[…]late spring for the least crowded times in the viewing area.) The rookery also offers interpretive signs and docents who share their extensive knowledge of the species — from a safe distance, of course. Catching an up close glimpse of the elephant seals Visit Oso Flaco LakeThe picturesque, preserved beauty […]
[…]scenic hillside hot tub among views of over 100 wooded acres.For a more active adventure, enjoy a docent lead hike from Pecho Coast Trail to the Point San Luis Lighthouse, the Bob Jones “City to the Sea” bike trail, or head to Avila Valley Barn, a local favorite farm stand […]
[…]Four: Sand Dunes + A Butterfly Grove + Avila BeachHike to Guadalupe-Nipomo Sand DunesBirdwatching isn’t just for older folks. Park your car at the trailhead to Oso Flaco Lake and leave urban life behind as you enter this serene slice of nature. Pass through a forest wooded with arroyo willows and wax […]
[…]tours, photo safaris and programs scheduled throughout the year.Channel Islands National Park: Hikers can hike in this national park, just off the coast of Oxnard, to see a species found nowhere else on earth—the island fox, which is active during the day. Read about all the animal encounters from Visit […]
[…]San Simeon The natural wildlands and accessibility of trails within walking distance of San Simeon Pier make this an excellent area for a hike. Most notably, the San Simeon Point trail extends from the pier northwest to the curling point that protects San Simeon Bay. At 2.5 miles of flat, […]
[…]Cove is a clothing-optional beach. Consider yourself warned!) You can even link the Ontario Ridge hike and the Cave hike for a longer excursion that takes in both. Romantic Sunset Dinner at Ocean Grill Thanks to its hilltop position on Front Street, Ocean Grill is one of the best places […]
[…]Trail’s initial core partners, encourages land-based orca viewing in its recovery plan and also supports vessel-based viewing regulations and guidelines. “They live in our watery backyards, and by encouraging people to watch the whales responsibly, we hope to inspire them to learn about stewardship actions to take to support the […]
[…]Oceano and Nipomo offer terrific viewing access to whale migration paths. Find the Whale Trail sign overlooking Pismo State Beach, just off West Grand Avenue. There, look for spouts from gray whales (which are shaped like a heart) and those from humpbacks (which are tall and column-shaped). Gray whales typically […]
[…]a number of surf outfitters and schools make sure that they’re surf-ready. Swimming, stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) and kayaking are also popular activities at Cayucos State Beach. For young visitors, a large play structure stands right on the sand, begging to be explored — tidepools, too. And for extra fun, this […]
[…]architecture still lights the way, visible up to 17 miles offshore. Reach the lighthouse with a docent-led hike along the Pecho Coast Trail, take a shuttle, or even kayak into a nearby cove! Make a tour reservation, and soak in the views, history and heritage of this important Central Coast […]
[…]nearby mountains, as well as lookout points with prime vistas for viewing wildlife. Interpretive signs share information about notable plant life within the forest, including coastal brackish marsh, riparian woodland fringe,maritime chaparral, coastal dune scrub, oak and manzanita complex, and of course the pygmy oaks themselves. Don’t miss docent-led nature […]
[…]Avila Beach. Founded in 1890, this Victorian lighthouse has served San Luis Bay for 127 years. Our docent, a retiree with a penchant for physics named Marian, explained how the original lens, designed by Antoine Fresnel in 1850, once projected a beam with a distance of 18 nautical miles nightly […]
[…]Lighthouse Recurs weekly on Saturdays Pecho Coast Trail Docent Hikes to Point San Luis Lighthouse with PG&E Recurs weekly on Wednesdays and Saturdays Piedras Blancas Light Station Point San Luis Lighthouse Point San Luis Lighthouse History Tours Recurs weekly on Wednesdays and Saturdays Rancho Nipomo Historical Dana Adobe Visit Recurs […]
[…]is as easy as a day at the beach: Enjoy lunch at the Avila Beach Golf Resort, where you can pick up a free coastal clean-up kit. Now that you’ve done some good, it’s time to kayak back in time to a historic lighthouse, watch fishermen haul in the catch […]
[…]at McWay Falls, one of the prettiest and most iconic images in the world. (And if you’re feeling up for a quick hike, change out your cycling shoes for boots to walk the McWay Waterfall Trail. This is also a great spot to use the restroom.) Eight miles later, pull […]
[…]two guest cottages and overlooking the iconic Neptune Pool, The Neptune Terrace accommodates up to 50 guests for a seated dinner and up to 100 guests for a cocktail reception and dancing. Throwing a lavish event with a long guest list? The Neptune Pool Deck offers up a poolside cocktail […]
[…]yoga classes are available for group stays, encouraging relaxation, rest and rejuvenation. Group Retreats Group retreats at the Cass House are designed to bring about reconnection in a serene and comfortable setting. Upon arrival, you’ll wind down with a glass of local wine before coming together with your group to […]
[…]they reach their peak depends on how much rain the area has had and when it gets warm enough to support the blooms. Superblooms, in which seeds germinate and blossom in rapid succession can be seen in the area. To check for timing of a superbloom, the Theodore Payne Foundation […]
[…]of fluffy pancakes hot off the griddle, you’ll feel ready to take on an exciting day ahead. Hike to a Waterfall Hike to a waterfall in Ragged Point and feel the rush of Highway 1’s natural splendor. With two unique waterfall options to explore, you’ll be able to choose the […]
[…]about dune access and other points of interest. The center offers educational programs, group hikes, exhibits, and research, as well as a gift shop. The center also offers cultural and historical insight into the filming of Cecille B. DeMille’s 1923 film The Ten Commandments, which was filmed in the […]
