San Luis Obispo, California
San Luis Obispo, California is a great destination for outdoor adventurers and nature lovers. With its scenic beaches, lush forests, and rolling hills, it's the perfect spot for outdoor activities. From hiking to biking, kayaking to fishing, there’s something for everyone. Here are the top outdoor adventures and attractions in and near San Luis Obispo. Morro Bay State Park: This park is a must-visit for its stunning views of Morro Rock and the Pacific Ocean. There are plenty of activities to do here, including hiking, biking, kayaking, and fishing. Montana de Oro State Park: This state park is known for its beautiful coastal bluffs, pristine beaches, and rugged hiking trails. It’s the perfect spot for a day of exploration and relaxation. Pismo Beach: This beach is one of the most popular in the area and is perfect for swimming, surfing, and sunbathing. Cerro San Luis Obispo: This peak is located within the city limits and is perfect for a day of hiking and exploring. Whether you’re looking for a beach day, a hike, or a day of exploration, San Luis Obispo has plenty of outdoor activities and attractions to offer.
Top Spots in and near San Luis Obispo
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Morro Bay, California
Photograph the Rock at Morro Bay
4.8Morro Bay is located west about 13 miles of San Luis Obispo. Typically Pismo Beach and San Luis are the go to spots when traveling to that area, but after spending the day there I would highly recommend giving it a visit! The first thing you'll see when pulling into downtown Morro Bay is the mas...Read more -
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...Read more -
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...Read more -
Cayucos, California
Cayucos Pier Trail
5.00.35 mi / 30 ft gainCayucos Pier Trail is an out-and-back trail where you may see beautiful wildflowers located near Cayucos, California.Read more -
Paso Robles, California
Bike the Salinas River Trail
2 mi / 200 ft gainThe Salinas River Walk in Paso Robles is one of the first sections of a planned 30 mile river trail extending from Santa Margarita in the south to San Miguel. The trail can be accessed at several places, primarily at the south end at Lawrence Moore Park at the end of Riverbank Lane where there i...Read more -
Paso Robles, California
Bike Peachy Canyon
10.5 mi / 2200 ft gainPeach Canyon is the *the* iconic cycling road in the Paso Robles area, beginning downtown and connecting with many other roads in the mountains west of town making for numerous beautiful loops through vineyards, orchards, and black oak groves. Peachy Canyon Road begins at Olive and 6th Street and...Read more -
Orcutt, California
Hike or Trail Run the Rice Ranch Trail
4.03.2 mi / 400 ft gainHike, 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...Read more -
Cambria, California
Camp at San Simeon State Park
4.0San Simeon has two campgrounds to choose from – San Simeon Creek Campground has 115 campsites for tent or RV camping. Sites have fire rings and picnic tables, and nearby there is firewood for sale. Your other choice is the primitive Washburn Campground, located 1 mile inland. From this plateau, y...Read more -
Paso Robles, California
Kayak Lake Nacimiento
Lake Nacimiento near Paso Robles, CA is a gorgeous reservoir used for kayaking, paddle boarding, and all manner of water sports. To get there, from Highway 101 take the 24th street exit in Paso Robles west till it turns into Lake Nacimiento Drive. Lake Nacimiento Drive will eventually turn into G...Read more -
Paso Robles, California
Hike the Shoreline Trail
1.05.5 mi / 1100 ft gainThe Shoreline Trail on Lake Nacimiento near Paso Robles, CA is a 5.6 mile trail used for hiking and trail running and located near Lake Nacimiento Resort. To get there, from Highway 101 take the 24th street exit in Paso Robles west till it turns into Lake Nacimiento Drive. Lake Nacimiento Drive w...Read more -
Paso Robles, California
Stand Up Paddle Board at Lake Nacimiento
Lake Nacimiento near Paso Robles, CA is a gorgeous reservoir used for kayaking, paddle boarding, and all manner of water sports. To get there, from Highway 101 take the 24th street exit in Paso Robles west till it turns into Lake Nacimiento Drive. Lake Nacimiento Drive will eventually turn into G...Read more -
Santa Maria, California
Cycle the Palmer and Cat Canyon Roads in Santa Maria Valley
30 miYou 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...Read more -
Santa Maria, California
Trail Run, Hike, or Mountain Bike Los Flores Ranch Park
5 mi / 700 ft gainI'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 ...Read more -
San Simeon, California
Explore Hearst Castle
4.5Hearst CastleYou always hear about it but rarely do you make the necessary full day stop to visit the castle with Big Sur just around the corner.Hearst Castle, located high above the ocean, was the creation of two extraordinary individuals, William Randolph Hearst, and architect Julia Morgan.They...Read more -
Santa Maria, California
Bike Foxen Canyon Road
29 mi / 2400 ft gainFoxen 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 ...Read more -
San Simeon, California
Elephant Seal Vista Point
5.0Elephant Seal Vista Point is a favorite place to see the elephant seals. If you’re in the area and have the opportunity, it's a must see. During the Spring, the adult elephant seals and the baby seals are out. Nearby are easy, clearly marked, walking paths, along the cliffs edge. Dogs are not all...Read more
