[…]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 one county along the entire California coast!) Six of those 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 views affording the best […]
[…]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 […]
[…]just 2 minutes from Avila Beach and just 15 minutes from Pismo Beach and San Luis Obispo. We offer whale watching tours, one hour coastal tours, ash scattering services and private […]
Highway 1 Discovery Route’s Foto Feature Whale Watching Photo by @PacificWhaleResearch Whale Watching is an activity that can be fun for the whole family, which might be why it’s more popular than ever. The most common whales spotted off the Central Coast of California are humpback whales, blue whales and grey […]
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 & […]
[…]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 with the stunning beauty and vibrant natural history of our […]
[…]to marine mammals and their habitat, inspire stewardship, build community and promote land-based whale watching. Shore-based whale-watching is at once a deeply local and widely shared experience. At Whale Trail sites along the west coast, people might even be watching the same whales at different points on their migrations.” For […]
[…]other marine wildlife and their habitat Inspire stewardship and build community Promote land-based whale watching The Whale Trail is located at San Simeon State Park on Moonstone Beach Drive and is supported by VisitCambria, California State Parks and Highway1DiscoveryRoute. Be a wildlife steward. Give animals the space they need to eat, […]
[…]1. Here you will find plenty to see and do while living 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, […]
[…]and the beach. In fall, find Black-and-White Warblers, Reddish Egrets, and Summer Tanagers. Bird Watching Avila Beach Avila Beach boasts a number of bird-watching lookouts, and walking the Bob Jones Trail is a relaxing and scenic way to find some of them. Along the trail, look for Black-Headed Grosbeaks and […]
[…]with herds of cattle grazing peacefully. The area surrounding the Reservoir is prime for bird watching, especially around the Santa Rita Creek. Fishing, bicycling, hiking and hang gliding are also popular in this area. Whale Rock Dam was built in 1961, creating a 40,662 acre foot resevoir. The reservoir provides […]
[…]the ocean. Sunlight glinting off the animal’s back was a sparkling sign that some of the best whale watching can occur from a surprising place: land. This February visit to Dana Point Preserve near San Diego was my fourth stop along the Whale Trail, a collection of coastal sites stretching […]
[…]preserving the magic of the Highway 1 experience. Download your free Wildlife map from highway 1 Whale Watching One of the most majestic experiences in the heart of Highway 1, whale watching is possible along nearly every section of our 80 miles of coastline. In fact, the Whale Trail—a national […]
[…]in the bay Whale WatchingThis section of Highway 1 is particularly fortunate to see so many whales pass by offshore. From migrating grey and blue whales to humpbacks, minkes, and even the occasional orca, this stretch of coastline makes for great whale watching. In fact, the Whale Trail organization identified […]
[…]area also includes interpretive signs to enhance the experience for all ages. Best Beach for Whale Watching William Randolph Hearst State Beach Did you know that the heart of Highway 1 is a hot spot for whale watching? In fact, the Whale Trail organization deemed six of our beaches some […]
[…]Watching In addition to the Whale Stop on the Boucher Trail at Piedras Blancas, there are multiple elevated scenic viewing points along Highway 1. Turn off onto any one of these points and you may see a whale in the distance. Look for spouts on the water’s surface — did […]
[…]Watching along the Whale Trail Clamming Pismo BeachFor at least 25,000 years, people have been digging for clams in this area of California’s Central Coast. In fact, Pismo Beach named itself the “Clam Capital of the World” in 1947. Clam varieties caught here are “Pismo Clams” and “Pismo Razor Clams.” […]
[…]itinerary and experience wide open spaces, tranquil beaches, uncrowded trails, awe-inspiring whale watching and cozy coastal communities along iconic Highway 1. Never taken on this slice of SLO CAL before? Planning your trip is as easy as checking out our Coastal Discovery Trail North Coast and South Coast recommendations, rife […]
[…]Avila Beach at its coastal best. Whale Watching Avila Beach is a hot spot for witnessing whales migrating up and down the West Coast. In fact, if you want a close encounter with a whale, this is one of the areas in California where you’re most likely to get it. […]
[…]WatchingMuch to the delight of residents and visiting whale watchers, whale pods can be seen along the coast at different times throughout the year. (In fact, the Whale Trail organization, which identifies the best whale-watching spots on the West Coast, has named this area a top lookout point.) No need […]
[…]toys and books make this a family-favorite stop. Berry picking at Avila Valley Barn Whale Watching Avila Beach offers prime opportunities for whale sightings, allowing visitors to witness the grace of these majestic creatures in their natural habitat. The optimal time for whale watching in Avila Beach is during the […]
[…]WatchingCambria is designated as one of the top places for whale watching by The Whale Trail, a national organization. Find The Whale Trail’s informative interpretive sign at Shamel Park, adjacent to Moonstone Beach — and don’t forget your binoculars. Elephant SealsA treasure of the Central Coast lies just north of […]
[…]Watching from the San Simeon Pier Few experiences beat the excitement of seeing a whale spout or breach within several feet of San Simeon Cove. Historically, this area sees a lot of whale activity — especially in fall — and the San Simeon Pier offers the best view. Humpback whales […]
[…]at WR Hearst Memorial State Beach, the whole family is welcome to enjoy this incredible resource. Whale Watching You’ve seen the Elephant Seals—now it’s time to watch for whales. Highway 1 Discovery Route’s Whale Trail features ten unique stops nestled along the coast. Look for the Whale Trail signs along […]
[…]the rhythmic sound of the waves beneath. The pier offers benches for sitting, as well as excellent whale watching, fishing, and opportunities to watch surfers hang ten. For other things to do in Cayucos, don’t miss free samples of sea-salted Brown Butter Cookie Company cookies, or walking the Estero Bluffs […]
[…]journey along Old San Simeon Bay Pier, overlooking William Randolph Hearst Sate Beach, a superb whale watching spot? To the south, in the charming artist’s alcove of Cambria, embark on a self-guided historic walking tour heightened by galleries and perhaps even a slice of famous Olallieberry pie. As you continue to chase the sun south along Highway 1, Cayucos’ […]
[…]part of the Coastal Discovery Celebration, why not have a whale of a time whale watching along Highway 1? Nothing brings a sense of awe for nature’s wonders like seeing a whale spout or tail with your own eyes. And on the Highway 1 Discovery Route, whale watching is easier […]
[…]to our coastal communities to spot rare birds and log their findings. It’s also a hot spot for whale watching, with gray whales, humpback whales, blue whales and even orcas cruising offshore seasonally. (The Whale Trail organization has even named ten recommended whale watching spots here — the most of […]
[…]visiting the Coastal Discovery Center museum and visitor center. But if you’re pressed for time, whale watching from San Simeon Bay Pier is an excellent family-friendly activity. Reaching 800 feet out across the water, the pier offers a good view of the ocean and the bay. Interpretive signs share the […]
[…]all it has to offer? SLO Tours charter boat tour docks at Harford Pier, offering awe-inspiring whale watching tours and even high speed zodiac boat tours along the water. For a more relaxed excursion, check out the pier’s fish market or cast a fishing line off the dock—no license required. […]
[…]set, spike! Bring your net, a volleyball, and friends for fun in the sun on Cayucos State Beach. Whale Watching Cayucos State Beach is home to one of the best places on the West Coast for whale watching. In fact, Cayucos Beach sits along the Whale Trail, a series of […]
[…]them). 21. The Excitement of Whale Watching There’s nothing like observing a massive fluke emerge from the depths. Gray whales can usually be seen in October and again mid-February through May, while Blue whales (including humpbacks) are known to visit the Central Coast each summer in search of krill. If […]
[…]focused on conservation. Whales are some of the most popular wildlife along this stretch of coastline. Within San Luis Obispo County, the Whale Trail has 10 viewing spots – the most of any other county in California. At each spot, visitors will find interpretive signs with details about the whale […]
[…]you can easily step into the natural world without emptying your wallet. It’s a wonder that whale watching along Highway 1’s Whale Trail is completely free, making available the very best whale watching locations, including ten across the Central Coast and six located dotting Highway 1 alone. Simply stop at […]
[…]Elephant Seal Rookery, participate in a beach cleanup in Cambria or embark on an exhilarating whale watching adventure in Cayucos. From Ragged Point Inn’s dramatic backdrop to Nipomo’s undulating dunes, you’ll make lasting memories as you Travel for Good on your next Highway 1 Road Trip. Avila Beach A sunny […]
[…]of Monarchs to the Central Coast. Whale Trail The Whale Trail organization has identified the best whale watching spots on the West Coast, and one of them is in Oceano! Look for the interpretive sign on the overlook to Pismo State Beach at West Grand Avenue. You might spy gray […]
[…]Watching on the Whale TrailEncountering the majesty of whales traveling the Pacific shoreline should be on every solo traveler’s bucket list. Here on Highway 1, it’s possible to spy a puff from a blowhole, a fin or a tail out at sea, or even close-up. You just need to know […]
[…]A walk from Leffingwell Landing to Moonstone Beach and back provides excellent opportunities for whale watching. Look for the California Gray Whale migration during the winter (heading south) and spring (moving north). Other common species to see here include dolphins, sea lions, sea otters — sometimes even humpback or minke […]
[…]to keep your eyes peeled for urchins and anemones as you explore this hands-on discovery area! Whales If whale spotting is your idea of outdoor fun, stroll the San Simeon Pier at William Randolph Hearst Memorial Beach, located walking distance from the Discovery Center. Tip: Look for the handy Whale […]
[…]Bird and Whale Watching The north coast of San Luis Obispo County, where Cambria is located, boasts numerous spots from which to spot otters, watch whales, and spy birds. The best places are those with an elevated viewpoint for gaining unobstructed views, like the Fiscalini Ranch Bluff Trail and Moonstone […]
[…]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 these treasures in the Pacific Coast trove, the […]
[…]up high-powered telescopes for the public to view them, and share expertise in talks and tours.For whale-watching, coastal San Luis Obispo County offers a treasure trove of opportunities to see whales migrating offshore. The Whale Trail organization identifies prime West Coast whale-watching locations, and ten are in San Luis Obispo […]
[…]The Cove (as locals call it) is popular for swimming, fishing, sunbathing, picnicking, kayaking, whale watching, and more. W.R. Hearst State Beach is one of the best family beaches on Highway 1. Activities at W.R. Hearst Memorial BeachThanks to the protection of The Cove, this beach boasts ideal weather and […]
[…]Whale Trail encourages visitors to Travel for Good by enjoying spectacular whale watching opportunities all along the West Coast. Located at the southern end of Cambria’s Moonstone Beach trail, you’ll find one of the organization’s popular Whale Trail viewing points. The path ends at Shamel Park, where whale watching is […]
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 […]
[…]for their babies within full view of the pier. Harford Pier is also a popular lookout point for whale watching, as is the main pier in Avila Beach. Certain whale species travel through Avila Beach at different times throughout the year, and sometimes even make an extended pit stop in […]
[…]Towns, Big AdventuresPacific Dunes RidingHumvee TourBiplane TourSmall Towns, Big WildlifeWhalesWhales (mobile)Elephant sealsElephant seals (mobile)ZebrasZebras (mobile)Small Towns, Big WinesNorth CoastNorth Coast (mobile)South Coast (mobile)Edna ValleyEdna ValleyAvila Wine Trail – Peloton CellarsAvila Wine Trail – Sinor LaValleeSocialLocal Hood Story ExamplesEpic ViewsExciting AdventuresWildlife ViewingBig WinesBest Places to Eat Season of Coastal Discovery Tool […]
[…]Trail The Whale Trail organization identifies the best places for whale watching on the West Coast. And guess what? San Luis Obispo County boasts 10 of those sites — the most of any county in California. Find a trail sign, learn what to look for, and enjoy the search for […]
[…]flukes and dorsal fins. Big splashes may indicate a whale has just breached. Notice the shape of whale blows: gray whales are heart-shaped; humpbacks tall and rounded; blue whale blows are tall and shaped like a champagne flute. An orca’s triangular triangular dorsal fin on the male stand as tall as six feet. […]
