[…]of calm when you embark on a secluded Cambria beach hike brimming with classic coastal scenery. Super accessible and easy to hike, The Moonstone Beach Trail features rolling waves, glittering tide pools and a chance to catch up with your favorite audiobook or podcast. At just 2.85-miles out-and-back, all skill […]
Tolosa Winery leads a Horizon Hike over Edna Valley. Enjoy a mild hike, learn about the vines as you walk through them and take in a 360-degree view of the […]
[…]and cover for wildlife moving between the coastal range and the ocean bluffs. To learn about the upcoming docent-led walks at the Ranch, visit the Docent Walk Schedule page of Cambria Ranch Walks. Walks are generally held on Saturday or Sunday, topics of discussion vary and the walk is led by […]
[…]woodland, maritime chaparral, coastal dune scrub, and oak and manzanita complex. The Elfin Forest supports more than 200 species of plants, as well as 110 kinds of birds, 22 species of mammals, and 13 species of reptiles and amphibians. It is home to rare plants, butterflies, snails and birds. Chumash […]
[…]Pecho Coast Trail to the Point San Luis Lighthouse is open to 20 hikers each Wednesday and 40 hikers each Saturday. Hikes depart at 9am and return at 1pm. Reservations are strongly encouraged to avoid being turned away at the trailhead and can be made two weeks in advance through […]
[…]State Parks walks, hikes and lectures offered through the Pismo Nature Center. To view a list of upcoming docent-led walks, please visit our […]
[…]ideas to immerse in the unique culture of Avila Beach the next time you visit.Pecho Coast Trail Docent Hikes to Point San Luis Lighthouse with PG&EThese scenic and informative hikes are led by knowledgeable docents from Port San Luis to the historic Point San Luis Lighthouse. Gain a fresh perspective […]
[…]a gusty picnic. Known for beautiful elevated trails, this location is best for moderate-to-skilled hikers. Horizon Hike Tolosa Winery leads a Horizon Hike over Edna Valley. Enjoy a mild hike, learn about the vines as you walk and take in a 360-degree view of the valley. Cerro San Luis Trail […]
[…]to help visitors better catch a glimpse of these magnificent creatures in the wild. Pecho Coast Docent Hike to Point San Luis Lighthouse One of the most scenic hikes on the Central Coast, the Pecho Coast Docent Hike to Port San Luis Lighthouse showcases panoramic views of Avila Beach, the […]
[…]experience the rewards of a quick climb. While it’s never especially steep, this trail climbs up and up the whole way, with no flats at all. Despite the elevation challenge, the trail follows a graded fire road that’s very easy to hike. At the top, find a grassy glen and […]
[…]Dearst, a side-splitting horror story spoof. Follow along as explorers Jake O’Conner and Eve Kinsignton work together to discover a lost city in the desert. In the process, they awaken two ancient villains who come back to life in the most entertaining of ways: as a mummy, and trapped inside […]
[…]a California Condor or peregrine falcon. Bring your binoculars for any wildlife spotting on your hike, or to look up at the mountains from below. Dogs are welcome to walk these trails on a leash.Pick up the Marina Trail just past registration and the ranger station on the left. To […]
Embark on a journey through nature, spanning over a 100 miles of captivating history, pristine beaches, majestic bluffs, protected preserves, and abundant of 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 […]
[…]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 Bishop Peak, Cerro San Luis is one of the Nine Sisters peaks, and features a four-mile out-and-back hike with 1,100 feet of […]
[…]wedding and/or special event venue. The 130 acres of grounds can accommodate small to large groups of up to 300 guests. With its romantic sweeping views of the Nipomo foothills, rustic charm and historic significance, the Dana Adobe makes a stunning wine country wedding venue. The property includes facilities like […]
[…]your own board or kayak, or rent from one of Avila Beach’s trusted outfitters. Even better? Sign up for a guided tour, and experience the hidden spots only locals usually get to see.Quick Guide + Pro TipsCan’t wait to get out on the open ocean? Here’s the quick 411 for […]
[…]mating. Enjoy an elevated viewing area with sightlines of all the action, as well as interpretive signs, free parking, and expert docents. The rookery has hosted up to 9,000 elephant seals at a time, with the height taking place between December and March. As one of the largest colonies of […]
[…]forested valley alongside San Luis Obispo Creek towards Avila Beach. Read More Pecho Coast Trail Docent Hikes to Point San Luis Lighthouse – The Pecho Coast Trail to the Point San Luis Lighthouse is open to 20 hikers each Wednesday and 40 hikers each Saturday. Read More Moonstone Beach Trail – Moonstone Beach is […]
[…]under four miles total) or the hike to Rattlesnake Canyon and back (eight miles). If you choose to hike to the lighthouse, you can even get a docent-led tour of the lighthouse for $5. The trail is known for these guided hikes; visitors can enjoy countless facts and trivia shared […]
[…]also home to rare plants, butterflies, snails and birds. Can’t wait to see for yourself? Enjoy a docent-led hike.Nearby and Noteworthy:A farmhouse with a coastal view? Only in SLO CAL! Today, the historic Spooner Ranch House serves as park headquarters, museum and gift shop for Montaña de Oro State Park in […]
[…]Seals each year, from the baby Elephant Seal to the 5,000-pound adult male. Females weigh in at up to 1,800 pounds and pups are about 70 pounds at birth. The name “Elephant Seal” comes from the size of the male animal’s nose, which resembles an elephant’s trunk. This bulbous nose, […]
[…]boardwalk are available only at the 16th Street entrance, just north of Santa Ysabel Avenue. Docent Lead Trail Walks “Nature Walks in the Elfin Forest” are led by experienced and knowledgeable docents on different topics each month. Examples of trail walks include an exploration of the different insects in the […]
[…]roughly 115 people volunteer regularly, signing up for four four-hour shifts per month. Many are retired, though they come from all walks of life—teachers, physical therapists, engineers, scientists—but they all love talking about elephant seals. “They’re all drawn to this idea of helping the public to appreciate and really treasure […]
[…]grove throughout the winter, weather permitting. Witness thousands of Monarch butterflies up close after a short hike to the viewing area. For more information, contact the Morro Bay Golf Course. San Luis Obispo Botanical Garden Located on the Western Monarch Trail, the San Luis Obispo Botanical Garden is a wonderful […]
[…]Spa in Nipomo is a full-service oasis perfect for wellness and meditation retreats, couples’ getaways, and group trips. Located in the Trilogy Golf Resort, visitors are invited to enjoy a day of golf followed by restorative bodywork and treatments. Choose from Swedish, deep tissue and CBD-enhanced massage options plus wraps, […]
[…]birdwatching, and hiking throughout the preserve.Uncrowded fun: Want to take in the whole scene? Hike up the Black Hill Trail for a stunning view of the water, visit the State Park Museum of Natural History or just watch the fishermen haul in their daily catch. Green gold: Irish Hills Natural […]
[…]endures. Today, visitors can explore the lower level of the lighthouse and the iconic Fog Signal Building. Guided by docents from the Piedras Blancas Motel, owned by the State Park system, visitors are led to the lighthouse while absorbing captivating stories and insights. While reservations are necessary, select seasons offer […]
[…]and inhaling the salty ocean air. You’ll see views of the coastline stretching from the Guadalupe-Nipomo Dunes up to Avila Beach. You may come across people horseback riding along the path; be conscious of the horses’ droppings along the way. Dogs are also allowed on the trail, but must be […]
[…]watching is an avid pastime among locals and visitors alike. Hikers should look for interpretive signage designed to educate visitors about local marine life. Keep your eyes peeled for gray whales, sea lions, sea otters and Pacific white-sided dolphins. In other words–enjoy the […]
[…]of a seaside dairy farm. Bring your pup on leash here, or to the Whale Rock Reservoir for a hike.Dog-Friendly Hikes in Cayucos Los Osos For a panoramic view of Montaña de Oro and Morro Bay, hike the Black Hill Trail with your dog, on leash. The coastal bluffs of […]
[…]Pines.8. Forage for (and eat!) seaweedJoin Spencer Marley of Marley Family Seaweeds as you sign up to forage for edible seaweed on the beaches along Highway 1. A complete experience of learning which kinds of seaweed to choose and then how to even cook it right there (a la seaweed ramen) on […]
[…]campground offers 40 sites for either tents or RVs and 4-5 horses each. (Note: electrical hook-ups are not available here.) Two group sites (Madrone and Oak) accommodate up to 50 people and 16-18 horses. Amenities include stalls, pit toilets, fire rings and water for horses. Guests are asked to muck-out […]
[…]meal in 30 minutes or less will be commemorated with a photo on the winner’s wall. Wake up to a Hike Graced with a wide variety of trails, Montana de Oro State Park is the ultimate hiker’s playground. Whether you prefer an easy bluffside hike or want to challenge yourself […]
[…]typically draws 1,800+ volunteers to gather over 16,000 pounds of trash and recycling from 48 cleanup sites in SLO CAL. Since 1983, this event has cleaned up after the high summer season, removing debris that impacts the health and safety of humans and local wildlife. Become part of our Travel […]
[…]San Luis Obispo Creek to end in the seaside village of Avila Beach. The Ragged Point Cliffside Hike is a short but challenging walk that takes hikers down the cliffs to a picturesque beach with a waterfall. (Don’t forget your grippy walking shoes!). With 1,275 feet in elevation and 4.5 miles of […]
[…]you’ll experience the quiet beauty of Morro Bay in all its sights and sounds. Whether you sign up for a guided kayak tour or embark on your own self-possessed journey, you’ll connect with Morro Bay’s natural world on a whole new level. Kayaking through the estuary Harbor Tours Subsea Tour […]
[…]walking path running approximately 1.5 miles out and back, this scenic trail is open year-round to hikers and leashed dogs, too. Note: Monarch butterflies migrate to this area seasonally, so be sure to know before you go. Heading farther south, you’ll find even more incredible beach hikes and walking trails […]
[…]roundtrip, and take place on Wednesdays and Saturdays, departing at 9am and returning at 1pm. Hikes are docent-led, open to 20 hikers on Wednesdays and 40 hikers on Saturdays. Reservations are strongly encouraged and can be made two weeks in advance online. Note that the hike is moderately difficult, with […]
[…]steaks simmered in butter-garlic sauce, you’ll enjoy a remarkable culinary experience. Wake up to a Spa Day Wake up to a spa day in Cambria and you’ll look and feel your very best, wherever you roam next. No Highway 1 road trip is complete without a proper glow-up: indulge in […]
[…]stretch of sand and surf is a leash-free zone for dogs — and it’s doggone fun. Bring your pup to experience the freedom of running, sniffing, swimming, racing, and digging up and down one of the prettiest beaches on Highway 1. If Rover is socialized with other dogs, you can […]
[…]Montaña de Oro and park in the Coon Creek parking lot. Check in with the trail attendant there to sign a waiver and register for the hike.Hiking Sweet Springs Nature PreserveThe Audubon Sweet Springs Nature Preserve offers 24 acres of trails and panoramic views of the Estero Bay. The nature […]
[…]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 […]
[…]throughout the year, the Central Coast Aquarium invites trained divers to help with a dive cleanup. Landlubbers are also welcome to help with beach cleanup days. On the last Thursday or Saturday of the month, the aquarium invites young learners to hear a brief talk on the species of the […]
[…]one of our favorite things to do in Avila Beach! The Point San Luis Lighthouse Keepers offers docent-led interpretive tours allowing visitors to experience a rich history of the beautifully restored Lighthouse, the Hornhouse, and other structures. Their tours give you a glimpse into the lives of Lighthouse Keepers and their families, […]
[…]to spot the “Harmony Cow,” a vibrant art sculpture located near the town’s iconic population sign. Nearby, you can also pose with a hanging outdoor picture frame designed to transport you inside a real life postcard. 5. Photo Opp: Mountains of Gold in Montana de Oro Flower power: “Montana de […]
[…]off Cambria’s main drag. It all started with a simple recipe for blue corn waffles and a few superfood smoothies (one of the two co-owners grew up on the grounds of the famous Esalen Institute in Big Sur). Since then, Hidden Kitchen has expanded its menu to farm-fresh egg dishes […]
[…]for Good tips along the way. That’s right: our handy guides encompass everything from beach cleanup opportunities, educational enrichment and wildlife viewing best practices. You can even roll up your sleeves and get involved in local conservation efforts! What can we say? With much beauty comes much responsibility. Thank you […]
[…]As always, use common sense and keep aggressive dogs away from the park, and remember to pick up after your pup. Before or after your visit, consider spending time at another of Cambria’s pet-friendly destinations, like cafe patios, beaches, hikes, and more. A dog-friendly family outing in Cambria Creekside Reserve […]
[…]tasting adventure. Each trip includes a knowledgeable driver, a luxury bus, limousine or large-group vehicle, door-to-door pick-up and drop-off, and bottled water. For an all-inclusive wine tour, SLO Safe Ride covers all tasting fees, provides box lunches, and offers concierge service upon request.Sidecar Wine ToursExperience the freedom of riding a […]
[…]treatment. Come in for a session that employs the pillars of traditional Chinese medicine, like acupuncture or cupping. Owner and operator Lisa Cavaliere specializes in methods that promote long-term beauty, strength and health, rather than quick fixes. AcuGlo bodywork includes 60 minutes of acupuncture followed by 30 minutes of common […]
