Top 5 Outdoor Adventures in Wine Coast Country
San Luis Obispo County combines the best adventure travel experiences with the magnificent beauty of the Central Coast that makes for an affordable adventure vacation this spring.
“Wine Coast Country is a wonderful place to live and visit. There are so many outdoor activities you can do here.” – Nick Franco
Nick Franco’s Wine Coast Country Playlist
Top 5 Places to do the Top 5 Outdoor Adventures |
1. Hiking challenging trails in San Simeon State Park, just down the hill from Hearst Castle, is breathtaking in more ways that one. And the best part: It’s free! Stay in Cambria or San Simeon and you’ll be near the best hiking trails on the coast.
2. Horseback riding in Montana de Oro State Park is an exciting trip to take, no matter your riding experience. J&J Riding in Los Osos offers a special coupon for a 90-minute ride along secluded beaches, golden sand dunes and active wildlife for only $65 per ride. (Groups of six or more riders can get a coupon for $60 per person here.)
3. Cycling in Avila Beach is free and fun for the whole family. Many travelers bring their bikes or rent them when they get here and stay in one of the many bike-friendly accommodations. Ride from Avila Beach to San Luis Obispo on the Bob Jones Trail, or along the coastal roads.
4. Kayaking is an adventure in itself. Drift through Morro Bay or paddle through spectacular caves and rock gardens that are only accessible from the water. For those who don’t own a kayak, kayak rentals can cost as little as $8 per hour.
5. Surfing in Cayucos, Calif. is free and exhilarating. The swell off the Coast of San Luis Obispo County is the envy of surfers from places like San Diego and Santa Cruz.
About Nick Franco
Nick Franco is the district superintendent for the California State Parks San Luis Obispo Coast District. The 10 parks of the district include Hearst Castle, Hearst San Simeon State Park, Morro Bay State Park, Limekiln State Park, and Montaña de Oro State Park. He has worked for the state parks since 1983, and was the superintendent on Angel Island in Marin County before coming to the San Luis Obispo Coast District in 2003. He is a Cal Poly graduate and lives in Atascadero with his wife and two daughters.