Beaches
If you are a beach lover then look no further than the Central Coast of California. With 100 miles of coastline, the beaches in the Central Coast are truly spectacular. Soak in the sun, explore tide pools, relax while listening to the ocean’s melody, and unwind will breathing in the salty ocean breeze. Here are some of my favorite beaches in the Central Coast.
San Simeon
William R. Hearst Memorial Beach across from Hearst Castle is one of my favorite beaches in the Central Coast. The calmness, tranquility, and beauty that surrounds this town is unlike any other beach town in the area. Spend a day walking on the pier, watching elephant seals, laying by the beach, or hiking San Simeon Point Trail.
Moonstone Beach
Moonstone Beach in Cambria is the perfect place to unwind, relax and soak in the beautiful scenery. The sandy beaches are filled with smooth, translucent, milky white moonstone agates. Walk along The Moonstone Beach Boardwalk that follows the rocky shoreline at the edge of the ocean cliff.
The trail leads past small coves, rock formations, and tide pools to scenic overlooks. You can explore the sandy beaches and tide pools on this easy 2.5 mile round trip. Or relax on the abundance of wooden benches along the beach and enjoy listening to the ocean’s melody while watching whales, dolphins, sea otters, and birds.
Cayucos
Cayucos is the perfect family friendly beach town. Enjoy six miles of the white sand beach at Cayucos State Beach. Spend the day surfing, jumping waves, fishing off the pier, exploring the tide pools and of course the shipwreck! Grab a bite to eat at one of the delicious restaurants that are within walking distance from the pier!
Montaña De Oro “Mountain of Gold”
Montaña De Oro has my heart and is one of my favorite places in all of the Central Coast. Driving through the eucalyptus trees and breathing in the fresh ocean air instantly makes me so much happier. I've been to Montaña De Oro hundreds of times and I’m always blown away at its endless beauty.
Enjoy 8,000 acres of rugged cliffs, secluded sandy beaches, a sinkhole, several hiking trails including one of my favorite’s Valencia Peak. Montaña De Oro is the perfect place for hiking, camping, mountain biking and horseback riding.
Avila Beach
My favorite beach in Avila is downtown Avila! There is something for everyone to enjoy from basketball and volleyball courts, a pirate themed park for the kids, barbecue and picnic areas, tide pools to explore, and the lagoon. The nearby restaurants and shops along the beach make for a perfect day in the sun.
