Orcutt, California

Orcutt, California is home to some of the best trails and outdoor activities. The Orcutt Hill Trail is a must-visit for those seeking scenic outdoor adventures. This 3.2-mile trail features a beautiful lake, making it an ideal spot for bird watching and fishing. The trail's moderate difficulty level makes it suitable for hikers of all skill levels. The trail also offers stunning views of unique rock formations and the surrounding landscape. For a different kind of outdoor activity, head to the nearby Waller Park. It boasts a beautiful rose garden, duck pond, and several picnic areas. Whether you're a seasoned hiker or just looking for a relaxing day in the park, Orcutt offers some of the top outdoor attractions in California.

Top Spots in and near Orcutt

Orcutt, California
Hike or Trail Run the Rice Ranch Trail

4.0

3.2 mi / 400 ft gain

Hike, mountain bike, or trail run the Rice Ranch Trail in Orcutt, CA. This park is relatively small, but a great place for a hike or run. I did a 3 mile loop and could easily have added on a couple more miles. Hike up to water towers at the top and enjoy views overlooking Santa Maria Valley and o...
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Santa Maria, California
Cycle the Palmer and Cat Canyon Roads in Santa Maria Valley

30 mi

You can't go wrong with cycling around the Santa Maria Valley area. There is an abundance of interesting roads to ride along with scenic hills meandering through wineries. I started my ride at the Los Flores Ranch Park parking lot and headed east along Dominion. Take a right on Palmer and follow...
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Santa Maria, California
Trail Run, Hike, or Mountain Bike Los Flores Ranch Park

5 mi / 700 ft gain

I'm a sucker for a good ridgeline trail, and Los Flores Ranch Park has lots of them. For a solid 5ish mile loop with about 600 ft of elevation gain, take the Manzanita Trail to the Ridge Top Trail for sweeping views of the valley, vineyards, and out to the ocean on a clear day. The Solomon Trail ...
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Santa Maria, California
Bike Foxen Canyon Road

29 mi / 2400 ft gain

Foxen Canyon Road from Santa Maria to Los Olivos runs through some of the most beautiful wine country in Santa Barbara county so much so that it was centerpiece of the film Sideways. The road itself begins at the intersection of Betteravia and Philbric roads just east of Santa Maria and proceeds ...
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Arroyo Grande, California
Explore the Guadalupe-Nipomo Dunes

The Guadalupe-Nipomo Dunes and nearby Lake Oso Flaco are home to many endangered and threatened species of plants and animals. A beautiful, short boardwalk takes you from the parking lot, over Lake Oso Flaco, and through the dunes before arriving at the ocean. Enjoy the local wildlife and abundan...
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Oceano, California
Catch a sunset at the Oceano Dunes

Driving on the beach is fun, and there are few places in California where you can legally do it. Just south of Pismo Beach you'll find Oceano Dunes. Pay the $4.00 entrance fee and drive your car right onto the beach. Keep an eye on tides and watch out for deep sand and sneaker waves! You won't be...
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Oceano, California
Camp at Pismo State Beach

4.7

Hiking along nature trails, swimming, and surf fishing are all possible here, including wheelchair accessible fishing at Ocean Lagoon. Facilities consist of fire rings, restrooms, and showers. Restaurants are not far from the campground, as well. Make your reservation here.
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Solvang, California
Roam Ostrichland USA

Enjoy meeting ostriches and emus alike! Located just outside of Solvang, near Santa Barbara, you get the chance to stroll through a farm and feed the ostriches and emus. Entrance is free, but there is a fee to feed them. There are scenic hills and flowers all around the farm. This is a great ...
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Lompoc, California
Beach Hike to Point Conception Lighthouse

4.0

9.3 mi / 171 ft gain

It must be approaching low tide to complete this hike! This hike begins at the Jalama Beach Campground. Head out on the beach a couple of hours before low tide and follow it until you reach the lighthouse. It is important to note that the land above the high-tide line, the top of the cliffs, and...
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Lompoc, California
Camp and Surf Jalama Beach

4.3

Take the 101 North out of LA and follow it till it meets back up with the 1 just south of Lompoc where you make a left turn onto Jalama Rd. If you forgot supplies, continue to Lompoc where you can buy whatever you need.Follow the winding road all the way to the beach, where your only option is th...
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Pismo Beach, California
Surf Shell Beach

5.0

Shell Beach is north of downtown Pismo Beach. This is a fun wave that works best during the fall and winter months. It's a beach break with both lefts and rights. The wave is rippable and is less popular than waves at the pier or at Morro Bay. However, the wave is much less consistent than the ot...
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Los Olivos, California
Dispersed Camp in Los Padres National Forest (near Davy Brown Campground)

7 mi / 2000 ft gain

I was looking for a last minute adventure out of LA and found this epic view. Easy backpacking trip for one night, no permits needed, less than 3.5 hours from LA, and secluded. Go to REI and pick up your adventure pass for your car. Plug into your GPS "Davy Brown Campground" in Los Olivos / Los...
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San Luis Obispo, California
Catch the Sunset at the Avila Sea Caves

4.0

When I attended Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, I would come out to this place to watch the sunset. It was my favorite spot to sit on a rock and take in the beautiful scenery as the sun went down. You don't really have to hike to get a nice view, you can park the car and walk out to the rock cliffs and...
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San Luis Obispo, California
Ontario Ridge to Shell Beach Bluff Trail Loop

4.0

2.79 mi / 679 ft gain

Ontario Ridge to Shell Beach Bluff Trail Loop is a loop trail where you may see beautiful wildflowers located near Avila Beach, California.
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Gaviota, California
Nojoqui Falls

4.5

0.84 mi / 328 ft gain

Unfortunately, the falls have been inaccessible for a while due to dangerous conditions from a mudslide. Contact the County of Santa Barbara Parks Division for more information. The falls are a great daytime getaway. Granted it's a quick, short hike, so you won't get the same workout or sweat go...
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San Luis Obispo, California
Bike or Run the Bob Jones Trail

5 mi

The Bob Jones Trail provides a variety of activities -- running, walking, biking, skateboarding/rollerblading, and some exploring by the creek. You can choose where you would like to start, across the street from the Central Coast Aquarium off Avila Beach Dr. or from the parking lot off Ontario R...
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