[…]Trail shares the best sites to see these gentle, iconic creatures as they migrate across the West. The trail is a partnership between the Central Coast State Parks Association (CCSPA) and multiple organizations working to preserve and steward natural resources. Until recently, the Western Monarch Butterfly generally migrated between British […]
[…]Wine Trail For wine lovers, wine tasting along the Pacific Coast Wine Trail is a must. Each of the trail’s six tasting rooms are worthy destinations with coastal scenery to match. That said, visitors are encouraged to meander the coastal backroads between each stop. Along the trail, find an array […]
[…]go further and travel for 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? […]
[…]for every traveler’s unique style and preferences – all within a close proximity to one another. The goal is to convey that you can see Hearst Castle, visit a stunning vista, drink amazing wines – all in one day! Landing Page URLLead Generations MapMap Sign-Up Landing PageSmall Towns, Big Wine […]
[…]some of the most popular wildlife along this stretch of coastline. Within San Luis Obispo County, the Whale Trail has 10 viewing spots – the most of any other county in California. At each spot, visitors will find interpretive signs with details about the whale species that may be seen, […]
[…]3: Whale Watching & Hiking “As much as we focus outward to the ocean, the coastline comprises historic ranchland. Fortunately, many of these once massive spreads have been saved from development and most also pay homage to the indigenous Chumash people, who’ve lived throughout the region for more than 10,000 […]
[…]their knowledge. To support them and the rookery trails, leave a donation in the secure box by the trailhead. When to visit: The peak season for elephant seals is December to March, but you’ll be able see at least some at the rookery nearly year-round. Fun Fact: One of the […]
[…]with ocean views. Corallina Cove provides protection for sea otters that can often be seen from the trail. Follow the Bluff Trail out even further for a primitive hike to Quarry Cove, where sea otters also congregate. Avila Beach Otter Spotting Rafts of sea otters are a common sight on […]
[…]and Education Award. The Highway 1 Discovery Route (H1DR) worked with the CDC to create the Whale Trail Program and to create a video dedicated to sea life and tidepool education, which earned H1DR the 2021 Sea Star Award from the MBNMS Foundation. Stop by the Coastal Discovery Center during […]
[…]an abandoned quarry site used for road construction in the 1950s. Read More San Simeon Cove – The trail leading out to the point is a magical walk along a wooded path on the bluffs above the beach. Lacy moss dangles from the eucalyptus, pines, cedars, and cypress that flank the trail. Read […]
[…]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. This flat pedestrian […]
[…]mountains that cascade down to the surf below. Encompassing 880 acres of land and eleven miles of trail, the preserve is a mix of oak forest, brightly-colored meadows and panoramic coastal vistas unique to the Central Coast. Plus, with five distinct trails rated from easy to challenging, this popular destination […]
[…]wildlife. Get inspired by the beauty that surrounds you, learn from locals and connect deeper to mother nature. Your actions (including family fun “leave-no-trace” beach time) along with the park donation fees all go to help preserve, protect, and restore our natural resources. Connect to nature, connect to yourself – […]
[…]on the beach. Overlooking one of our nation’s most spectacular marine protected areas, The Whale Trail in San Simeon State Park offers views of up to 34 species of marine mammals, including gray whales, orcas, humpback and blue whales, as well as seals, sea lions and sea otters. Birders from far […]
[…]for moonstones along Moonstone Beach, where gnarled remnants of sun-bleached driftwood add to the ethereal atmosphere. Whether you cruise uncrowded backroads dotted with ancient farmhouses or explore the nearby artist’s hamlet of Harmony, you’ll hit the “re-set” button in Cambria without encountering too many people. Want even more safe traveling […]
[…]the Central Coast from March through May. This is the best time for viewing gray whales. Follow The Whale Trail to watch them from shore! Gray whales migrate south during October and November.Season of Ocean Abundance: August, September and OctoberMarine animals linger along the Central Coast, feeding on schools of […]
[…]and blossom in rapid succession can be seen in the area. To check for timing of a superbloom, the Theodore Payne Foundation has a wildflower hotline that is updated each Monday morning from March through June. Call (818) 768-1802 and select extension 7. While the Carrizo Plain is most famous […]
[…]into the big blue. Cast out among the rocks around Estero Bluffs, paddle out on a kayak, or visit the Whale Rock Reservoir for freshwater fishing. By bringing out your rig and giving these sites a try, you’ll experience much of the best the Central Coast has to offer. Should […]
[…]your ride, walk the historic Cayucos Pier and learn about Captain Cass and his wharf. Then find the Whale Trail sign at the base of the pier to learn about which whales can be spotted from shore, when they can be seen, and what to look for. All of these […]
[…]or even a breech. For more information and tips on how to identify the different species, look for the Whale Trail sign on the main Avila Beach Pier. And, thanks to its position along the Pacific Flyway, Avila Beach is also a terrific place for bird watching. Migratory species and […]
