[…]Valley, Nipomo, Oceano, Avila Beach, Los Osos / Baywood Park, Cayucos, Cambria, San Simeon, and Ragged Point. We stay in Cambria; its central location lets us sample a little of everything in 3 days. Come along with us – discover what you can see and do! See the full journey […]
[…]for one of these adventures. HERE’S THE BIG SECRET: WITH THE HIGHWAY CLOSED FROM MONTEREY TO RAGGED POINT, THERE IS SIGNIFICANTLY LESS MOTOR VEHICLE TRAFFIC, WHICH MEANS CYCLISTS CAN RULE THE ROAD. Though this highway closure is not optimal for many of the quaint tourist destinations along the Central Coast, […]
[…]environmentalism and customer engagement. Established in 2013, STP involves businesses from Ragged Point to as far South as Nipomo and offers 70 activities to engage tourists and locals alike. Activities range from aiding in the restoration of trails in Montaña de Oro, volunteer to work at the Nipomo Native Garden, […]
From Patricia Doherty at Travel + Leisure, the best West Coast road trips:Stretching from San Diego, California, to Blaine, Washington, the West Coast of the United States encompasses over 1,370 miles from top to bottom. With so much beauty lying in between, including striking mountains, stunning national parks, and of course, […]
From USA Today’s 10 Great Places:From the California coast to Cape CodWhile many schools offer remote learning this year, a growing number of families plan to “road school,” which has children attending virtual classes while on extended family trips. Others home-school – parents teach children while families travel, often living in an RV […]
Enjoy a drive on one the 8 national scenic byways in California From Diane Blair and Patricia Wright at WestwaysWith international travel restricted over much of the last year and fewer travelers boarding planes, many Americans seeking fresh scenery have rediscovered a love for hitting the road. Among sought-after routes […]
[…]See Canyon Road at mile 1. Here begins the climb, but it stays fairly gentle until mile 5. At that point, the elevation gains 700 feet in just 1.5 miles. Wind through quiet pasture lands, apple orchards, and farmstands like Gopher Glen, where apples can be tasted and purchased in […]
[…]of the scenic Port San Luis Harbor Adventure Tour to the excitement of the sea caves at Fossil Point and Shell Beach, they have tours for all ages and ability levels. Avila Beach Paddlesports is the only outfitter on the Central Coast that has exclusive access to the historic Point […]
[…]yet, hike the Moonstone Beach Trail, an out-and-back 3-mile walk that provides a high vantage point and tide pool exploring. Find the trail at the start of Moonstone Beach Drive and wind northwest through a pine forest to Santa Rosa Creek. Sea Otter Videos in Morro Bay Estuary Sea Otter […]
[…]the piers and lighthouses along Highway 1. The Piedras Blancas Light Station in San Simeon and the Point San Luis Lighthouse in Avila Beach served as beacons along the shoreline. Both were built in the late 19th century to protect offshore vessels from the rocky cliffs, ensuring the health of […]
[…]from nearby cities.Of course, you can always design your own route, and depending on your starting point, wineries can be incredibly close. Customize your trip to be shorter or longer, easier or more challenging, depending on your comfort level or interest. Cycling through the Vineyards of Edna Valley Irish Hills […]
[…]for your Morro Bay adventure. Encompassing the stretch from Atascadero Road north to the North Point Natural Area, Morro Strand State Beach encompasses Morro Strand State Park Campground, complete with RV hookups, scenic picnic areas, barbecues and a three-mile stretch of sand popular for fishing, windsurfing, and kite flying. Dogs […]
[…]protected, scenic area known as the Estero Bluffs offers up an easily accessible elevated vantage point for whale watchers of all ages and physical ability. Just a ten minute drive north from Morro Bay, Estero Bluffs’ many access points conveniently dot Highway 1 with trails that are short and sweet […]
[…]on makeshift docks. Paddle for about 30 minutes, and dock on the rocky beach at the base of the Point San Luis Lighthouse, the last Prairie Victorian lighthouse left on the West Coast. Take a 15-minute trek up the cliffs and you’ll be treated to views as picturesque as the lighthouse. […]
[…]Observe magnificent Elephant Seals in their natural habitat from an easily accessible viewing point just off the highway (peak viewing runs October through March, when populations can reach 17,000 along the beach!). Speaking of wowing wildlife experiences fit for the whole fam, the Monarch Butterfly Grove in Pismo Beach is […]
[…]other wildlife). Another lighthouse excursion worth shining light on? Kayak back in time to the Point San Luis Light Station in Avila Beach, a favorite among locals and visitors. Launch from the Harford Pier and enjoy an easy paddle to a truly stunning locale. From this historic vantage point, enjoy […]
[…]and harvested their blubber for oil. By the 1880s, they had decimated the population to the point of near-extinction. A small group, however, persisted on Guadalupe Island off the coast of Baja California in Mexico. In the early 20th century, the United States and Mexico banned hunting, which allowed that colony […]
[…]so much for everyone in the family to enjoy together! Their featured activity of choice was the Point San Luis Lighthouse Tour— One of the best kept secrets of the Central Coast and one of our favorite things to do in Avila Beach! The Point San Luis Lighthouse Keepers offers docent-led interpretive […]
[…]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 offers adventure in […]
[…]coastal vistas, and the surrounding region is no slouch when it comes to wildlife either. Case in point—the iconic Elephant Seal Vista Point, a renowned road trip destination located in the idyllic seaside village of San Simeon. As you may have already figured out from the name, this destination is […]
[…]as syrup on pancakes, as the star ingredient in a milkshake. The pie didn’t disappoint. Another find in Cambria: The lush garden at Robin’s, a favorite among locals, is a special place to unwind with beer and food.Cioppino is a fish stew that originated in San Francisco; one of the best versions I’ve had was at […]
[…]begin migrating north. Western Monarchs can travel over 1,000 miles to reach their next migration point. Western Monarchs live west of the Rockies and migrate up and down the West Coast, between southern Canada and San Diego. Eastern Monarchs, on the other hand, live east of the Rocky Mountains and […]
[…]can either cut left along the east side of the campsites and down along the road to the starting point, or to extend the walk continue through the narrow stile to a larger loop east, north and down to a eucalyptus grove, then back to the starting point. Moderate hike. […]
[…]the year. The Whale Trail recognizes this beach as one of the most important whale watching points on the West Coast. Head to the pier, where a Whale Trail display identifies whales that migrate in these waters, as well as what to look for. Visitors can also borrow binoculars and […]
[…]of Fish and Wildlife website. The F dock, beside the Lopez Lake store, is a great starting point for first-timers, as all species can be caught there. Find a fish cleaning station beside the store, too.For a day on the water, head to the Lopez Lake Marina to rent fishing […]
[…]conservation, habitat restoration and pre-contact history. The Rancho was an important stopping point along El Camino Real stagecoach route. It was the mail exchange point and on the trail to the gold rush fields in […]
[…]Piedras Blancas State Marine Reserve (SMR) is a no-take zone located between Arroyo De La Cruz at Point Sierra Nevada and Arroyo Laguna, near San Simeon. It is adjacent to the Piedras Blancas State Marine Conservation Area (MCA) centered around Point Piedras Blancas. To learn more about California’s Marine Protected […]
[…]in the nation. Come for the seaside scenery, fresh fish market and restaurants, and seal viewing. Point San Luis Lighthouse Built in 1890, this well-preserved example of Gothic Prairie architecture still lights the way, visible up to 17 miles offshore. Reach the lighthouse with a docent-led hike along the Pecho […]
[…]southern end. Located beside a dirt parking lot off Highway 1 at Ocean Avenue, the “Estero Point” vessel ran aground and was abandoned in 2017. Since then, visitors have enjoyed glimpsing it from the cliffs or even scrambling down and out to the ship at low tide. The beached Estero […]
[…]Fiscalini Ranch Preserve, check out the Fiscalini Plant Guide. The preserve has several entrance points, but the South Windsor Boulevard entrance—located at the start of the Bluff Trail—is the most popular. To reach the trailhead, park on the south end of Windsor Boulevard on Cambria’s north side, in the Seaclift […]
[…]or upscale-yet-relaxed eateries like Louie’s At The Beach or Blue Moon Over Avila.Also, make a point of visiting downtown Avila Beach during Farmers’ Market on Friday nights between April and September. Here, you’ll find baked goods, food trucks and booths, arts and crafts, live music and toe-tapping. For young children, […]
[…]crabs. For those feeling adventurous, find “tide pools” inside the beached boat called “Point Estero” at Estero Bluffs State Park. The commercial fishing vessel ran aground in 2017 and has since become known as an unusual sea life viewing opportunity.To reach the boat, park at the North Ocean Parking Area; […]
[…]too! On clear days, you’ll see Morro Rock in the distance to the north, or maybe even as far as Point Estero. Sea anemones are living works of art Viewing Sea Life at the Estuary Kayaking the EstuaryFew experiences offer the chance to see such diversity of sea life as […]
[…]to park on the grass above the cliff overlooking Spooner’s Cove.Lonesomes breaks on the north point, in toward the cove. Catch it at its best, with swells from the northwest/west, and winds from the east/northeast. Swells can hold up to 16 feet or more, the best likelihood being during a […]
[…]San Luis Lighthouse Tide Pools The picturesque Port San Luis Lighthouse lies tucked around a mountain, not visible from anywhere in Avila Beach. The fact that it is so unspoiled and untouched makes this area especially appealing for tide pool enthusiasts. Built in 1889 to help nearby ships navigate the […]
[…]clean boutique carries swimsuit brands like Becca, Roxy, De La Mar, Vix, Billabong, Speedo, and Point Conception. For men, year-round options include O’Neill, Quiksilver and Billabong. But swimwear isn’t the only perk of visiting The Sea Barn. Fill all your beachy needs with sandals from Cobian, Reef, Ocean Minded, O’Neill, […]
[…]the shore pound when the surf gets big.) Another terrific launch spot is Shamel Park, at another point along Moonstone Beach, parallel to Windsor Boulevard. But for a truly special view of Cambria, launch from Harvey Street, located midway between Fiscalini Ranch Preserve and the Lampton Country Park. This is […]
[…]to Estero Bluffs at low tide for an easy hike to a beached fishing vessel. Run aground in 2017, “Point Estero” is a sight to behold backdropped by dramatic ocean waves. Take advantage of this iconic Cayucos photo opportunity and stay for the local wildlife, including seabirds of many feathers. […]
[…]activity allows everyone to swing into the saddle and enjoy the coast from a whole new vantage point. Horses are available for ages seven and up (weight limit is 250 pounds). Plus, pony rides are free for kids under seven! Jeer Villains at the Melodrama Laugh, cry and jeer with […]
[…]activity allows everyone to swing into the saddle and enjoy the coast from a whole new vantage point. Horses are available for ages seven and up (weight limit is 250 pounds). Plus, pony rides are free for kids under seven! Jeer Villains at the Melodrama Laugh, cry and jeer with […]
[…]a pirate playground make this beach fun and safe for parents and kids. Kayak with a guide to the Point San Luis Lighthouse, or take an adventure boat ride on the Seaweed Express. Hit the Central Coast Aquarium, where visitors can touch sharks, feed the octopus or watch jellyfish dance. […]
[…]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? Either way, just by visiting […]
[…]Gateway to Big Sur. Just a short drive away are the historic lighthouses of Piedras Blancas and Point Sur. Notable nearby hiking trails include Salmon Creek Falls, Junge Ranch, and Cliffside Trail. There are also notable wineries in San Simeon, Cambria and Paso Robles. Rooms This property offers five different […]
[…]of the Piedras Blancas Light Station. If that sounds appealing, a drive north will lead you to the Point Sur Lightstation in famed Big Sur. Rooms There are several room types available for guests to choose from. One Queen and One King rooms offer comfortable accommodations. There are also Two […]
[…]paddling through the open water, beaching your kayak, and making your way to Avila’s historic Point San Luis Lighthouse (the $25 tours are temporarily suspended due to Covid-19).Grab a quick bite at Mersea’s at Port San Luis before finding your way home. Explore Highway 1 Discovery Route for additional stops along the way. Luffa Farm in […]
[…]checking out the assortment of beaches and a pair of historic piers, and then book a tour of the Point San Luis Lighthouse. For something unexpected, check out the Central Coast Aquarium with its hands-on exhibits. It’s a top notch spot in a low key setting. If connecting with the […]
[…]California beach town that many people dream about. Smaller crowds, beautiful beaches and too many points of interest to count. After you have checked out the variety of beaches and historic piers, book a tour of the Point San Luis Lighthouse. If history is your game, our History & Heritage […]
[…]at the Morro Bay Marina and Morro Bay History Museum—the latter of which serves as the starting point for all Central Coast State Parks cleanup volunteers. With little ones in tow, search the sand for trash from 1 to 3 p.m. and join park staff for a “Litter Getter” activity […]
[…]to do, from the mellow to the adventurous. Learn about the town’s history with a tour of the Point San Luis Lighthouse. Or take the kids and get hands-on at the Central Coast Aquarium. Walk, jog or bike along the popular Bob Jones Trail. Or hike one of the many […]
[…]away and offers calm waters in the bay, perfect for kayaking. Or schedule a tour of the historic Point San Luis Lighthouse, which is on private land. If you want to dine in for a meal or two, stop by the Avila Valley Barn to get some fresh produce and […]
