[…]want to take the chance to hop out of your car and stroll along the Pacific Valley Bluff Trail. This hike winds through a grassy field that ends at a cliff, where the landscape opens up to panoramic ocean views. The unique plant life here is unlike anything else; scrubby […]
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, […]
[…]some–like the iconic Big Falls trail–require the use of a four-wheel drive vehicle. High Ridge Trail This trail passes a series of steep canyons east of Lopez Lake along a fire ridge. The hike offers scenic lake views and fossils can be found along the path and in the surrounding […]
[…]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 onlookers can use to help identify the animals they’re seeing. From The Washington Post Where […]
[…]then turn left onto Upper Lopez Canyon. Follow this road to its end, another 14 miles.Hi Mountain TrailThis trail stretches into the Santa Lucia Wilderness for an out-and-back adventure of 10.2 miles and 1,876 feet in elevation gain. The Hi Mountain Trail is classified as difficult backcountry hiking, definitely not […]
[…]to the Buckeye Camp, where a picnic table invites you to eat lunch before heading back.The Buckeye Trail trailhead is located 3.7 miles north of the Ragged Point Inn. Just past the trail to Salmon Creek Falls, pull onto the north shoulder of Highway 1. The start of the Buckeye […]
[…]Beach Bluff and Ontario Ridge TrailThese two trails run parallel to each other, but are very different in nature; together, they make a popular loop for locals and visitors alike. The Shell Beach Bluff Trail provides a paved, flat, wheelchair-accessible path with wide ocean views. The Ontario Ridge Trail, on […]
[…]way, you’ll leave knowing you helped sustain this coastal treasure for generations to come. The Whale Trail The Whale Trail encourages visitors to Travel for Good by enjoying spectacular whale watching opportunities all along the West Coast. Located at the southern end of Cambria’s Moonstone Beach trail, you’ll find one […]
[…]the only company available is the spouting whales and leaping dolphins offshore. Junge Ranch Trail This trail is accessible at either end, whether from the north at Hearst State Beach, or from the south near San Simeon State Park. Take Rover out for an easy 2.2-mile out-and-back walk along stunning […]
[…]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 at […]
[…]Oro hiking. Start your walk just beyond Spooner’s Cove in the parking area across from the Bluff Trail trailhead. The Valencia Peak Trail passes through wild sage, switches back repeatedly, and covers some steep gains. An inviting picnic table at the top offers sprawling views of the coastline, from Point […]
[…]tallest. The hike begins at the parking area just beyond Spooner’s Cove, across from the Bluff Trail trailhead. Take the single-track Valencia Peak Trail inland through wild sage, a series of switchbacks and some steep terrain. At the top, sit at the picnic table and enjoy views of Morro Rock, […]
[…]planning your visit during these migration windows. Visitors will also want to check out the Whale Trail for even more whale watching tips and stops all along Highway 1. Spend the day whale watching along the whale trail More Avila Beach Adventures Looking for more things to do in Avila […]
[…]of these whales and more can be seen migrating along the coastline of Highway 1. According to the Whale Trail organization, which tracks the top whale-watching destinations on the West Coast, our strip of Highway 1 is a hot spot. Of the 100 sites the Whale Trail has identified, San […]
[…]Beach Did you know that the heart of Highway 1 is a hot spot for whale watching? In fact, the Whale Trail organization deemed six of our beaches some of the best places to spy whales across the entire West Coast. While you’re spoiled for choice around here, though, Hearst […]
[…]rewarding whale-seekers with views of spouts, fins, tails, and even breaching. You might see Gray whales, Minke Whales, and even the occasional Orca or Humpback Whale. It’s also a common hot spot for Harbor Seals, California Sea Lions, and adorable Southern Sea Otters. Extra fun: Walk the San Simeon Cove […]
[…]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 two […]
[…]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, sea […]
[…]places to predict where a whale will emerge. To learn more about whale watching here, visit the Whale Trail signs at Hearst San Simeon State Park and near San Simeon’s Cavalier Resort. A breaching whale just below San Simeon Pier […]
[…]with gray whales, humpback whales, blue whales and even orcas cruising offshore seasonally. (The Whale Trail organization has even named ten recommended whale watching spots here — the most of any area in California.) Each winter in Oceano, thousands of Monarch butterflies take up residence in a grove of eucalyptus […]
