[…]we can ensure that this incredible landscape remains healthy for generations to come. View the […]
[…]especially Cayucos and Pismo Preserve trails. Want to delve deeper into the life cycle of local wildflowers? Head to Morro Bay State Park for “Beauty and the Beast: California Wildflowers and Climate Change,” a Morro Bay Museum of Natural History exhibit running March 24-September 17, 2023. Presented by California State […]
[…]views of goldfields, coastal tidy tip, baby blue eyes, and California poppies. While there are wildflowers visible from many different pull-offs, this the best location to view the Carrizo Plain Superbloom. Simmler Road Accessible by rugged vehicles only, Simmler Road showcases a diverse range of wildflowers amidst its scenic landscapes. […]
[…]one, to be sure. In season, all of Montaña de Oro State Park’s hiking trails afford views of wildflowers, but one in particular is simply spectacular. The walk along the Point Buchon Trail takes in wide-ranging glimpses of wildflowers, especially abundant thanks to rotational cattle grazing practices. This highly recommended […]
[…]grassy valleys. Though spring is peak wildflower season, several areas feature areas brimming with wildflowers all year long. These include wildflowers along trails like those at the Fiscalini Ranch Preserve in Cambria and oak forest wildflowers like those at Los Osos Oaks; to wildflowers that bloom in the dunes and […]
[…]Tool Kit Landing Page URL: https://highway1roadtrip.com/things-to-do/wildflowers-on-highway-1/Raw VideoSuperbloomFLICKR ImagesAlbumAll imagesBlog & Social Content:https://highway1roadtrip.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/H1RT-Blog-Where-to-Find-Wildflowers-March.pdfGoogle Map:https://goo.gl/maps/b4gqCkEWZ3f3qpaC6Itinerary & EventsEarth Day itineraryEarth Day events Wildlife Tool Kit Run Dates: January 5 – February 29, 2024Campaign Overview:Travel writers are telling us they are looking for stories featuring small towns and a Highway 1 Road Trip is […]
[…]elevated ocean views and seasonal wildflowers, the popular Bluff Trail is a no brainer for anyone interested in an epic-yet-intimate beach wedding. With a 10-guest capacity and sweeping vistas showcasing rocky cliffs and rugged coastline, you’ll find that the sandy tones of the terrain contrasts beautifully with the deep blue […]
[…]an easy, breezy coastal stroll. Walk through grassy fields to a cliff with panoramic ocean views. Wildflowers and scrub grow along the fields, as well as in the rocks and cliffs.Want to find more trails around the Gateway to Big Sur? Visit our main hiking page for an outline of […]
[…]outdoor ceremony area showcasing mountainous wine country views, tie the knot among vines, wildflowers, fruit trees—even a vibrantly-tiled pool. Overlooking the Arroyo Grande Valley, Santa Lucia Mountain Range and vineyards, this show-stopping venue accommodates up to 180 guests and features eye-catching Spanish accents throughout. With several haciendas on site stocked […]
Who doesn’t desire their own private beach? Discover the next best thing with these 5 hidden gem beaches located along scenic Highway 1. From serene shores and quiet coves to undulating dunes, our uncrowded slice of San Luis Obispo County (SLO CAL) Coast beckons savvy surfers, beachcombers and sunbathers alike. […]
[…]and open wetlands. In the spring, these views also include carpets of exuberant and colorful wildflowers. Along the way, benches allow hikers to rest or grab a snack, and interpretive signs share information about the trail’s abundant wildlife. Without stops, this hike takes about 1.5 to 2 hours to complete.To […]
Edna Valley Wine Region With 2,000 acres of vines and 27 wine tasting rooms among golden rolling hills, the Edna Valley makes for a delicious getaway. Family-owned and off-the-beaten-path, these boutique wineries each offer something different, but Pinot Noir and Chardonnay reign over most tasting menus. And with a variety […]
[…]Grande. The Clover Ridge Trail also serves as a good jogging course. In addition to clover, see wildflowers like ground morning glory, hummingbird sage, and woodwordia ferns beside the well-maintained dirt path. Be careful, as poison oak also grows in and around this area. The Clover Ridge Trail is a […]
[…]smooth “moonstones.” From its elevated position, the boardwalk offers views of rugged cliffs, wildflowers and cypress trees, and the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary offshore. You might spy a whale spouting offshore, sea lions playing in the surf, active tidepools containing sea anemone and hermit crabs, or busy sandpipers. Within […]
[…]into brilliant color each spring. Visitors are invited to enjoy this colorful celebration of local wildflowers, many of which thrive at Fiscalini Ranch Preserve. A small donation to Friends of the Fiscalini Preserve grants access to a comprehensive tour of the flora diversity of northern San Luis Obispo County from […]
Where can you hike, surf, paraglide, fish, dig for clams, ride horseback, and drive on the beach? In California, there’s only one place: the Oceano Dunes. The early Chumash people and the artists’ community of the Dunites both called this enormous system of coastal dunes home. But the Oceano Dunes […]
[…]the historic Point San Luis Lighthouse. Many native plants and animals flourish along the trail. Wildflowers can be seen in the spring, as well as gray whales swimming offshore. All hikes along the Pecho Coast Trail are docent-led and require a reservation. Learn from docent naturalists about the local history […]
[…]ocean vistas and a killer view of Morro Rock. Depending on the season, the hike can also include wildflowers like lupine and evening primrose, as well as heather, coyote bush and salt grass. Find clamshells, sand dollars and Chumash middens (ancient trash heaps) along the way. To locate the trailhead, […]
[…]golf course on the other. Enjoy the sounds of birdsong and waves on the shore, and the sight of wildflowers as you walk the 1.5-mile out-and-back trail. Kids and families will love the wide, easy path and opportunities to explore. Dogs are allowed to take the trail too, provided they […]
[…]with generous views of Edna Valley wine country to the east. In the spring, seasonal springs and wildflowers abound along this popular trail. Spring to Spring At 3.4 miles, the Spring to Spring trail travels an interior loop of the preserve, overlapping with the Discovery Trail for its last section. […]
[…]Highway 1, where incredible hiking terrain meets and stunning coastal scenery, elephant seals, wildflowers—even a shipwreck! Hike like a local and discover hidden waterfalls, fearless hang gliders, excellent wine tasting, whale watching and local flavor—all along scenic Highway 1! So, what are you waiting for? Awesome rewards await for all […]
[…]so that the native vegetation can thrive and be enjoyed. Removing invasive plants makes room for wildflowers to return from dormant seeds still in the soil. A thriving native habitat provides better forage and shelter for wildlife, so in addition to more wildflowers visitors get to see more wildlife too. […]
[…]quiet, empty beaches, tidepools hosting sea stars, anemones and crabs, and vibrant strokes of wildflowers. The path is very flat and easy, welcoming people of all ages and abilities to walk the bluffs. Ocean lovers will especially appreciate the beached fishing boat that lies just off the coastline in one […]
[…]Reef Trail” sign and park there. Walk through an enchanted eucalyptus forest, past blooming wildflowers on the way. Once you reach the tidepools, be careful to keep your wits about you as sneaker waves can come suddenly. And, once again, look up from the tidepools, too! On clear days, you’ll […]
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 […]
[…]of wheels. Check out the inventory for Avis, Hertz, Budget and Enterprise at Costco Car Rentals. Wildflowers are everywhere in April and May. The bluffs at Piedras Blancas Light Station are bright with yellow yarrow, seaside poppies and pink dune daisies. Spring is also prime time for wildlife viewing. Head outdoors during […]
[…]in the gnarled elfin forests, tidal pools fill with tiny and strange ocean creatures, and hills of wildflowers bloom so brightly that it makes the ground look like it’s made of gold. And this region boasts a variety of lodging options, including a golf course resort, quaint hotels on the […]
[…]your teeth through traffic, why not take in the big, blue Pacific, black sand beaches and lovely wildflowers, which emerge in full regalia each spring? Along the western Big Sur Coastline north of Ragged Point, turn off along Highway 1 and feast your eyes on a very special view: Big Creek, one […]
[…]“mountains of gold.” One legend says she named it so in reference to the beautiful gold wildflowers that cover the hills in spring. Another says she believed she’d strike it rich in oil and cattle there. Sadly, McAllister filed for bankruptcy within three years. A group of local residents believed […]
[…]the tide height, wave activity, and put on sunscreen before you go. On a warm Spring day, the wildflowers are popping up everywhere, and the blue-belly lizards are doing push-ups to impress each other. It’s worth stopping for a ‘view check’ to look around and enjoy where you […]
[…]trail crosses coastal grasslands, as well as native scrubs, salt grass, sagebrush and seasonal wildflowers. Along the trail, see gray whales migrating south, December through March, or spy otters and harbor seals closer to shore. Find sea birds such as gulls, the Western snowy plover, cormorants and pelicans on the […]
[…]Whether you yearn to trot horseback along the surf, hike a challenging peak surrounded by coastal wildflowers, discover untouched beaches or explore tide pools teeming with sea life, a stay alongside Los Osos’ Montana de Oro State Park does not disappoint. End your day with casual flavors of local sushi, […]
[…]name, Montaña de Oro means “Mountain of 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 […]
[…]history comes to life with tours and exhibits. Of course, in spring you can witness the golden wildflowers for which this park is named. But however you experience magical Montana de Oro, you will always come away moved by its untouched beauty. Los Osos Oaks State Preserve This protected natural […]
[…]to the shore is accessible by short lateral trails amidst grasses, coastal scrub and seasonal wildflowers. This popular walk welcomes dogs on leash from the park’s southern boundary to San Geronimo Creek. (Dogs are not permitted between San Geronimo Creek and the park’s northern boundary. Also note that bikes and […]
[…]brings natural and cultural history up close and personal, with Chumash archeology sites, golden wildflowers and a secret “smuggler’s cove.” Los Osos is tucked off the beaten path, so these parks and beaches are uncrowded and wide open for wonder. Here, find over 70 miles of trail and hundreds of […]
[…]look for birds like the ruby-crowned kinglet and American kestrel, as well as an abundance of wildflowers and native grasses. Especially watch for the snowy plover, a threatened bird species, as well as the California least tern, which is endangered. Both species nest within the Oceano Dunes. And who could […]
[…]Park south to the coastline off Harmony. Be sure to bring your camera for shots of wildlife, wildflowers, and waves as this is a picturesque slice of coastline. This is also the location for the University of California Natural Reserve. Here, marine biologists conduct ongoing research to improve our understanding […]
[…]Park offers endless exploration opportunities, from tide pools, moonstones and the creek mouth to wildflowers, shore birds and sea glass. Aerial views of Moonstone Beach Park Cambria Dog Park Everyone needs a chance to roam — even Rover! Bring your pup to the Cambria Dog Park where dogs can romp, […]
[…]to watch large swaths of hillsides turn orange, yellow, purple, and white with the bloom of spring wildflowers. Altogether, the Serenity Swing hike is about 3.5 miles, out and back, with a gain of 725 feet in elevation. Most of the hike is moderately easy, though the final section is […]
[…]easy 2.2-mile out-and-back walk along stunning coastal bluffs. Enjoy trekking through fields of wildflowers in season, like poppies, lupin and sticky monkey-flower. Viewing wildlife is also a probability here, from whales, dolphins and seals in the ocean to seabirds, butterflies, and interesting insects. Be warned, though: other insects and wildlife like […]
[…]miles of uncrowded coastline backdropped by stunning blue horizon, majestic redwoods and coastal wildflowers. Bike Ride Cycle along Highway 1 together for a magical outdoor excursion. With epic bike routes hugging the coastline, gear up for a romantic couple’s ride with a view. Along the way, find coastal bluffs, painted […]
[…]artistic side with a wildflower mural on the side of their store. The colorful artwork depicts wildflowers that can be found locally and includes both their common and latin names. Other Murals Along Highway 1 Art lovers can explore additional murals along the Highway 1 Discovery Route by exploring the […]
Visit Cambria to walk on historic streets and famous California beaches. Cambria’s history has been painstakingly preserved by a dedicated band of volunteers at the Historical Society, which brings the town’s history to life with an easy, self-guided historical walking tour. The tour showcases historic homes, storefronts and places of […]
Hit the waves (or the sand) at Cayucos State Beach. With six miles of white sand beach that stretch to the famous Morro Rock, Cayucos State Beach starts in the charming seaside town of Cayucos and is one of the best in California for surfing, swimming, tidepooling, and soaking up […]
Los Osos is home to the majestic Montaña de Oro State Park. A geologist and/or naturalist’s playground, Montaña de Oro is defined by its rugged cliffs, tucked-away sandy beaches, coastal plains, streams, canyons, and hills, with spectacular scenery produced through millions of years of volcanic activity, plate tectonics and erosion. […]
Oceano provides one of the only beaches in California where it is legal to drive. The Oceano Dunes State Vehicular Recreation Area (SVRA) is open year-round. The area is popular with truck and dune buggy enthusiasts, as well as those looking to beat the heat, so reservations are recommended (particularly […]
Imagine the road trip of your life, gliding past uncrowded beaches and wine grapes ripening in the sun. California dreaming? Think again. Highway 1 is the most iconic roadway in California, but not all sections are created equal. The length that passes along the coast through San Luis Obispo County […]
[…]where it gets the name “Mountain of Gold” from, you need only visit in the spring to see the wildflowers covering the park! Port San Luis One of the most popular camping destinations in all of California, Port San Luis has everything you would expect from a booming coastal town. […]
[…]expanse of nature, where you can stroll or mountain bike along earthen corridors peppered with wildflowers. The main attraction—Lopez Lake—is a favorite among kite-boarders and windsurfers alike. You, too, can “ride the wind” along the water. Looks exhilarating, doesn’t it? Wine on time: The SLO Coast Wine Region, a mere […]