Jamie’s guidebook
Sightseeing, hiking, beaches
These are sights, hikes & beaches you don't want to miss. The Central Coast is a treat for the senses. Nature does not disappoint. Don't just drive by, get out & feel the sand between your toes the healing ocean breeze and see a feast for your eyes! You will never be the same! If you have time, head up the Coast to Big Sur for a day trip. While some are afraid of the windy road and the cliffs and water below, if you get out every 10 -15 miles or so and feel the fresh air, smell the ocean breeze, maybe bring a fold up chair to sit on you won't miss out on this once in a lifetime experience! Look at my guidebook and get some ideas for places to go. If you'd like to go to the beach in Big Sur, Sandollar Beach (about 30 miles North of Cambria) is a good place to go. Just pull in to the parking lot (and pay fee) or park on the highway for free. Head towards the trail and it will be self evident. If you veer off towards the end to the right you can avoid the 85 steps down to the beach and just stand on the bluffs for an amazing view of the present moon shaped coastline below!
Amazing views with a grassy picnic area. The lower level also has tables for picnics right on the beach. There is a really cool pier with a beautiful view of the cove, mountains and little harbor. When you're walking on the beach you can see some of the remnants of family Hearst housing 50 feet away. This beach seems to be sheltered from the wind at times even when everywhere else up and down the coast it is windy. If you head west on the beach, toward the end, you'll see a trail that reaches up the bluff. If you head up that way you will wind around little elfin-like areas where there are secluded beaches here & there. Great place to bring your to-go Coffee in the morning and see the views. You definitely don't want to miss this spot ...my favorite beach in the area. Locals call this beach "the Cove".
15 lokalinvånare rekommenderar
William Randolph Hearst Memorial Beach
750 Hearst Castle RdAmazing views with a grassy picnic area. The lower level also has tables for picnics right on the beach. There is a really cool pier with a beautiful view of the cove, mountains and little harbor. When you're walking on the beach you can see some of the remnants of family Hearst housing 50 feet away. This beach seems to be sheltered from the wind at times even when everywhere else up and down the coast it is windy. If you head west on the beach, toward the end, you'll see a trail that reaches up the bluff. If you head up that way you will wind around little elfin-like areas where there are secluded beaches here & there. Great place to bring your to-go Coffee in the morning and see the views. You definitely don't want to miss this spot ...my favorite beach in the area. Locals call this beach "the Cove".
Moonstone Beach Drive has a nice boardwalk where you are right along the bluffs looking at the ocean. There are often seals and sea otters and of course lots of squirrels and birds. You will see surfers much of the time, people walking their dogs along the cliffs. Before I ever head out of town I just have to drive by this scenic ocean area and check out the crashing waves and sea life.
7 lokalinvånare rekommenderar
Moonstone Beach Drive
Moonstone Beach DriveMoonstone Beach Drive has a nice boardwalk where you are right along the bluffs looking at the ocean. There are often seals and sea otters and of course lots of squirrels and birds. You will see surfers much of the time, people walking their dogs along the cliffs. Before I ever head out of town I just have to drive by this scenic ocean area and check out the crashing waves and sea life.
Wonderful nature walk with really close up views of the ocean below the bluffs. There are homemade artistic benches where you can sit and chat or open your picnic lunch. You may see Sea Otters, Seals, Pelicans, Seagulls, Egrets, other sea life, bob cats, coyotes, and lots of happy dogs with their owners.
60 lokalinvånare rekommenderar
Fiscalini Ranch Preserve
Bluff TrailWonderful nature walk with really close up views of the ocean below the bluffs. There are homemade artistic benches where you can sit and chat or open your picnic lunch. You may see Sea Otters, Seals, Pelicans, Seagulls, Egrets, other sea life, bob cats, coyotes, and lots of happy dogs with their owners.
Julia Pfeiffer Burns is a place you will never forget. There is the famous waterfall that you have seen so many pictures of. I wouldn't try going down the the beach below because not only is it treacherous but also carries a hefty fine. No matter which way you head you will see views like you never have. I'm pretty sure they still let you have small weddings here. You can't beat that. You'll want to spend a lot of time taking pictures so wear comfortable shoes and bring a snack.
35 lokalinvånare rekommenderar
Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park
52801 CA-1Julia Pfeiffer Burns is a place you will never forget. There is the famous waterfall that you have seen so many pictures of. I wouldn't try going down the the beach below because not only is it treacherous but also carries a hefty fine. No matter which way you head you will see views like you never have. I'm pretty sure they still let you have small weddings here. You can't beat that. You'll want to spend a lot of time taking pictures so wear comfortable shoes and bring a snack.
What can I say to explain how special this area is. 14 and 1/2 mi. north of Lucia you will see a gate and a dirt road to the left of the hwy. Wear some comfortable shoes, a sweater and maybe a hat and head down the road and then towards the tunnel. When you get through you will be mind blown. It's an old smugglers cove and the waves crashing on the wall beneath you will leave you wondering how in the world they could get a boat in there. On your way back to the road , make a left and head towards a nice little beach.
Partington Cove
51700 CA-1What can I say to explain how special this area is. 14 and 1/2 mi. north of Lucia you will see a gate and a dirt road to the left of the hwy. Wear some comfortable shoes, a sweater and maybe a hat and head down the road and then towards the tunnel. When you get through you will be mind blown. It's an old smugglers cove and the waves crashing on the wall beneath you will leave you wondering how in the world they could get a boat in there. On your way back to the road , make a left and head towards a nice little beach.
If you're on the North coast when you're on the Hwy., turn on Sycamore and drive for about 10 minutes. When you walk towards the ocean you will see the most majestic sights ever...a huge self/standing rock with a blowhole in the middle and water crashing through it. The water is really rough so only the most experienced swimmers should venture into the water. It's a wonderful experience to kick back and take it all in.
23 lokalinvånare rekommenderar
Pfeiffer Beach
If you're on the North coast when you're on the Hwy., turn on Sycamore and drive for about 10 minutes. When you walk towards the ocean you will see the most majestic sights ever...a huge self/standing rock with a blowhole in the middle and water crashing through it. The water is really rough so only the most experienced swimmers should venture into the water. It's a wonderful experience to kick back and take it all in.