Pismo Beach, California
For the best trails and outdoor activities, Pismo Beach, California is a must-visit. The city offers top outdoor adventures like the Pismo Preserve, a 900-acre area with over 11 miles of trail for hiking and mountain biking. Its scenic beauty includes panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean, oak woodlands, and wildlife sightings. For a more relaxed activity, stroll along the Pismo Beach Pier, perfect for fishing and bird watching. Close by is the Monarch Butterfly Grove, home to thousands of Monarch butterflies from late October through February. For the adventurous, the Oceano Dunes SVRA offers off-roading opportunities on the sand dunes. Whether it's hiking, biking, fishing, or off-roading, Pismo Beach has something for everyone.
Top Spots in and near Pismo Beach
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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 -
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 ...Read more -
Los Olivos, California
Dispersed Camp in Los Padres National Forest (near Davy Brown Campground)
7 mi / 2000 ft gainI 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...Read more -
Los Olivos, California
Backpack Zaca Ridge
5.07.32 mi / 2077 ft gainFrom Santa Ynez, CA take Armour Rd until it hits Happy Canyon Rd, and make a left. Follow this scenic drive through vineyards and oak shaded pastures into the Angeles National Forest. A half-mile section of asphalt is rough from winter storms, so drive slow. The road becomes Sunset Valley Rd and ...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 -
Gaviota, California
Nojoqui Falls
4.50.84 mi / 328 ft gainUnfortunately, 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...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
