The Bluff Trail at Montaña de Oro State Park is the most beautiful stretch of coastline in Southern California. Stunning sea stacks with crashing waves will leave you breathless while the surrounding mountains turn golden with poppies in the Spring. The trails take you to dramatic vista points and secret coves perfect for a picnic or relaxation. From just a few steps to a four mile loop, everyone can experience 'Mountain of Gold' in their own way.
#275 Point Piedras Blancas
Point Piedras Blancas is the true, rugged California coastline that has remained untouched. Trails to hidden coves and dramatic sea cliffs combine to create an unforgettably seascape. Elephant seals can also be spotted bathing on the sand. Most people drive right by to get to Big Sur making it perfect for solitude seekers.
#264 Pismo Beach Pier
Pismo Beach Pier is an Iconic California wooden pier at 1,370 feet long. The views of the surrounding mountains provide a dramatic land-to-sea meeting place of epic proportions. Unlike most piers, it is always open making it the perfect stroll for day, night and sunset.
#243 Madonna Inn
The fabulous and quirky Madonna Inn is an iconic landmark on the Central Coast. Created by Alex & Phyllis Madonna in 1958, each room and suite features a new look and experience. Whimsical names like Safari Room, Cloud Nine and Irish Hills give an idea of what awaits the traveler. The lobby and restaurant continue to showcase the eccentric feel with its famous pink interior.
"Anybody can build one room and a thousand like it. It's more economical. Most places try to give you as little as possible. I try to give people a decent place to stay where they receive more than they are entitled to for what they're paying. I want people to come in with a smile and leave with a smile. It's fun." - Alex Madonna
#229 Avila Beach
Avila Beach served as the main port for San Luis Obispo when its first wharf opened in 1855. Today, it serves as a relaxing beach town on the Central Coast. Its charming small downtown feels like a piece of Americana with its architecture, shops and restaurants while a stroll on the pier will take you back to a simpler time.
#218 Embarcadero
Morro Bay's Embarcadero takes you back to a simpler time along the Central Coast. Galleries, inns, shops and restaurants line the streets with iconic Morro Rock in the background while seals swim along the boats of the harbor. This charming and friendly village will invite you to stay for a day or a lifetime.
#204 Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa
Founded in 1772, Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa was the fifth of the California Missions. A successful hunting expedition of grizzly bears to feed the Spanish and Native Americans at the mission in Monterey nearby led to the founding of this mission with the nickname 'Mission in the Valley of the Bears'. Abundant food & water, a mild climate and friendly Native American Chumash allowed the mission to thrive.
#188 Spooner's Cove
Spooner's Cove in Montaña de Oro State Park is a stunning cove on the Central Coast. Alden Spooner moved here the the late 1800's and established a farm of dairy and hog. At its peak, his ranch contained 9,000 acres and 6 miles of beautiful coastline. He built a ranch house as well as several barns and warehouse to load ships to deliver. The original house still stand as well as the 100-year-old-flooring purchased from a Sears Roebuck and Co. Catalog. The inviting cove features beautiful sand as well as dramatic rock formations.
#162 Fiscalini Ranch Preserve
Fiscalini Ranch Preserve protects 430 acres of the gorgeous central coast in Cambria. Chumash and Salinan Native Americans have used the land for thousands of years while the Fiscalini family opened a cattle ranch in 1850's. Local community and conservancy efforts came together to purchase the land for a preserve in 2001. Beautiful coastal bluff trails wind through overlooks, grasslands and forest while 25 rare and endangered plant and animal species reside here.
#145 Los Osos Oaks State Natural Reserve
Los Osos Oaks State Natural Reserve is a stunning park in San Luis Obispo County. Winding trails protect centuries-old coast live oaks and ancient sand dunes. Different coast live oak species grow next to each other and range from 6 to 25 feet tall.
