[…]Trail shares the best sites to see these gentle, iconic creatures as they migrate across the West. The trail is a partnership between the Central Coast State Parks Association (CCSPA) and multiple organizations working to preserve and steward natural resources. Until recently, the Western Monarch Butterfly generally migrated between British […]
[…]Wine Trail For wine lovers, wine tasting along the Pacific Coast Wine Trail is a must. Each of the trail’s six tasting rooms are worthy destinations with coastal scenery to match. That said, visitors are encouraged to meander the coastal backroads between each stop. Along the trail, find an array […]
[…]go further and travel for good? Grab a free clean-up kit and lend a hand picking up any litter on the trails. A visit to the Point San Luis Light Station encourages wonder, but why not kayak into a secret beach with a guide before hiking up to the lighthouse? […]
[…]for every traveler’s unique style and preferences – all within a close proximity to one another. The goal is to convey that you can see Hearst Castle, visit a stunning vista, drink amazing wines – all in one day! Landing Page URLLead Generations MapMap Sign-Up Landing PageSmall Towns, Big Wine […]
[…]some of the most popular wildlife along this stretch of coastline. Within San Luis Obispo County, the Whale Trail has 10 viewing spots – the most of any other county in California. At each spot, visitors will find interpretive signs with details about the whale species that may be seen, […]
[…]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 region for more than 10,000 […]
[…]their knowledge. To support them and the rookery trails, leave a donation in the secure box by the trailhead. When to visit: The peak season for elephant seals is December to March, but you’ll be able see at least some at the rookery nearly year-round. Fun Fact: One of the […]
[…]with ocean views. Corallina Cove provides protection for sea otters that can often be seen from the trail. Follow the Bluff Trail out even further for a primitive hike to Quarry Cove, where sea otters also congregate. Avila Beach Otter Spotting Rafts of sea otters are a common sight on […]
[…]and Education Award. The Highway 1 Discovery Route (H1DR) worked with the CDC to create the Whale Trail Program and to create a video dedicated to sea life and tidepool education, which earned H1DR the 2021 Sea Star Award from the MBNMS Foundation. Stop by the Coastal Discovery Center during […]
[…]an abandoned quarry site used for road construction in the 1950s. Read More San Simeon Cove – The trail leading out to the point is a magical walk along a wooded path on the bluffs above the beach. Lacy moss dangles from the eucalyptus, pines, cedars, and cypress that flank the trail. Read […]
[…]wildflowers. Check the horizon for sea lions, pelicans and perhaps even a migrating whale. Plus, the trail is relatively easy, making it accessible for hikers of all skill levels. Easier still is the family-friendly Bob Jones Trail, which famously leads from SLO forest to Avila Beach sand. This flat pedestrian […]
[…]mountains that cascade down to the surf below. Encompassing 880 acres of land and eleven miles of trail, the preserve is a mix of oak forest, brightly-colored meadows and panoramic coastal vistas unique to the Central Coast. Plus, with five distinct trails rated from easy to challenging, this popular destination […]
[…]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 with the park donation fees all go to help preserve, protect, and restore our natural resources. Connect to nature, connect to yourself – […]
[…]on the beach. Overlooking one of our nation’s most spectacular marine protected areas, The Whale Trail in San Simeon State Park offers views of up to 34 species of marine mammals, including gray whales, orcas, humpback and blue whales, as well as seals, sea lions and sea otters. Birders from far […]
[…]for moonstones along Moonstone Beach, where gnarled remnants of sun-bleached driftwood add to the ethereal atmosphere. Whether you cruise uncrowded backroads dotted with ancient farmhouses or explore the nearby artist’s hamlet of Harmony, you’ll hit the “re-set” button in Cambria without encountering too many people. Want even more safe traveling […]
[…]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 schools of […]
[…]and blossom in rapid succession can be seen in the area. To check for timing of a superbloom, the Theodore Payne Foundation has a wildflower hotline that is updated each Monday morning from March through June. Call (818) 768-1802 and select extension 7. While the Carrizo Plain is most famous […]
[…]into the big blue. Cast out among the rocks around Estero Bluffs, paddle out on a kayak, or visit the Whale Rock Reservoir for freshwater fishing. By bringing out your rig and giving these sites a try, you’ll experience much of the best the Central Coast has to offer. Should […]
[…]your ride, walk the historic Cayucos Pier and learn about Captain 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 […]
[…]or even a breech. For more information and tips on how to identify the different species, look for the Whale Trail sign on the main Avila Beach Pier. And, thanks to its position along the Pacific Flyway, Avila Beach is also a terrific place for bird watching. Migratory species and […]
[…]San Simeon. At the Cavalier Resort in 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 […]
[…]the trails of Montaña de Oro Los Osos Oaks State Natural ReserveThis magical state park encompasses 90 square acres of protected oak woodland. Groves like these were once common on the California coast, but many disappeared for use as firewood, building and development. The state took over Los Osos Oaks […]
[…]place to relax on the grassy knoll with picnic benches, with elevated views of the ocean. Or take the trail down to the small beach and tide pools for up close and personal time with the ocean’s fascinating shore-dwellers. Leffingwell Landing also serves as the beginning (or end, depending on […]
[…]It offers spectacular scenic vistas of the coastline and opportunities for wildlife viewing. The trail includes coastal bluff, grassland, and wetland areas, making it interesting and varied. The Coastal Discovery Center located in San Simeon offers interactive exhibits and education programs for all ages, highlighting the cultural and natural history […]
[…]Here you’ll find a moderate 3.3 mile trail with various side trail options. A portion of the trail along the seasonal wetland is wheelchair accessible. This starting point allows visitors to experience Santa Rosa Creek Preserve, San Simeon Natural Preserve, and Pa-nu Cultural Preserve. The next stop is the Moonstone […]
[…]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 beach and in […]
[…]Horses and cattle dot fields on one side while glimpses of waves splintering against rock fill the other. You can find 13 state parks, 10 whale trails, five piers, two lighthouses, a national estuary and a national marine preserve along your journey. To help the curious explore and organize all […]
[…]to top notch spa services. Whether you indulge in a couple’s massage or enjoy a yoga class together, there’s plenty of ways to share some much-needed TLC. Soothe sore muscles in Highway 1’s natural hot springs, a centuries-old remedy. At Sycamore Hot Springs in Avila Beach, natural mineral spring tubs […]
[…]haunt for its flat, paved three-mile path and pretty scenery. If you bring your own bike, park at the trailhead on Ontario Road. If you don’t have your own, you can rent electric bikes, scooters and mountain bikes at BoltAbout or Avila Beach Bike Rentals in town. From either direction, […]
[…]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, both of which lie near the Washburn Day-Use Area located directly off Highway […]
[…]will remain open to the public for all time. Scenic views of the Fiscalini Ranch Preserve Walking the Trails of Fiscalini Ranch Preserve The Fiscalini Ranch Preserve’s scenic views are accessible from many hiking points along its perimeter. Boasting a network of 17 hiking trails, these diverse paths meander through […]
[…]Walk, you’ll love the journey as much as the destination. Simply stroll north along the beach to the trailhead to discover a forested beachfront trail meandering through the bluffs. This relaxed walk clocks in at just 2.5 miles round trip and affords unobstructed views of San Simeon Cove’s pristine white […]
[…]Oak Knoll Creek, or hike south across the creek. Just be aware that this is Elephant Seal country! The trailhead is closed to seal viewing December through April each year. If you want to see the Elephant Seals in action, drive up Highway 1 a bit to the Piedras Blancas […]
[…]a breathtaking hike, or end your day of adventure with a stellar sunset picnic. Not too intense, the trails here are great for family hikes, dog walking, or a quiet solo hike when you’re in need of some solitude. There’s even a large ocean bluff running along the shore, perfect […]
[…]mountain biking and equestrian riding on all trails except the Vamanos Trail. Dogs are welcome on the trails, as well, provided they are on leash. The Pismo Preserve trailhead includes an ADA-compliant picnic table and restrooms. (The Land Conservancy is at work on a new wheelchair-accessible trail to be opened […]
[…]Parks and the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary.Not-so-ragged: Find your black sand beach. The trail to Ragged Point Beach is only a half mile, but quite steep (so wear comfortable shoes to be safe). From an elevation of 400 feet, the views of the beach below are incredible: ever-changing cliffs […]
[…]along the San Simeon Point Trail or lounge on Hearst Memorial State Beach, looking for whales at the Whale Trail sign. Or learn about the intersection of sand and sea at the Coastal Discovery Center, part of the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary. But save plenty of energy for the […]
[…]winds through the forested valley alongside San Luis Obispo Creek towards Avila Beach. Views from the trail include bridges spanning the wide creek, the Avila Beach Golf Resort, the town of Avila and the Pacific Ocean. Oceano/Nipomo Dunes Natural PreserveIf you’re looking to explore California’s finest dune complex on foot, […]
[…]Shooters, Botanicals, Morning Glory and more, which tend to be rocky and loose. Further down, the trails are less rocky and less advanced. Definitely check out “The Eucs,” a skills park among the eucalyptus trees where riders can enjoy freeriding over jumps, berms and more. If you’re looking for a […]
[…]feel adventurous and curious, lace up your sturdy hiking shoes and take the Ragged Point Trail. The trailhead for this hike is labeled simply “Nature Trail,” which doesn’t do justice to its views, beach, and secret waterfall. Head down the short, steep path to a secluded black sand beach and […]
[…]it, running alongside the San Simeon Natural Preserve, one of three preserves within the park. (Another, the Pa-nu 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 […]
[…]especially with Morro Rock in the distance. The trails along the Estero Bluffs Harmony Headlands State Park At 784 acres, Harmony Headlands State Park occupies some of the richest, most diverse and scenic coastal land on California’s coast. It is also the northernmost of Cayucos’s state properties. This state park […]
[…]the San Francisco and Los Angeles areas, or if you just want to plan an ocean-front adventure, gather the caravan and start driving the coast. Here are ten must-stops along Highway 1 Discovery Route, complete with our favorite activities so you can plan your road trip adventure.The Edna Valley and […]
[…]to Highway 1’s famous elephant seals. With unique, trunk-like noses, they’re fun to observe at the The Piedras Blancas Elephant Seal Rookery in San Simeon. Get your wiggles out and watch these captivating creatures from a free, accessible viewing point. Depending on the season, you might see males challenge each […]
[…]old time vaudeville experience, visitors can expect song, dance and comedy all night long. Fans of the theater are sure to enjoy Highway 1’s best live musical experience all year-round, but especially during the holidays, when the festivities are kicked up a notch. Plus, snacks and refreshments are available for […]
[…]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 popular with your group, be sure to download our Wildlife Viewing Map before heading out. It’s also a good idea to review our […]
[…]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 popular with your group, be sure to download our Wildlife Viewing Map before heading out. It’s also a good idea to review our […]
[…]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 popular with your group, be sure to download our Wildlife Viewing Map before heading out. It’s also a good idea to review our […]
[…]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 popular with your group, be sure to download our Wildlife Viewing Map before heading out. It’s also a good idea to review our […]
[…]for the perfect wedding venue by the sea? The Avila Beach Golf Resort hosts weddings of all sizes, from intimate affairs to big, boisterous celebrations. Here, the sound of crashing waves and sea birds make for a picturesque backdrop for your big day. Enjoy indoor and outdoor options with coastal […]
