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 21)
Central Coast

Gaviota Hot Springs
in Gaviota State Park

Santa Barbara | Trails
Trail Rating:
Gaviota Hot Springs in Gaviota State Park
Driving up Highway 101 through the Gaviota Tunnel west of Santa Barbara, you might be unaware that a natural hot springs is less than a mile from the roadway. Gaviota Hot Springs is more warm than it is hot, but the blue sulfery water attracts its share of bathers. The springs are half a mile from the trailhead and only a tenth of a mile off the trail to Gaviota Peak, making it a nice detour if you have tired legs to soak. ...Read more.
Tagged with · California State Parks · Gaviota State Park · Goleta · Hot Springs · Santa Ynez Mountains
Distance: 1 mile · Elevation change: 400 feet
By: Seth Smigelski Published: July 15, 2011 Last updated: December 6, 2025
Central Coast

Lemon Grove Loop Trail
in San Luis Obispo

San Luis Obispo | Trails
Trail Rating:
Lemon Grove Loop Trail in San Luis Obispo
This 2.2-mile loop explores a 120-acre open space between Cerro San Luis and downtown San Luis Obispo. With just three hundred feet of elevation gain, this is a quick hike on its own, or an easy extension to the steeper trek up Cerro San Luis. The abandoned lemon grove that gives the trail its name is becoming more of a destination thanks to the planting of new trees. ...Read more.
Tagged with · Free Trails · Morros
Distance: 2.2 miles · Elevation change: 300 feet
By: Seth Smigelski Published: May 13, 2011 Last updated: December 5, 2025
Central Coast

Cerro San Luis
in San Luis Obispo

San Luis Obispo | Trails
Trail Rating:
Cerro San Luis in San Luis Obispo
Located just west of downtown San Luis Obispo, the 1,292-foot Cerro San Luis (or San Luis Mountain) offers sweeping views over the city and surroundings. Cerro San Luis is a member of the Morros, or Nine Sisters, a chain of prominent volcanic peaks stretching east from Morro Bay. These beautiful peaks set the postcard-like backdrop for San Luis Obispo and are excellent places to hike. ...Read more.
Tagged with · Free Trails · Morros · Summits
Distance: 4 miles · Elevation change: 1100 feet
By: Seth Smigelski Published: May 11, 2011 Last updated: December 5, 2025
Central Coast

Sycamore Crest Trail to Ontario Ridge Trail
in Avila Valley

San Luis Obispo | Trails
Trail Rating:
Sycamore Crest Trail to Ontario Ridge Trail in Avila Valley
Sycamore Crest Trail is a wide dirt road on the north slope of Ontario Hill, which runs east to west between Shell Beach and Avila Beach. Beginning from Sycamore Mineral Springs Resort in Avila Valley, the trail climbs through a lush oak grove to reach a junction with Ontario Ridge Trail at a south-facing saddle with lofty ocean views. Sycamore Crest Trail serves as a 1. ...Read more.
Tagged with · Avila Valley · Free Trails · Ocean Views
Distance: 1.75 miles · Elevation change: 575 feet
By: Seth Smigelski Published: March 11, 2011 Last updated: April 8, 2026
Central Coast

Shell Beach Bluff Trail – Ontario Ridge Trail Loop
in Avila Beach and Shell Beach

San Luis Obispo | Trails
Trail Rating:
Shell Beach Bluff Trail – Ontario Ridge Trail Loop in Avila Beach and Shell Beach
Two parallel but varied trails explore the coast between Shell Beach and Avila Beach in San Luis Obispo County. Shell Beach Bluff Trail is an easy, wheelchair-friendly paved trail overlooking a picturesque cove. Ontario Ridge Trail is a rugged, sometimes-steep track crossing a 700-foot hill above the bluff. Put these two together for a 2.8-mile loop with 675 feet of elevation change and spectacular ocean views. ...Read more.
Tagged with · Free Trails · Ocean Views · Pismo Beach · Summits
Distance: 2.8 miles · Elevation change: 675 feet
By: Seth Smigelski Published: March 9, 2011 Last updated: April 10, 2026
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