[…]with the Central Coast State Parks Association, you’ll learn just how climate change impacts California wildflowers. View more than 52 color photographs representing seven California’s regions, you’ll also view maps and essays. Grab a refreshment and enjoy a related talk presented by the California Native Plant Society at the exhibit’s […]
[…]Pierre Hypolite Dallidet came to San Luis Obispo after an unsuccessful attempt at gold rushing in Northern California. Here, he purchased hundreds of acres of land in what is now downtown San Luis Obispo. He later bought and revived the withering mission vineyards of the area, becoming the first commercial […]
[…]Highway 1 Discovery RouteDistance: 3.8 miles round tripDifficulty: EasyAs home to the largest northern elephant seal rookery in the mainland U.S., this secluded trail (located in San Simeon, California, just north of San Luis Obispo) offers intimate views of the elephant seals in their natural beach environment. Midway along the trail sits the Piedras Blancas Light […]
[…]Morro Bay National Estuary is a California State Marine Reserve framing the landscape in Los Osos which prohibits fishing. These state conservation areas protect and restore wildlife and habitats in the ocean per the California Marine Life Protection Act. The idea here is to protect the entire ecosystem to allow […]
[…]Is there a scenic detour? You bet! So don’t cancel your plans to make the classic road trip from northern to southern California. Just do it in sections. Once I decided that, I imagined driving Highway 101 to Paso Robles, turning west on Highway 46, passing hilltop winery estates, rows of […]
[…]you think of the Sahara, right? Or maybe Sir Lawrence’s Arabia. But probably not… the central California coast. While certainly not as expansive as the world’s full-size deserts, the Pismo dunes are rare oddity and a fun mini adventure for any California road trip. Here are some highlights. The Pismo […]
[…]vineyards, eat magnificent and fresh seafood and experience America’s Castle. What to see in California? Find here lots of great information when visiting California by the expertise of a specialist. An expert started his journey in Los Angeles and spent four glorious hours being awed by the vistas along the […]
[…]and parks are perfect pit stops along the way. Look for sea lions sunning on rocky outcroppings, California condors gliding above, and migrating whales off the coast. The road is currently closed to through traffic to repair a landslide that wiped out 150 feet of roadway at Rat Creek.Don’t miss: Bixby […]
[…]come from all over the world to discover California’s inspiring landscapes and wildlife. California boasts more native species than any other state, and residents are passionate about protecting them, investing $30 million each year to conserve wildlife habitat. Discover wildlife in a variety of ways, from safari-style lodging and endangered […]
[…]wildlife and vegetation on more than 20,000 rocks, islands, exposed reefs, and pinnacles along the California coastline, and 1,665 acres of public land onshore in the Point Arena-Stornetta Unit. The Monument includes public lands along the coast of California, and in the near shore waters of the Pacific Ocean. The […]
[…]grape-growing conditions, and the sun-soaked beauty and laid-back culture of the state make California a dreamy destination for wine sampling. Of course, Napa and Sonoma are popular regions for wine, but Central California’s Edna Valley is the hidden gem. Edna Valley, right outside San Luis Obispo, has a culture all […]
Covell’s California Clydesdales A hidden gem in Central California on CA Highway 1 Discovery Route via Alexandra Williams, Fun and Fit Want to know about a hidden gem in Central California that is walking distance from downtown Cambria? You are probably already thinking “yes,” and once you read about it and […]
[…]travel still iffy, it’s the ideal time to dive into the pleasures—piscine and otherwise—of California’s central coast. Restaurants new and old have reopened, the fishing industry is bouncing back, and boutique hotels are cropping up along the 101 and Highway 1, making a seafood sojourn easier than ever. To maximize views, meals, […]
[…]public trails for walkers, bikers, equestrians, wheelchair riders and others along the 1200-mile California coastline. It is currently more than half complete. Coastwalk California is a volunteer organization that advocates for completion of the Trail. Our members invite you to get out and enjoy the trail and to get involved […]
[…]coast to the sunny beaches in Southern California, 280 park units preserve and protect the best of California’s natural and cultural history, from natural features and ecosystems to historic structures and cultural resources.” Before heading to your outdoors destination, California State Parks wants to remind visitors to recreate responsibly with […]
[…]from Mimi Slawoff at Travel + LeisureCalifornia’s iconic Highway 1 has many natural and historic attractions along the Central Coast, famous for its beaches and migrating whales. But there are also numerous “secret” spots along the approximately 440-mile coastal drive between San Francisco to the north and Los Angeles to […]
[…]a trek that includes a hike and tour of the Point San Luis Lighthouse. Layout The Vintage California Beachfront house is fully furnished. The house has 1 bedroom, 1.5 bathrooms and is suitable for four people. The ocean view master bedroom features a king bed. It also has a half […]
[…]with farming.” “When I was living in England,” he says, “I always thought of farming in California. I was always fascinated with that. Zilkha is joined by his daughter Nadia, an accomplished artist who grew up in London, studied English literature at the University of London and was also the […]
[…]horses all in one location? The answer is one, Cambria Pines by the Sea Ranch, home to Covell’s California Clydesdales. Much of the forest of Cambria Pines by the Sea Ranch is protected in a nature conservation easement so the beauty and magnificence of this ranch will last forever and […]
California Grill Nipomo is an all-American restaurant serving California style grub such as burgers, sandwiches, salads and […]
California’s Central Coast with Elephant Seal Pups via Alexandra Williams, Fun and Fit During Alexandra and Kymberly’s recent trip to the Highway 1 Discovery Route along the Central California Coast, they stopped at the Piedras Blancas Elephant Seal Rookery – 6 miles up the coast from Hearst Castle. As it turns out, January is peak […]
Cambria on California Highway 1 Discovery Route This blog originally appeared on FunOfTravel.com Located midway between LA and San Francisco, this magnificent panoramic road is a travel delight and cornucopia of possible adventures. Along this world-class 101-mile stretch of California’s Central Coast you’ll find: breathtaking natural beauty 12 state parks unique wildlife habitats Hearst Castle […]
[…]courtesy Mozzi's Saloon California: Mozzi’s SaloonCalifornia’s central coast is lined with 16 distinct beach towns in San Luis Obispo County. It’s here that you’ll enjoy a relaxing retreat with miles of sandy beaches and fun bars along the way for day drinking or nightlife. Cambria, one of the small beach […]
Fresh sushi in a welcoming atmosphere. California Sushi & Teriyaki has expanded to a new location in […]
[…]Anywhere!” The Fair opened in 1946 and was first known as the San Luis Obispo County Fair. The California Mid-State Fair is held annually and runs for 12 days at the end of July. The Fair has hosted some of the biggest names in the music industry. Artists such as […]
[…]Every year since 1986 ECOSLO has coordinated beach cleanups from San Simeon to Oso Flaco Lake. In California, Coastal Cleanup Day holds the distinction of drawing the most participation of any volunteer event over its thirty year history. Please contact the organizations linked below to learn more about cleanup efforts […]
Highway 1 Discovery Route’s Foto Feature: California Dreamin’ Photo by Herbert Hass Be a featured photographer on our page! Share your photos on our Facebook page or hashtag #Highway1DiscoveryRoute from Instagram to get discovered! We will feature a new photo every […]
[…]enjoy San Simeon’s famous Elephant Seal population. Elephant Seal Facts The largest seal in the northern hemisphere, the Northern Elephant Seal migrates to the Piedras Blancas Elephant Seal Rookery twice each year. While offshore, the Elephant Seal spends 8-10 months diving up to 5,800 feet deep for up to two […]
[…]an estimated 150,000 to 200,000 northern elephant seals exist in the wild, inhabiting the waters of the North Pacific as far north as Alaska and as far south as Baja California. But it wasn’t always this way.Starting in the early 19th century, hunters began systematically killing the marine mammals and harvested their […]
[…]wildlife viewing experience, nothing beats a visit to the Elephant Seal Rookery on the park’s northern end. Here, witness the life cycle of hundreds of Northern Elephant Seals in their natural habitat, with docents on hand to answer questions. Hearst Castle State Historical Monument A visit to this uniquely beautiful […]
[…]thrilling and peaceful, the Oceano Dunes Natural Preserve is the most extensive dune complex in California. Members of the Northern Chumash tribe made their homes in settlement camps along the coast here, thousands of years ago. Later, Don Gaspar de Portola’s expedition of 1769 would land here and hunt a […]
[…]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 can […]
[…]the property open. In 1948, the inn and southern beach were deeded to the State Park System; the northern beach has been part of California Parks since 1932. Combined, they became Morro Strand State Beach.The beach remains popular for the same reasons it was with Cloisters Inn guests. It still […]
[…]Beach and a variety of tide pools during low tide. Also north of the light station, check out the Northernmost Boucher Trailhead, which provides access to the beach and has a great selection of tide pools. (Just be careful of any Elephant Seals on the beach! Give those guys a […]
[…]Sur, California, is an area that spans over 70 miles along the Pacific Ocean, Highway 1 clinging to the coastline. With some of the world’s most dramatic ocean views, a National Marine Sanctuary and a National Scenic Byway, Big Sur draws millions of visitors each year.Big Sur encompasses roughly the […]
[…]rehabilitation and reintroduction of an orca to her family: Springer, an orphan from the Northern Resident killer whale community who was lost in the Puget Sound, 300 miles from her home off northern Vancouver Island. A coalition of local organizations and state and federal agencies from Canada and the United […]
[…]the surrounding area is home to elephant seals, otters, peregrine falcons, harbor seals and California sea lions; and if you go during whale season you might spot a mother and calf as they make their way north. The Piedras Blancas Elephant Seal Rookery is where the beautiful northern elephant seals […]
[…]driftwood sculpted by time and the sea. When visiting at low tide, discover tide pools along the northern point of the beach, where hermit crabs skitter over the rocks. Other wildlife include sea birds, seals, and whales during migration season. At the point, this walk provides a remote and peaceful […]
[…]elephant seals from the Friends of the Elephant Seals, a nonprofit cooperative association with California State Parks. The Northern Elephant Seal migrates thousands of miles twice each year, from the open oceans to a land-based rookery, where it breeds, births, molts, and rests between trips. The Piedras Blancas rookery, on […]
[…]the trail, the elevated cliffs allow walkers to spot all manner of marine life, from seabirds and California sea otters to dolphins and even whales offshore. The trail travels parallel to the shoreline, and offers side trails down to several beaches. There, you’ll find pebbly sand, multiple types of seaweed, […]
[…]whale watching in Cambria Commonly seen species include gray whales, Pacific white-sided dolphins, California sea lions, and sea otters. Sometimes, humpback whales, minke whales and harbor porpoises have also been seen. When to visit Cambria for whale watching Gray whale southern migration starts in December and ends in February, while […]
[…]only famous resident. Visitors to San Simeon will find books, art and souvenirs related to the Northern Elephant Seals and their migratory rookery here, too. First, see the elephant seals in person at the rookery on Highway 1. Then head 8 miles south to the Plaza del Cavalier in San […]
[…]Antonio Varia, hailing from Italy’s exquisite Piemonte region. The restaurant specializes in northern Italian cuisine, featuring a full menu of regional specialties crafted from a blend of locally-sourced and imported ingredients. Chef Antonio’s menu encompasses appetizers, housemade pastas, satisfying main courses and rich desserts such as Tiramisu and Apple Tart […]
[…]even orcas make frequent appearances along this length of the California coast.Elephant SealsThe northern hemisphere’s largest Northern Elephant Seal rookery stands lies along the San Simeon coast near Piedras Blancas Point. Open to the public, the rookery hosts up to 24,000 elephant seals annually, from newborn pups to 2-ton males. […]
[…]State Marine ReserveThese two sanctuaries sit side-by-side against the Big Sur shoreline between northern Point Sur and southern Cooper Point. (This is at the southern end of Andrew Molera State Park.) The SMR is the offshore area of the two, while the SMCA comprises the coastline and intertidal zones. Point […]
[…]trails along the bluffs and terraces, all of them deserving to be photographed.Passed by the California State Legislature in 1999, the Marine Life Protection Act (MLPA) required the California Department of Fish and Wildlife to redesign its system of marine protected areas (MPAs) to increase its coherence and effectiveness at […]
[…]Center at San Simeon Bay! A joint venture between the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary and California State Parks, the center offers interactive exhibits and educational programs illuminating the cultural and natural history of Old San Simeon, California State Parks and the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary.Not-so-ragged: Find your black […]
[…]Two: Big Sur The northern coast of San Luis Obispo County is the Gateway to Big Sur.From here it’s one dizzying view after another as Highway 1 winds its sinuous way up California’s most stunning stretch of coastline, clinging to clifftops high above crashing waves, dipping into deep canyons and […]
[…]up close and personal with wildlife like you’ve never seen it before. The majestic Great Northern Elephant Seal migrates to a rookery just north of San Simeon each year, transforming quiet beaches into live theater. Males brawl, females give birth, and pups squeal — and visitors can watch them from […]
[…]alike, from ducks and pelicans to terns and the Western Snowy Plover. At Lopez Lake, expect to see California Quail, hummingbirds, woodpeckers, and phoebes. And in multiple locations within Los Osos-Baywood Park, like the Sweet Springs Nature Preserve and El Moro Elfin Forest, look for sapsuckers, burrowing owls and red-tailed […]
