[…]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, whale watching and local flavor—all along scenic Highway 1! So, what are you waiting for? Awesome rewards await for all […]
[…]so that the native vegetation can thrive and be enjoyed. Removing invasive plants makes room for wildflowers to return from dormant seeds still in the soil. A thriving native habitat provides better forage and shelter for wildlife, so in addition to more wildflowers visitors get to see more wildlife too. […]
[…]quiet, empty beaches, tidepools hosting sea stars, anemones and crabs, and vibrant strokes of wildflowers. The path is very flat and easy, welcoming people of all ages and abilities to walk the bluffs. Ocean lovers will especially appreciate the beached fishing boat that lies just off the coastline in one […]
[…]Reef Trail” sign and park there. Walk through an enchanted eucalyptus forest, past blooming wildflowers on the way. Once you reach the tidepools, be careful to keep your wits about you as sneaker waves can come suddenly. And, once again, look up from the tidepools, too! On clear days, you’ll […]
Embark on a journey through nature, spanning over a 100 miles of captivating history, pristine beaches, majestic bluffs, protected preserves, and abundant of wildlife. Get inspired by the beauty that surrounds you, learn from locals and connect deeper to mother nature. Your actions (including family fun “leave-no-trace” beach time) along […]
[…]of wheels. Check out the inventory for Avis, Hertz, Budget and Enterprise at Costco Car Rentals. Wildflowers are everywhere in April and May. The bluffs at Piedras Blancas Light Station are bright with yellow yarrow, seaside poppies and pink dune daisies. Spring is also prime time for wildlife viewing. Head outdoors during […]
[…]in the gnarled elfin forests, tidal pools fill with tiny and strange ocean creatures, and hills of wildflowers bloom so brightly that it makes the ground look like it’s made of gold. And this region boasts a variety of lodging options, including a golf course resort, quaint hotels on the […]
[…]your teeth through traffic, why not take in the big, blue Pacific, black sand beaches and lovely wildflowers, which emerge in full regalia each spring? Along the western Big Sur Coastline north of Ragged Point, turn off along Highway 1 and feast your eyes on a very special view: Big Creek, one […]
[…]“mountains of gold.” One legend says she named it so in reference to the beautiful gold wildflowers that cover the hills in spring. Another says she believed she’d strike it rich in oil and cattle there. Sadly, McAllister filed for bankruptcy within three years. A group of local residents believed […]
[…]the tide height, wave activity, and put on sunscreen before you go. On a warm Spring day, the wildflowers are popping up everywhere, and the blue-belly lizards are doing push-ups to impress each other. It’s worth stopping for a ‘view check’ to look around and enjoy where you […]
[…]trail crosses coastal grasslands, as well as native scrubs, salt grass, sagebrush and seasonal wildflowers. Along the trail, see gray whales migrating south, December through March, or spy otters and harbor seals closer to shore. Find sea birds such as gulls, the Western snowy plover, cormorants and pelicans on the […]
[…]Whether you yearn to trot horseback along the surf, hike a challenging peak surrounded by coastal wildflowers, discover untouched beaches or explore tide pools teeming with sea life, a stay alongside Los Osos’ Montana de Oro State Park does not disappoint. End your day with casual flavors of local sushi, […]
[…]name, Montaña de Oro means “Mountain of Gold,” and comes from the massive amount of golden wildflowers that bloom in spring. Wildlife in the park features the black tailed deer and the black oystercatcher. The annual volunteer trail workday in Montana de Oro State Park is the first Sunday in […]
[…]history comes to life with tours and exhibits. Of course, in spring you can witness the golden wildflowers for which this park is named. But however you experience magical Montana de Oro, you will always come away moved by its untouched beauty. Los Osos Oaks State Preserve This protected natural […]
[…]to the shore is accessible by short lateral trails amidst grasses, coastal scrub and seasonal wildflowers. This popular walk welcomes dogs on leash from the park’s southern boundary to San Geronimo Creek. (Dogs are not permitted between San Geronimo Creek and the park’s northern boundary. Also note that bikes and […]
[…]brings natural and cultural history up close and personal, with Chumash archeology sites, golden wildflowers and a secret “smuggler’s cove.” Los Osos is tucked off the beaten path, so these parks and beaches are uncrowded and wide open for wonder. Here, find over 70 miles of trail and hundreds of […]
[…]look for birds like the ruby-crowned kinglet and American kestrel, as well as an abundance of wildflowers and native grasses. Especially watch for the snowy plover, a threatened bird species, as well as the California least tern, which is endangered. Both species nest within the Oceano Dunes. And who could […]
[…]Park south to the coastline off Harmony. Be sure to bring your camera for shots of wildlife, wildflowers, and waves as this is a picturesque slice of coastline. This is also the location for the University of California Natural Reserve. Here, marine biologists conduct ongoing research to improve our understanding […]
[…]Park offers endless exploration opportunities, from tide pools, moonstones and the creek mouth to wildflowers, shore birds and sea glass. Aerial views of Moonstone Beach Park Cambria Dog Park Everyone needs a chance to roam — even Rover! Bring your pup to the Cambria Dog Park where dogs can romp, […]
[…]to watch large swaths of hillsides turn orange, yellow, purple, and white with the bloom of spring wildflowers. Altogether, the Serenity Swing hike is about 3.5 miles, out and back, with a gain of 725 feet in elevation. Most of the hike is moderately easy, though the final section is […]
