Parking is 5.55 and I was able to log on and use apple pay…read more This hike was very easy and moderate. The incline was slow, therefore you are not really able to feel it. But you can see it once you see other people hiking the same route. The view itself on the way up is beautiful, your able to smell the ocean smell, enjoy the view and just take it all in. Really green everywhere, watch out for the cow droppings because they do roam. If you lucky you can see them afar enjoy their grass and space. I would say it was maybe about 1.5 miles back and forth, I want to try the loop next time but these was just a quick little hike before we stuff ourselves with food!

Pismo Reserve displays a beautiful outlook on Pismo beach and 5 cities in general. It's a beautiful…read moreplace to do a hike and a picnic. There are multiple routes to take depending on which outlooks you'd like to see! I did the Spring to Spring route which totaled to 4.7 miles. It was relaxing, not challenging at all. Parking is available but if you don't want to pay and don't mind a little walk, I parked on the dirt across Ventena restaurant for free!

I gave it 5 stars because it's a cool thing…read more We went Feb 25, 2026 the whole little loop was under construction so we really couldn't walk around it. There was also very few butterflies. They say the season is through Feb but it seems closer to the beginning than end of Feb. FYI We did see some though. So that was nice.

My wife loves the butterflies so we came here a second time to see if we could see some that had…read moremigrated from Canada before heading further south to Mexico. We were in luck this time as they had close to 500 butterflies in the grove. While it is a little difficult to see them, when you know where they are you can spot them as they hang from the branches of the trees. Worth the second trip here in less than 3 mothers.

Ended up taking the long route to Pirate's Cove (parked near homes and took the trail) which we…read morelater found out is the Shell Beach Bluff Trail. We enjoyed this scenic trail, which had multi-million dollar homes to our right, and the beautiful ocean to our left; and a somewhat steep incline up to the dirt parking lot and Cave Landing trailhead. Good thing the weather was perfect and there was a lovely breeze; otherwise I would've stopped walking and demanded to go back to the car. Once we got to the trail, it was a fairly easy short walk to get to the cave. After taking in the stunning views from the cave, we trekked to the cove. Be cautious going down, as it's a steep dirt path and a couple flights of stairs. Also note that clothing is optional, and you may run into people in their birthday suits on this secluded beach.

While visiting SLO, I was looking for an ocean hike to complete and found this hike on All Trails…read moreso I went for it. I took the long way traversing through a million dollar neighborhood of gorgeous homes lining the street. Once I was in the dirt I could see the cove from above. The beach is beautiful and not crowded. Of course, clothing is optional but I didn't come for the beach. I came to see the cove. You have to hike down to the cove as it sits on the water, but no biggie. Hiking back up and out for some may be challenging for some so just go at your own pace. When I arrived there was a guy playing a guitar so that was nice, not too many peeps around which allowed me to take a couple of pics. The cove itself is picturesque but the graffiti sucks!! Why must people have to paint on rocks in nature?? I just don't get it!! Go paint on abandoned buildings etc. I stayed for a few minutes then I walked out on the rocks and took in the views of the mighty Pacific Ocean. So gorgeous! I could have sat there all day. You can also access this cove and beach by driving directly to it and then following the path down to it, but I preferred the mini hike instead. Remember to Leave No Trace always.

My family and I saw this park while driving to Solvang a few weeks ago and knew we had to check it…read moreout on our way home! Dinosaur Caves Park is just gorgeous! A lovely neighborhood park with amazing views of the ocean! The park was clean and well maintained - they offered bathrooms as well! Swings, slides, spiny rides - you name it. Our daughter had a blast! After our daughter enjoyed the park, we walked around the trails and took so photos of the flowers and ocean views. Why is it called Dinosaur Caves Park? Apparently per the information area, there used to be a massive dinosaur statue that was eventually taken away - caves? I did see a cave or 2 when we were checking out the ocean views. Overall, I think Dinosaur Caves Park is a great place to get out and stretch your legs - it's especially nice to let the kiddos get some energy out before heading back to your roadtrip!

Such a great place to bring the family…read more Brown Family 2025 Always make time to visit and let the kids run loose, enjoy the fun and waves!

Looked up things to do in Avila Beach and discovered the Bob Jones Trail, glad I did. After…read morestaying many times on short getaways in Avila Beach, this was a first. We were staying at the Sycamore Mineral Springs and the trail was just steps away. The path was easy, but as we got towards the end going at a slight incline, and in the full afternoon sun, we looped back to a nice shady spot next to the stream for a respite. We then ventured back to the cafe next to the trail and enjoyed some live music and pizza.

We decided to bring our bikes to take the Bob Jones Trail! We ended up parking along Avila Beach…read moredrive where the trail met the golf course and there was a spot to exit to the road. The trail did continue down to the beach, but we didn't want that whole distance for the time we had that day. There were some neat secret spots! A playground with swings, a spot for snacks... So cool! Many families were out and about when we were there, and everyone was respectful of the shared space.

I hiked Sycamore Crest Trail in late July. The weather was pleasant--high 70s--but unfortunately,…read moreonce we reached the top, ocean fog completely blocked the views. Total bummer since the panoramic photos I'd seen online were what drew me in. The trail itself was tougher than expected. AllTrails listed it as kid-friendly, but I definitely wouldn't take my 4-year-old on this hike. The way up is a steady incline that really works your calves (be ready for some breaks), and the way down was surprisingly slippery due to loose gravel--even with solid hiking shoes. It's not dangerous, just tricky in spots, and you'll want to watch your footing. Overall, it's a nice enough trail, but I wouldn't call it "easy." It's one of those hikes I might try again on a clearer day just to catch that view--but in my opinion, there are much better hikes in California. For example, Point Lobos was easier and had way better views. Bottom line: manage your expectations, don't bring young kids, unless they are older kids and check the fog forecast before you go!

This a fun, short hike up to a great and vantage view point of Avila Bay and Port San Luis. I was…read morechecking the Sycamore Mineral Springs resort out and saw this trail and decided to go for it. Total mileage out and back is only 1.5 miles but it's a great workout. It was a pretty warm day and I worked up a sweat pretty quickly. Definitely steep but I appreciated the climb. I made it up to the top pretty fast so I was all happy with myself. The elevation gain is quick so be prepared. Lots of pretty views going up but at the top by far is the best. I loved all the gorgeous oak trees that provided some much needed shade along the trail. Once you are at the top, the view is pretty epic and you will want to linger. I could see the Pismo Dunes to my left and the beautiful bay and Port San Luis to my right. Should you desire to continue your hike then head left hike along the Ontario Ridge. Just can't beat the Central Coast of California!

Such a cute walk! My pup enjoyed the scenery while I enjoyed the beautiful views and homes!read more

Nice park with ocean views and ocean access. Staircase that leads down to the beach. Worth a stop…read moreif you're visiting the area. Street parking.

Date: Monday, July 24th, 2023 Time: around 12:45pm…read more We were at Pirate's Cove so decided to check out a cave. We actually didn't make it all the way down to the beach, but I did go into a cave and enjoy the view on the other side. Not sure if that qualifies as one of the Avila Sea Caves, but I will just assume it does. Parking was pretty easy. There is a small lot. No issues finding a spot since it was a Monday afternoon. We only walked down to the first cave, so probably spent a little more than 15 mins walking around and taking pix. If you enjoy water and a view, I'd say definitely check this spot out. REVIEW #3441

Found this little gem of a spot along our road trip up the West Coast ... the caves were…read moreincredible, that breeze and the view... so beautiful