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 24)
Central Coast

Laguna Lake Park to Cerro San Luis
in San Luis Obispo

San Luis Obispo | Trails
Trail Rating:
Laguna Lake Park to 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 of the Santa Lucia Mountains and other peaks in the Morros, the chain of mountains that Cerro San Luis is a part of. The Morros, or Nine Sisters, are a line of prominent volcanic peaks between Morro Bay and San Luis Obispo. These beautiful peaks set the postcard-like backdrop to SLO and make excellent hiking destinations. ...Read more.
Tagged with · Free Trails · Lakes · Morros · Summits · Wildflowers
Distance: 5.7 miles · Elevation change: 1150 feet
By: Seth Smigelski Published: January 7, 2011 Last updated: April 10, 2026
Central Coast

South Hills Ridge Trail
in San Luis Obispo

San Luis Obispo | Trails
Trail Rating:
South Hills Ridge Trail in San Luis Obispo
While shorter than the more celebrated peaks around San Luis Obispo (those attention-seeking Morros known as the Nine Sisters), the 580-foot summit of the South Hills provides excellent easy-to-reach views of San Luis Obispo. A perimeter loop trail tours the 133-acre South Hills Open Space, along with a ridge trail that provides a 1.5-mile round trip hike as it ascends 450 feet to the top of the green space just south of downtown San Luis Obispo. ...Read more.
Tagged with · Free Trails · Summits
Distance: 1.5 miles · Elevation change: 450 feet
By: Seth Smigelski Published: January 6, 2011 Last updated: December 6, 2025
Central Coast

Nojoqui Falls
in Santa Barbara County

Santa Barbara | Trails
Trail Rating:
Nojoqui Falls in Santa Barbara County
Nojoqui Falls Parks is located just off Highway 101 north of the Gaviota Tunnel between Santa Barbara and Buellton. In addition to picnic tables and playing fields, the park offers a short hike to an eighty-foot waterfall. This two-thirds of a mile round trip trail ascends 175 feet up a shaded canyon to the enchanting Nojoqui Falls. Nojoqui Falls Trail There are no junctions on the way to Nojoqui Falls. ...Read more.
Tagged with · Free Trails · Gaviota State Park · Santa Ynez Mountains · Waterfalls
Distance: 0.65 miles · Elevation change: 175 feet
By: Seth Smigelski Published: November 23, 2010 Last updated: April 8, 2026
Central Coast

Gaviota Peak – Trespass Trail in Gaviota State Park and Los Padres National Forest

Santa Barbara | Trails
Trail Rating:
Gaviota Peak – Trespass Trail in Gaviota State Park and Los Padres National Forest
Gaviota Peak sits at the lofty west end of the Santa Ynez Mountains behind Santa Barbara. The 2,458-foot peak is just two miles from the Pacific Ocean, putting it in prime position to offer eye-popping views. There are two routes to the summit from the trailhead in Gaviota State Park. The traditional Gaviota Peak Trail is 3.15 miles one-way, while the immensely scenic Trespass Trail is 3. ...Read more.
Tagged with · California State Parks · Gaviota State Park · Goleta · Hot Springs · Los Padres National Forest · Ocean Views · Santa Ynez Mountains · Summits
Distance: 6.5 miles · Elevation change: 2150 feet
By: Seth Smigelski Published: November 20, 2010 Last updated: April 7, 2026
Central Coast

McMenemy Overlook Trail
in the Los Padres National Forest

Santa Barbara | Trails
Trail Rating:
McMenemy Overlook Trail in the Los Padres National Forest
This 3.7-mile hike combines four trails (San Ysidro Canyon Trail, McMenemy Trail, Girard Trail, and Edison Catway Fire Road) to form a loop through the mountains behind Montecito, California. The trails ascend 1,000 feet, providing good exercise and views. From San Ysidro Trailhead, begin hiking inland on the wide trail that passes through a neighborhood before reaching Los Padres National Forest. ...Read more.
Tagged with · Free Trails · Los Padres National Forest · Ocean Views · Santa Ynez Mountains
Distance: 3.7 miles · Elevation change: 1000 feet
By: Seth Smigelski Published: November 16, 2010 Last updated: December 5, 2025
← Older Entries Newer Entries →