[…]Mountain Bikers organization offers bells for loan or purchase at the Bells 4 Bikes station at the trailhead. Trail etiquette says that bikers yield to hikers and horses. To do so, step to the bottom edge of the trail to let hikers and horses pass. Always ride in control — […]
[…]No advance reservation is required to enjoy this exciting educational experience. Whale Watching (Whale Trail) Whale watching is popular along Highway 1 and Avila Beach for a reason: Catching sight of a breach along the horizon is a life-changing experience! Look for the Whale Trail signage on the Avila Beach […]
[…]your own eyes. And on the Highway 1 Discovery Route, whale watching is easier than ever with the Whale Trail. The Whale Trail provides a series of points on the Pacific Coast from which to see marine mammals. Each locale includes interpretive signs and information for whale watchers of all ages. […]
[…]especially between December and April each year. Not ready to get wet? No need to paddle out. The Whale Trail Organization has identified Avila Beach as one of the best whale-watching sites on the West Coast. You can find the Whale Trail’s interpretive sign at the Avila Beach Pier, not […]
[…]Mountain bikers, be sure to bring a bell to alert hikers and horseback riders of your presence on trails. (Some trails make these available to borrow at the trailhead; see below.) And of course, all cyclists should wear a helmet at all times.After your ride, you may find yourself wanting […]
[…]spout or breach within several feet of San Simeon Cove. Historically, this area sees a lot of whale activity — especially in fall — and the San Simeon Pier offers the best view. Humpback whales have been known to feed directly next to the pier, drawing large crowds of delighted […]
[…]dog, or the more challenging 3-mile Cougar Trail. Other challenging trails include the Trout Creek Trail and High Ridge Trail, both ideal for on-leash dogs.Dog-Friendly Hikes in Edna Valley & Arroyo […]
[…]whale watching is possible along nearly every section of our 80 miles of coastline. In fact, the Whale Trail—a national organization that identifies the best whale watching sites across North America’s western coast—has designated six viewing sites here. These locations, like the Cayucos Pier and Moonstone Beach Boardwalk in Cambria, […]
[…]experience for all.22. Bike the Bob Jones TrailKid-friendly and relatively quick, the Bob Jones Trail is known as the City to the Sea bike trail. Rent your bicycle at the Sycamore Mineral Hot Springs Resort and Spa and hop on the paved trail, which winds along San Luis Obispo Creek toward Avila […]
[…]County. Oso Flaco Lake TrailThis out-and-back trail packs a wide spectrum of terrain into its 1.7 miles, including dunes, a creek, a lake, and a wide beach. Park in the parking lot off Oso Flaco Lake Road, west of Highway 1 at the southernmost edge of Nipomo. (Be aware that […]
[…]known for putting on unforgettable displays along the water (see our epic list of Highway 1 Whale Trail viewing spots here). Plus, there’s always new discoveries happening under the deep. In fact, a rare Octopus Garden was recently found off the at the Davidson Seamount, a very special protected marine area bordering […]
[…]HIKING IN CAYUCOS Choose from one of the four Cayucos hikes mentioned below to start trekking WHALE ROCK RESERVOIR TRAIL These easy 4-mile out-and-back trails skirt the eastern side of Whale Rock Reservoir, the smallest reservoir in San Luis Obispo County. Built in 1961, the dam was named after historic whalers […]
[…]WatchingCambria is designated as one of the top places for whale watching by The Whale Trail, a national organization. Find The Whale Trail’s informative interpretive sign at Shamel Park, adjacent to Moonstone Beach — and don’t forget your binoculars. Elephant SealsA treasure of the Central Coast lies just north of […]
[…]whale pods can be seen along the coast at different times throughout the year. (In fact, the Whale Trail organization, which identifies the best whale-watching spots on the West Coast, has named this area a top lookout point.) No need to hire a charter or take an Oceano whale-watching tour: […]
[…]Pier anchors the state beach. Stroll the pier, watch the surfers, look for whale spouts at the Whale Trail sign, and even fish without a license. Coastal Access In addition to the shoreline at the pier, several entry points to Cayucos Beach stand along Pacific Avenue, through residential neighborhoods. Coastal […]
[…]with pebbly beaches, coastal trails and vibrant tide pools galore. Explore the popular Bluff Trail, the more challenging Valencia Peak Trail, paddle to the Sandspit or enjoy a picnic at Spooner’s Cove. 7. Surfing Hotspots like Cayucos and Morro Bay Chase the barrel to Cayucos, a prime locale for beginner […]
[…]Watching on the Whale TrailEncountering the majesty of whales traveling the Pacific shoreline should be on every solo traveler’s bucket list. Here on Highway 1, it’s possible to spy a puff from a blowhole, a fin or a tail out at sea, or even close-up. You just need to know […]
[…]seen the Elephant Seals—now it’s time to watch for whales. Highway 1 Discovery Route’s Whale Trail features ten unique stops nestled along the coast. Look for the Whale Trail signs along your way for more information and handy viewing tips. Each stop is well positioned for catching sight of these […]
[…]enjoy walking the pier, casting off for surfperch, rockfish, walleye, and halibut. Look for the Whale Trail sign at the base of the pier for tips on how to spot a migrating whale offshore. The pier also offers great views of the many surfers who take on the waves here. […]
[…]a popular local hiking trail, especially on the weekends. Remember to bring a bell and share the trail.To reach the trailhead, park at Cave Landing: from Highway 101 north, exit Avila Beach Drive and drive west, under the freeway. After two miles, turn left onto Cave Landing Road, drive to […]
