[…]seals and seabirds play within full view of the shoreline. To make the most of wildlife viewing, the Whale Trail organization has identified the best whale watching spots on the West Coast. Of those 100 Whale Trail sites, San Luis Obispo County contains a whopping ten. (That’s the most in […]
The Best of CA Highway 1: The Whale Trail This Blog Originally Appeared Here The CA Highway 1 Discovery Route (H1DR) invites visitors to marvel at the Pacific Ocean’s amazing marine life from the shore at six new Whale Trail sites. The H1DR is compromised of 10 coastal towns along […]
Whale Trail The Whale Trail is a series of sites where the public may view orcas, other cetaceans and marine mammals from shore. Along the Whale Trail you’ll be looking over the waters of one of our nation’s most spectacular marine protected areas, offering some of the best wildlife viewing in […]
[…]Gold,” and comes from the massive amount of golden wildflowers that bloom in spring. Wildlife in the park features the black tailed deer and the black oystercatcher. The annual volunteer trail workday in Montana de Oro State Park is the first Sunday in February. Other dates are also scheduled throughout […]
[…]The Whale Trail Whale Watching Vantage Points Montana de Oro The neighboring coastal community of Los Osos to the south offers up whale watching opportunities galore amidst the pristine backdrop of stunning Montana de Oro State Park. Located a quick, ten minute drive from Morro Bay, you’ll experience dramatic cliffside […]
[…]the California lifestyle. Of course, whale watching is a favorite activity and there are several Whale Trail viewing points in the area. The interpretive signs will let you know which whale species to watch for in particular seasons, as well as other notable wildlife you might spot. Want to try […]
[…]grassy rolling holls. Whale Rock Reservoir is open to the public during the trout fishing season. The trail alongside the lake is primary used as a fishing access, but is also a beautiful area for hiking and picnicking. The easy to moderate hike is 3.8 miles out and back, taking […]
[…]whales come to the Central Coast in order to feed before heading south for the winter. Amongst the humpback whales you are likely to see sea otters, sea lions and dolphins. Join us for a three to three and a half hour whale watching trip that you will never […]
[…]personal and interactive whale watching trip on the west coast. We are honored to have been rated the best boat tour in the San Luis Obispo area for the past 8 years on both TripAdvisor and YELP. We are conveniently located on the Harford pier at Port San Luis CA. […]
[…]popular than ever. The most common whales spotted off the Central Coast of California are humpback whales, blue whales and grey whales, though sometimes orca whales are seen off the coast of Avila Beach. ———————– Be a featured photographer on our page! Share your photos on the our Facebook page or hashtag #Highway1DiscoveryRoute from […]
Whale watching can be a truly memorable and once-in-a-lifetime experience. When whales are migrating, Morro Bay makes an excellent starting point for your trip. Ensure a safe and pleasant viewing experience for everyone by following NOAA’s marine wildlife viewing guidelines. There are 2 main companies offering regular excursions: Sub Sea Tours & […]
[…]sailor to experience the wonders of sailing. From the comfortable, secure cockpit we voyage along the coast, often in the company of sea lions, sea otters, dolphins, whales and an abundant number of seabirds that live and nest here. It is our goal to engage our visitor and local passengers […]
[…]treks along beaches, on bluff tops and hillsides, and via bicycle and paved paths. Portions of the trail are accessible by foot, wheelchair, bicycle, and even horseback. According to Linda Locklin, the Coastal Access Program manager for the California Coastal Commission, due to some private property and geography restrictions, it could […]
[…]steep trail called the Black Swift Falls Trail which begins at the Ragged Point Inn and Resort on the southern Big Sur Coast. One of the most epic hikes (for experienced hikers) in San Luis Obispo County, the Black Swift Falls Trail is simply signed “Nature Trail.”The base of the […]
[…]but for the most part the path offers solitude and the sights and sounds of the namesake creek. The trailhead is a short walk from Moonstone Beach Drive; trailhead parking is limited. Before you reach the Windsor Boulevard bridge and Highway 1, there is a wide trail to the right […]
[…]Wildlife Viewing and Inspiring Views 1Elephant Seal Rookery 2Six Whale Trail Viewing Sites 3Pismo Beach Monarch Butterfly Grove & Western Monarch Trail 4Sea Otter Spotting at Morro Rock & More Best Beaches for Solo, Family, & Dog Days 5W.R. Hearst Memorial State Beach, San SimeonIdeal for Solo Experiences & Social […]
[…]one of the Central Coast’s premier vineyard management companies. The tasting room brings together their love of wine and cycling in the décor and accessories. WINES TO TRY: Peloton’s Criterium Bordeaux Blend is bold and rich with smooth tannins and a lingering finish. The bright Albarino is a great summertime […]
[…]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 the website. Hikes are cancelled in case of rain or inclement weather. The hike to the Point San Luis Lighthouse is 3.75 miles […]
[…]East of Paso Robles, the Pleasant Valley Wine Trail is just minutes off Hwy 46 East and Hwy 101. The trail offers tasters a unique wine tasting experience off the beaten path. Follow the 12 mile trail for an unforgettable day in the wineries while enjoying spectacular views. Throughout the […]
[…]from adobes to castles.Ready to get back to coastal California’s roots? Visit these spots along the trail to experience Highway 1 as it was, once upon a time. (And remember to find many more on the History & Heritage Trail page.) Hearst Castle, San SimeonOverlooking the Pacific coastline and acres […]
[…]trail winds through the forested valley alongside San Luis Obispo Creek towards Avila Beach. From the trail are views of bridges spanning the wide creek, the Avila Beach Golf Course, the town of Avila and the Pacific […]
[…]near Cambria, California that features beautiful wild flowers and is good for all skill levels. The trail offers a number of activity options and is accessible year-round. Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on […]
[…]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 in our […]
Looking for an equestrian-friendly trail? Trout Creek Trail in the Arroyo Grande Valley is almost 8 miles out and back and is well suited for horses and dogs. Enjoy listening to the creek and identifying a variety of birds on the moderate trail. Accessible March to […]
The Pacific Coast Wine Trail is the Central Coast’s new local wine trail. Enjoy hand-crafted wines from six small producers along the scenic coast. Our trail includes Black Hand Cellars, Moonstone Cellars, Twin Coyotes Winery, Stolo Family Vineyard, Harmony Cellars and Cayucos […]
[…]Follow Fern Drive to the bottom of Fern Canyon and on the left is a marker for the beginning of the trail. 1 mile from the Santa Rosa Creek […]
[…]that takes you along the coastal bluffs, passing tide pools, beaches and a scenic rocky coastline. The trail head is located across from the Valencia Peak starting point, just across from the visitor center. Start across a wooden bridge and then take in views of the sea, including Spooner’s Cove. […]
[…]time, efforts, or funds to help preserve and protect the special spots you experience here on the History & Heritage Trail. 1Point San Luis Lighthouse2The Hoosegow Jailhouse3Cass House (Captain James Cass House)4San Simeon Pier5Sebastian’s General Store & Old San Simeon Village6Walk Back in Time: Cambria Museum & Historic Buildings Self-Guided […]
The entrance for Cougar Trail is located near the entry to Lopez Lake Recreation Area. The trail is close to 3 miles and is open to hikers, dogs and mountain bikes. Enjoy scenic views, groves of oak trees and wildlife […]
High Ridge Trail passes a series of steep canyons east of Lopez Lake along a fire ridge. The trail offers scenic views of the lake and fossils can be found along the path and in the surrounding rock. The east to moderate hike is 5 miles out and back, and […]
[…]the Arroyo Grande Valley is a 2 mile, easy to moderate hike out and back. Accessible year-round, the trail offers views of Black […]
The Strawberry Canyon trail is a large loop. It is a secluded trail where you walk among towering pines. Directions: Take Windsor Boulevard south. Turn left onto Drake Street, left onto Ardath Drive, right onto Burton Drive, left onto Orville Avenue, curve right at Orville Place remaining on Orville Avenue, right […]
[…]Nipomo and Morro Bay with the coastal breezes off of the Pacific Ocean, or in Paso Robles under the warm sun of the Central Coast Wine […]
[…]track crossing a 700-foot hill above the Shell Beach bluff, with spectacular ocean views. Start at the Shell Beach trailhead or at Cave Landing in Avila Beach and hike the full loop. Along the way you’ll be surrounded by coastal sage on a rugged trail, passing views of Pirate’s Cove, […]
[…]Grab the reins for a truly memorable adventure! For more information, give us a call or visit the website. One-hour trail rides start at $65. Over 1000 scenic acres of trails offered. Age, height and weight limits may apply. Reservations are […]
[…]It offers spectacular scenic vistas of the coastline and opportunities for wildlife viewing. The trail includes coastal bluff, grassland, and wetland areas, making it interesting and […]
[…]of Pecho Road in Los Osos, you’ll find access to the Morro Bay Estuary. From here you can walk a trail around the inlet, launch a kayak or just take in the sights. This section of coastline is protected, offering a scenic […]
[…]Luis Obispo with the big “M.” It stands for Mission School, not Madonna Inn as many believe. The trail up to this volcanic peak has great views of Laguna Lake and Bishop’s Peak. From the summit, there are views of San Luis Obispo, the Santa Lucia Mountains and the chain […]
[…]Park under the shadow of Cerro Cabrillo, a 911-foot double-peaked ridge. The Quarry Trail skirts the southern flank of Cerro Cabrillo, past the rubble piles of an abandoned quarry site used for road construction in the […]
[…]landscape. These volcanic plugs include Hollister Peak and the famed Morro Rock. Black Hill, the last peak in the volcanic series before Morro Rock, has a trail that tours a little of everything – chaparral, eucalyptus, oaks, pines, and coastal shrubs. From the mountain’s 640-foot summit, you can view the […]
[…]ocean views. The unique plant life here is unlike anything else; scrubby bushes and flowers dot the fields and tuck themselves away among the rocky coastline and cliffs. Take your time walking up and down the ocean's edge, enjoying the breezes and […]
The Ragged Point Inn and Resort is located at the northernmost corner of San Luis Obispo County, 18 miles north of Hearst Castle on Highway 1, at the base of the Big Sur National Scenic Byway. Besides having one of the few gas stations on this portion of Route 1, […]
[…]cliffs and breathtaking panoramas mark this classic Ragged Point hike. Short and sweet, the trail measures less than 1 mile long, but descends (and ascends!) 400 feet in elevation. A narrow path of switchbacks leads to a small black sand beach fed by a seasonal waterfall. Bring grippy hiking shoes […]
The Washington Post recently chronicled where the whales are, detailing their migratory patterns along the Pacific Coast. Each January and February these wondrous animals trek hundreds of miles along the Whale Trail. San Luis Obispo County is the proud home to 10 Whale Trail locations and six interpretive signs that […]
[…]levels don’t force a wet crossing, but wear grippy shoes, just in case. Native plants along the trail include riparian foliage along the creek, as well as grasses, oaks, and chaparral in drier areas. Wildlife in the deep interior of San Luis Obispo County includes mule deer, black bear, wild […]
[…]on the Central Coast, plan ahead with a few simple strategies. The weather here can change along the trail, so be sure to dress in layers to adapt to the moment. Always bring a bottle of water, a hat and sturdy hiking shoes, and wear sunscreen. Some trails offer ideal […]
[…]breakfast, lunch, dinner and a selection of wine and beer. For a lovely outing, walk part of the trail, stop for a drink on the Woodstone patio, then continue toward the coast.The Bob Jones Trail is extremely family-friendly, and welcomes all types of travelers, from walkers and joggers to cyclists […]
[…]a dramatic ocean bluff. Want to take in the scenery or enjoy a snack? Handcrafted benches dot the trail, allowing for a peaceful moment by the sea. Hikers should note that the Bluff trail connects to Windsor Boulevard North to South. Marine Terrace Trail The Marine Terrace Trail is perfect […]
[…]you’ll notice a small seasonal waterfall cascading to the beach; this is Black Swift Falls, the trail’s namesake. Once on the dark, volcanic sands, you and Fido can play along the shore of this small, intimate beach that’s often completely empty. Watch the waves roll in, the waterfall flow, the […]
[…]awaits: Explore Downtown Avila Beach, where wine tasting rooms meet the sand. Be sure to stop at the Whale Trail Sign on the Avila Beach Pier and keep an eye out for these magnificent creatures. Travel for Good and pick up your free clean up kit and complimentary tote bag […]
