[…]ocean views. The unique plant life here is unlike anything else; scrubby bushes and flowers dot the fields and tuck themselves away among the rocky coastline and cliffs. Take your time walking up and down the ocean's edge, enjoying the breezes and […]
The Ragged Point Inn and Resort is located at the northernmost corner of San Luis Obispo County, 18 miles north of Hearst Castle on Highway 1, at the base of the Big Sur National Scenic Byway. Besides having one of the few gas stations on this portion of Route 1, […]
[…]cliffs and breathtaking panoramas mark this classic Ragged Point hike. Short and sweet, the trail measures less than 1 mile long, but descends (and ascends!) 400 feet in elevation. A narrow path of switchbacks leads to a small black sand beach fed by a seasonal waterfall. Bring grippy hiking shoes […]
The Washington Post recently chronicled where the whales are, detailing their migratory patterns along the Pacific Coast. Each January and February these wondrous animals trek hundreds of miles along the Whale Trail. San Luis Obispo County is the proud home to 10 Whale Trail locations and six interpretive signs that […]
[…]levels don’t force a wet crossing, but wear grippy shoes, just in case. Native plants along the trail include riparian foliage along the creek, as well as grasses, oaks, and chaparral in drier areas. Wildlife in the deep interior of San Luis Obispo County includes mule deer, black bear, wild […]
[…]on the Central Coast, plan ahead with a few simple strategies. The weather here can change along the trail, so be sure to dress in layers to adapt to the moment. Always bring a bottle of water, a hat and sturdy hiking shoes, and wear sunscreen. Some trails offer ideal […]
[…]breakfast, lunch, dinner and a selection of wine and beer. For a lovely outing, walk part of the trail, stop for a drink on the Woodstone patio, then continue toward the coast.The Bob Jones Trail is extremely family-friendly, and welcomes all types of travelers, from walkers and joggers to cyclists […]
[…]a dramatic ocean bluff. Want to take in the scenery or enjoy a snack? Handcrafted benches dot the trail, allowing for a peaceful moment by the sea. Hikers should note that the Bluff trail connects to Windsor Boulevard North to South. Marine Terrace Trail The Marine Terrace Trail is perfect […]
[…]you’ll notice a small seasonal waterfall cascading to the beach; this is Black Swift Falls, the trail’s namesake. Once on the dark, volcanic sands, you and Fido can play along the shore of this small, intimate beach that’s often completely empty. Watch the waves roll in, the waterfall flow, the […]
[…]awaits: Explore Downtown Avila Beach, where wine tasting rooms meet the sand. Be sure to stop at the Whale Trail Sign on the Avila Beach Pier and keep an eye out for these magnificent creatures. Travel for Good and pick up your free clean up kit and complimentary tote bag […]
[…]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, […]
