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    Fiscalini Ranch Preserve

    4.8 (111 reviews)
    Open 6:00 am - 8:00 pm

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    Lisa P.

    The. Best. I'm obsessed with this ranch preserve and so grateful to the Cambria Community Services District (the property owner) and the Friends of the Fiscalini Ranch Preserve (who maintain the grounds) for saving this ranch from corporate development and gifting it to nature lovers like me!!! The long, winding path along the cliffs and through big swaths of native bushes and flowers are simply stunning! And every year I go they continue to make improvements by adding new boardwalk trails. If you see volunteers pulling out invasive weeds or maintaining the sprawling grounds, be sure to say hello and thank them for all their hard work! You can also visit the store in town and support them by buying some Fiscalini merch!

    Fiscalini Ranch Preserve
    John D.

    Get What You Preserve 430-Acre open space preserve located in Cambria, that features walking trails and amazing coastal views. The Good: *Free to visit *Spectacular views *Eight miles of trails that are well maintained and fairly flat. The Meh: *No restrooms *One of the smaller OSPs we've visited, so don't expect an all-day affair here. But you can definitely kill a few hours easy. The Ugly: *Two tiny parking lots (one on either end of the park). Put in either 2799 Bluff Trail, Cambria, CA, or 2799 Windsor Blvd, Cambria, CA to access the two lots. Conclusion: Fantastic little OSP that's great for a day hike and soaking in some Vitamin Sea.

    Monterey Pines doing well at 3 yrs old!

    We returned to the scene of the planter yesterday. Christmas market the night before followed by a great walk/hike in the preserve. We sought out the planting site to check on the trees. Three years from planting on 11/26/22 and look at them. How great isA fair amount of mortality in swaths of the effort and successful areas as well. Our dog had a fun day too. And I'll admit when people weren't within view he followed his nose as he sprung over and through the chaparral. Leashed when people and/or dogs were nearing us. Just a beautiful day with friendly like minded visitors. Pleasant walkers all of them. One note for anyone visiting, it was 12/23/25 and mid fifties with rain threatening so I didn't expect the number of ticks. Baci had his rain jacket on and as I removed it I found ticks galore. I removed more than fifty as he sat patiently. Another twenty or more on the two of us. Some on him had already found a vessel and latched on after our four hour outing so very fortunate I checked before the two hour ride home. A few were heading into his ears. Ours were on our clothes fortunately. We did our best to remove all of his but at home we shampooed with flea and tick shampoo to kill any escapees. Another 25-30! He doesn't get oral or topical flea and tick meds, I don't trust them, so vigilance was needed. Won't stop ranch visits but visitors beware. Hats and inspections for hoomans and doggos as well. Early outbreak I'd think but it happened in Fiscalini!

    Trail is mix of planks and gravel/dirt
    Laura C.

    Great local spot to take a walk and check out some pretty coastal views. Google maps took us to the end of a cul-de-sac in a residential neighborhood. There are a few parking spots on the street or you can go further in for a more formal parking lot (we didn't park in there to see how big it was). It looks like there are entrances at both the northern and southern side of the preserve that lead you to the popular Bluff Trail. Didn't see any restrooms, but there were restrooms at the nearby Shamel Park (just under a mile away from the northern entrance). The walk is a mix of wood planks and unpaved ground. On one side you have the coast and the other side features more of an open field. Interesting looking benches made of driftwood are sprinkled throughout the walk for folks who want to rest or enjoy the scenery. Pleasant place to walk as it was uncrowded (on a weekday) and we passed by a few folks who seemed to be locals in the neighborhood. Would come back again if we're in the area. It's a nice place to take a brief walk (or longer if you like, but the Bluff Trail isn't super extensive).

    Loren K.

    This place is a treasure and a must visit for sure. What's great is that there are many starting points around the preserve to the trails depending on which side you enter on. As you know, the time of day/time of year you go will also provide different experiences as far as weather, animals, foliage, and the views. My doggie did end up getting a tick during one of the visits, but that's to be expected while out in nature. The trails vary in length and I'd say they are all classified as 'easy'. You won't break a sweat, but do make sure to stop at one of the many handmade benches to take it all in. The Bluff Trail/Marine Terrace is ADA accessible.

    Wooly Sunflower
    Daniel Armie M.

    Love this trail. My boys love to walk/hike and this is an easy one. Views are spectacular and seeing the wildlife and nature along with the amazing smell of salty sea air and plants, it's the best combination to my senses as I feel my stress and worries melt away.

    Entrance sign on Main Street
    Sanaz S.

    This beautiful & dense mini forest separates the East and West Village areas of gorgeous little Cambria. You can walk some trails though the preserve, it's a very easy walk. It's so pretty and the air is so wonderfully fresh. I didn't check only the entire area as I was alone and it was getting dark, but I'll definitely go back and do it earlier in the day so I can walk around and see more. I especially love the canopy the trees create...when the fog rolls in ...it's truly breathtaking!

    Candace L.

    Fiscalini Ranch Preserve is really magical, and all encompassing. I will say right off the bat, if you are looking for a very vigorous hike with a ton of elevation - it's quite obvi this isn't it, you're coastal not in a mountain range if you failed to notice. If you're looking for a gorgeous area, varied terrain, seaside views, wildlife, boardwalks, pines, and more this is it! We walked a couple of miles to enter through a neighborhood entrance near Windsor (and exited on a different neighborhood street near the Trenton and Forest trails) and took a few different paths and trails. If I lived in the area, I'd be here every single day. If you're a runner in the area, you already know the neighborhood provides exceptional opportunities to run/train with all of the rolling hills and some very steep climbs. The preserve is perfect for a mix of short mileage trail running on a few different surfaces. This place really is dreamy! I'm an avid hiker and where maybe bagging a 14er is my ultimate enjoyment, this very relaxing, very beautiful area provides something nourishing for the soul. A real sense of calm and beauty as you walk through open spacious fields/meadows, along the sea, beneath the pines, and moss draped trees. It's nearly fairy tale like. Perfect for solo time, families, couples, and more. The trails are one way only right now, due to social distancing etc. Most are following this recommendation, which is nice. I didn't notice and restroom options, which would be a nice addition - maybe they are somewhere and I just missed them. If you're staying in the area and looking for a little more mileage, I'd recommend walking from wherever you are to get to/from here. This area is a definite must in my opinion.

    History of Fiscalini Ranch.
    Kathryn L.

    Easy well-maintained trails make this an ideal place to enjoy the ocean views. Plenty of driftwood crafted benches invite you to linger. Preserve your sanity here!

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    6 months ago

    This is a must do walk for anyone staying in Cambria. Boardwalk does get busy, but the parallel fire road trail offers a much wider path.

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    This is a beautiful and not-to-be-missed walk. You have your pick of the forest or the beach with these trails. Go to clear your mind!

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    2 years ago

    The Perfect Way To Spend a Sunset or Morning Walk, A Beautiful Piece of Nature Very Well Preserved By Local Community.

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    Page 1 of 3

    Ask the Community - Fiscalini Ranch Preserve

    What are the dominant yellow flowers blooming in abundance on March 24, 2019?

    Seaside woolly sunflower

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    Review Highlights - Fiscalini Ranch Preserve

    moonstone beach is nice but the views on the bluff trail are breathtaking and it is much less crowded.

    Mentioned in 9 reviews

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    Shamel Park - Let's check this place out!

    Shamel Park

    4.5(32 reviews)
    0.8 mi

    This park is a fine place to stop if you want to let the kids or the dog out for a bit…read more Most of the grassy area was taken up by a large group of gentleman playing soccer while we were there but there is a small, unfenced area where you can let your dog off leash for a bit and let them relieve themselves. Most people kept their dogs on leash though Be careful though as it's close to the street and people go around the corner there much faster than I would like, especially for a residential neighborhood. The bathrooms were clean and there is a playground area for kids. You can also access the beach from this park. There is a pool are that was closed, so as busy as it was when we visited, I imagine it gets even busier.

    I really have zero complaints about this hidden park. It was…read morein a quiet neighborhood in a corner. I have 3 kids, two who are adults, and one who is 8 years old. There was a play area with slides and swings and they all enjoyed it. The bathrooms were clean, and I noticed there was a pool too. I don't know when it's open or if they open it at all. I just thought it was cute. There was beach access and the beach was pretty clean. There were not too many people, so it was nice to have it practically all to ourselves. There was sand but also beautiful rocks that we all enjoyed playing in. The waves were extremely large and gorgeous. There was a sign that said no lifeguard on site. Overall it was a great experience for all of us, and we would love to return for another day of hanging out!

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    Shamel Park
    Shamel Park
    Shamel Park

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    Moonstone Beach

    Moonstone Beach

    4.6(247 reviews)
    1.1 mi

    On A mini vacation to Cambria with my family. This was a beautiful walk on the boardwalk. Great…read moreviews of the ocean and surroundings. Easy pathway for everyone, even good for strollers and wheelchairs. The beach has stone sand and it so colorful. Beautiful pieces to look at. I had lots of fun walking on the beach and looking at the stones. It's a lovely place to be. Part of why I love living in California. So many beautiful beaches and small towns.

    My family loves this beach. The parking lot is small, but we usually are able to find a spot…read more There's a public restroom connected to the parking lot. I've never needed it, but I'm glad it is there. Beach access is down some stairs that can be hard if you have mobility or balance issues. They are sturdy, and if you are able to navigate them slowly, it is worth it. The beach itself has driftwood that has washed up, and other beach-goers have fashioned into makeshift structures that are fun to explore. The sand is soft, and has tons of rocks and pebbles to investigate. As the name suggests, there are moonstones to find, if you have a bit of luck. Several times when I've visited, I've found these transparent clear and purplish/blue velella velella all over the shore. Other wildlife seen at this beach include moon jellyfish, sea lions (off shore), pelicans, seagulls, cormorants, and cottontail bunnies along the cliffs. There is a creek outlet that washes into the sea that can be a bit stinky, and tends to make traversing the beach hard past that point. Also along the water's edge, there can be some unstable sand areas, so tread carefully. This beach tends to have a nice breeze, and is refreshing even on hot days. If you are in the area and you can find parking, check it out!

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    Moonstone Beach
    Moonstone Beach
    Moonstone Beach

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    Leffingwell Landing - A Leffingwell Landing seagull looking for Paula.

    Leffingwell Landing

    4.6(17 reviews)
    2.1 mi

    I swear I was a mermaid in my past life. The sounds of the…read morewaves crashing against those huge rocks on the side of the cliffs, the infinite water that never ends, the sand between my toes and the sun beaming down on my skin completed me... oh and the music on my Bluetooth speaker... is just the absolute best feeling ever. I easily lose track of time when I'm there... I was totally inspired by the rescues by the Marine Mammal Center while we were there at this beach... First they came and rescued a bird who couldn't fly... there were two of them... totally patient and very careful they put it in a bag and said they were going to check to make sure everything was okay before releasing it back out... A few hours later there was a sea look who looked like it was not doing very well... Someone must have called and a team of rescue came and did the same... carefully putting him in a cage and said they were taking him to morro bay hospital for observation and then would be taking it to Sausalito to release it. They were speaking with the public which I thought was really cool! I've already done my donation and I think more people need to know about this place. But back to this beach.. There is a bathroom nearby... benches to sit and have lunch... grills to cook... it's just a perfect place to spend the day at... I cannot even explain the beauty that is here Go check it out if you haven't yet!

    Part of the reason I love the Central California Coast is their commitment to keeping the…read morebeachfront areas public. You'll find miles upon miles of shore-near cliff trails, walkways and mini parks. It's not like other parts of California where million dollar mansions are taking up prime beach views. You don't have to try and find super secret beach front access and park miles away. It's just... accessible! Leffingwell Landing is across from Oceanpoint Ranch. There's public parking dotted here and there and we've never had trouble finding a spot. There are paved trails, combined with established dirt trails and the occasional newly created trail (which we try to avoid). Some of the cliffs have been eroded over time, along with the stairs and beach access points. There are also several areas blocked off to inhibit foot traffic and encourage plant growth. It's a great place to stroll, or take your leashed pup for a walk. The clear sunny views are breathtaking and the morning fog captivating - you'd be hard-pressed to have a bad weather day here! On our last visit we encountered a lone Great Blue Heron. She had recently finished a freshly-caught meal and was drying off just off the trail. Folks were mesmerized by her and everyone respectfully kept their distance. Leffingwell Landing also has a small grassy park with benches. A nice spot for a small party or wedding - albeit a bit breezy. Don't miss walking the Moonstone Boardwalk and Leffingwell Landing - it's simply Cambria!

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    Leffingwell Landing - Crab

    Crab

    Leffingwell Landing - A beautiful summer afternoon at Leffingwell Landing. Temperature 61°F @ 4:00 pm.

    A beautiful summer afternoon at Leffingwell Landing. Temperature 61°F @ 4:00 pm.

    Leffingwell Landing

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    San Simeon Creek Trail

    San Simeon Creek Trail

    4.8(5 reviews)
    2.9 mi

    A nice trail that's part nature walk, part moderate hike. The distance ranges from 3.5 - 3.8 miles…read moreit's a loop trail that goes around Sam Simeon State park/Campground. If you're staying at the camp ground you can easily get to the trail by following the park map. If you're not visiting the campsite there is a pullout area across the campground entrance on the other side near the beach where you can walk the trail under PCH. Coming from the beach trail around the loop you'll get around 450 feet of elevation gain, the trail is pretty simple to follow but if you're looking for direction to follow online there is a map on All Trails under "San Simeon trail to Washburn Campground Loop"

    This kinda beauty is why I live on the central coast. I cannot believe that views like this are in…read moremy neighborhood! This is definitely more of a walk than a hike as the trails weaves in and out of eucalyptus trees and the cliffside. The views are truly out of a picture book. Words almost do not do it justice. The smell of eucalyptus in the air, the big beautiful ocean on the your right and the forest on your left. On a clear day you can see Hearst castle on the hill and aquatic animals swimming in the ocean. I have never not seen at least some marine life whenever I have visited. Whether that is a sea lion lounging on the beach or a pod of dolphins. The marine life is alive and well in this area! Luckily, it is almost completely flat and not too long so you can bring your pup along for the ride! The only warning I have about this amazing walk is that there can be a great deal of rattlesnakes during rattlesnake season. They can be scary, but remember that they rarely attack humans. Just do not go poking them with a stick and watch your puppy so he doesn't go sniffing around one! This walk is absolutely breathtaking and it is flabbergasting more people do not know about it. It is so close to Big Sur, so people must overlook it. Do not do that! Go visit for yourself!

    Photos
    San Simeon Creek Trail - Trail walk path in the meadow near San Simeon creek campground.

    Trail walk path in the meadow near San Simeon creek campground.

    San Simeon Creek Trail
    San Simeon Creek Trail - Walk way from the campground goes under PCH right to the beach.

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    Walk way from the campground goes under PCH right to the beach.

    San Simeon State Park & Campground

    San Simeon State Park & Campground

    3.6(157 reviews)
    3.2 mi

    April 18, 2025 The…read morelocation of this state park can't be beat. Located on the coast, it is near many "must-see" attractions, such as Hearst Castle and the Elephant Seal viewpoints. This State Park has a day-use area and two campgrounds: Washburn Day Use Area, San Simeon Creek Campground and the more primitive Washburn Campground. San Simeon Creek Campground is closer to the ocean; Washburn Campground is about a mile or two inland, overlooking the Santa Lucia mountains. The day-use area is open from 8AM to sunset, and is easily accessed from Highway 1, has picnic sites, parking, restrooms, water faucets, barbecue grills, and easy beach access (unless you are a dog...) One star down from an excellent rating for two reasons: The beach, sadly, is NDA (no dogs allowed), and the day use picnic tables are located next to the highway.

    campground is reasonably priced because it is a "primitive" campground, meaning no hookups, no hot…read morespot access or wifi, no cell service and no tv. they have the weirdest generator hours (10 am to 4 pm only?) which means primitive coffee and a cold dinner! I don't get it! a trail leading from the upper campsites to the midsection is overgrown and needs to be cleaned up. it looked like the lawnmower they were using didn't have a sharp blade or no blade. as a californian, this place needs help! we were here years ago and it wasn't this bad. hearst castle and the elephant seal viewpoint are close. we stayed 8 days but recommend a weekend or shorter week.

    Photos
    San Simeon State Park & Campground - April 18, 2025 - Washburn Day Use Area picnic tables are next to Highway 1.

    April 18, 2025 - Washburn Day Use Area picnic tables are next to Highway 1.

    San Simeon State Park & Campground - San Simeon State Park

    San Simeon State Park

    San Simeon State Park & Campground

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    Fiscalini Ranch Preserve - beaches - Updated May 2026

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