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BEACHES & LAKES
Avila Beach / Port San Luis, www.centralcoasttourist.com  
A popular and historic seaside resort, this town was almost destroyed by a 400,000 gallon oil spill. The town was torn down, the contaminated soil removed, and planning started for the New Avila Beach®. After some starts and stops, construction is going gangbusters in this small beach town.
Cayucos State Beach, www.parks.ca.gov/default.asp?page_id=596 
Cayucos is a charming little beach town rich in history and popular for its great beaches.
El Capitán State Beach, www.parks.ca.gov/default.asp?page_id=601 
El Capitán State Beach offers visitors a sandy beach, rocky tidepools, and stands of sycamore and oaks along El Capitán Creek. It’s a perfect setting for swimming, fishing, surfing, picnicking and camping. A stairway provides access from the bluffs to the beach area. A bike trail connects the park with Refugio State Beach, 2.5 miles away.
Emma Wood State Beach, www.parks.ca.gov/default.asp?page_id=604 
Moderate ocean temperature at Emma Wood State Beach makes the area a great place for swimming, surfing and fishing. Catches include perch, bass, cabezon and corbina. A freshwater marsh at the southwest end of the beach attracts raccoons, songbirds and red-tailed hawks. The beach also features the crumbling ruins of a World War II coastal artillery site. There is a grassy area for groups. The beach offers a view of Anacapa Island - and occasional dolphins.
Grover Beach, www.grover.org   
The City of Grover Beach covers 2.25 square miles and is located along the beautiful Central Coast of California, 92 miles north of Santa Barbara and 150 miles south of Monterey. Grover Beach provides for a unique quality of life for over 13,000 residents and draws tourists with its moderate coastal climate, drive-on beach, and diverse recreational opportunities.
Lopez Lake Regional Park, www.slocountyparks.com/activities/lopez.htm 
Lopez Lake is the crown jewel of SLO County Parks. With well over 400,000 visitors per year, Lopez easily ranks among the premier recreational lakes of the region, while managing to retain a true "back country" style experience for visitors. Boating, fishing, bird watching, lakeside camping, hiking, windsurfing, and mountain biking are just a few of the activities available at this enchanting place. Visit daily and fill your stringer of fish or by the week and fill your heart, Lopez Lake will capture your spirit!
Montaña de Oro State Beach, www.parks.ca.gov/default.asp?page_id=592  
This park features over 8,000 acres of rugged cliffs, secluded sandy beaches, coastal plains, streams, canyons, and hills, including 1,347-foot Valencia Peak. Naturalists and backpackers enjoy the solitude and freedom found along the park’s trails. There are also mountain biking and equestrian trails. The best-known beach is Spooner’s Cove, across from the campground. The park’s name, "Mountain of Gold," comes from the golden wildflowers that bloom in spring. Wildlife in the park includes black tailed deer and the black oystercatcher. The park includes primitive and equestrian campsites.
Moonstone Beach
A beautiful strip of roadway adjacent to HWY 1 (but closer to the water), Moonstone Beach is as much an artists’ retreat as it is a recreational area. Miles of coastline with long, flat beaches on one side of the road, hotels, galleries and restaurants on the other make this quite a unique place to visit.
Morro Bay State Park, www.parks.ca.gov/default.asp?page_id=594 
Morro Bay State Park features lagoon and natural bay habitat. The bay’s most prominent landmark is Morro Rock. The park has opportunities for sailing, fishing, hiking, and bird watching. The park museum has exhibits cover natural features and cultural history, Native American life, geology, and oceanography. The park also has a colorful marina and an 18-hole public golf course. On the bay’s northeast edge is a pristine saltwater marsh that supports a thriving bird population.
Oceano Dunes State Vehicular Recreation Area, www.parks.ca.gov/default.asp?page_id=406  
This 3,600 acre off road area is among the most popular and unique of California State Parks. The 5 ½ miles of beach open for vehicle use and the 1,500 acres of sand dunes available for off highway motor vehicle recreation are attractions for visitors from throughout the United States.
Pirate's Cove, 

Pirate’s Cove offers a spectacular bluff-top view of the Pacific below. There are many spots at Pirate’s Cove that shouldn’t be missed. The tunnel in the mountain, rocky cove and nude beach are all accessed via different trails from the main parking lot. Pirate's Cove is a nudist beach.
Pismo State Beach, www.parks.ca.gov/default.asp?page_id=595  
Pismo State Beach offers all kinds of attractions: hiking, swimming, surf fishing, and digging for the famous Pismo clam. There are tree-lined dunes and the beach is popular with bird watchers. The park has the largest over-wintering colony of monarch butterflies in the U.S.
Point Sal State Beach, www.parks.ca.gov/default.asp?page_id=605 
Point Sal State Beach is established to make possible the public outdoor recreational enjoyment of the sandy beach extending downcoast from the feature on the California ocean coastline known as Point Sal.   Appropriate public outdoor recreational activities may be provided within this State Beach, but facilities may not impair the scenic or natural integrity of the site.
Refugio State Beach, www.parks.ca.gov/default.asp?page_id=603 
Refugio State Beach offers excellent coastal fishing as well as trails and picnic sites. Palm trees planted near Refugio Creek give a distinctive look to the beach and camping area.  A bike trail along the beach bluff connects the beach with El Capitán State Beach 2.5 miles east.
Shell Beach, www.beachcalifornia.com/shell.html  
Just around the bend in the road north of Pismo Beach lies the city of Shell Beach, one of  the most scenic spots you'll ever find. Rugged cliffs, rocks jutting out of the water, crevice-filled rocks with sand crabs and a sandy beach nestled between rock formations make for an afternoon or day adventure.
     
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STATE & REGIONAL PARKS, MONUMENTS
Biddle Regional Park, www.slocountyparks.com/facilities/regionalparks.htm 
Set among mature California Sycamore trees and open fields, this beautiful day-use park offers an oasis of quiet comfort for the individual while easily accommodating gatherings of 500 or more. Top-flight Central Coast wineries and Lopez Lake Recreation Area lie at your doorstep.
Cayucos State Beach, www.parks.ca.gov/default.asp?page_id=596 
Cayucos is a charming little beach town rich in history and popular for its great beaches.
Chumash Painted Cave State Historical Park, www.parks.ca.gov/default.asp?page_id=602 
This sandstone cave houses religious drawings by Chumash Native Americans, as well as likenesses of coastal fishermen that date back to the 1600s. Located above Santa Barbara in a steep canyon, the site preserves these fine examples of Native American art on the side walls of the rock shelter.
El Capitán State Beach, www.parks.ca.gov/default.asp?page_id=601 
El Capitán State Beach offers visitors a sandy beach, rocky tidepools, and stands of sycamore and oaks along El Capitán Creek. It’s a perfect setting for swimming, fishing, surfing, picnicking and camping. A stairway provides access from the bluffs to the beach area. A bike trail connects the park with Refugio State Beach, 2.5 miles away.
El Chorro Regional Park, www.slocountyparks.com/activities/el_chorro.htm  
Experienced travelers to the Central Coast are quite familiar with this popular overnight camping and RV site and day use park. Set along side of California's Scenic Highway 1, El Chorro is the perfect launching site for access to a range of recreational areas including nationally ranked wildlife refuges, botanical gardens, California State Parks, and the County's own Dairy Creek and Morro Bay Golf Courses. Two off leash pet areas (one for small dogs and one for large dogs) offer pet owners a place to let their pets socialize and play. Minutes from downtown San Luis Obispo, El Chorro is simply too attractive and convenient to pass up!
Emma Wood State Beach, www.parks.ca.gov/default.asp?page_id=604 
Moderate ocean temperature at Emma Wood State Beach makes the area a great place for swimming, surfing and fishing. Catches include perch, bass, cabezon and corbina. A freshwater marsh at the southwest end of the beach attracts raccoons, songbirds and red-tailed hawks. The beach also features the crumbling ruins of a World War II coastal artillery site. There is a grassy area for groups. The beach offers a view of Anacapa Island - and occasional dolphins.
Estero Bay, www.parks.ca.gov/default.asp?page_id=22263 
The purpose of the Estero Bay property, in San Luis Obispo County, is to preserve and protect a rich, diverse and particularly scenic area of the Pacific Ocean coast, with sea stacks and intertidal areas, a substantial area of wetlands, low bluffs and coastal terraces punctuated by a number of perennial and intermittent streams, and containing a pocket cove and beach at Villa Creek. The property's rich diversity of habitat types includes marine, intertidal, estuarine, riverine, coastal salt marsh, freshwater marsh, coastal foredune, coastal and riparian scrub and grassland, collectively providing habitat for a number of endangered species, including the snowy plover. The property includes Native American occupancy sites.
Fremont Peak State Park, www.parks.ca.gov/default.asp?page_id=564
This park features expansive views of Monterey Bay, from its hiking trails in the grasslands of the higher peaks of the Gavilan Range. Other views include the San Benito Valley, Salinas Valley, and the Santa Lucia Mountains east of Big Sur. Pine and oak woodlands in the park are home to many birds and mammals. There are camping and picnic facilities in the park. The park also features an astronomical observatory with a 30-inch telescope, which is open for public programs on selected evenings.
Gaviota State Park, www.parks.ca.gov/default.asp?page_id=606 
The park is a popular spot for swimming, picnicking and surf fishing. A pier on the west end of the beach is used by divers and surfers. A Southern Pacific railroad trestle crosses the creek above the day-use parking lot. Visitors can explore the upland portions of the park from a trailhead in the parking area. Gaviota Peak offers a view of the coast and the Channel Islands.
Hearst San Simeon State Historical Monument, www.parks.ca.gov/default.asp?page_id=591 
San Simeon State Park is one of the oldest units of the California State Park System. The coastal bluffs and promontories of the scenic park offer unobstructed views of the ocean and rocky shore. The park includes the Santa Rosa Creek Natural Preserve, the San Simeon Natural Preserve and the Pa-nu Cultural Preserve were established in 1990.
Heilmann Regional Park, www.slocountyparks.com/facilities/regionalparks.htm 
A true "diamond in the rough", this exquisite day-use park set in a classic California Blue Oak forest setting in the historic town of Atascadero, offers three regulation sized tennis courts, group picnic areas, and a recently-built disc golf course. Appreciated by locals for many years, Heilmann lies next to Chalk Mountain Golf Course, a traditional stop for golfers since the 1940's.
La Purísima Mission, www.parks.ca.gov/default.asp?page_id=598 
Misión la Purísima Concepción de María Santísima, founded in 1787, is one of the most completely restored missions of the 21 Spanish missions in California. This is the largest and most authentic mission restoration project in the American West.
Lopez Lake Regional Park, www.slocountyparks.com/activities/lopez.htm 
Lopez Lake is the crown jewel of SLO County Parks. With well over 400,000 visitors per year, Lopez easily ranks among the premier recreational lakes of the region, while managing to retain a true "back country" style experience for visitors. Boating, fishing, bird watching, lakeside camping, hiking, windsurfing, and mountain biking are just a few of the activities available at this enchanting place. Visit daily and fill your stringer of fish or by the week and fill your heart, Lopez Lake will capture your spirit!
Los Osos Oaks State Reserve, www.parks.ca.gov/default.asp?page_id=597  
This Reserve features 85 acres of ancient sand dunes covered with centuries-old coast live oak trees. According to botanists, five major plant communities thrive within the reserve. They are coastal sage scrub, central coastal scrub, dune oak scrub, coast live oak forest, and riparian (streamside). The oak communities exist close to each other, but each has its own character. The oak scrub has dwarf oak trees growing on the ancient (relict) sand dune. Though they are coast live oak trees, they rarely grow more than six to eight feet tall. The larger coast live oaks are located where the soil is moister. These giants can grow to 25 feet in height. Their massive trunks and gnarled branches twist into all sorts of fantastic shapes
Montaña de Oro State Beach, www.parks.ca.gov/default.asp?page_id=592  
This park features over 8,000 acres of rugged cliffs, secluded sandy beaches, coastal plains, streams, canyons, and hills, including 1,347-foot Valencia Peak. Naturalists and backpackers enjoy the solitude and freedom found along the park’s trails. There are also mountain biking and equestrian trails. The best-known beach is Spooner’s Cove, across from the campground. The park’s name, "Mountain of Gold," comes from the golden wildflowers that bloom in spring. Wildlife in the park includes black tailed deer and the black oystercatcher. The park includes primitive and equestrian campsites.
Morro Bay State Park, www.parks.ca.gov/default.asp?page_id=594 
Morro Bay State Park features lagoon and natural bay habitat. The bay’s most prominent landmark is Morro Rock. The park has opportunities for sailing, fishing, hiking, and bird watching. The park museum has exhibits cover natural features and cultural history, Native American life, geology, and oceanography. The park also has a colorful marina and an 18-hole public golf course. On the bay’s northeast edge is a pristine saltwater marsh that supports a thriving bird population.
Oceano Dunes State Vehicular Recreation Area, www.parks.ca.gov/default.asp?page_id=406  
This 3,600 acre off road area is among the most popular and unique of California State Parks. The 5 ½ miles of beach open for vehicle use and the 1,500 acres of sand dunes available for off highway motor vehicle recreation are attractions for visitors from throughout the United States.
Pismo State Beach, www.parks.ca.gov/default.asp?page_id=595  
Pismo State Beach offers all kinds of attractions: hiking, swimming, surf fishing, and digging for the famous Pismo clam. There are tree-lined dunes and the beach is popular with bird watchers. The park has the largest over-wintering colony of monarch butterflies in the U.S.
Point Sal State Beach, www.parks.ca.gov/default.asp?page_id=605 
Point Sal State Beach is established to make possible the public outdoor recreational enjoyment of the sandy beach extending downcoast from the feature on the California ocean coastline known as Point Sal.   Appropriate public outdoor recreational activities may be provided within this State Beach, but facilities may not impair the scenic or natural integrity of the site.
Refugio State Beach, www.parks.ca.gov/default.asp?page_id=603 
Refugio State Beach offers excellent coastal fishing as well as trails and picnic sites. Palm trees planted near Refugio Creek give a distinctive look to the beach and camping area.  A bike trail along the beach bluff connects the beach with El Capitán State Beach 2.5 miles east.
Rio Caledonia Adobe, www.slocountyparks.com/facilities/rios_caledonia.htm 
A century-old inn and stage stop on the old mission trail between San Francisco and Los Angeles is found eight miles north of Paso Robles and adjacent to the San Miguel Mission. Preserved buildings, beautifully landscaped grounds, picnic sites, a gif shop and restroom are found at the site. To visit Rios Caledonia Adobe, take the Stagecoach Road offramp exit from Highway 101.
San Simeon State Park, www.parks.ca.gov/default.asp?page_id=590 
San Simeon State Park is one of the oldest units of the California State Park System. The coastal bluffs and promontories of the scenic park offer unobstructed views of the ocean and rocky shore. The park includes the Santa Rosa Creek Natural Preserve, the San Simeon Natural Preserve and the Pa-nu Cultural Preserve were established in 1990.
Santa Margarita Lake Regional Park, www.slocountyparks.com/activities/santa_margarita.htm 
It's time to admit that Santa Margarita Lake can no longer contain its appeal to folks just within San Luis Obispo County. Somehow, this special lake, fed by the waters of the Salinas River has managed to retain that rare old world charm of lake parks from everyone's childhood. This park is truly one of the most impressive natural areas owing to the thousands of acres of lands preserved within the park and its "hidden" location away from populated areas. As a major source of the City of San Luis Obispo's drinking water supply, the lake has been managed with care; and it shows!
     
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TRAILS, WALKS, & HIKES
Bishops Peak, www.santalucia.sierraclub.org/ninesis.html  

Bishop Peak is one of nine major peaks that lie in a linear fashion extending from San Luis Obispo to Morro Bay. Over the years, the nine peaks have been called different names, including the Pyramidal Hills, the Cerros, the Morros, and the Nine Sisters. Most commonly referred to as the Morros or the Nine Sisters, this chain of mountains give San Luis Obispo not only a unique view of nature, but also a unique geographic history.
Central Coast Birding Trail, www.ca-ccbt.info 
California's Central Coast is strategically located on the Pacific Flyway and features 83 prime birding sites in four counties: Monterey, San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara and Ventura. Within these four counties are eight Globally Important Bird Areas. In proper habitat and season, nearly 300 bird species can be reliably found along the trail.
The Elfin Forest, www.losososbaywoodpark.org/swap
Take time for a walk through the Elfin Forest Natural Area, and you will believe in the magic of elves. The Elfin Forest is located just off South Bay Boulevard north of Santa Ysabel.  The boardwalk is wheelchair accessible and starts at the north end of 16th Street. End of 16th Street, Los Osos, CA. 805-528-0392
Los Osos Oaks State Reserve, www.parks.ca.gov/default.asp?page_id=597  
This Reserve features 85 acres of ancient sand dunes covered with centuries-old coast live oak trees. According to botanists, five major plant communities thrive within the reserve. They are coastal sage scrub, central coastal scrub, dune oak scrub, coast live oak forest, and riparian (streamside). The oak communities exist close to each other, but each has its own character. The oak scrub has dwarf oak trees growing on the ancient (relict) sand dune. Though they are coast live oak trees, they rarely grow more than six to eight feet tall. The larger coast live oaks are located where the soil is moister. These giants can grow to 25 feet in height. Their massive trunks and gnarled branches twist into all sorts of fantastic shapes
Perfumo Canyon, www.caskating.com/Tour.do?key=198&state=promptTourView 
Located in the Irish Hills reserve of the City of San Luis Obispo, a drive, hike or bike ride up Prefumo canyon will not disappoint. Views of the town, the seven sisters morro chain, ocean and valleys can be seen from the top. Also a popular star-gazing spot at nighttime.
Sweet Springs Preserve, www.morrocoastaudubon.org/sweet.htm 
Sweet Springs is a shore access area through a grove of eucalyptus and cedar (?) trees. I've seen a mixture of kids, wedding photographers and bird watchers frequent this area.
    
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RECREATION RENTALS
Arnie's ATV Rentals, www.pismoatvrentals.com  

171 N. Second St., Grover Beach, and 311 Pier Ave., Oceano, (800) 213-1590
Beach Cycle Rentals, www.fix.net/~pismobill  

150 Hinds Avenue, Pismo Beach, CA. 93449. 805-773-5518
BJ's ATV Rental, www.bjsatvrentals.com   

Oceano Beach, 805-481-5411
Central Coast Kayaks, www.centralcoastkayaks.com   

Pismo and Shell Beaches, 805-773-3500
Grover Beach Motorsports, www.stevesatv.com  

1206 Grand Avenue, Grover Beach 805-474-6431
Pismo Beach Dive Shop & Kayak Rentals, www.pismobeachdiveshop.com   

Pismo and Shell Beaches, 805-773-2089
Pacific Adventure Tours, www.pacificadventuretours.com  
Welcome to the world of Pacific Adventure Tours, where you will experience firsthand the dramatic terrain of the Oceano Dunes landscape. Pacific Adventure Tours is the most exciting adventure tour in California. Pacific Adventure Tours is the only tour company offering more than one model of Hummer! 1300 Railroad St., Oceano, CA. 805-481-9330.
Steve's ATV Rentals & Hummer Tours, www.stevesatv.com  

332 Pier Avenue, Oceano, CA 93445 805-481-2597. 231 Pomeroy, Pismo Beach, CA 805-556-0180
Xtreme Hummer Adventures, www.xtremehummeradventures.com
Xtreme Hummer Adventures offers you the latest technology, safety, and comfort. 866-543-6355
       
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GOLFING
Avila Beach Golf Course, www.avilabeachresort.com  
The Avila Beach Golf Resort a seaside resort located on the Central Coast of California 3 miles off Highway 101 between San Luis Obispo and Pismo Beach. Nestled in the surrounding hills and on the bay, the resort includes a par 71, 6500-yard championship course. The front nine is situated within oak-lined valleys. The back nine transverses a tidal estuary. Golfers of all abilities will enjoy the challenge of this scenic course.
Blacklake Golf Resort, www.blacklake.com 
Fresh air. Crystal blue skies. Radiant sunshine. Dark oak woodlands and bright flowers. Welcome to Blacklake! Nestled among 421 acres of lush California countryside on the Central Coast, Blacklake embraces a natural beauty and intimacy all its own. Along with its luxurious living and abundant recreation, Blacklake has everything you've been looking for.
Chalk Mountain Golf Course, www.chalkmountaingolf.com 
Chalk Mountain Golf Course offers players of all abilities the opportunity to play and enjoy the best golf on the Central Coast. Just 10 minutes south of Paso Robles, the "new" California wine country, and fifteen minutes north of San Luis Obispo, Chalk Mountain is ideally situated among lush, ancient oak groves overlooking the Central Coast valley. A meandering creek, rolling hills, and undulating greens add to the charm and character of this challenging golf course. Whether you are lucky enough to live in the area, or are on your way to Pismo Beach or Cambria, stop and play the best of Central Coast golf.
Cypress Ridge Golf Course, www.cypressridge.com 
Come experience the way golf should be at Cypress Ridge on California's spectacular Central Coast. This Peter Jacobsen Signature Course is as challenging as it is beautiful. The Jacobsen Hardy Design Team utilized the natural surroundings of the area to make this course truly unique.
Dairy Creek Golf Course, www.slocountyparks.com/facilities/dairycreek.htm    
Dairy Creek Golf Course is a fanciful upstart among the many courses found in SLO County. Set among rolling former pastures in the scenic Chorro Valley, Dairy Creek owes its character to the innovative design of its fairways and the natural and historical quality of its environment. Awarded favored status (#5 out of 100) by Golf for Women Magazine's Favorite Courses, Dairy Creek places its emphasis equally on course quality and customer service. That quality extends to the care given to protecting and preserving water resources and natural spaces within the course as habitat for wildlife. Dairy Creek affords the golfer a singular dining experience at The Fairways restaurant, along with its popular banquet facilities. El Chorro Regional Park, host to Dairy Creek, also offers excellent day use and overnight camping for visitors traveling along scenic Highway 1.
Laguna Lake Municipal Golf Course 
The Laguna Lake Course is a nine-hole executive course that is ideal for families. Fees are reasonable and tee times are accepted one day in advance. Public, 9 holes. 11175 Los Osos Valley Rd., San Luis Obispo,  CA 93405. 805-781-7309.
Links Course at Paso Robles, www.linkscourseatpasorobles.com 
Designed in the tradition of the historical Scottish layouts like St. Andrews and Royal Lytham, The Links Course at Paso Robles is both fun and challenging for any level of golfer. Four sets of tees accommodates the novice and challenges the advanced player.
Morro Bay Golf Course, www.slocountyparks.com/facilities/morrobay.htm   
Morro Bay Golf Course has no equal when it comes to showcasing the beauty of the Central Coast. Literally a tee-shot away from its romantic seaside town namesake, this wonderful coastal hillside course overlooks Morro Bay Estuary, a nationally ranked wildlife sanctuary and recreational boat harbor. The course also lies within Morro Bay State Park, offering overnight tent camping to full R.V. facilities. Listening for years to many loyal players, SLO County Parks has crafted a world-class experience at a surprisingly affordable cost.
Paso Robles Golf Club,  
Affordable golf on a championship course, the Paso Robles accepts reservations up to seven days in advance. Public, 18 holes, Par 71. 1600 Country Club Drive, Paso Robles, CA 93446. 805-238-4722.
Pismo State Beach Golf Course  
This par 3 golf course is good practice for the short game and for family entertainment. Additional tees make the course an 18 hole round. Snack bar is on-site. Public, 9 holes, Par 54. 25 Grand Ave., Grover Beach  CA, 93433. 805-481-5215.
Rancho Maria Golf Course, www.ranchomariagolf.com 
Rancho Maria is open daily and provides full services for all patrons. The course is included in golf packages for tourist convenience and savings. Located minutes from downtown Santa Maria. Public, 18 holes, Par 70. 1950 State Highway 1, Santa Maria, CA  93455. 805-937-2019.
River Course at the Alisal, www.rivercourse.com/page/274-11861.htm 
Since  1992,  the River Course has been popular among golfers seeking new destinations for two or three-day golf getaways. The striking panorama of the Santa Ynez Mountains provides the backdrop for the River Course, where golfers can experience the majestic beauty and rustic elegance of California's Central Coast.
Sunset Ridge Golf Center,  
Open year round, this nine-hole course is built on rolling hills in the Santa Maria Valley. Public, 9 holes, Par 56. 1424 Fairway Dr., Santa Maria, CA 93455. 805-347-1070.
     
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BIRDING
Carrizo Plain National Monument, www.centralcoastoutdoors.com/tripsBirds.html 
The Carrizo Plain is located just 48 miles east of San Luis Obispo, but it may as well be a world away. An important Chumash Native American site, Carrizo Plain treats visitors to stunning petroglyphs while sandhill cranes, golden eagles and perhaps even the endangered California condor fly overhead. Other rare fauna possible sightings include San Joaquin kit fox and pronghorn antelope. Note: please call at least 45 days in advance for a Carrizo Plain trip.
Central Coast Birding Trail, www.ca-ccbt.info 
California's Central Coast is strategically located on the Pacific Flyway and features 83 prime birding sites in four counties: Monterey, San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara and Ventura. Within these four counties are eight Globally Important Bird Areas. In proper habitat and season, nearly 300 bird species can be reliably found along the trail.
Kern National Wildlife Refuge, www.centralcoastoutdoors.com/tripsBirds.html 
A two-hour drive from San Luis Obispo, the Kern National Wildlife Refuge offers a fantastic birding experience. Visitors can drive around the scenic birding loop, stopping frequently to observe cranes, water fowl, shorebirds, swooping northern harriers and even the occasional burrowing owl. When our guide visited this spot in June 2003 he was treated to flocks of hundreds of foraging white-faced ibises!
Los Osos Oaks State Reserve, www.parks.ca.gov/default.asp?page_id=597  
This Reserve features 85 acres of ancient sand dunes covered with centuries-old coast live oak trees. According to botanists, five major plant communities thrive within the reserve. They are coastal sage scrub, central coastal scrub, dune oak scrub, coast live oak forest, and riparian (streamside). The oak communities exist close to each other, but each has its own character. The oak scrub has dwarf oak trees growing on the ancient (relict) sand dune. Though they are coast live oak trees, they rarely grow more than six to eight feet tall. The larger coast live oaks are located where the soil is moister. These giants can grow to 25 feet in height. Their massive trunks and gnarled branches twist into all sorts of fantastic shapes
Ranger-Led Hikes, www.ci.san-luis-obispo.ca.us/parksandrecreation/parkrangers.asp 

Ranger-led hikes offer a wonderful personal tour of the City's Open Space.  It is important to follow the simple guidelines for hiking, listed above.  Anyone can schedule their own hike or join one of the following scheduled Ranger-led hikes: Call 805-781-7302 for information on upcoming hikes.
Sweet Springs Preserve, www.morrocoastaudubon.org/sweet.htm 
Sweet Springs is a shore access area through a grove of eucalyptus and cedar (?) trees. I've seen a mixture of kids, wedding photographers and bird watchers frequent this area.
    
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WHALE WATCHING
Condor Cruises, www.condorcruises.com   

Whale watching tours near Santa Barbara. 805-882-0088
Morro Bay Pier,  

A busy fishing harbor, Port San Luis offers deep sea fishing and whale watching excursions that leave from the pier. There is also a fine dining restaurant, Olde Port Inn at the end of the pier that offers spectacular views of the surrounding harbor.
Port San Luis Pier (Avila Beach area)

Morro Bay is also a wonderful starting point for visiting several attractions in San Luis Obispo County. Montaña de Oro (Mountain of Gold) State Park is Southwest of Morro Bay. The famous Hearst Castle is just a short drive north of Morro Bay and in between are the charming villages of Harmony and Cambria. To the east, you will find local wineries offering tasting's of the famous Central Coast varieties.
    
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TOURS & SIGHTSEEING
Central Coast Outdoors, www.centralcoastoutdoors.com   
We specialize in incredible outdoors tours on the Central Coast of California. We offer high quality half day, day, multi-day and custom outdoor tours. These adventure travel tours feature the best bike tours, kayak tours, hike tours, bird watching and eco tours that the Central Coast of California has to offer.
Coast Tours, www.coasttours.com  
From Pismo Beach to Big Sur... Come see the rugged beauty of the Central Coast of California. See Central Coast Wine country close up and personal; then cruise to the coast for unforgettable sunsets. Discover the Elephant seals; truly a photographer's paradise. Tour for a day or 2 weeks. We can arrange it all. Lodging and more... 6000 Coventry Lane, Cambria, CA 93428. 805-927-6802
Pacific Adventure Tours, www.pacificadventuretours.com  
Welcome to the world of Pacific Adventure Tours, where you will experience firsthand the dramatic terrain of the Oceano Dunes landscape. Pacific Adventure Tours is the most exciting adventure tour in California. Pacific Adventure Tours is the only tour company offering more than one model of Hummer! 1300 Railroad St., Oceano, CA. 805-481-9330.
Xtreme Hummer Adventures, www.xtremehummeradventures.com
Xtreme Hummer Adventures offers you the latest technology, safety, and comfort. 866-543-6355
  
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