Exploring California's Central Coast
Big Sur, CA.
Let’s talk about exploring California’s Central Coast shall we?!
I am definitely a West Coast fan boy.
I am definitely a beach bum.
I always kinda thought I was DEFINITELY a SoCal and NorCal Coast kinda guy!
Then my myth about myself was debunked. I think I am ACTUALLY a Central Coast Cali boy. Not a SoCal or NorCal like I always assumed.
There are so many reasons to adore the Central Coast of California!
Sure I love both of those spots (maybe one reason I like the Central Coast is the proximity to BOTH) but after spending the last month on the Central Coast of California and being able to live like a local instead of exploring like a tourist I am in LOVE!
And giving the Central Coast a little edge is the fact that I have some amazing friends that live here (Candice & Paulo & Betsy Ross in THE house!), the cost of living is much more reasonable (at least my airbnb is!), and I found a yoga studio (Paso Yoga whaddup!!!) that I adore have helped the situation.
The view from the Summit of Bishop Peak in SLO County.
But beyond that I have found it to be an amazing place to explore. There is such a wide variety of ways to adventure in the outdoors here and there are a plethora of options without even making a long weekend of it to go to places like Lake Tahoe, Yosemite National Park (which is where I came from in just three hours), Sequoia National Park, Kings Canyon National Park, and even Death Valley is only five hours away!
Wine Cycling in 100 plus degree temperatures! Crazy or Alive? Depends on who you ask!
This article is dedicated to day trip adventures on the Central Coast of California.
I am currently living in Paso Robles so depending on if you are on the southern or northern tips of the Central Coast some of these may be harder to reach in just a day but from Paso and the surrounding region…all done well!
Let’s get down to 10 ways for you to experience the outdoors when you come visit me on the Central Coast of California!
The view from Paix Sux Terre vineyards in Paso Robles.
Wine Cycling.
Paso Robles is way underrated in wine country as far as I am concerned. It’s got way less of a reputation than Napa/Sonoma but TONS of vineyards, amazing wine, and better access (aka it’s affordable friends!!!) My friends Laura and Sarah came down from the Bay and we did a wine cycling ride in 104 degree heat. Certainly not recommended to do so in the heat but that was the weather forecast. Either way you could plan yours for a cooler day. The windy roads, beautiful vineyards, tasty wines, and the PB&J’s we packed and had on the side of the road made for a splendid day. We visited three vineyards and put in about 36 miles with 2,500 feet in elevation. Way more fun than riding in AC with a driver if you ask me. Only thing was you could really only buy one bottle for the space in your bicycle pack!
Pismo Beach Day Trip.
Pismo gets a bad rap. It always has to me. Then I went and had a splendid day. The brand new Pismo Preserves offers AMAZING hiking, the beach/ocean is five minutes from the Preserves, and then I found the world renowned photographer Chris Burkard’s studio for a visit. Did I mention they have one of the largest gathering of Monarch Butterflies in the world from October thru February AND good surfing. Oh Grover Beach next door has a dispensary which is also nice. I like you Pismo don’t listen to the haters!
Andrew Molera State Park, Big Sur.
San Simeon State Park.
Okay Hearst Castle and the lazy looking sea lions are awesome! But I have written about them before HERE and people are well aware about them. What they don’t always think of is the four mile bluff trail hike through groves of tree in San Simeon State Park just down the road. Then you walk across the PCH (aka THE ONE Highway) and you are at the ocean. I walked along a school of dolphins and whales numbering about 30 for a mile before retreating back the other way in the ocean. Beat that experience if you aren’t in Iceland or New Zealand I dare you?!
The SLO Mountains.
Bishop Peak. Madonna Mountain. The list goes on. San Luis Obispo has the Nine Sisters. These are a chain of nine volcanic mountains and hills in Western SLO. These are two that I did and are amongst the most challenging and popular. The hiking in the region is amazing I am telling you!
Big Sur.
Can we talk about the Central Coast without talking about the epic Big Sur region? Though portions have been closed due to the Dolan Fire I have found great hikes in the Los Padres National Forest, Ragged Point, and just below Carmel by the Sea. Take a drive up Highway 1 when you can in the transformation from Central to North Coast of Cali and you will have endless opportunities to adventure. Big Sur is one of the prize outdoor pieces in the lower 48 of the US and a place I will visit until I die. The eerie fog or amazing sunshine leads to different, yet equally gorgeous experiences depending on when you visit. Life slows down in Big Sur and a BIG SHOUTOUT to the firefighters currently keeping myself and the whole West safe by fighting the Dolan Fire and so many more. THANK YOU FIREFIGHTERS.
Pinnacles National Park.
One of the newest National Parks houses jagged peak hiking, caves, and the preservation and resurgence of the California Condor. Pinnacles National Park should not be called just “another new National Park”. It’s a powerhouse. I hiked there in 114 degree heat this past time and I have explored other trails here in past years. Only 90 minutes from Paso Robles makes it easily accessible tor a great outing in the day and home in your own bed. Though a campground is available should you want to stay longer! Seeing one of the mighty condors flying over you as you navigate a jagged “Pinnacle” on the High Peaks Trail will be a memory etched in your brain forever I assure you!
Harmony, California.
The town of 17 boasts a winery, pottery shop, glass blowing studio, ice cream truck, post office, and a hiking terrain down the road called Harmony Headlands State Park that leads you through moss covered trees to see soaring eagles before landing along the rugged coastline of the Pacific Ocean. It’s a special place to spend the day to work your body and also have some fun exploring a quaint little place just off the ONE.
Harmony Headlands State Park.
Santa Ynez/Santa Barbara.
Mountain hiking in the National Forest, lounging at the beach, and then wine tasting at gorgeous vineyards? Yep I am sold, are you?! That’s what you get in the Santa Ynez Valley and Santa Barbara region of California. This would be the border to me between the Southern and Central Coast of California but I typically think of it as the Central Coast. With Ventura/Channel Islands National Park being the upper echelon of the Southern Coast. Whatever portion you believe it belongs to is no matter to me it’s a great spot to visit, or live!
Montana de Oro State Park.
Mountains, cliffs, camping, oceans, hidden coves, bicycling, what else would you like in a state park? Maybe a yoga studio I guess but I am being picky and greedy now I think!
This is another gem just less than an hour south of Paso Robles that I day tripped to and had a splendid time. You could easily spend a week relaxing here when the campground is open exploring the trails and nearby beaches. It’s a favorite of my friends who live here.
Cayucos. Morro Bay. Cambria. Gorda. Fort Ord National Monument, & More!
So many sleepy beach towns. Vibrant communities. Lovely shorelines. And dusty paths to just wander, connect, learn, and grow as a human. These are just a snapshot of other places that I have walked, talked, written, taught/done yoga, and drank trail beers.
Pick one and get to know it. You won’t regret your time in these small and beautiful communities that line the Pacific Ocean and the Central Coast.
Peace Sign Pose in Pinnacles NP.
There is no Golden Gate Bridge or Redwood Groves.
There is no Malibu or PCT Trail cutting through the region.
But the Central Coast of California has is its own story and reputation that have made me adore my time in the region and would encourage you to consider some time here if you like hiking, wine, beaches, yoga, sleepy communities, hot temperatures, wildlife, and more!
Walking alongside the Dolphins and Whales in San Simeon on a foggy day.
I have no interest in stopping my current nomadic lifestyle but I have to admit that if I were forced to settle down somewhere this region would be at the top of my list.
I hope you found something that intrigues you and I can’t wait to see you out there with me adventuring on the easily forgotten and vastly underrated Central Coast of California!
The town of Harmony, population 17.
Until next time friends I hope you find the dirt paths, windy roads, and patches of mud that you need in your life to let you be your best self.
Because adventure feeds the soul,
Mike R
Ragged Point, Big Sur.