Avila Beach

Smack-bang between Los Angeles and San Francisco is the seaside town of San Simeon. Its central location makes the town a natural stop on Highway 1—but San Simeon’s main draw is its world-famous mansion. Hearst Castle, a shining example of Gilded Age extravagance, welcomes 1.5 million guests to its magical grounds each year. Alongside the castle (an absolute must-see), San Simeon shines with such natural splendour that you’ll see why William Randolph Hearst chose this area in which to build his otherworldly abode.

There are plenty of ways to explore the beachy beauty of San Simeon. At Piedras Blancas Elephant Seal Rookery, elephant seals cover the shore. Head here in winter to see these extraordinary creatures (males weigh as much as 2,270 kgs) as they bring their little ones into the world. The Boucher Trail starts at the rookery parking lot and extends 1.9 miles north, providing the opportunity to check out other coastal wildlife or simply admire the cliffs. At the end of the path, you can see the Piedras Blancas Light Station from a distance; book a tour for a closer look.

San Simeon’s handful of beaches offer very different delights. At the largest, W.R. Hearst Memorial State Beach, you can choose from among two dozen picnic sites, swim in the surf or hire a kayak from Kayak Cambria for an offshore adventure. Arroyo Laguna is a windsurfer’s dream, with gusts regularly reaching 40 miles per hour. The pebbly Little Pico Creek is the perfect place to search for shells and explore rockpools filled with starfish, sea anemones and crustaceans.

Whether you spend the day hiking along the beach or walking the halls of Hearst Castle, Sebastian's General Store and Cafe is the perfect place to refuel your body and relax your mind. Housed inside an 1850s-era landmark that originally sold goods to local whalers, the café serves up juicy burgers alongside handcrafted wines. Sebastian’s also doubles as a tasting room for Hearst Ranch Winery. 

Spend the night in San Simeon at The Morgan, inspired by Hearst Castle architect Julia Morgan, or at the Cavalier Oceanfront Resort, where guests enjoy nightly bonfires overlooking the beach. For a cosier experience, check into one of the cottage-style inns in neighbouring Cambria to the south. Or head north to Big Sur to enjoy the extreme luxury of the Post Ranch Inn. As you drive out of San Simeon, keep your eyes peeled for a herd of zebra grazing the hills. They’re a remnant from the Hearst Castle private zoo, once home to monkeys, lions, tigers, orangutans and a single elephant.

It’s impossible to mistake Morro Bay for any other California seaside town. Just off its shore, a massive, ancient volcanic plug known as Morro Rock rises 175 metres from the ocean, adding a dramatic exclamation point to this haven of natural beauty. Fishermen plied their trade in the shadow of Morro Rock for decades; today, the town in San Luis Obispo County maintains its seafaring charm with a full range of additional activities.

You can’t climb Morro Rock, but you can look for the peregrine falcons that nest there. And it’s not just there you’ll see birds: so many of them love the Morro Bay area that the Audubon Society has dubbed it one of the country’s best places for bird watchers. There’s even a birding festival every Martin Luther King Jr  Day weekend. Nature lives in the water, too, of course—check it out by taking a whale-watching cruise or popping into the free Estuary Nature Center, a popular spot with otters and other sea creatures.

The town is an ambulatory paradise as well: beaches stretch north and south of town, perfect for strolling with a view of Morro Rock. Landlubbers can walk the area’s many trails or simply explore the Embarcadero, a waterfront street with shops and restaurants. Or learn more about wheeled transportation by visiting the Morro Bay Skateboard Museum, where you can get a pic of yourself on the 'world’s second biggest skateboard'.

Restaurants in Morro Bay are similarly Instagram-worthy, thanks to a combination of water views and fresh cuisine. Start your day with the crème brûlée French toast at local haunt Frankie & Lola’s. Later, watch as the sun begins its slow descent behind Morro Rock while tucking into 'naked fish' (simple, with sauces on the side) at The Galley, where dishes incorporate ingredients direct from the head chef’s family farm. Or visit the family-owned Dutchman’s Seafood House, which has its own dock—so you can count on just-caught seafood.

Hotels in Morro Bay also take full advantage of the town’s unique geography and geology. Stay in a suite at Estero Inn, where porthole windows create a fitting nautical theme and fireplace rooms have waterfront views. The boutique Anderson Inn offers coastal allure as well; opt for a view of Morro Rock with a room that offers a fireplace and bathtub. And the good-value Sundown Inn is a Main Street institution; located just a couple streets back from the water, it’s been run by the same family for 35 years.

Whether you’re driving from the north or south on U.S. Highway 101, there’s an unforgettable moment as you reach Pismo Beach. The coastal hills open up to reveal shimmering turquoise waters and long stretches of the San Luis Obispo County coastline, with glimpses of this vintage beach town hugging the shore. Work your way toward the sands, through streets of beach cottages, surf shops, and clam chowder joints.

Don’t miss the historic 1,200-foot-long Pismo Beach Pier. Built in 1928, the pier is the closest thing to a town square for Pismo Beach. Take a walk out over the waves to watch the surfers, or maybe try your hand at fishing (no license required) for red snapper, ling cod, or even the occasional thresher shark. From the pier, stroll along the oceanfront boardwalk, or just hike along the hard-packed sands; the broad, flat expanses make this one of the most walkable beaches in all of California.

The broad, flat expanses at Pismo Beach make this one of the most walkable beaches in all of California.

Pismo Beach’s gorgeous setting means that there are all sorts of ways to connect to nature. Saddle up for horseback through the dunes just south of town and all the way to the surf on guided outings with Pacific Dunes Riding Ranch. Tours with Central Coast Kayaks take paddlers into dramatic sea caves tucked into the craggy coastline north of downtown. Or, rent a “dune buggy” or an ATV to ride the dunes at Oceano Dunes State Vehicular Recreation Area. And while you might spot 35-ton grey whales from the shores, tiny creatures that weigh less than a gram put on unforgettable displays when the thousands of monarch butterflies arrive at the Pismo Beach Monarch Butterfly Grove from late October to February.

An iconic beach town deserves some traditional beach food and in Pismo you’ll find all sorts of timeless favourites. Spoon up some of the silky, award-winning chowder at Splash Café. Or bite into the black Angus burgers at Wooly’s Beach Bar & Grill, where the deck overlooks the sand.

As the gateway to the nearby Edna Valley and Arroyo Grande Valley wine regions, the culinary scene in Pismo Beach also has a sophisticated side. Discover an outstanding selection of local wines without leaving town at Tastes of the Valleys, which earned honours as one of the top 20 wine bars in America from Wine Enthusiast Magazine. Pair gorgeous ocean views with fresh seafood at Oyster Loft (above Wooly’s) or Latin-inspired entrees at the Ventana Grill, two of the best sunset spots in town.

Speaking of sunsets, stay at one of Pismo Beach’s oceanfront resorts or hotels and you won’t even have to leave your room to watch the sky come aglow over the Pacific. At the pet-friendly SeaCrest Oceanfront Hotel, open up the balcony door of your airy, contemporary room and fall asleep to the sound of the waves. Or spoil yourself at Dolphin Bay Resort & Spa, where the indulgences include hot-stone massages and the five-course chef’s tasting menu at its Lido restaurant. 

The town centre of SLO’s most stately structure rises up from Mission Plaza. Founded in 1772 by Father Junipero Serra, it’s an impressive structure, fronted by an equally impressive beast—a sculpture of grizzly bear. These giant bears, now extinct in California, were once prevalent here, and spurred the name given to the region by the Portola expedition in 1769: La Cañada de los Osos (Valley of the Bears). (Grizzlies also made it onto the state flag.)

From the Plaza, look up to note the three bells suspended in the church façade. Inside, the classic mission design has a twist: a long secondary nave to the right of the altar. For more history and information, visit the mission’s excellent museum and its special focus on local Chumash Indians. Visiting on a Friday evening in summer? Lucky you. Join locals for free, family-friendly concerts featuring quality musicians from San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara counties in the beautiful Mission Plaza.

Thursday evenings year-round, (except Thanksgiving [fourth Thursday in November] or if it’s raining), the place to be in SLO is Higuera Street, home to a farmers’ market with the soul of a street party. At this loved-by-locals weekly event, students and families gravitate to the town centre to collect containers of Hayashi’s super-sweet strawberries or fresh roasted corn on the cob then catch up with friends. Live music makes a perfect backdrop for perusing all the fresh produce and artisan foods, and chatting with local farmers. 

Other markets abound in this bountiful region. There’s a produce-only farmers' market every Saturday at the San Luis Obispo Promenade shopping centre and other gatherings in nearby Los Osos and neighbouring communities.

This community nourishes and promotes its artists in many ways, including a vibrant public arts programme and joint events with Cal Poly; check local papers or the SLO Arts Council website for details. 

But if you only partake in one art-related foray on your visit, aim to be in town on the first Friday night of the month so you can check out the Art After Dark programme. Though many shops open earlier, Art After Dark officially starts at 6pm, with galleries inviting you to visit, have a glass of wine and a few nibbles, browse and buy until 9pm. On a typical Art After Dark, over 20 galleries and non-traditional art venues (think restaurants, boutiques and salons) spotlight established and emerging local artists. Many studios are also open, so you can chat with artists themselves. 

If you’re in town when Cal Poly is in session, head up to the campus to visit the University Art Gallery, in the Dexter Building, to see the latest student creations.

Get ready for a spectacular selection of outdoor experiences. Start with an invigorating leg stretch at Montaña de Oro State Park, 30 miles/48 kilometres west of San Luis Obispo (aka SLO). The name means “Mountain of Gold,” alluding not to the precious metal but to the dazzling springtime displays of golden wildflowers. This 8,000-acre/3,327-hectare coastal preserve has plenty of places to explore—head for trails climbing to the top of 1,347-foot/411-meter Valencia Peak, or peer into tide pools accessed via the Bluff Trail.

Bagging 1,546-foot/471-meter Bishop Peak—one of the region’s nine signature, elegantly rounded coastal mountains—is another popular hike. The 3½-mile/5½-km round trip walk is a workout, but you’ll be rewarded with whopping ocean and land views from the top. 

Want to try beach camping? Reserve a spot for your tent at appealing (and popular) Spooner Cove. Or consider North Beach State Campground, about 14 miles/23 kilometres south of SLO in Pismo Beach; romp on more than 20 miles/32 kilometres of unspoiled sandy beaches, and find your perfect spot for digging legendary Pismo clams (permit required). Pismo State Beach is also known for its remarkable Monarch Butterfly Grove, where tens of thousands of the elegant, black-and-orange butterflies stop to rest during their annual migration. Spotting scopes are set up for easy viewing of the butterflies, which hang from trees in tight clusters in the evening to help stay warm through the night. In the morning, watch them flutter and fly as the sun coaxes them awake.

Biking has come on very strong in the region, and local bike shops and the San Luis Obispo Bicycle Club can recommend a to match your ability and interests. Morro Bay, about 13 miles/21 kilometres northwest of SLO, has even more diversions for outdoor lovers. Local concessionaires offer fishing trips, as well as kayaking and sailing excursions. 

Although they share a spectacular 50-mile/80-km stretch of California’s Central Coast, each of San Luis Obispo County’s five main beach towns boasts its own unique identity. Here’s a roundup of insider tips and local favourites in each of these unique, edge-of-the-sea communities, listed south to north.

Pismo Beach

With long, broad sands steps from its vintage downtown and the outstanding Edna Valley appellation just minutes away, Pismo Beach is where wine meets the surf. Pick up a salt-water fishing license, clam rake, and callipers at such local businesses as Gotta Go Fish’n, then hit the beach in search of the legendary Pismo lam, the largest clam along the California coast. Dig for these delicacies (you must use your callipers to make sure clams are the legal limit of 4.5 inches/11.43 centimetres; smaller ones get returned to the sand). Or leave the clamming to the pros and spoon up some acclaimed clam chowder at Splash Café, a favorite in Pismo’s funky downtown since 1989. For a taste of the local wine country, sample Pinot Noirs made with grapes sourced from Edna Valley and Avila Valley vineyards at Pismo Beach Winery.

Avila Beach

Hidden a few miles west of U.S. Highway 101, Avila Beach offers some of the county’s balmiest coastal weather and a rebuilt downtown and waterfront. On Wednesday and Saturday mornings, join a guided hike following the Pecho Coast Trail to the 1890 Port San Luis Lighthouse (phone reservations required; 805/528-8758). Join a Seaweed Express (offered by Avila Beach Boat Charters) to explore sea caves and look for dolphins. Take in views of San Luis Bay while dining on jumbo coconut prawns and succulent wild California king salmon at the Old Custom House restaurant.

Morro Bay

Famous for Morro Rock, the “Gibraltar of the Pacific,” Morro Bay is a classic fishing town with harbour-front restaurants, and outstanding wildlife watching. Paddle the bay and keep your eyes open for sea otters and harbour seals on guided tours from Central Coast Outfitters, or rent your own equipment (consider Kayak Horizons) to paddle the calm waters. Along The Embarcadero, choose from a huge collection of rare seashells and decorative corals at The Shell Shop, then let the kids check out more than 200 skateboards from all eras at the Morro Bay Skateboard Museum. At The Galley Seafood Grill & Bar, gaze out on fishing boats and Morro Rock as you dine on entrees prepared with produce grown in nearby Los Osos Valley paired with wild-caught seafood and of course—local wines.

Cayucos

Budget Travel magazine once named Cayucos one of “America’s coolest small towns” and it definitely has a little bit of everything: great food, beaches, and hints of the Old West, thanks to a long ranching history. Ruddell’s Smokehouse is nothing fancy but bite into tacos made with smoked fish, including salmon and albacore, and you’ll know why visitors and locals line up to dine at this Cayucos favorite. For dessert, pick up the shortbread-like sweet-and-salty originals or irresistible espresso cookies at the Brown Butter Cookie Company. Now you have to work it all off, so take a hike with expansive ocean views at Estero Bluffs State Park, featuring 4 miles/6.4 kilometers of dramatic coastline just north of town.

Cambria

This artsy town, a gateway to Hearst Castle, is known for galleries, sophisticated dining, and a craggy coastline. Discover the creative side of this village as you shop for contemporary works by Cambria and Central Coast artists at The Vault Gallery (it’s in a historic bank building). Find hand-blown pieces by leading glass artists from around the world at Cambria Glassworks, then head across the street for patio and garden dining (don’t miss the classic salmon bisque) at Robin’s Restaurant.