Beaches

San Luis Obispo County offers more than 100 miles of stunning coastline - from the magnificent shores of the northern coast (Ragged Point, San Simeon, Cambria) to the dramatic presence of Morro Rock (Morro Bay, Cayucos) to the smooth diamond-white sands of the southern beaches (Oceano, Grover Beach, and Pismo Beach). With nearly 10 beaches along the coast that surround Morro Bay , the area is a paradise for surfers, kayakers and sunbathers. Enjoy miles of pristine beaches for leisurely walks, watching sunsets, beach combing, fishing, swimming or soaking up the rays. Check out Avila Beach , considered the sunniest and warmest beach in the county.

Morro Bay Beach

Morro Bay 's sentinel is Morro Rock, a volcanic peak over 21 million years old. This 576-foot-high dome-shaped formation now serves as a preserve for the endangered peregrine falcons that nest on top.

As a bird sanctuary, Morro Bay provides a nourishing habitat to more than 250 species. You'll enjoy an abundance of beach activities including kayaking, scuba diving, surfing, fishing and bird watching.

Avila Beach

Travel towards the southern part of the County on Highway 101 to Avila Beach where beach lovers proclaim perpetual sun and the warmest beach in the county. Discover the reborn, rebuilt and newly-designed community that is popular for sightseeing, pier strolling, deep-sea fishing and sun worshiping. Don't miss whale watching during your visit to Avila Beach . At nearby Port San Luis, a number of boat operators provide two-hour whale-watching excursions between October and March. Don't forget to soak in the natural mineral springs baths in redwood tubs which dot the tree-covered hillside.

Cayucos

Cayucos is a haven for surfers and fishing enthusiasts, and visitors can find a host of antique shops, restaurants and taverns along its "old California " main street. Cayucos hosts several antique and collectable street fairs throughout the year closing off Main Street through the middle of town. The long, uncluttered white sandy beach is home to the Cayucos pier built in 1875. Rent a sea kayak for the afternoon, try your hand at surfing or boogie boarding, fish off the pier, explore the tidepools, or enjoy a swim on the sandy beach. Cayucos is a great place to slow down, relax, and enjoy life.

Pismo Beach

Pismo Beach is known as the "Clam Capital of the World" and preserves the spirit of early California with its 23 miles of unspoiled sandy beaches, dramatic rugged coastlines, and a 1,200 foot pier lined with fishing enthusiasts. Ride horseback along the surf line, explore pebbled coves and tide pools beneath steep rocky bluffs, or experience the beauty of the Pacific Ocean by kayak. The white, sandy coastline offers a perfect landscape for kite flying, shell gathering and sand castle building. Don't miss the sight of the regal Monarch butterflies. From October through February, thousands of migrating Monarchs cluster in the eucalyptus grove at the Pismo Beach State Park , located on Highway 1 at the south entrance of town. Pismo Beach is a focal point for annual festivals, events and celebrations, such as the annual Clam Festival, the Mardi Gras Jazz Festival, Independence Day Fireworks, and the Veteran's Day celebration in November.

Grover Beach

Diverse recreational opportunities are offered in Grover Beach , including dune hiking, fishing, clamming, golfing, horseback riding, wine tasting and off-road vehicle riding. The entrance to the Oceano Dunes State Vehicular Recreation Area, where adventures galore take place, is nestled just off Highway 1 at Grover Beach . All-terrain vehicles can be rented to go four-wheeling on the seemingly endless dunes or simply experience driving directly on the Pacific Ocean coastline for miles. Grover Beach activities and festivals attract the entire family, while several community parks are available for picnics and barbeques. The annual Stone Soup Ethnic Music Faire held at the Ramona Garden Park features the Dune Run Run, food and craft booths filled with homemade items and ethnic foods, and the sounds of Latin, African, Australian, Scottish, jazz and country-western music. Dancing in the streets is encouraged!

Cambria

South of San Simeon on Highway 1 is the charming beach town of Cambria , where the pines meet the sea. This lovely village boasts an intriguing artists' colony and an impressive selection of restaurants, specialty shops, art galleries and ocean-view inns. Towering Monterey pines frame the dynamic coastline along its unique Moonstone Beach Drive , where semi-precious agate and jasper stones can be found in the sand. South of Cambria is the block-long town of Harmony (population 18), home to a wedding chapel, shops, galleries, a restaurant/bar and a winery. The historic 1915 post office is still in operation.

San Simeon and Ragged Point Beaches

The dramatic coastline along Highway 1 in northern San Luis Obispo County is one of the most scenic drives in the world. Towering high above the crashing waves is Ragged Point, a picturesque ocean vista that's a popular point of entry from Big Sur. A growing population of elephant seals has adopted the north coast, most heavily during the winter months. These two-ton seals migrate along the shoreline, joined by sea lions and sea otters. Once the hub of a thriving whaling village, Sebastian's General Store (1852) in the town of San Simeon is a state historical landmark at the base of magnificent Hearst Castle which sits five miles on top of the hillside. San Simeon Pier serves commercial and sport fishing enthusiasts, and offers a beautiful site of a white crescent beach sweeping around to San Simeon Point.

Central Coast Beach Hotel

After a sun-filled day of soaking of the rays, beach combing, or surfside fun, head to the nearby El Morro Masterpiece Motel for comfortable accommodations, artful ambiance, a fun wine and cheese happy hour, and wonderful services and features. The Masterpiece Motel offers a variety of beautiful rooms and suites, expanded breakfast, a whirlpool and a fitness center. Ask about our latest Specials & Packages.