Hikes on California’s Central Coast

The Central Coast possesses some of the most scenic hiking in California, especially for those who enjoy ocean views. Numerous small parks protect the area's green spaces and many are free to the public. Highlights of California's Central Coast [wp_ad_wide_page] Hiking California's Central Coast Los Padres National Forest is the major protective body on the Central Coast, preserving mountain ranges that span across Monterey, San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, and Ventura counties. ... Read more.
Latest reports on the Central Coast (page 12)
Central Coast

Refugio State Beach Campground

Campgrounds | Santa Barbara
Refugio State Beach Campground
Located along the Pacific Ocean, twenty miles west of Santa Barbara, Refugio State Beach has 66 standard sites and one group site that can be reserved in advance for an ocean view camping experience. Palm trees line the beachfront campground, which is split down the middle by the leisurely flowing Refugio Creek. The meeting of the Refugio Creek and the Pacific Ocean makes the campground a haven for birds. ...Read more.
Tagged with · California State Parks · Goleta · Ocean Views · Refugio State Beach · Tent Camping
By: Seth Smigelski Published: May 4, 2013 Last updated: April 19, 2026
Central Coast

Johnson Ranch – Irish Hills Connector Trail
in San Luis Obispo

San Luis Obispo | Trails
Trail Rating:
Johnson Ranch – Irish Hills Connector Trail in San Luis Obispo
If one park is good, than two parks are better, and a trail between those parks brings out the best of both. Opened in the spring of 2013, the Connector Trail between Johnson Ranch Open Space and the Irish Hills Natural Reserve links two of San Luis Obispo County's great parks. The new trail also connects hikers with grassy slopes and oak-covered ridges with views across San Luis Obispo and Edna Valley. ...Read more.
Tagged with · Free Trails · Irish Hills
Distance: 5 miles · Elevation change: 575 feet
By: Seth Smigelski Published: April 28, 2013 Last updated: April 23, 2026
Central Coast

Black Hill
in Morro Bay State Park

San Luis Obispo | Trails
Trail Rating:
Black Hill in Morro Bay State Park
Of all the Morros in San Luis Obispo County, Black Hill is the easiest to summit (even easier than Islay Hill. This 661-foot volcanic peak in Morro Bay State Park can be reached by hiking 0.6 miles round trip up a dirt single track with 190 feet of elevation gain and views over the city of Morro Bay. For those looking for more, there are longer hikes to the summit starting farther down Black Hill. ...Read more.
Tagged with · California State Parks · Free Trails · Morro Bay · Morro Bay State Park · Morros · Ocean Views · Summits
Distance: 0.6 miles · Elevation change: 190 feet
By: Seth Smigelski Published: April 26, 2013 Last updated: April 8, 2026
Central Coast

Ennisbrook Trail in San Ysidro Creek Preserve
in Montecito

Santa Barbara | Trails
Trail Rating:
Ennisbrook Trail in San Ysidro Creek Preserve in Montecito
If you are looking for a peaceful stroll in the peaceful Central Coast city of Montecito, examine Ennisbrook Trail. This 1.85-mile lollipop loop with 150 feet of elevation change explores an oak woodland in the 44-acre San Ysidro Creek Preserve. The easy trail is charmed by old stone bridges spanning San Ysidro Creek, which you will follow on this creekside hike. ...Read more.
Tagged with · Free Trails · Montecito · Wildflowers
Distance: 1.85 miles · Elevation change: 150 feet
By: Seth Smigelski Published: April 24, 2013 Last updated: December 6, 2025
Central Coast

Moonstone Beach Boardwalk
in Hearst San Simeon State Park

San Luis Obispo | Trails
Trail Rating:
Moonstone Beach Boardwalk in Hearst San Simeon State Park
The city of Cambria is located on Highway One at the north end of San Luis Obispo County, and has earned the nickname "Gateway to the Big Sur Coast." Like that stunning area to the north, Cambria has its own beautiful waterfront. Explore sandy beaches and rocky tide pools on a 2.85-mile round trip hike down Moonstone Beach Boardwalk, crossing a pristine beach that is preserved by Hearst San Simeon State Park. ...Read more.
Tagged with · Big Sur · Boardwalks · California State Parks · Cambria · Free Trails · Hearst San Simeon State Park · Ocean Views · Tide Pools · Wheelchair-Friendly
Distance: 2.85 miles · Elevation change: 40 feet
By: Seth Smigelski Published: March 1, 2013 Last updated: December 5, 2025
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