Home to the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary and Hearst San Simeon State Park, San Simeon is the perfect spot to observe wildlife in their element. Hike along family-friendly coastal bluff trails with lookout points to view seabirds and marine life, explore nature up close at tidepools full of life and observe the elephant seals […]

Explore the Coastal Discovery Trail Along Highway 1   The new Coastal Discovery Trail is a curated collection of activities that highlights nature, history and local experts. Make the most of your travels to the Central Coast by using the resources and links below to find the best beaches, outdoor activities, historic sites, wildlife viewing […]

Before the advent of the railroad and easily traversed highways, most of the commerce in central California was conducted by ship and piers and wharfs were vitally important.

Highway 1 is most famous for its coastal views, so you'll definitely want to take the chance to hop out of your car and stroll along the Pacific Valley Bluff Trail.

The Boucher Trail runs from the paved elephant seal viewing parking for 1.9 miles, to a half mile north of the Piedras Blancas Light Station.

The Whale Trail is a series of sites where the public may view orcas, other cetaceans and marine mammals from shore.

Teachers, students, beachgoers, researchers and others can now view a wealth of information about central California marine life

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.

Go back in time to the lonely and blustery life of the lighthouse keeper with a visit to the Piedras Blancas Lighthouse.

Travel the route that hugs the California coast, providing access to austere, windswept cypress trees, fog-shrouded cliffs and the crashing surf of the Pacific Ocean. Views include rugged canyons, towering redwoods, sea lions, and other marine life.

The San Carpoforo Creek Beach Access is the northernmost portion of the state-owned properties in Hearst San Simeon State Park.

The San Luis Obispo North Coast Byway provides an extraordinary experience.

Arroyo Laguna Beach is a windsurfing and kiteboarding spot along the northern San Luis Obispo Coast.

Connecting the Pacific Ocean with the land, the California Coastal National Monument provides unique coastal habitat for marine-dependent wildlife and vegetation

Junge Ranch Trail - Hearst San Simeon State Park is a 2.2 mile out and back trail located near Cambria

Located on beautiful San Simeon Bay, the Coastal Discovery Center celebrates the connection between land and seas.

Longboard, short board or kite surfer...all are welcome at Pico Creek Surf Spot

San Simeon State Park is one of the oldest units of the California State Park System.