[…]miles fom the Paficic.” Day 3: Whale Watching & Hiking “As much as we focus outward to the ocean, the coastline comprises historic ranchland. Fortunately, many of these once massive spreads have been saved from development and most also pay homage to the indigenous Chumash people, who’ve lived throughout the […]
[…]beaches offer visibility, but if you want a closer view, walk to the end of the Cayucos Pier.Whale watching presents another opportunity to glimpse sea life off the coast in Cayucos. Check out the Whale Trail sign at the entrance to the Cayucos Pier for plenty of information on what […]
[…]along the West Coast. Seven miles north of Cambria, find an interpretive display and telescope for whale watching at the Cavalier Oceanfront Resort. Another prime whale watching point stands at the end of the San Simeon Pier at W.R. Hearst California State Beach.The most glamorous stop en route to Big […]
[…]Rock Reservoir FishingIf freshwater fishing is more your speed, or if you’d like to try it out, the Whale Rock Reservoir offers a great experience. During the season, the reservoir is well-stocked with large-mouthed bass and striped bass. The Whale Rock Reservoir is only open during bass season, though, from […]
[…]But while their micro-habitats are fascinating, don’t forget to look up — this is also whale watching territory! One of the best ways to see whales is to park at Spooners Cove and hike the Bluff Trail south to Corallina Cove. Along the way, keep your eyes on the horizon […]
[…]San Simeon you’ll find a sign for the Whale Trail, an organization that identifies the very best whale-watching spots along the West Coast. Why did they choose to post up here? Because San Simeon sees an overwhelming number of whales offshore throughout the year, particularly gray whales, minke whales, and […]
[…]Cultural Preserve, features an archeological site dating back to 3,833 BCU.) Bird watching and whale watching are excellent here, as is the view at the Elephant Seal Rookery on the north end of the park. Here, visitors can witness the lives of Northern Elephant Seals, which migrate here by the […]
[…]the smallest reservoir in San Luis Obispo County. Built in 1961, the dam was named after historic whalers who watched for whales swimming through Estero Bay. Today the 1,350-acre reservoir supplies San Luis Obispo County with water. Fishing is permitted along the Whale Rock Reservoir shore from the last Saturday […]
[…]wanderers alike. Several coastal lookout spots can be found along the gently rolling terrain, with whales spotted offshore during migration season. More than a scenic escape for visitors, this peaceful preserve is a true sanctuary for wildlife: Among the flora and fauna, spy fluttering butterflies, bashful deer and a vibrant […]
[…]meal. Just don’t let the cat inside!41. Whale-watch at Avila BeachThere are plenty of whale-watching spots along Highway 1 but it’s Avila Beach that sees the most whale action. Grab a spot on the Hartford Pier, paddle out into San Luis Bay, or opt for a tour.42. Tour The Luffa Farm The […]
[…]pass along the Central Coast from March through May. This is the best time for viewing gray whales. Follow The Whale Trail to watch them from shore! Gray whales migrate south during October and November.Season of Ocean Abundance: August, September and OctoberMarine animals linger along the Central Coast, feeding on […]
[…]paddle board or kayak to explore the Back Bay in Baywood. This is also an excellent spot for bird watching. The Whale Trail You’ll find a place on land to marvel at the Pacific Ocean’s amazing marine life from the shore at many H1DR beaches thanks to the new Whale […]
[…]Creek on Moonstone Beach Drive. This interpretive sign will help identify what to look for while whale watching from shore. Note: dogs are prohibited on the beach and trails. Viewing the elephant seals at San Simeon State […]
[…]Find a variety of activities here, for all ages, from camping and picnicking to hiking, fishing, whale watching and more. At the south end of the parking lot pull-out, find a Whale Trail sign detailing which whales migrate along the coast here. The state park contains two main camping areas, […]
[…]There are plenty of great things to do in Los Osos and Baywood Park, and the nearby towns. Whale watching is a popular activity here, whether you choose to spend a day on the water or stay on the shore and check out the Whale Trail. If wildlife spotting is […]
[…]is to do in the area. There is no shortage of things to do in Cayucos and the nearby towns. Whale watching is a popular activity here, whether you choose to spend a day on the water or stay on the shore and check out the Whale Trail. If wildlife […]
[…]is to do in the area. There is no shortage of things to do in Cayucos and the nearby towns. Whale watching is a popular activity here, whether you choose to spend a day on the water or stay on the shore and check out the Whale Trail. If wildlife […]
[…]is to do in the area. There is no shortage of things to do in Cayucos and the nearby towns. Whale watching is a popular activity here, whether you choose to spend a day on the water or stay on the shore and check out the Whale Trail. If wildlife […]
[…]past town on the west side of the highway. This is one of the best Cayucos hikes for a picnic! Whale Rock Reservoir A few of SLO County’s best hikes with 360-degree views, the Whale Rock Reservoir trails runs out-and-back at a total of 4 miles long. Both travel through […]
[…]Piedras Blancas Motel, located 1.5 miles north of the light station. The Whale Trail (Land-Based Whale Watching) There are over 50 Whale Trail sites up and down the west coast, but the six locations in Coastal San Luis Obispo County are the biggest cluster anywhere. If you’re staying around San […]
[…]Winery, Stolo Family 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 […]
[…]8 acres in 2008, which opened in 2017 as Sweet Springs East. Bird watching at Sweet Springs Bird watching is a highlight of any visit to Sweet Springs. The preserve lies along the Pacific Flyway, a superhighway for at least one billion birds that migrate between Alaska and Patagonia. And […]
[…]forest where branches hang with lacey Spanish moss. Emerge at the point and maybe spy a migrating whale or two offshore. However you choose to do it, you’ll soon discover why media mogul W.R. Hearst once wanted this cove all to himself. To get to the trailhead, drive 40 miles north […]
[…]species and discussing seasonal migration patterns. Gray whales, humpback whales, Minke whales, blue whales and even orcas make frequent appearances along this length of the California coast.Elephant SealsThe northern hemisphere’s largest Northern Elephant Seal rookery stands lies along the San Simeon coast near Piedras Blancas Point. Open to the public, […]
[…]and picnic tables welcome adults on a getaway of their own. Plus, Cambria happens to be along the Whale Trail, a group of locations where orca whales and other wildlife can be seen. You can stumble across these majestic creatures any time of year, and the Whale Trail’s goal to […]
[…]ship is lovely for enjoying a post-hike snack while quoting your favorite lines from Titanic. Whale of a time: One of the best beach hikes with total 360-degree views, the Whale Rock Reservoir in Cayucos is fabulous April through November, when wildflowers bloom and birdwatching is at its peak. These […]
Let’s go whale watching! Whale watching is a fun and educational treat that you and your family will remember forever! Each 2 ½ hour narrated tour explains the history, habits, and other interesting information about the whales that frequent the central California coast. You will also experience many types of sea […]
[…]visitors are invited to learn about the local environment and San Simeon wildlife. For whale watching opportunities, check-out a pair of binoculars from the center and walk down to the pier. Enjoy a self-guided tour of the pier itself, one of the primary points of interest for the region’s popular […]
[…](as locals call it) is popular for swimming, fishing, sunbathing, picnicking, kayaking, whale watching and more.Nearby and noteworthy:Seal of approval: Say hello to SLO CAL’s happy seals! The Northern Elephant Seal migrates thousands of miles twice each year to San Simeon, where it breeds, births, molts and rests between trips […]
[…]Play a round of golf while taking in views of the Pacific. Spot whales from the piers or book a whale watching tour. Everything is close by and the weather in Avila Beach is unmatched. Layout Endless Summers is a 3 bedroom, 2.5 bathroom condo that sleeps up to 8 […]
[…]in Morro Bay and watch for whales spouting along the horizon in Cambria. Couples can also enjoy whale watching from Highway 1’s many piers, hiking trails and lookout points, all promising the chance to experience a once-in-a-lifetime breach. When it comes to animal sightings, couples should expect the unexpected along […]
[…]Cass and his wharf. Then find the Whale Trail sign at the base of the pier to learn about which whales can be spotted from shore, when they can be seen, and what to look for. All of these ideas can turn a trip into a journey of discovery. For […]
[…]provides some of the best beachcombing around, as well as a great spot from which to see migrating whales. Look for California Gray Whales migrating south between December and February, and back north in early spring. Fishing Cayucos The historic Cayucos pier, originally built by Captain Cass in 1872, provides […]
[…]kingsnakes and the occasional Western Snowy Plover, a near-threatened species of shorebird. Whale Rock Reservoir Want a hike with extracurricular benefits for you and your pup? Take the 3.8-mile trail around Whale Rock Reservoir, located in the hills just above Cayucos. At 40,662 acre-feet, this serene reservoir supplies water to […]
[…]shops, restaurants and historic sites. Don’t forget to hit the Cayucos Pier, where fishing, whale watching and unforgettable photo opps coalesce. A day of discovery at the Cayucos tide pools just steps from the pier #CayucosPier Checkout the Cayucos Activities […]
[…]fishing, or kayaking in San Simeon, swimming the waters of Black Swift Falls off Ragged Point, or whale watching in Cambria. Wherever you go, the pristine beaches, tide pools, kelp forests, wildlife, and more will bring you right to the heart of Highway 1. To fall in love with the […]
[…]for decades, you’ll find many reasons to walk the pier. A prime location for fishing and whale watching along Highway 1, this historic pier is an official Whale Trail stop, complete with educational signage to help you along your way. Nestled at the end of Cayucos Drive on Cayucos’ scenic […]
[…]an epic keepsake pic for yourself–when you check out Highway 1’s awesome Whale Trail. Although whale watching is fabulous all along Highway 1, the area around Avila Beach sees a large proportion of these otherworldly creatures (plus, if you miss the whales that day, you’ll still have lovely scenery to […]
[…]sure to check out the Whale Trail spots throughout the area. The signs detail more than just the whale you are likely to see here. You can also get up close and personal with tide pools. Be careful not to get too close – our Wildlife Viewing Tips can help […]
[…]different species and cook seaweed ramen right on the beach. Follow the trail of migrating whales offshore with The Whale Trail, or tour the incredible Elephant Seal Rookery with an expert guide. Or help the Cayucos Land Conservancy by cataloging plant and animal life at the beach with the iNaturalist […]
[…]you can drive on. For water lovers, you can splash in the water or do some boogie boarding. Book a whale watching tour or rent a kayak for a fun day. Layout Live a Life of Luxury has 4 bedrooms and 3.5 bathrooms, providing accommodations for up to 8 people. […]
[…]the point reveals miles of deep blue ocean, waves crashing on remote beaches, and seasonal whale watching. San Simeon, Hearst CastleHearst Castle attracts visitors from around the world looking to experience the newspaper magnate’s enviable lifestyle and wonder at his impressive collection of 14th to 17th century fine and decorative […]
[…]the Season of Coastal Discovery events. Among the popular sights are animals, including birds, whales and butterflies, migrating through the area. Layout The Dolphin Hideout vacation rental has 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms. It can easily accommodate up to 8 guests and is pet friendly. Sleeping arrangements include a king […]
[…]performance. Whale Rock Music Festival Music fans will appreciate the multifaceted energy of Whale Rock Music Festival, located off the beaten path in pastoral Templeton. Held each September at Castoro Cellars’ Whale Rock Vineyard, this colorful festival combines music, art and community, attracting diverse music fans from around the country […]
[…]you wander, you’ll find a spectacular world apart. From one of the many driftwood benches, view whales, sea birds, sea lions, and maybe even a raft of spunky sea otters. Anything can happen in this untouched natural playground. The Fiscalini Ranch Preserve in Cambria Harmony You read that right: the […]
[…]through oak woodlands and coastal ridges. Many of the lookouts along these trails are ideal for whale watching, as whales migrate just off the shoreline. Views also reach to the Irish Hills to the north and past The Oceano Dunes to point Sal State Beach in the south. Needless to […]
[…]stretch of coastline along Highway 1 boasts incredible riches. Some include a sea otter preserve, whale watching view, migration destinations for elephant seals and Monarch butterflies, and national estuary, to name a few. The Coastal Discovery Trail encourages visitors to dive deep on these treasures that span the coast here. […]
[…]on the horizon, too. A popular stop on Highway 1’s Whale Trail, Cambria is a prime location for whale watching, especially December-February. Perhaps today is the day you’ll catch a massive fluke or spout emerge from the waves. Don’t blink, you might miss it! Ready to hit the road? Now […]
[…]do. Staying at the beach means you are close to all the coastal wildlife. Be sure to check out the Whale Trail spots throughout the area. The signs detail more than just the whale you are likely to see here. You can also get up close and personal with tide […]
[…]sign from the Whale Trail. This national organization identifies the best places to see whales, and the lookout from Moonstone Beach is one such spot. Gray whales are commonly seen from here, as well as white-sided dolphins, elephant seals, seabirds, and sea otters. Enjoy viewing all the sea life from […]
