Top Things to do in San Luis Obispo County
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Things to do in San Luis Obispo County, San Luis Obispo County: The Best Nature & Parks
Discover the best top things to do in San Luis Obispo County, United States including Montana de Oro State Park, Piedras Blancas, Bob Jones City to Sea Bike Trail, Fiscalini Ranch Preserve, Friends of the Elephant Seal Visitor Center and Gift Shop, Estero Bluffs State Park, Black Hill Trail, TV Tower Road, Moonstone Beach, Leffingwell Landing.
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1. Montana de Oro State Park
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 556 reviews
A great network of biking trails make this state park a perfect destination for expert and beginner bikers alike.
Reviewed By theadventurebuddies - Manhattan Beach, United States
The Adventure Buddies went hiking at Montana de Oro and it was so incredibly beautiful. The cliffs with caves, tide pools, beaches, wildlife.. what a wonderful surprise it was for us to be able to capture incredible photos of the landscape and central coast cliffs. There were tons of sea otters in the waves playing. Nice to walk, explore, and stop at a beautiful picnic bench with spectacular breathtaking views. We highly recommend!
2. Piedras Blancas
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 722 reviews
Reviewed By DePere - De Pere, United States
We visited the elephant seal rookery of Piedras Blancas in mid-April. We learned while we were there that the large males (5000 pounds) with the extended noses (proboscis ) would not be on the beach at this time of the year. The elephant seals on the beach would be females and adolescents using the beach as a place to molt. This was a great experience. We visited the boardwalk during the evening and then returned to the same area in the morning. We witnessed more activity in the morning session. The boardwalks extend both north and south of the parking lot. There were seals in the water, seals on the beach, seals sleeping, seals climbing over each other, and seals sparring with each other. This was just a great experience, especially for a person from the Midwest. The area has great signage on the road so a person can easily find the rookery, located a few miles north of San Simeon. Brochures and informational bulletin boards provides you with education about these sea mammals. No fee associated with parking or accessing the viewing area.
3. Bob Jones City to Sea Bike Trail
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 294 reviews
Reviewed By marktrus - Newbury Park, United States
This is a 1.7mile walk or bike ride to Avila Beach. Very senic, relaxing and easy to do, wonderful! It also takes you around the golf course, over a river via bridge.
4. Fiscalini Ranch Preserve
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 370 reviews
Reviewed By cvcalifornia
What a find! We've been going to Cambria for several years and I don't know how we missed this. BEAUTIFUL trails with whimsical benches. Can't wait to go back. You can meander along the cliff trail and return on the upper trail.....or save one for another day. We brought a little snack and watched the waves. Easy easy walk for any age.
5. Friends of the Elephant Seal Visitor Center and Gift Shop
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 3,096 reviews
The Elephant Seal Viewing area and the Friends of the Elephant Seal Visitor Center and Gift Shop (250 San Simeon Ave, Suite 3B, San Simeon, CA) are two separate locations. They are 7.2 miles apart. Please plan to visit both while you are in the area. Directions to both locations: https://elephantseal.org/locations/ The Friends of the Elephant Seal docents (guides) provide education for visitors to the Elephant Seal Viewing area at Piedras Blancas, every morning and afternoon, 365 days a year. Long boardwalks provide wonderful, up-close viewing opportunities. Look for docents in the blue jackets! Viewing Area is located 4 miles north of the Hearst Castle. Find us here: Put these coordinates into any map program: 35° 39' 48" N, 121° 15' 28" W Or use this link for the accurate location of the viewing area: https://goo.gl/maps/fzfACKBqNgcwurjf9
Reviewed By timohteee - Delaware, United States
My wife and I actually drove passed this stop and turned around to go back because we noticed a large group of people. We are glad we decided to turn around! When we got there around 6PM, there were a couple dozen elephant seals basking in the sun on the beach. Every now and then, you’ll catch one get up and stretch or another scooting across the sand to a new spot. It was surprisingly amazing to see these gentle giants in their natural habitat and was definitely a highlight for us both on our trip.
6. Estero Bluffs State Park
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 29 reviews
Reviewed By eileenf703
Love all the scenery on the central coast.51 yrs. Forever grateful never gets old. Great trail to run a working dog Aussie kelpie
7. Black Hill Trail
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 18 reviews
Reviewed By Gloryaa - Fresno, United States
We were looking for places to hike, I had googled this and it was near the Inn at Morro Bay motel, where we were staying, it’s across the street by that golf course, take the road up the hill, dogs welcomed ,as long as they are on leash beautiful area to see.
8. TV Tower Road
9. Moonstone Beach
10. Leffingwell Landing
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 87 reviews
This state park is a popular spot for picnics, weddings, and watching sunsets - or whales.
Reviewed By Caminohiker
We return here often and were married here 34 years ago. Nice spot overlooking the ocean and her waves. Beautiful vistas and restrooms nearby.
