Experience Local Attractions close to the SeaCrest

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.

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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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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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!

This iconic spot is less than a mile away from Avila Beach. Only a short walk to the cliffs is the perfect place to watch the sunset, have a picnic, or just enjoy a great view of the ocean!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

In a relaxed and social setting, an artist will guide you through replicating the night's featured painting step by step. Whether you are an aspiring artist or just looking to explore your creative side, you create a painting that is uniquely yours. We suggest arriving 15 minutes early to gather all materials and enjoy your first cocktail. Wine and charcuterie service is offered throughout each 2-hour workshop.

The beach is located near the town of San Simeon along Highway One and gives visitors the opportunity to hike, swim, fish, picnic, and sunbathe. This protected cove also offers visitors pier fishing, deep-sea fishing from chartered boats and kayaking. This day-use area offers 24 picnic sites, 150 parking spaces, restrooms, water faucets, barbecue grill stands, and easy beach access. There is a kayak and boogie board concession in operation with equipment for rent.

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.

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.

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.

The Charles Paddock 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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. 

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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).

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.

Perfect for first-timers to seasonal paddlers. Explore the 15 miles of protected waters in the Morro Bay Estuary/Bird Sanctuary with a variety of wildlife. Kayak Rentals feature Sit-In Kayaks by Necky, Perception and Old Town and Nalu 12.5 Stand Up Boards by Ocean. Open 7 days a week, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and no reservations.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.