Central Coast Points of Interest
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The Mystery Spot is located north of downtown Santa Cruz off Highway 1 at Branciforte Drive. This wooden home nestled in the redwoods originally opened in 1940 and is an anomaly of gravity, perspective and all that is right in the world. Witness rooms that appear to be longer than they actually are, doorways that lean toward the Earth's poles and many more unexplainable experiences.
The Mystery Spot
465 Mystery Spot Road
Santa Cruz, California 95065
(831) 423-8897
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Santa Cruz Wharf is located off Highway 1 (PCH) near the intersection with Bay Street. The wharf features many restaurants, specialty shops, and entertainment options. Boat & kayak rentals and fishing & whale watching charters are available at the wharf. Seals and sealions frequent the wharf and appear to enjoy interacting with the tourists. The historic Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk is situated on the beach right next to the wharf, and offers carnival attractions, amusement rides and a hair-raising rollercoaster.
Santa Cruz Wharf
Beach Street & Pacific Avenue
Santa Cruz, California 95060
(831) 420-5270
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Cannery Row is located off Highway 1 (PCH) near the Camino Aguajito Road exit. The Cannery Row of yesteryear has a rich history in the whaling and sardine fishing industries and was the focus of John Steinbeck's novel, Cannery Row. Today, Cannery Row features several city blocks of hotels, restaurants, specialty shops, and entertainment options. The famous Monterey Bay Aquarium is situated at the end of Cannery Row.
Cannery Row
Monterey, California 93940
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Old Fisherman's Wharf is located off Highway 1 (PCH) near the Fremont Street exit. The wharf features many restaurants, specialty shops, and entertainment options. There are several whale watching charters to choose from as well as deep sea fishing and boat rentals. Monterey Bay is full of sea life and it is not uncommon to watch sea otters at play while you dine on the wharf. The Monterey Maritime Historic Park including the Monterey Maritime Museum are at the base of the wharf. The famous Monterey Bay Aquarium is a short drive from here.
Old Fisherman's Wharf #1
Fisherman's Wharf #1
Monterey, California 93940
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Monterey Bay Coastal Bike Path hugs the coastlinge of Monterey Bay through Fort Ord, Fisheman's Wharf, Cannery Row, Pacific Grove and Pebble Beach. The trail is mostly bike path used by joggers, skaters and bikers with some road sections. The entire path stretches 29-miles from Castroville in the north to Pebble Beach in the south. Choose to tackle the entire length or just cruise the easy portion between Fisheman's Wharf, Cannery Row and Pacific Grove. Bay Bikes Rentals is located at Cannery Row and rents bikes for your enjoyment on the trail.
Bay Bikes Rentals
585 Cannery Row
Monterey, CA 93940
(831) 655-2453
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17-Mile Drive is located between Pacific Grove and Carmel. This scenic drive follows a picturesque coastline with parking and markers at unique or especially photographic points. Pass through neighborhoods of palacial mansions and alongside some of the most sought after golf courses in the world. The 'Lone Cypress' is one of the most photographed trees in the world and can be found along this stretch. Stop at one of many picnic areas conveniently situated on bluffs above wide sandy beaches. Take your time and make a day out of it by watching otters play in the kelp or trying to spot whale spouts as they migrate between Mexico and Alaska. At the time of this writing in 2009, a $10 fee is charged for access to 17-Mile Drive.
17-Mile Drive
Carmel, California 93921
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Scenic Drive is located at the end of Ocean Avenue in Carmel. This beach offers stretches of sandy beach and secluded coves among native cypress trees. Scenic Drive follows the shoreline and ends to the south at Carmel River State Beach. Dogs and fires are allowed on the southern portion of the city beach. Activities include nature walks, surfing, kite flying, picnicking and sunbathing.
TIP: We find Scenic Drive to be just as enjoyable and far less crowded than the popular 17-Mile Drive along the coast north of Carmel
Scenic Drive
Carmel, California 93923
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Monarch Butterfly Preserves are located at several locations along the Central Coast. Every year between October and February, Monarch butterflies nest through the winter on their way between Canada and Mexico. It's an amazing site worth experiencing first hand. Docents are usually on hand at each location to teach you further details about their migration. The northernmost location is at Natural Bridges State Park in Santa Cruz. Further south is "Butterfly Town, USA", otherwise known as Pacific Grove, where you'll find a butterfly sanctuary. The Sweet Springs Nature Preserve is located at the southern end of Morro Bay in Los Osos. The southernmost location is in Pismo Beach at the southern end of the Pismo Beach Campground.
Santa Cruz
Natural Bridges State Park
Swanton Blvd. & W. Cliff Drive
Santa Cruz, CA 95060
(831) 423-4609
Pacific Grove
1073 Lighthouse Avenue
Ridge Road between Lighthouse & Short
Pacific Grove, CA 93950
Morro Bay
Sweet Springs Nature Preserve
Ramona Avenue
Ramona Ave. between 4th & Broderson
Los Osos, CA 93402
Pismo Beach
North Beach Campground
Highway 1 south of the North Beach Campground
Pismo Beach, CA 93448
Map Santa Cruz |
Map Pacific Grove |
Map Morro Bay |
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Elephant Seals Colony is located on a beach just north of San Simion and Hearst Castle, right off Highway 1. The colony is relatively new and increasing in numbers with every season. Docents are often available for questions and sea lion facts. The address below is for Friends of the Elephant Seals where you can obtain information and gift items relating to the seals. The map link we provided is just a short distance south of the actual location of the colony.
Friends of the Elephant Seals
250 San Simeon Avenue
San Simeon, CA 93452
(805) 924-1628
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Franklin Hotsprings is located off Highway 101, southest of Paso Robles on Creston Road. Franklin Hotsprings includes a small lake for boating and fishing, as well as a mineral hotspring that naturally heats a swimming area to 97.30F and a hot tub to 100.10F. The only boats allow on the lake are non-motorized like sailboats, canoes, row boats, fishing floats and remote control. The lake is stocked with bass, crappie, bluegill and catfish. Many species of waterfowl and even California beaver make this lake home.
Franklin Hot Springs
3085 Creston Road
Paso Robles, California 93446
(805) 712-5372
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Green Acres Lavender Farm is located off Highway 101 from the Santa Rosa Road exit. Green Acres grows lavender and offers natural lavender products and tours of the farm. Enjoy the benefits of lavender while relaxing in the lavender fields during the day and under the stars at night.
Green Acres Lavender Farm
8865 San Gabriel Road
Atascadero, CA 93422
(805) 466-0837
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Jack Creek Farms is located off Highway 46 between Templeton and Cambria. This family-owned farm offers visitors a farm-life experience and a reconnection with simpler times past. Visitors are encouraged to take part in farm activities including planting, harvesting and roping. Get up close with farm animals and sample some of their treats like apple cider, pomegranate juice, caramel apple, cookies and fudge. All of their produce is naturally grown and available for purchase in their country store. Group tours are available.
Jack Creek Farms
5000 Highway 46 West
Templeton, CA 93465
(805) 238-3799
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Morro Bay is located midway between Los Angeles and Santa Cruz off Highway 1. Recognized for its huge stone megalith on the outer edge of the harbor, Morro Bay is a central California playground. Visitors enjoy golfing, kayaking, sailing, hiking, rock climbing, birdwatching, deep-sea fishing, surfing, biking, horseback riding, walking and much more. The harbor is clean and calm, perfect for a relaxing kayak adventure. Morro Bay also specializes in day spas, art galleries and nearby wineries.
Morro Bay Visitor Center
845 Embarcadero Road, Suite D
Morro Bay, California 93442
(805) 772-4467
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Sycamore Mineral Springs are located in south San Luis Obispo County off Avila Beach Drive and are managed by Sycamore Mineral Springs Resort. More than a dozen pools offer natural mineral rich rejuvenation and are rentable by the hour. The Resort also offers other health & wellness therapy such as massages, hypnosis, yoga and more. Lodging and dining are another option the resort offers. The nearby Avila Beach is a popular tourist destination.
Sycamore Hot Springs Resort
1215 Avila Beach Drive
San Luis Obispo, California 93405
(800) 234-5831
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Bob Jones Bike Trail follows the beautiful Avila Creek in southern San Luis Obisbo County. Bring your own bike or rent one at the Sea Barn in Avila Beach. Follow the paved trail through golf courses and oak dotted hillsides for nearly 3-miles to Highway 101. Connect with Ontario Road and head north for another 7 miles to downtown San Luis Obispo, or south to Shell and Pismo Beaches. Bring your bathing suit and stop for a dip at Sycamore Mineral Springs Resort.
Bob Jones Bike Trail
Avila Beach, California 93424
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Gopher Glen Apple Farm is located in south San Luis Obispo off Highway 101 at San Luis Bay Drive. Gopher Glen offers visitors farm fresh apples and apple products like apple cider, apple butter, fruit preserves and various baked goods. Check their calendar for ripening dates of dozens of apple varieties from July through November..
Bob Jones Bike Trail
2899 See Canyon Road
San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
(805) 595-2646
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Stearns Wharf is located off Highway 101 between the Castillo and Garden Street exits in Santa Barbara. Look for the triple dolphin fountain at the end of State Street and you've found California's oldest working wharf. Attractions include Ty Warner Sea Center, parasailing, deep sea fishing, whale watching, specialty shops and restaurants. The wharf is surrounded by East and West Beaches, two of Santa Barbara's most popular beaches. This is the place for the freshest seafood in town.
Stearns Wharf
210 Stearns Wharf
Santa Barbara, Californina 93101
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Chumash Painted Cave is located off Highway 154 between Santa Barbara and Lake Cachuma. A short, steep trail heads from Highway 154 to a small cave containing Chumash Native American paintings. The paintings date back to the 1600s and possibly earlier.
Chumash Painted Cave State Historic Park
Painted Cave Road
Santa Barbara, Californina 93101
(805) 733-3713
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