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 […]
[…]Hearst Ranch Winery, a fabulous spot to swirl and savor seaside (keep your eyes peeled for Monarch butterflies fluttering along Eucalyptus branches). Nearby, a historic schoolhouse flanked by multicolored wildflowers provides a dreamy addition to San Simeon’s technicolor charm. Safe to say, visitors hoping to spot one of Hearst’s famous […]
[…]your toes. 9. Hang with Monarch Butterflies in Oceano. Every winter-spring, the eucalyptus grove off Highway 1 in Oceano becomes the migratory home for tens of thousands of Monarch butterflies. With their characteristic orange, black and white spotted wings, they hang on the branches of the eucalyptus trees to warm […]
There’s no doubt about it—Highway 1 is wild. With elephant seals sunbathing, monarch butterflies fluttering and seabirds soaring, there are countless wildlife experiences unfolding along Highway 1’s 100 miles of Pacific coastline. Spanning the dramatic cliffs of Ragged Point in the north to the serene dunes of Oceano and Nipomo […]
[…]in Central California. At the opposite end of the weight and color spectrum, migrant monarch butterflies arrive every winter by the hundreds of thousands. Download the free Wildlife Map to start ticking off the sights.Read the full list from Fodor’s Travel. The Highway 1 Discovery Route is home to an abundance of […]
[…]and ducks spend their winter in the adjoining bay. From late October into March, monarch butterflies traditionally cluster here. The 24-acre preserve is the home of several threatened and endangered species, and no plants or animals may be collected. The reintroduction of native species is a continuing goal of the […]
[…]a visit to the Great American Melodrama for a live show, take a horseback ride on the beach, view butterflies in their native habitat, or even enjoy a round of golf. You can download the map here, and if you’re looking to make a difference while on vacation, check out […]
[…]22 species of mammals, and 13 species of reptiles and amphibians. It is home to rare plants, butterflies, snails and birds. Chumash middens occur throughout the park. Docent-led nature walks focusing on different topics are held monthly. The walks usually beginning are 9:30am and lasts 1-1.5 hours. For more information visit the website. The Elfin […]
[…]Lassie out, on leash, to see the butterflies at the Monarch Butterfly Grove along Highway 1. Or cruise together (again, on leash) at the Oceano Dunes State Vehicular Recreation Area.Dog-Friendly Hikes in Oceano/Nipomo Edna Valley & Arroyo Grande Take the easy 2-mile, out-and-back Black Lake Trail with your on-leash dog, […]
[…]species. It also boasts a number of insect species, including a whopping 23 species of moths and butterflies. Chumash & Back Bay Locals call the area of the Elfin Forest the “back bay.” Here, a large Chumash archeological site stands just adjacent to the Elfin Forest. Throughout the area, Chumash […]
[…]ponds and is framed by a salt marsh. See threatened and endangered shorebirds, as well as Monarch butterflies from October to March. From Highway 1 (north or south), take exit 227 south toward Los Osos/Baywood Park. Continue on South Bay Boulevard for 2.5 miles and turn right on Santa Ysabel […]
[…]alligator lizards, western fence lizards, and Pacific tree frogs dine on insects like dragonflies, butterflies and others. Park HistoryThe area of the Los Osos Oaks Natural Reserve once served as home to the Chumash and Salinan people. Later, the Portola Expedition explored the valley and named it Cañada de Los […]
[…]home. Stop off Highway 1 to witness the Monarch Butterfly Grove and its thousands of jewel-toned butterflies. Take a tour of the historic Piedras Blancas Light Station midway through your ride. Check out a Whale Trail sign to learn how to spot whales offshore. Wherever you ride, consider adding one […]
[…]Pismo Beach, a special sight to behold each winter. Watch in wonderment as nearly 230,00 Monarch Butterflies flutter in unison along the eucalyptus trees of Pismo State Beach. Biking along the Pismo […]
[…]country bloom with cheerful flora and fauna all year round. Tie the knot surrounded by birdsong, butterflies and quaint gazebos adorned with sweetly-perfumed petals. Embrace the natural splendor of a sunny garden wedding perfectly suited for outdoor ceremonies and photo-worthy cocktail hours unfolding beneath majestic branches or vines. From elaborate […]
[…]views of Morro Rock in the distance, and even plays host to a congregation of migratory Monarch Butterflies. Locals and visitors visit Sweet Springs year-round, enjoying its peace and tranquility, abundant wildlife viewing opportunities, and rambling trails. The preserve is open from dawn to dusk, with parking at 660 Ramona […]
[…]wildlife is also a probability here, from whales, dolphins and seals in the ocean to seabirds, butterflies, and interesting insects. Be warned, though: other insects and wildlife like ticks and snakes are a reality here, too. Watch where you step! Be sure to wear long pants and long sleeves, and […]
Highway 1 is an excellent destination for electric vehicle drivers. With several electric vehicle (EV) charging stations on the route, explore ten small towns on a single charge. Planning ahead is important for any electric vehicle road trip and can add time onto your travel itinerary. For this reason, Highway […]
[…]descendants of the late publishing mogul’s original herd. Meanwhile, thousands of Monarch butterflies take flight in Pismo Beach, providing a whimsical display. Birdwatching couples are sure to find a slice of heaven among Highway 1’s many preserves and parks. Stroll along a Nipomo boardwalk leading from forest to dunes, watching […]
Love the idea of dining with butterflies and hummingbirds? Then Celia’s Garden Café is a best bet for a fresh and visually beautiful breakfast or lunch. Mostly hidden from the main drag, this open-only-during-the-day eatery has a calming energy, perhaps because it’s adjacent to a spacious nursery. Celia’s can get […]
