San Luis Obispo (or SLO) – located at an approximate halfway point between Los Angeles and San Francisco – is a prosperous, laid back down with a distinctive coastal Californian vibe. The town’s key sight is Mission San Luis Obispo, accessed from the pedestrian-only segment of Monterey St, just off Chorro St. […]
Part of the Los Padres National Forest. Parking fees apply at the Willow Creek Beach Day Use area, which is managed by the forest service. […]
Similar to the the Salmon Creek Trail, but much shorter at just a mile in length. […]
A hike of a few hours at the southern end of Big Sur. […]
You can see Piedras Blancas Light Station from a distance as you drive by, but access to it is by guided tour only. A mile south of it is the largest elephant seal rookery on the West Coast. […]
William Randolph Hearst Memorial State Beach is located near the historic town of San Simeon along California State Route 1, in San Luis Obispo County, California, United States. It is named for newspaper magnate William Randolph Hearst (1863–1951), whose family is closely associated with the area. […]
Just southwest of Black Hill is this alternative hike. Five times the elevation change makes for more strenuous hiking but more extensive views! For a more easy-going hike, try the Black Hill trail. […]
For a good view over Morro Bay and the rock, make the hike up Black Hill. From the carpark, the elevation gain only around 60m (190 feet), so you can do it in 20 minutes. For a nearby, more strenous hike, check out the Cerro Cabrillo Trail. […]
The lava plug of a long extinct volcano, Morro Rock is the bay’s most distinctive feature. There is parking (and a popular surfing spot) at the base. The rock is sacred to Native Americans. […]
Morro Bay’s Natural HIstory Museum is operated by the California State Parks service. […]