#110 Pismo Beach Monarch Butterfly Grove
The Monarch Butterfly Grove in Pismo Beach is one of the most spectacular sights on the Central Coast. Each year thousands and thousands of monarch butterflies travel south to roost for the winter. They blend right into the eucalyptus trees which provide shelter. This is one of the largest colonies in the nation with up to 25,000 butterflies. Enjoy them at Pismo State Beach from November to February.
#103 Santa Barbara Harbor
Santa Barbara Harbor on the waterfront has been the perfect afternoon stroll for more than a century. Row after row of beautiful boats frame the rolling Santa Ynez Mountains in the background making this the perfect land-meets-ocean coastline.
#96 Matilija Wilderness
Matilija Wilderness in the Los Padres National Forest is a beautiful serene wilderness in Ventura County. Trails wind through mountain streams, woodlands and springtime wildflowers. At more than 29,000 acres Matilija Wilderness is the perfect place to get away from it all and enjoy the present.
#93 Bubblegum Alley
Bubblegum Alley is a 70 foot wall in Downtown San Luis Obispo. Growing in the 1970's, two cleanings were instated to try and remove the gum but people persisted. There is much debate whether it is a great draw for tourists or a smelly eye sore. Whether disgusted or delighted, it is an interesting visit for the senses.
#92 Nojoqui Falls
Nojoqui Falls is a beautiful waterfall in the Santa Ynez Mountains of Santa Barbara. Dropping 100 feet, the water flows over a sandstone wall covered in a wonderland of maidenhair ferns. Nojoqui Falls, pronounced 'no-ho-wee', is a hidden gem that not many people take the time to visit. *Unfortunately the trail to the falls is currently still closed from a December 2014 landslide, while the park remains open
#84 Mandalay Beach
Mandalay Beach in Oxnard is a pristine sandy beach with rolling sand dunes. The beach also preserves central coast wetlands on the Oxnard Plain. Commanding views of the Channel Islands can be seen while enjoying a perfect sunset from this relaxing beach.
#79 Carpinteria Tar Pits
Tar Pits Park, part of Carpinteria State Beach in Carpinteria, is a natural asphalt tar pit lake on the Central Coast. There are only 5 known in the world with three in Southern California. The Native Chumash have used the tar to waterproof their canoes for thousands of years giving Carpinteria its name 'carpentry shop'. Hundreds of fossilized mammals have also been found here frozen in time.
#71 Piedras Blancas Elephant Seal Rookery
The Piedras Blancas Elephant Seal Rookery is a sure highlight for any road trip up Highway 1 on the Central Coast. Located just north of Hearst Castle in San Simeon, the rookery is managed by Friends of the Elephant Seals, a non profit group where volunteers observe and share their knowledge of these amazing marine mammals.
Elephant Seals migrate twice a year for thousands of miles to rest, breed and birth. Thought to be extinct by the end of the 19th century, a small group survived on Isla Guadalupe in Baja Mexico. Through breeding and protection by Mexico and the United States, there are now an estimated 150,000 going strong.
#69 Santa Barbara Sea Center
The Sea Center operated by the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History is a fun aquarium located on famous Stearns Wharf. From a 1,500 gallon sea tank, a live shark touch pool, baby shark pods and an exotic jellies exhibit, this aquarium packs in an amazing array of sea life to discover.
#64 Arroyo Verde Park
Arroyo Verde Park in Ventura is a beautiful place to view the central coast. Commanding views of the Channel Islands, the Oxnard Plain, the Santa Monica Mountains and Ventura County can all be seen from the trails. The Iconic 'Two Trees', a Ventura Landmark, can also be seen as the rolling foothills turn a brilliant green in the wintertime.
