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 18)
Central Coast

Tunnel View and Trespass Trails Loop
in Gaviota State Park

Santa Barbara | Trails
Trail Rating:
Tunnel View and Trespass Trails Loop in Gaviota State Park
On Tunnel View Trail, you can expect to see exactly what the name advertises, a view of the Gaviota Tunnel crossed by northbound traffic on Highway 101 between Santa Barbara and Buellton. You can also expect this 2.6 mile loop with 600 feet of elevation gain to deliver a rustic hiking experience up a narrow overgrown trail. If you could tune out the din of the freeway below, the trail would feel completely remote. ...Read more.
Tagged with · California State Parks · Gaviota State Park · Goleta · Santa Ynez Mountains
Distance: 2.6 miles · Elevation change: 600 feet
By: Seth Smigelski Published: February 21, 2012 Last updated: April 8, 2026
Los Angeles

Sycamore Canyon Campground
in Point Mugu State Park

Campgrounds | Los Angeles | Ventura
Sycamore Canyon Campground in Point Mugu State Park
Sycamore Canyon Campground sits just off the beach in Point Mugu State Park on the west end of the Santa Monica Mountains in Malibu. The 13,300-acre park boasts beautiful beaches, rocky peaks, and miles and miles of hiking trails. Tents and RVs are welcome attack this drive-up campground. In addition to beach access, Sycamore Canyon Campground provides fire rings, picnic tables, potable water, coin showers, and flush toilets. ...Read more.
Tagged with · Newbury Park · Ocean Views · Point Mugu State Park · Tent Camping · Santa Monica Mountains
By: Seth Smigelski Published: February 7, 2012 Last updated: April 19, 2026
Los Angeles

Scenic and Overlook Trails Loop
in Point Mugu State Park

Los Angeles | Trails | Ventura
Trail Rating:
Scenic and Overlook Trails Loop in Point Mugu State Park
Point Mugu State Park preserves a stunningly picturesque portion of the Santa Monica Mountains at the west end of Malibu. When you see park trails with names like Scenic Trail and Overlook Trail, you anticipate first class ocean views. Scenic and Overlook Trails Loop delivers the goods! This 2.7-mile hike climbs 425 feet to tremendous vistas atop a ridge west of Big Sycamore Canyon. ...Read more.
Tagged with · California State Parks · Malibu · Newbury Park · Ocean Views · Point Mugu State Park · Mountain Biking Trails
Distance: 2.7 miles · Elevation change: 425 feet
By: Seth Smigelski Published: February 3, 2012 Last updated: April 9, 2026
Central Coast

Cerro Alto Campground
in San Luis Obispo

Campgrounds | San Luis Obispo
Cerro Alto Campground in San Luis Obispo
Ah, what could be finer than a night beneath the pines and oaks at a cozy campground in Los Padres National Forest? A peaceful camping experience awaits at Cerro Alto Campground, located just off Route 41 between Morro Bay and Atascadero in San Luis Obispo County. The year-round campground has 22 sites spread out along a mile-long road in an oak-shaded canyon below Cerro Alto. ...Read more.
Tagged with · Atascadero · Los Padres National Forest · Morro Bay · Tent Camping
By: Seth Smigelski Published: January 7, 2012 Last updated: April 13, 2026
Central Coast

Cerro Alto
in San Luis Obispo

San Luis Obispo | Trails
Trail Rating:
Cerro Alto in San Luis Obispo
The 2,624-foot summit of Cerro Alto is one of the highest points in San Luis Obispo County and delivers a panoramic view. It seems like you can see the entire county from the top of the commanding peak, including each of the volcanic peaks stretching between Morro Bay and Edna Valley, the Nine Sisters. There are a couple ways to the summit, each tackling 1,600 feet of elevation between the trailhead at Cerro Alto Campground and the cerro's summit. ...Read more.
Tagged with · Los Padres National Forest · Ocean Views · Summits
Distance: 5.35 miles · Elevation change: 1600 feet
By: Seth Smigelski Published: January 6, 2012 Last updated: December 9, 2025
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