Francisco’s Country Kitchen in Arroyo Grande will surely satisfy your appetite. Their portions are generous and the taste is amazing. Open daily 6am to […]
[…]at the spot the newspaper magnate chose for his elaborate estate warrants a visit. It sits on one of the last undeveloped stretches of coast that begs you to stroll the sands at San Simeon State Park. The beef in the pancake-sized hamburgers at the Sebastians winetasting room and café […]
[…]sit on the quiet seaside that offers the best views of the Morro Bay rock that appears to rise out of the sea to the north. A hillside golf course overlooks a sleepy bay and the beautiful Montaña De Ora State Park.” Read the full Top 10 list from USA […]
[…]air, and ocean breezes can be healthful ways to enjoy the season. Just imagining a trip to one of these destinations might be enough to lift spirits as you anticipate summer. Here are 10 of the best places to travel in June. Central Coast, CaliforniaRoad trips are continuing their popularity […]
[…]TripCalifornia’s Highway 1 is one of the best known drives in the country, and rather than just cruising the road, you have time for leisurely stops along the way. Spend time in San Diego if you’re starting on the southern end, enjoying downtown’s restaurants and the coastal beaches. Orange County offers picturesque […]
[…]rentals offer the vacation of a lifetime. dining, shopping or a variety of beach activities. We offer a variety of Cayucos and Morro bay vacation and beach rentals, ranging from 1 bedroom beach cottages to 5 bedroom homes to fit extended […]
[…]scenic coastline of San Simeon Cambria The seaside hamlet of Cambria spans across two distinct villages connected by Main Street. While the town offers charming restaurants, boutiques, galleries and historical tours, its unspoiled coastline is not to be missed. Take Highway 1 to one of several access points to Moonstone […]
[…]Bay and realm of North Coast elephant seals This Blog Originally Appeared Here California is one of the most visited states in the US and usually visitors want to spend time in San Francisco or Los Angeles. Well, you can do either, then rent a car and in 4 hours from […]
[…]even some sections of boardwalk. To reach the Boucher Trailhead, drive Highway 1 46 miles north of San Luis Obispo to the main Elephant Seal Rookery parking lot. Alternatively, park a quarter mile north (the official trailhead) or even at the end of the trail, 2 miles north of that. Options […]
[…]of San Simeon Pier Behind the beautiful serenity of the San Simeon Pier stands a long and productive history. The pier as it stands now isn’t the original structure, which was built in 1878 by U.S. Senator George Hearst, father of William Randolph Hearst. That pier included a warehouse at […]
[…]home among California’s coastal islands, including the Channel Islands, Año Nuevo Island (north of Santa Cruz) and the Farallon Islands off the coast of San Francisco. When did the Elephant Seals come to San Simeon, specifically? In 1990, the creatures were observed arriving on the beaches south of San Simeon’s […]
[…]cove. Whether you stick to the pier or traverse the water, you’re sure to get a colorful taste of San Simeon’s coastal allure. Take in the view from San Simeon Point Take a family-friendly walk to San Simeon Point to enjoy beautiful views of San Simeon Cove. Located just a […]
[…]using sand dabs (which can be caught from the San Simeon Pier). One reliable area lies at the end of San Simeon Cove Trail, through a eucalyptus forest to the water’s edge. Another area, the Vista Point south of Piedras Blancas lies directly accessible just off Highway 1 about 4 […]
[…]benefits of surfing this spot is its accessibility. You can easily park right at the north end of San Simeon and walk to where the mouth of Pico Creek enters the ocean. This meeting of the creek and ocean makes for really interesting breaks that experienced surfers can appreciate. Ideal […]
[…]a young SLO local named Randy Adler started his own shop to celebrate the surf and beach culture of San Luis Obispo County. Its name? Moondoggies Beach Club. What was once a little shop has since become a local institution, carrying the best in surf, skate, and lifestyle. Walk around […]
[…]center offers visitors an exciting opportunity to learn about the natural and cultural treasures of San Simeon Bay and the region. Explore San Simeon Tide Pools & Sea Life Discovery Center Location Nestled along scenic Highway 1 across from world famous Hearst Castle, The Coastal Discovery Center sits at the […]
[…]in California. One of the most entertaining attractions, the Elephant Seal Rookery is where pods of northern elephant seals come ashore to mate, give birth, molt and rest. One of the most exciting times at the rookery? December, when bulls fight for proximity and attention from females, as well as […]
[…]molting, and resting between trips. The Piedras Blancas rookery is located on Highway 1 north of San Simeon, and is home to about 15,000 animals. These mammals can grow up to over 2,000 lbs and are an incredible site to see roaming the beaches. Visitors can learn more about stewardship […]
[…]cyclists can meet up and ride. For instance, the SLO Bike Club schedules weekly rides across all of San Luis Obispo County, and the SLO Randonneurs also head out regularly for long-distance rides. And while not a club, Cycle Central Coast offers some of the area’s best GPS routes. These […]
[…]By Daisy Barringer Confession: When we hop in our car for a weekend road trip to escape San Francisco, we usually go to places like Yosemite, Tahoe, Big Sur, Napa, Mendocino, or Point Reyes. One place we’ve always overlooked is California’s Highway 1 Discovery Route, home to some of the […]
[…]as well. Sunning elephant seals, inspiring folk art, and a historic light station are just a few of San Simeon’s coolest spots. San Simeon State Park One of the oldest members of the California State Park System, San Simeon State Park remains a California favorite thanks to its incredible views […]
[…]Madonna Mountain because the Madonna Inn lies at its base. Cerro San Luis sits right at the center of San Luis Obispo, accessible from several trailheads. In fact, it’s possible to grab coffee in downtown SLO, hike up the mountain, and grab lunch downtown afterward — all on foot. Like […]
Mission San Miguel is one of California's historical and cultural treasures. The beautiful old mission building, whose foundations were laid nearly 200 years ago, is a precious part of our spiritual heritage, with a story that is integral to California's history. Father Fermin Francisco de Lasuén founded Mission San Miguel on […]
[…]the West Overlook Stop. The westernmost point of the Piedras Blancas Light Station provides a view of offshore rocks where multiple congregate and can be observed. Look for harbor seals, sea lions, cormorants, pelicans and even peregrine falcons sheltering among the “white rocks” for which Piedras Blancas is named. These […]
[…]cycling destinations nearbyCambria (South of San Simeon)The charming seaside town of Cambria offers a nearby hub of cycling opportunities, whether you’re looking for road routes or mountain biking trails. Take on the 17 miles of mountain biking trails through pine forests and along rugged ocean at the Fiscalini Ranch Preserve. […]
[…]by some of the most stunning scenery on Earth, you’ll discover the healing ambiance of this one-of-a-kind locale the moment you arrive. The calm and serene views of the San Simeon and Ragged Point coastline San Simeon Day Spa & Massage Diva Day Spa Founded in 1998 by stylist Judy […]
[…]Ragged Point. Grab your cameras, pack the car and enjoy! Immerse yourself in the majestic coast of San Simeon and Ragged Point along the iconic CA Highway 1 Discovery Route in Coastal San Luis Obispo County. Enjoy stunning views of rugged Pacific coastline in Ragged Point, relaxing on the pristine beach […]
[…]included in the park are Moonstone Beach in Cambria, and Piedras Blancas Elephant Seal Beach north of San Simeon. Find a variety of activities here, for all ages, from camping and picnicking to hiking, fishing, whale watching and more. At the south end of the parking lot pull-out, find a […]
[…]lighthouses identical to Point San Luis at Table Bluff near Humboldt and Ballast Point near San Diego. Of the three, Point San Luis is the only remaining lighthouse of its design. Before the lighthouse was built, in 1873 John Harford completed his 540-foot-long pier, extending it to 1,500 feet in […]
[…]can enjoy nourishing dishes crafted with local produce and proteins, including delicious artisan sandwiches, salads and sides. Enjoy a meal at a seaside picnic table or take your order on the road—all to-go packaging is eco-friendly and biodegradable. While Seaside Foods favorites include hot sandwiches laden with Hearst Ranch beef […]
[…]at the Elephant Seal Rookery on the north end of the park. Here, visitors can witness the lives of Northern Elephant Seals, which migrate here by the hundreds. The seals mate, pup, and molt here, just feet away from the roped-off viewing area, where docents stand to educate and inform. […]
[…]Poly students and free-wheeling locals alike. Tucked away within an oak grove on the south side of San Luis Obispo, this dog-friendly microbrewery offers indoor seating as well as scenic outdoor accommodations nestled beneath shady oak branches. Sip on a simple blonde ale, enjoy a powerful IPA or discover an […]
[…]of San Simeon Tour Called “a museum like no other,” Hearst Castle was specifically designed to showcase 25,000 of Hearst’s antiquities. (Even then, this represents just a fraction of Hearst’s total collection.) It’s also the only art museum operated by California State Parks and is accredited by the American Alliance […]
[…]of the weight and color spectrum, migrant monarch butterflies arrive every winter by the hundreds of thousands. Download the free Wildlife Map to start ticking off the sights.Read the full list from Fodor’s Travel. The Highway 1 Discovery Route is home to an abundance of wildlife throughout the year. The area is […]
[…]Creek there is a small pull-out parking area with a fence and a gate. It’s about eight miles north of the Piedras Blancas Light Station and across from a house at the address 18550 Cabrillo Hwy, San Simeon, CA. Beyond this gate is a trail that leads down to San Carpoforo Creek. […]
[…]views of the courtyard and pool. These rooms also have patios or balconies for lounging with a cup of coffee or glass of wine. There are also Courtyard View rooms with two queen beds. For economy travelers, the lodge offers their Two Queen Beds Deluxe rooms. These are first floor […]
[…]in Avila Beach is just a short walk to the beach. The historic home was built in 1896 and is one of the few original houses remaining. The house has been moved three times around the town. The property is named after the original Rancho San Miguelito land grant. That […]
[…]Once known as the Rancho Canada de Los Osos y Pecho y Islay, this pristine area is situated north of the Point San Luis Lighthouse and west of the Irish Hills on California’s Central Coast. It became open to the public in 1993 for guided hikes with the creation of […]
[…]Hotels is known for. Location Just a few miles south of Ragged Point and Big Sur is the town of San Simeon. It’s more than just the home to Hearst Castle (and it’s zebras). This coastal California spot is prime for wildlife such as elephant seals and whale watching. There […]
[…]can find the trail by climbing the bluff at the north end of the cove. The Point forms one side of San Simeon Cove, providing some wind protection, and includes a small, 850 foot long pier, and is part of the larger W.R. Hearst Beach. This section is a popular […]
[…]The property is set on a hill overlooking Avila Beach and the Pacific. There are also views of the nearby Santa Lucia mountains. Visitors often find themselves returning here year after year. The Inn is a Diamond Resorts property and has been named an RCI Gold Crown Resort. Location This […]
[…]Luis.” The first pier at Port San Luis was built the next year. Congressman Romaldo Pacheco of San Luis Obispo introduced a bill in 1877 to build a lighthouse at Point San Luis. Construction would not commence until 1889. By 1890 whaling vessels, cargo ships, tankers and fishing boats were all […]
[…]District in 1992. In 1995, the Point San Luis Lighthouse Keepers non-profit was formed, made up of a group of dedicated volunteers who would go on to to restore the historic site. Currently the Point San Luis Lighthouse Keepers continue to run the historic site, overseeing the maintenance and fundraising […]
[…]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 famous for its high concentration of elephant seals, a species that was once driven to the brink of extinction […]
Villa San Juliette is a beautiful 168 acre vineyard nestled in the Pleasant Valley area of San Miguel, just north of Paso Robles. Currently the vineyard is producing a broad range of grapes including Cabernet Sauvingon, Merlot, Petite Sirah, Syrah, Zinfandel and Sauvignon Blanc. We would love to share our […]
[…]what a beautiful way to start the day! Less than an hour’s drive up Highway One from the city of San Luis Obispo lie two of the best reasons to visit the Central Coast – both at the same spot: the sparkling seaside cove at San Simeon Point, and the […]
Description Beachfront in San Simeon is one of the few vacation rentals in this quaint coastal town. This condo is the ultimate retreat destination, set on a seaside bluff. Once you arrive, you will likely find that you don’t want to leave. But if you decide to explore, you will […]
San Simeon State Park is one of the oldest units of the California State Park System. The coastal bluffs and promontories of the scenic park offer unobstructed views of the ocean and rocky shore. The park includes the Santa Rosa Creek Natural Preserve, the San Simeon Natural Preserve and the […]
[…]as Ilano de los Osos, or the Level of the Bears (Bear Plain) as this was an area with an abundance of bears. Since then, various translations of Crespi’s diary have called this area La Canada de los Osos (The Canyon of the Bears) which has been further mistranslated as […]
You will have an opportunity to explore a series of volcanic caves inspired by the Seven Sisters of San Luis Obispo and investigate a variety of hands-on experiences in the arts and sciences. Become a paleontologist at a Saber Tooth Cat Dig Site and uncover bones that can be reassembled into […]