leaving Avila Beach on the Bob Jones Bike Trail, turn left on San Luis Bay Drive midway along the trail. Ride a half mile, then turn left onto See Canyon Road. From here, ride over some very difficult terrain, including dirt roads and multiple long, steep hills. This will take […]
[…]and gives you a complete taste of what the coast has to offer. Two other must-visit wineries along the trail are Sinor-Lavallee, which pours estate-grown wines in their bright, airy, tasting room a block from the water and Peloton Cellars, which offers flights of wines like Pinot Noirs and light […]
[…]mile long, the boardwalk is a flat, manageable walk that affords wildlife viewing galore. In fact, the Whale Trail organization has identified Moonstone Beach as one of the best destinations on the West Coast for viewing whales. Take a moment to sit on one of the boardwalk’s numerous benches and […]
[…]Trail to see Grosbeaks and Thrushes in the coffee berry bushes when ripe. In the willows along the trail, find Winter Wrens in the spring, as well as Canyon Wrens above the trail to the right. Other species along this trail are Warblers, Pacific-Slope Flycatchers, Fox Sparrows, Wrentits, Hermit Thrushes […]
[…]sighted from W.R. Hearst Memorial Beach, attracting thousands of visitors throughout the year. The Whale Trail recognizes this beach as one of the most important whale watching points on the West Coast. Head to the pier, where a Whale Trail display identifies whales that migrate in these waters, as well […]
[…]make this a must-see spot along Highway 1.For whale watching, San Simeon hosts two points along the Whale Trail, a collection of the best viewing spots along the West Coast. Seven miles north of Cambria, find an interpretive display and telescope for whale watching at the Cavalier Oceanfront Resort. Another […]
[…]Sanctuary, several Marine Protected Areas, Los Padres National Forest and the largest number of Whale Trail locations in the state. With teeming tidepools, awe-inspiring cliffs and secluded beaches, these habitats remain unchanged by the hands of time. Now, it’s your turn to catch a front-row seat to Highway 1’s most […]
[…]San Luis Obispo County offers a treasure trove of opportunities to see whales migrating offshore. The Whale Trail organization identifies prime West Coast whale-watching locations, and ten are in San Luis Obispo County alone. (That’s more than any other county in California.) Find a Whale Trail sign from Oceano to […]
[…]Vineyard, Harmony Cellars, Cayucos Cellars, Chateau Margene and Cuatro Dias. Whale Trail – Along the Whale Trail in Cambria, you’ll view one of our nation’s most spectacular marine protected areas. See more than 34 species of marine mammals from land. Search for the heart-shaped blows of gray whales, tall dorsal […]
[…]to Big Sur, Ragged Point has the some look and feel only Ragged Point is open for business! The trail passes through a tunnel of trees then crosses a clearing before getting to the bluff near Ragged Point. The black sand beach is warm on a sunny day, and often […]
[…]1 from Cayucos, turn left on Villa Creek Road and drive to its end. Park there and walk north on the trail until it veers toward the shore. Colorful sea stars decorate the Cayucos Tidepools Point Estero in Estero Bluffs State Park Off-Shore Sea Life of Cayucos Cayucos shoreline makes […]
[…]world without emptying your wallet. It’s a wonder that whale watching along Highway 1’s Whale Trail is completely free, making available the very best whale watching locations, including ten across the Central Coast and six located dotting Highway 1 alone. Simply stop at designated Whale Trail viewing stations in San […]
