Pismo Preserve Trails

At 880 acres, the Pismo Preserve offers truly exceptional and diverse recreational opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts. Visitors will enjoy over 11 miles of trail traversing serene oak woodlands and coastal ridgelines with stunning panoramic vistas of the Pacific Ocean and located a short walk from the hotel.

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Oceano Dunes

About 10 minutes South of the SeaCrest, you'll find the beloved Oceano Dunes! Whether you have "toys" or not, the Oceano Dunes is the only California State Park where you can drive right onto the beach! Make this adventure extra special and contact local rental companies such as Pacific Adventure Tours or Xtreme Hummer Adventures and rent ATVs or take a Hummer tour through the dunes.

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Monarch Butterfly Grove

Every year from late October through February, thousands of orange and black Monarch butterflies migrate south to this stunning grove in Pismo Beach, California. If you are staying along the San Luis Obispo coast during these months you should stop at the North Beach Grove at Pismo State Beach to see colorful butterflies numbering in the tens of thousands that hang upside down in the Monterey Pines and Eucalyptus Trees.

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Montaña De Oro State Park

Montaña de Oro is a state park in Central Coastal California, six miles southwest of Morro Bay and two miles south of Los Osos. It consists of 8,000 acres of cliffs, seven miles of shoreline, sandy beaches, dunes, coastal plains, streams, canyons, and hills, including the 1,347-foot Valencia Peak.

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Dinosaur Caves Park

The 11-acre oceanfront bluff-top park is popular with people of all ages and perfect for families. Park amenities include a wedding overlook, grassy reception area, and an amphitheater for entertainment events are available to rent on an hourly basis. The unique playground features a tire swing, two concrete dolphins; Oreo the Orca Whale; the USS IMAGINATION, a fine galleon; three beautiful dinosaur eggs; one gentle dinosaur, and three playful seals.

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Avila Valley Barn

Avila Valley Barn is a favorite spot to stop off and buy the freshest fruit and vegetables grown locally. Pick up a pie or bakery treat, stop off for lunch from the deli, or get an ice cream on the way to Avila Beach. There are farm animals and hayrides in addition to seasonal u-pick apples and pumpkins.

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Loving Llama Wellness Ranch

Loving Llama Wellness Ranch is nestled in the hills of San Luis Obispo offering outdoor yoga, sauna, cold plunge, sound bath experiences set amongst the peaceful landscapes with gentle llamas roaming freely around the well appointed yoga decks.

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Tin City Paso Robles

Tin City is an evolving industrial makers' hub nestled among the oaks—where friends, adventurers, and aficionados come together to experience the very best of Paso Robles' craft culture.

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Rocket Launches at Vandenberg Space Force Base

Space Launch Complex 4 is a launch and landing site at Vandenberg Space Force Base, California, U.S. It has two pads, both of which are used by SpaceX for Falcon 9, one for launch operations, and the other as Landing Zone 4 for SpaceX landings. 

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Firestone Walker Brewing Company

The Firestone Walker Brewing Company Visitor Center is the starting point for their brewery tours and offers 14 beers on tap. They offer a basic Brewhouse Tour every day and a special Barrel Room Tour on the weekends. Reservations are heavily encouraged.

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Whale Watching

Throughout the year, these magnificent leviathans grace our coastline. During the summer months of July and August, we find Humpbacks near our shores feeding on the abundant baitfish that school here. In the winter, starting mid-November and lasting till the end of January, the California grey whales migrate past our waters heading south to breed and give birth in the warm lagoons of Mexico. In spring (March to May), we have another opportunity to observe them as they return north on one of the longest migrations of any animal on earth to their primary feeding grounds in the arctic sea. A voyage of over 10,000 miles per year!

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Hearst Castle Museum

Hearst Castle® is a must-see for any California visitor. It was originally built as a private estate for publisher William Randolph Hearst. Today, it is open to the public daily for guided tours (except Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's Days) and is owned and operated by the California State Parks Department.

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Point San Luis Lighthouse

The Point San Luis Lighthouse is located on the north side of Port San Luis Harbor near Avila Beach. The 30-acre nature preserve can be reached by a docent-led hike of the Pecho Coast Trail, a classic trolley ride, or by kayak. Tours happen every Wed & Sat rain or shine.

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Ziplining with Margarita Adventures

The historic Santa Margarita Ranch in Paso Robles Wine Country is an iconic California landmark, and soaring high above this beautiful land from five different ziplines is what “adventure” is all about. Margarita Adventures offers zipline canopy tours to promoting a deep appreciation for the natural surroundings and the unique traditions of Santa Margarita. The ziplines span more than 4,500 combined feet for the ultimate experience in thrill, exploration, and education.

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Bob Jones Trail

Enjoy this City to the Sea bike trail that follows the Pacific Coast Railroad right-of-way along the San Luis Obispo Creek to Avila Beach. The trail starts at the parking lot right off the 101 freeway and ends at the beach/promenade in downtown Avila Beach. This trail is great for walking, skating, biking, etc. The trail will take you through lush landscapes and gardens and follows a meandering stream.

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Central Coast Aquarium

The Central Coast Aquarium is a friendly public visitor center that is just steps away from the beach and boardwalk. Students and visitors get a fun, hands-on experience here that allows them to explore the world of the ocean, beneath the surface. The family-friendly aquarium has a mission of educating and inspiring visitors of all ages about local sea life and marine science by giving them an exciting hands-on experience.

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Central Coast Zoo

The Central Coast Zoo, located in Atascadero, CA, is the Central Coast's only zoo and is truly dedicated to the conservation of local and exotic species. It's the perfect place to spend the day. The Zoo is the home of rare Malayan tiger, spider monkeys, meerkats, a beautiful aviary, and many more unique species.

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San Luis Obispo Botanical Gardens

The San Luis Obispo Botanical Gardens is a serene and relaxing spot for the whole family. With opportunities for education, recreation, conservation, and research, the San Luis Obispo Botanical Garden offers docent-led nature tours, activities for kids, a garden shop, educational gardening classes, a concert series, and many other events for San Luis Obispo visitors to enjoy for free. 

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Sycamore Mineral Hot Springs

The Sycamore Mineral Hot Springs features 23 open-air naturally heated mineral spring hot tubs that line a peaceful tree-canopied hillside. Each hot tub is surrounded by a wood fence to ensure privacy from other guests while still providing majestic views and a serene environment. The hot tubs are open to the public and reserved individually by the hour. Select hot tubs can accommodate from two to eight people.

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Great American Melodrama

Live Professionals, year-round theater with song, dance, and comedy reviews. Family entertainment with food, beer, and wine available.  Check thier calendar of performances here.

 

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Cal Poly San Luis Obispo University

Cal Poly San Luis Obispo is a nationally ranked, public university located in San Luis Obispo just minutes from our Pismo Beach California hotel. With more than 18,000+ students, an excellent academic reputation, a unique learning environment, and a 6,000-acre main campus nestled in the foothills of San Luis Obispo, Cal Poly is a popular choice for students from around the world.

Visit the Cal Poly website.

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Morro Rock

Morro Rock is the last of the Nine Sisters (extinct volcano peaks) that reside in San Luis Obispo County. The 567' tall landmark sits at the mouth of the Morro Bay Harbor and is home to wildlife in the area. You can drive to the base of the rock and visit the neighboring beaches. Climbing is prohibited.

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Morro Bay State Park Museum of Natural History

The Morro Bay State Park Museum of Natural History opened in 1962 and sits on a hill overlooking the Morro Bay Estuary. The Museum features state-of-the-art interactive exhibits especially created for the Morro Bay site. In addition to panoramic views of the coastline, the view from the museum includes world-famous Morro Rock.

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Lopez Lake Recreation Area

Located just ten miles east of Arroyo Grande, California, Lopez Lake Recreation Area is one of the top choices for camping and leisure trips. Lopez lake features Mustang Water Park, 22 miles of shoreline, lake temperatures around 70°F, camping, fishing, boating, picnicking, hiking and equestrian trails, mountain biking, zip-lining, birdwatching, and so much more.

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Santa Margarita Lake

Santa Margarita Lake features camping, fishing, boating, picnic areas, hiking, and a swimming pool. With thousands of acres of unspoiled open space, the park is home to countless species of plants and wildlife making it the perfect location for nature study, boating, and fishing.

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Mission San Luis Obispo Tolosa

Mission San Luis Obispo Tolosa is a must-see for history enthusiasts, vacationers, and tourists of all kinds. Founded in 1772, the still active church resides in the center of San Luis Obispo. Free docent-led tours are offered or you can take a self-guided tour. Mass is held daily, and there is a variety of community events that are held in the Mission Plaza.

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Fremont Theater

The Fremont Theater is a historic movie theater in San Luis Obispo. It is among the last Streamline Moderne theaters built by architect S. Charles Lee. The theater is now one of the main locations for the San Luis Obispo International Film Festival.

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Sunset Drive-in

The Sunset Drive-In has been operating year-round since 1950 and is the perfect place for family fun. Grab your pillow, blankie, comfy camping chair, and a buddy and head out for a night of good. Admission gives you two movies for the price of one and a concession stand on-site. Adults are $7, kids 5 to 11 are $3, and kids 4 and under are free. Cash only.

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San Luis Obispo Children’s Museum

The San Luis Obispo Children’s Museum was created to provide a fun place for children and families to explore, discover, and learn through hands-on exhibits and programs. Three floors and with 21 indoor and outdoor interactive exhibits that challenge children ages 1-10 to learn while having fun. There are also educational programs and activities scheduled throughout each week.

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Madonna Mountain

Breathtaking views await those hiking up Madonna Mountain. Madonna Mountain is quite literally the center of the City of San Luis Obispo. The mountain is an extinct volcano and next to Morro Rock is the most well-known of the Seven Sister Volcanoes.

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Madonna Inn

As an international landmark destination, the Madonna Inn redefines unique with 110 whimsical guestrooms, enchanting decor, and room amenities. This resort has been on California's Central Coast for over 50 years.

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The Palm Theatre

The Palm Theatre is an independently owned and operated movie theatre which features a variety of independent, foreign, arthouse, and mainstream cinema. The Palm Theatre is the first movie theatre in the United States to be run by solar energy. The Palm Theatre pays tribute to the history of the area it is located, formerly known as a small Chinatown, with the design of the cinema’s logo which includes Asian-inspired lettering and palm branches.

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Piedras Blancas Light Station

Piedras Blancas Light Station is located at Point Piedras Blancas, about 5.5 miles west by northwest of San Simeon and 40 miles north of San Luis Obispo. It is open for tours year-round. Piedras Blancas Light Station provides a glimpse into our nation's past when lighthouses served a vital role in maritime navigation. Today it is managed as a historic park and wildlife sanctuary. 

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Wine Tasting

San Luis Obispo County boasts over 300 wineries, stretching from Paso Robles to Arroyo Grande. The two regions are as distinct in the wines made as they are in their weather patterns. But one thing remains the same - quality wines made in a hands-on artisan fashion with a total emphasis on delivering the California lifestyle.

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Biddle Ranch Vineyard

With deep roots in the Central Coast, Biddle Ranch Vineyard aspires to create something that showcases our appreciation for the bounty this area provides. Biddle Ranch Vineyard was built on a foundation with a commitment to making great wine to enjoy with family and friends. The Biddle Ranch estate Tasting Room is perfectly situated in the heart of the Edna Valley.

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Laetitia Vineyard & Winery

Since 1982, the Laetitia Vineyards & Winery has produced elegant wines that champion the exceptional character and diversity of the Arroyo Grande Valley AVA. Originally founded by an established French Champagne house, the Laetitia estate carries on in the longstanding traditions of Burgundy and Champagne with a focus on small-lot pinot noir and sparkling wines. 

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Claiborne & Churchill Winery

To appreciate the unique wines and the cozy ambiance of Claiborne & Churchill, a visit to their Edna Valley winery is a must! Conveniently located just minutes from historic San Luis Obispo, the charming village of Arroyo Grande and the oceanfront town of Pismo Beach, they invite you to join us for a tasting of our aromatic white wines (Dry Riesling, Dry Gewürztraminer, Pinot Gris, Pinot Blanc) and hand-crafted Pinot Noirs. 

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Baileyana Tasting Room

Named for the Acacia Baileyana tree abundant throughout the Central Coast, Baileyana was founded over 35 years ago and is one of the original shapers of Edna Valley winemaking. Situated in California’s coolest growing region, nearest the Pacific Ocean, Baileyana exudes a graceful yet vivid elegance. The historic Independence Schoolhouse, built in 1909, is home to their tasting room. 

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Tolosa Winery

Cowboy dreams of owning a cattle ranch brought vintner Robin Baggett to Edna Valley. The cold Pacific wind and soils from ancient seabed to limestone made him realize he was on a frontier of a different sort. Tolosa is the expression of his commitment to spare no effort to craft nuanced and balanced Pinot Noir and Chardonnay of distinctive character to rival any in the world. 

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Center of Effort

Center of Effort winery is located in the heart of Edna Valley miles from the Pacific Ocean and is a premium producer of handcrafted estate-grown Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Rhône wines with a passion for quality, sustainability, and exceptional hospitality. They extend a warm invitation to visit their breathtaking estate and indulge in wines crafted to celebrate the natural essence of their fruit. 

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La Lomita Ranch

Immerse your olfactory by nosing and discussing delicate aromas and bouquets of Edna Valley AVA wines. Your 90-minute experience begins in our new Hospitality Room where you’ll learn the various aromas prevalent in wine varietals, how various terroirs and winemaking practices affect them, the Aromatic family they belong to and in which grape varietals they present themselves.  A unique way to discover the fascinating nuances of California’s coolest climate wine region.

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Kayaking

There is no better way to enjoy the wonderful furry, feathered, and flippered residents of the sea. With numerous kayaking opportunities along the fine bays, beaches, estuaries, and lakes, you can meet otters, dolphins, seals, sea lions, and a variety of birds. Venture out yourself, or hire an expert guide. Ask one of our friendly staff members at The SeaCrest OceanFront Hotel, and we can make all the arrangements for you. 

Contact a local outfitter.

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Central Coast Kayaks

Central Coast Kayaks offers tours of the Central Coast, classes, guided kayaking fishing trips, kayak rentals, paddle board and kayak repairs. They have a variety of tours ranging from caving, seeing the natural wildlife and tours for paddlers looking for a longer adventure.

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Avila Beach Paddle Sports

Features kayaking, paddleboard rentals, lessons, and adventure tours. Rentals Open Mon-Fri 9 am to 5 pm, Saturday & Sunday 8 am to 5 pm. No Reservations Needed! (Last Rental of the day is by 3:30 pm).

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Sub Sea Tours and Kayaks

Sub Sea Tours and Kayaks features kayak rentals, party canoes, private charters, whale watching and subsea tours. With a variety of activities Sub Sea Tours and Kayaks offers the whole family an opportunity to observe the unmatched beauty of Morro Bay in a unique way. Check website for schedules and prices.

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Golf Courses

Take your buddies or meeting partners out to the most spectacular golf courses in the United States! Explore the lush ground of our favorite local golf resorts in the Pismo Beach area! 

Find top local golf courses.

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Avila Beach Golf Resort

Avila Beach Golf Course offers 9 and 18 holes with carts for an additional fee. Prices vary by hours and weekends/holidays. You can book a tee time through their website or call to make a reservation.

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Pismo Beach Golf Course

Pismo Beach Golf Course is an oceanfront Par 3, 9-hole course. Welcoming all levels of playing ability from children to professionals alike

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Monarch Dunes Golf Club

Monarch Dunes is located along the Central California Coast, just south of San Luis Obispo in Nipomo, CA. Monarch Dunes features two award-winning golf courses. The first 18-hole championship "Old Course" as well as the acclaimed 12-hole, Par-3 Challenge Course.

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Laguna Lake Municipal Golf Course

The City of San Luis Obispo's ten-hole executive-length golf course offers a unique wellness and entertainment opportunity for the whole family. It offers fun and challenge for both the beginning and accomplished golfer. Open daily from 7 a.m. to dusk. Rentals cease 2 hours prior to closing.

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Black Lake Golf Resort

Located between Santa Maria and Pismo Beach, Blacklake Golf Resort is the Central Coast's only 27 hole golf resort. Each of our three nines offer distinct challenges to golfers of all skill levels. From our sparkling water pools and scenic coastal hills on our original "Lakes and Canyon" layout, to the unspoiled natural beauty of our newest nine, the "Oaks," this is a unique championship golf course

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Morro Bay Golf Course

Morro Bay Golf Course is affordable golf at its finest! This player friendly course offers a gracious layout featuring stunning panoramic ocean views from every hole. The scenic property overlooks the quaint beach town of Morro Bay while the Pacific Ocean provides the backdrop. A round of golf played at this SLO CAL icon will forever solidify your love with the game.

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Dairy Creek Golf Course

Dairy Creek Golf Course is the Central Coast’s premier nine-hole, par 36, golf experience. Their links-style golf course works in harmony with nature while providing hours of fun and entertainment. Dairy Creek is also a great place to practice your swing in SLO CAL. Swing Time, their Toptracer Range facility brings the fun and compliments their traditional full service grass driving range, practice greens, chipping and bunker greens.

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Beaches

What does a great day on the beach look like? Surfing, swimming, sandcastles, and a relaxing stroll along the sandy shoreline, of course. Step off the SeaCrest OceanFront Hotel’s lawn onto the pristine stretch of Pacific Ocean beach.

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Pismo Beach

This classic beach town offers long white beaches for taking a pleasant stroll or for just enjoying the spectacular views of the Pismo Beach sunset. Enjoy Pismo Beach's great weather and Pismo Beach offers a variety of outdoor activities destined to satisfy any sports enthusiast. Including: Central Coast Golfing, riding the dunes in a four-wheel ATV, horseback riding, surfing, bodyboarding, fishing from our 1200-foot pier, or take a leisurely walk on our award-winning boardwalk adjacent to the Pismo Beach pier.

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Grover Beach

Grover Beach provides outstanding recreation opportunities for off-highway enthusiasts, dune recreation, fishing, kite surfing, golfing, horseback riding, and off-road vehicle riding. It features a boardwalk, drive-on beach access, and a bonfire-friendly area. Perfect for a family walk on the beach, bonfires with friends, and it's right next to the Monarch Butterfly Grove.

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Avila Beach

Avila Beach is perfect for tourist strolling, recreational fishing, delightful oceanfront restaurants, wonderful local wines, and a variety of shopping for everyone. Play in the tide pools, visit the park, relax at the beach, or come out for the Friday Farmers Market.

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Cayucos State Beach

Cayucos State Beach is known for its fishing pier, historical buildings, and its beautiful beach. The beach offers water sports such as surfing, swimming, picnic areas, a playground, boating, and tide-pooling. Lifeguards are on duty during summer peak months.

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Fisherman’s Beach

Fisherman's Beach is the smallest of beaches in Avila and Port San Luis Harbor and is known as the "Dog Beach" by the locals. The Port San Luis Harbor District currently allows well-behaved dogs to be off the leash anytime on this beach and Olde Port Beach. Please make sure to keep your dog under control and pick up after your dog so we don't lose this privilege.

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Morro Bay State Beach

Morro Bay is a waterfront city made up of a variety of beaches including: Bayshore Bluffs Park, Coleman Park, Morro Bay State Park, Morro Rock City Beach, Morro Rock Jetty Beach, Morro Strand State Beach, North Point Beach, Tidelands Park, and Torro Creek Beach. Visitors can enjoy year-round activities including golf, sailing, kayaking, hiking, fishing, surfing, biking, picnicking, tide-pooling, bird watching, shopping, miles of beaches, and seafood.

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Shell Beach

Shell Beach is the neighboring town to Pismo Beach. There are multiple beaches tucked below the cliffs of Shell Beach including: South Palisades Park, Silver Shoals Park, Spy Glass Park, Memory Park, Eldwayen Ocean Park, Dinosaur Caves Park, and Elmer Ross Beach. These beaches are perfect for tidepooling, picnicking, or just enjoying the view.

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Cambria

Cambria has a wide selection of natural wonders for everyone to enjoy. Its beaches offer bird watching, elephant seal viewing, kayaking, tide-pooling, hiking trails, or strolling on the boardwalk. Cambria’s beaches include: Shamel Community Park, Lampton Cliffs State Park, Pico Creek Beach Access, Moonstone Beach, Fiscalini Ranch Preserve, Leffingwell Landing, and Harvey Accessway Beach.

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Elephant Seal Viewing

Come view northern elephant seals during their time onshore at Piedras Blancas. The viewing areas are located 90 miles south of Monterey, 5 miles north of Hearst Castle State Historical Monument in San Simeon, 1.5 miles south of Point Piedras Blancas. The viewing areas are open every day of the year, are wheelchair accessible, and free. No reservations required.

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Laguna Lake Park

Laguna Lake Park is the perfect Lakefront spot for boating & fishing with a playground, sand volleyball, BBQs & migratory birds.

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Reservoir Canyon Hike

This is the perfect hike for those looking for a little more activity during their day. The trail is a 5-mile loop that starts off by passing by a small waterfall. It also has a tree swing halfway through for a nice and relaxing break during your hike!

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Margo Dodd Park

This ocean-bluff park has a breathtaking ocean view, covered gazebo, a grassy recreation area, bicycle parking, and on-street parking. This park has marine and bird life and a rugged coastal terrain. There is beach access to a large tide pool area at the end of Pier Street, where snorkeling and tide pools invite exploration.

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Perfumo Canyon

Perfumo Canyon Road begins through the residential neighborhoods around Laguna Lakes. The winding road leads up to the open ridgeline with gorgeous views of the surrounding hills. Perfumo Canyon road is the perfect place to watch the sunset, go on a scenic drive, have a picnic and take in the amazing view of the rolling hills. From here you can see many of the Nine Sisters and Morro Bay.

Directions: 

  • Heading North on the 101 Exit at Madonna Rd. 
  • Head southwest on Madonna Rd toward French St 
    1.2 mi 
  • Use the right 2 lanes to turn right onto Los Osos Valley Rd
    0.6 mi 
  • Turn left onto Perfumo Canyon Rd Across from Laguna Middle School 
  • Follow the Road until desired.
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Bishops Peak

Bishops Peak is the most sought-after summit in San Luis Obispo and has an excellent view of the city. From the trailhead at the end of Highland Drive to the top of the mountain is 3.5 miles round trip with 950 feet of elevation gain.

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Bubblegum Alley

One of the most popular landmark attractions in San Luis Obispo is Bubblegum Alley. Beginning as early as the 1960s in what is thought to have been an unofficial graduating or school rivalry prank that has really stuck. Join in on the fun and grab a gumball at local Powell’s Sweet Shoppe and head over to Bubblegum Alley. Appreciate the communal art form for what it is and stick your unique stamp on SLO.

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