[…]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 […]
[…]area around Avila Beach sees a large proportion of these otherworldly creatures (plus, if you miss the whales that day, you’ll still have lovely scenery to shoot). Win win! #5 Shake up your family photosReady for a better closeup? We suggest avoiding the urge to say “cheese,” which pretty much […]
[…]Jones, etc)Avila Beach is home to many hiking trails that afford spectacular ocean views. Touch the sky with the challenging Ontario Ridge Trail, or trek among the trees on the Sycamore Crest Trail behind Sycamore Mineral Springs. The resort also connects via a bridge to the beloved Bob Jones Bike […]
[…]or order a glass of your favorite to sip alongside charcuterie and appetizer options. The cycling theme, the wine, and the beachfront location work together to make this a fun, relaxing and educational experience. Sinor-LaVallee Tasting Room For years, Mike Sinor worked his way through most of the wineries on […]
[…]tour of the pier itself, one of the primary points of interest for the region’s popular Whale Trail. The pier also provides a scenic and practical location for a picnic, as nearby tables, grassy areas for sitting, a wide open beach and clean restroom facilities are all available to the […]
[…]Highway 1 soon after and travels through the farmland of Nipomo, before continuing south. Altogether, the Pacific Coast Bike Route covers 1,800 miles, mostly within view of the ocean and coastline. While it’s a treat to travel the whole length of the PCBR, our stretch of Highway 1 is a […]
[…]and interesting even for children. After your tour, check in at the Visitors Center where the IMAX theater shows a film about how Hearst built the estate. And don’t miss the gift shops, where souvenirs, books, DVDs, postcards, apparel, and other merchandise celebrating Hearst Castle are available. Experience history at […]
[…]robust Northern Elephant Seal Rookeries in the world, with 25,000 seals migrating there annually. The Northern Elephant seal is the second-largest seal in the world, and the largest in the northern hemisphere. Come witness these majestic creatures as they mate, spar, birth and molt, just off Highway 1. The seals […]
[…]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 are not allowed on any […]
[…]Big Sur’s steep mountainsides rushing into the sea. Towering 400 feet above the Pacific Ocean, the view from the point reveals miles of deep blue ocean, waves crashing on remote beaches, and seasonal whale watching. San Simeon, Hearst CastleHearst Castle attracts visitors from around the world looking to experience the […]
[…]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 for the […]
[…]Horses and cattle dot fields on one side while glimpses of waves splintering against rock fill the other. You can find 13 state parks, 10 whale trails, five piers, two lighthouses, a national estuary and a national marine preserve along your journey. To help the curious explore and organize all […]
[…]watching and more.Nearby and noteworthy:Seal of approval: Say hello to SLO CAL’s happy seals! The Northern Elephant Seal migrates thousands of miles twice each year to San Simeon, where it breeds, births, molts and rests between trips (wow, would our flippers be tired). The Piedras Blancas Elephant Seal Rookery lets […]
[…]top-notch horse boarding, training, and clinics. A host of boarding options are available by the day, the week, or the month, to accommodate any need. The facility is also open for riding lessons, horse-care workshops, and multi-day clinics on a variety of subjects. The center boasts lush pastures, spacious paddocks, […]
[…]community, all of which boast close proximity to the glittering Pacific. Hiking options include the Dunes to the south of Oceano, The Pismo Preserve located just outside downtown Pismo Beach, and a smattering of cliffside hikes that border the towns of Shell Beach, stretching north to Avila Beach. Wherever you […]
[…]and it’s short, with plenty of epic switchbacks offering new and changing views of the water. The small black sand beach at the base is a great place to dip your toes in the water, or you can continue on to Black Swift Falls. This 300-foot tiered waterfall is a […]
[…]bagels, salads, and sandwiches. Each crepe is named after places in San Luis Obispo County, like the Whale Rock crepe, a sweet treat with fresh strawberries, whipped cream, and chocolate sauce. The Bishop Peak crepe features herb baked chicken breast, portobello mushrooms, roasted garlic, caramelized onions and mozzarella cheese. Savory […]
[…]and picnic tables welcome adults on a getaway of their own. Plus, Cambria happens to be along the Whale Trail, a group of locations where orca whales and other wildlife can be seen. You can stumble across these majestic creatures any time of year, and the Whale Trail’s goal to […]
[…]stargazing remains permitted on several designated trails after dark.4. Leffingwell LandingAt the northern end of Moonstone Beach, Leffingwell Landing offers a perfect blend of accessibility and celestial splendor. Embrace the Cambria night sky in all of its breathtaking glory. This is how stargazing was meant to be enjoyed: on the […]
[…]and cook seaweed ramen right on the beach. Follow the trail of migrating whales offshore with The Whale Trail, or tour the incredible Elephant Seal Rookery with an expert guide. Or help the Cayucos Land Conservancy by cataloging plant and animal life at the beach with the iNaturalist app. When […]
