[…]whale watching in Cambria Commonly seen species include gray whales, Pacific white-sided dolphins, California sea lions, and sea otters. Sometimes, humpback whales, minke whales and harbor porpoises have also been seen. When to visit Cambria for whale watching Gray whale southern migration starts in December and ends in February, while […]
[…]only famous resident. Visitors to San Simeon will find books, art and souvenirs related to the Northern Elephant Seals and their migratory rookery here, too. First, see the elephant seals in person at the rookery on Highway 1. Then head 8 miles south to the Plaza del Cavalier in San […]
[…]Antonio Varia, hailing from Italy’s exquisite Piemonte region. The restaurant specializes in northern Italian cuisine, featuring a full menu of regional specialties crafted from a blend of locally-sourced and imported ingredients. Chef Antonio’s menu encompasses appetizers, housemade pastas, satisfying main courses and rich desserts such as Tiramisu and Apple Tart […]
[…]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, the rookery hosts up to 24,000 elephant seals annually, from newborn pups to 2-ton males. […]
[…]State Marine ReserveThese two sanctuaries sit side-by-side against the Big Sur shoreline between northern Point Sur and southern Cooper Point. (This is at the southern end of Andrew Molera State Park.) The SMR is the offshore area of the two, while the SMCA comprises the coastline and intertidal zones. Point […]
[…]trails along the bluffs and terraces, all of them deserving to be photographed.Passed by the California State Legislature in 1999, the Marine Life Protection Act (MLPA) required the California Department of Fish and Wildlife to redesign its system of marine protected areas (MPAs) to increase its coherence and effectiveness at […]
[…]Center at San Simeon Bay! A joint venture between the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary and California State Parks, the center offers interactive exhibits and educational programs illuminating the cultural and natural history of Old San Simeon, California State Parks and the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary.Not-so-ragged: Find your black […]
[…]Two: Big Sur The northern coast of San Luis Obispo County is the Gateway to Big Sur.From here it’s one dizzying view after another as Highway 1 winds its sinuous way up California’s most stunning stretch of coastline, clinging to clifftops high above crashing waves, dipping into deep canyons and […]
[…]up close and personal with wildlife like you’ve never seen it before. The majestic Great Northern Elephant Seal migrates to a rookery just north of San Simeon each year, transforming quiet beaches into live theater. Males brawl, females give birth, and pups squeal — and visitors can watch them from […]
[…]alike, from ducks and pelicans to terns and the Western Snowy Plover. At Lopez Lake, expect to see California Quail, hummingbirds, woodpeckers, and phoebes. And in multiple locations within Los Osos-Baywood Park, like the Sweet Springs Nature Preserve and El Moro Elfin Forest, look for sapsuckers, burrowing owls and red-tailed […]
[…]virgin olive oil for over 12 years, for friends and chefs, restaurants and wineries, as well as California olive oil producers. He is an industry supporting member of the California Olive Oil Council and a member of the Olive Oil Tasting Panel. The Tasting Panel is the only one in […]
[…]to access scenic Moonstone Beach from the Fiscalini Ranch Preserve by walking 1.8 miles from the northernmost entrance north along Windsor Boulevard. Cambria hikes are full of exciting surprises, including incredible wildlife and sightseeing opportunities. Learn more about the best trails available at Fiscalini Ranch including hikes perfect for first-timers, […]
[…]creatures of all shapes and sizes among the tidepools. Especially look for tide pools along the northern shore of the beach, and always visit at low tide for the best viewing. Among the rock outcroppings, find periwinkle snails, mussels, limpets, anemones and gooseneck barnacles — as well as many other […]
[…]at Shamel Park or Santa Rosa Creek to fish the river wash area on an incoming tide. Or head to the northern end and park at Leffingwell Creek to fish Leffingwell Cove. This area includes a ramp next to the bridge, which anglers can use for beach access to launch […]
[…]designs, family photos and personal items. (2 hours, not available during summer.) As noted above, Northern California’s Julia Morgan quietly broke barriers and overcame obstacles as the first licensed woman architect in California. But there is so much more to this incredible engineer and architect born January 20, 1872. Before […]
[…]lot. Benches are also provided to encourage lingering, looking, and listening. Chumash Garden The Northern Chumash Tribe, or titʸu titʸu yak tiłhini, is indigenous to this part of California. Thousands of years ago, they made their homes along the edge of the Nipomo-Guadalupe Dunes and in Nipomo’s foothills. (The origin […]
[…]to a nearby parking lot and public restrooms, this coastal wedding destination located at the northern end of Moonstone Drive is as dreamy as it is convenient. For these reasons, you’ll want to complete a special event permit to reserve your date well ahead of time. Leffingwell Landing overlooking the […]
[…]in their marked order from the park entrance. Sand Spit comprises coastal scrub in which Wrentits, California Thrashers and Blue-Gray Gnatcatchers. Beyond the scrub to the beach, watch for shorebirds and Surf Scoters past the wave-line. At Hazard Canyon, find Warblers in the willows in winter, or perhaps a Winter […]
[…]destination located on the Monarch Dunes Golf Club course, invites patrons to indulge in upscale California cuisine. The kitchen meticulously crafts dishes using the freshest farmers’ market ingredients—many sourced that very morning. Sample a barrel-aged cocktail reminiscent of Prohibition-era classics or scan the extensive beer and wine list. With two […]
[…]Dana and his wife Maria Josefa raised their family of 16 children within these walls. During the California ranchos period, Dana’s Adobe played a pivotal role as a rest stop for travelers on El Camino Real en route to Mission San Luis Obispo. The trading post thrived, handling goods such […]
