[…]influence of the ocean on Edna Valley wines. Look west over the ocean for the opportunity to see a whale spouting in the distance during migration season. The views are panoramic here, stretching from Point San Luis all the way to Point Sal in Santa Barbara County. Within the preserve, the […]
[…]Walk out 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 […]
[…]ridges with panoramic ocean views. Many of the lookouts along these trails are ideal for whale watching, as whales migrate just off the Pismo Beach shoreline. Views also reach to the Irish Hills to the north and past the Oceano Dunes to point Sal State Beach in the south. While the […]
[…]hats, apparel, and annual California sportfishing licenses. Patriot Sportfishing also offers whale watching and nature cruises, both as trips and as charters. Reeling it in out at sea Surf Fishing in Avila Beach While Avila Beach is definitely a fishing town, finding successful surf fishing spots can be tough. Much […]
[…]982-foot pier remains a favorite spot for fishing, taking in epic Pacific Coast sunsets, and even whale-watching. The population of Cayucos is about 3,000. Despite its small size, Cayucos has an eating establishment to meet everyone’s palate, from a chowder house to five-star dining. You’ll also find fabulous antique stores, […]
[…]memorable visit. You can also take advantage of the nearby Pacific Ocean with a day of kayaking or whale watching. Layout The Secluded Estate for Large Gatherings has 5 bedrooms and 7 bathrooms in the 5,500 square feet of the house. All of the rooms here are oversized, allowing everyone […]
[…]the binoculars (and a camera!) to spot the wildlife. Or get out on the water with a sailing or whale watching tour. Taste the local produce at the popular Friday Fish & Farmers Market each spring and summer. Or head to the Avila Valley Barn for fresh ingredients, including some […]
[…]from Ragged Point reveals miles of deep blue ocean, waves crashing on remote beaches, and seasonal whale watching.With such epic vistas, the Ragged Point Cliffside Trail is a must. This trail to Ragged Point Beach at the base of the cliffs is only a half mile, but steep with about […]
[…](and it’s zebras). This coastal California spot is prime for wildlife such as elephant seals and whale watching. There are plenty of state parks and beaches to get out and explore with the whole family. On weekends, the Coastal Discovery Center is free for all ages to learn and explore. […]
[…]ensure that you’re well prepared for every pleasurable pull-off. Whether you’re interested in whale watching, mountain biking and kayaking or oceanfront dining, spa treatments and antique shops, there’s a route as individual as you are. Yes—daydreaming in detail can make all the difference between an amazing adventure and a not-so-satisfying […]
[…]along the coast, inspiring awe in even our littlest visitors. Follow our handy Highway 1 Whale Trail for the best places to catch a massive fluke, breach or spout!See the sealsSay hello to Highway 1’s famous elephant seals. With unique, trunk-like noses, they’re fun to observe at the The Piedras […]
[…]beaches of Cayucos. Checking out the local sea life is always popular, including a trek along the Whale Trail. Birders will also find this to be an ideal area for spotting a variety of species, especially in winter. Whatever you choose, be sure to check out our Wildlife Viewing Tips […]
[…]trash grabbers can come in handy, too. A pair of binoculars is always nice to have on hand for whale watching and birding when the moment strikes. Our handy wildlife viewing tips are great for best practices habitat conservation. See you out there on the sand—and thanks for all you […]
[…]ancient sea caves, Highway 1 is equally breathtaking from sea level. Plus, popular Highway 1 whale watching tours provide the added promise of spotting a magical breech along the horizon! 3. Savor Wine and Food Experiences Taste freshness in every sip along Highway 1. With several renowned wine regions accessible […]
[…]and fields of 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. […]
[…]route. Plus, keep an eye out for frolicking sea otters, basking elephant seals and migratory gray whales with calves in tow mere yards from the rocky shoreline. Cherish these once-in-a-lifetime interactions by allowing wildlife a respectful buffer and following our handy viewing tips (oh, and be sure to bring those […]
[…]and is home to several renowned wineries. Visitors will find plenty to do in the area, including whale watching and kayaking. There is also an abundance of hiking trails in the region. Layout The main farmhouse is a 5 bedroom, 2 bathroom abode that sleeps up to 12 guests. Each […]
[…]a picnic and head out for a hike or to a nearby beach. Prefer to be entertained? Sign up for a whale watching tour! Layout There are 3 bedrooms and 1 bathroom at Historic Edna Farmhouse in the middle of Edna Valley Wine Country. Each bedroom has a queen size […]
[…]Or head across the way to play a round of golf at Avila Beach Golf Resort. Water lovers can book a whale watching or sailing tour. Or better yet, rent a kayak or standup paddleboard and get in a workout while exploring the bay. If you visit during the fall, […]
[…]an excellent homebase for exploring the Highway 1 Discovery Route; it includes everything from whale watching to world class golf courses. Layout The Ranch House at Greengate Ranch and Vineyard is a 6 bedroom, 7 bathroom vacation rental house with 6,000 square feet of living space. Featuring four master suites, […]
[…]from the ocean in Cambria. From this cozy retreat you will be able to walk to the water for great whale watching opportunities. You are also within walking distance to the Fiscalini Ranch Preserve with its maze of trails. A few blocks to the south is Lampton Cliffs Park so […]
[…]between two parks and makes for a great stroll with your dog. It is also a great area for whale watching and other marine life. From here you will be close to the West Village and its unique shops and vintage stores. There are also several great eateries in the […]
[…]Jones Trail for those seeking a more relaxed outing. Get out on the water with a sportfishing or whale watching trip. Or live like a local by renting a kayak or SUP (stand up paddle board for newbies) and paddle the bay. Layout This stunning condo has 2 bedrooms and […]
[…]an aquarium. Water lovers can rent a kayak or paddleboard to explore the bay, book a sailing or whale watching tour, or spend the day sportfishing. Land lovers can trek the nearby Bob Jones Trail or check out the great hiking in the area. If you want to get in […]
[…]Avila Beach Pier provides great photo opportunities. And nearby Harford Pier is a great spot for whale watching. Explore further to find San Luis Obispo (and Bubblegum Alley!) to the north. Just to the south is popular Pismo Beach with its own historic pier. Layout Casa San Miguelito is a […]
[…]to explore, each with its own unique style. If you want to spend some time on the water, book a whale watching trip or rent a kayak and paddle the bay. If you prefer to stay on dry land, there are many great hikes in the area. The nearby Bob […]
[…]Highway 1 road trip. Enjoy a morning splashing in the tide pools and then do some relaxing while whale watching. Be sure to download our wildlife map before heading out so you know where the best spots and seasons are for viewing the local critters. If you head inland you […]
[…]you will find beachfront shops and restaurants to explore. The scenic Avila Pier is great for whale watching. Avila is also home to a wine trail for those wanting to go wine tasting. And nearby Edna Valley has several notable wineries. Or take a short drive south to explore the […]
[…]explore the area and all it offers. You will find everything from farmers markets to surfing and whale watching. Layout The farm house is a 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom vacation rental with accommodations for six guests. The living space features an open concept kitchen, dining room and living room. The […]
[…]enjoy a picnic lunch at Leffingwell Park. This beautiful stretch of shoreline also offers great whale watching opportunities and is perfect for capturing sunsets. You can also choose to spend a day wine tasting along the coast at the notable wineries in the region. Layout Pura Vida is a 3 […]
[…]course spotting the local sea life is always a popular activity. Migrating populations, including whales, are identified on the Whale Trail signs. Bird watchers quickly discover that this is an ideal area, especially in winter. Whatever you choose, be sure to check out our Wildlife Viewing Tips before heading out. […]
[…]untouched coastlines and some of the most protected and pristine scenery. From beachcombing and whale watching, to hiking through the pines, this destination is filled with natural wonders you will not forget. Relax in one of the many coastal hotel rooms or vacation rentals while watching the glorious sunsets over […]
[…]fishing, surfing, hiking, and trail running. Kids love to watch for wildlife like birds and whales offshore, or in abundant tidepools. And then there’s always sunbathing and picnics on clean, white sand beaches.For hikers, MDO boasts a variety of trails – over 65 miles in all. (Take note, however: dogs […]
[…]cyclists, hikers and dog walkers.” Other options include hiking the bluff above Shell Beach, whale watching from the Point San Luis Lighthouse or catching a wave on the beach.SPEARFISH, South DakotaSituated between Devils Tower National Monument and Mount Rushmore in the Black Hills of South Dakota, the town of Spearfish […]
[…]opportunities for kids to swing, play and explore. Inspired by local marine life and culture, Whale Surfing Playground boasts several imaginative play structures, including a massive Humpback Whale, Clam slide, and surfboards perfect for climbing. Designed by Danish architect Monstrum and directly overlooking the beach from the base of Pismo […]
[…]Beach Nothing beats watching the off-leash dogs at Olde Port Beach, where they can play and sniff to their heart’s content.Dog-Friendly Beaches in Avila Beach Oceano & Nipomo Take Fido on a freewheeling adventure! The Oceano Dunes State Vehicle Recreation Area welcomes vehicles to drive on the beach, as well […]
[…]forget to check out the Whale Trail sign and high-powered telescope just outside for a potential whale or dolphin sighting! Sebastian’s General Store & Old San Simeon VillageThe tiny village of Old San Simeon stands in stark contrast to the grand palace of Hearst Castle, just up the hill. This […]
[…]is one of the best spots from which to watch whales migrating off the coast. Check in with the Whale Trail to learn which whales are migrating during your visit and what to look for. Hiking the hills of the Pismo Preserve 8. Monarch Butterfly Grove in Oceano Many visitors […]
[…]in the area with frequent sightings of sea otters, elephant seals, seabirds and migrating humpback whales. For lunch, grab a burger and beer at Sebastian’s Cafe, or wine tasting next door at award-winning Hearst Ranch Winery, just a stone’s throw from the beach. Looking for a hike? The easy-moderate San […]
[…]miles of deep blue ocean, waves crashing on remote beaches, and seasonal whale & wildlife watching… There is so much we love about the summer months along the coastal Highway 1 Discovery Route. Though rural in nature and tucked along the scenic CA Highway 1 coastal drive, San Simeon and Ragged Point […]
[…]Cayucos seashore has offered respite to its inhabitants for 10,000 years. Spend a weekend surfing, watching for whales or seeking out sea glass, and you’ll find time will slow like a Pacific sunset that, by the way, looks spectacular from the historic Cayucos […]
[…]1 Discovery Route to the cute little surf town of Cayucos, which is known for being part of the Whale Trail as well as its numerous local festivals. (Hello, sea glass!) We decided on house-smoked fish sandwiches topped with a garlicky local favorite, Cayucos Hot Sauce, at Ruddell’s Smokehouse near […]
[…]reading storytime events, as well as hosting camps throughout the summer. Keep an eye out for the Whale Trail sign at nearby Avila Beach! Once found, you’ll be able to identify any nearby whales, sea lions, and other traveling animals typically spotted in the area! Avila Beach Pier The Avila […]
[…]to see dolphins or sea otters swimming just offshore, and further offshore you might even see a whale spout. In the evening, you might decide to light a fire in the gas-burning fireplace. The sound of the surf will probably be the only sound you hear, unless you put a […]
[…]1: You might just catch a glimpse of zebras descended from William Randolph Hearst’s herd, or whales breaching beyond the Old San Simeon Bay Pier. Looking to spot more of these gentle giants? Check out our way cool Whale Trail and get ready to find your true pod.#SafeTravels in CambriaHunt […]
[…]local sea life by checking out the tide pools, which are most active at high and low tides. The Whale Trail is also an easy way to do some wildlife viewing. Layout Panoramic Ocean Views is a 3 bedroom, 3 bathroom vacation rental that can sleep up to 6 visitors. […]
[…]make sure everyone is safe, including the animals. Still not sure how to entertain your group? The Whale Trail is an easy way to find some amazingly beautiful spots teeming with wildlife. Or a trip to the tide pools is guaranteed fun for all ages. Rooms The Oceano Inn has […]
[…]out the tide pools, which are most active at high and low tides. Or for an easier option, the Whale Trail has spots all along this section of Highway 1. Layout The Perfectly Located Close to Downtown Cayucos and Morro Bay vacation rental has 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms for […]
[…]isn’t only locals who love this section of Highway 1—the wildlife stop by, too! Each fall, whales can be seen offshore with the help of the Whale Trail, which highlights the best places for peeping a fin, flipper or tail in the distance. The Piedras Blancas Elephant Seal Rookery in […]
[…]wildlife viewing you seek, plan a trip to Moonstone Beach to see the tide pools. Or visit the Whale Trail to find out which marine mammals to keep an eye out for. A camera and binoculars are a must for all! Layout The Cozy Cottage in the Heart of Cambria […]
