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 25)
Central Coast

Tequepis Trail
in the Los Padres National Forest

Santa Barbara | Trails
Trail Rating:
Tequepis Trail in the Los Padres National Forest
Tequepis Trail begins near the shores of Lake Cachuma and ascends the north side of the Santa Ynez Mountains behind Santa Barbara. The trail up offers views of the lake and valley, and there are broader ocean views from the top. This is an invigorating 8.4-mile round trip hike with 2,300 feet of elevation gain. To reach Tequepis Trail, start at the free parking lot at the entrance of Circle V Camp. ...Read more.
Tagged with · Free Trails · Los Padres National Forest · Ocean Views · Topatopa Mountains
Distance: 8.4 miles · Elevation change: 2300 feet
By: Seth Smigelski Published: November 16, 2010 Last updated: April 9, 2026
Central Coast

Salmon Creek Falls
in Los Padres National Forest

Monterey | Trails
Trail Rating:
Salmon Creek Falls in Los Padres National Forest
Salmon Creek Trail is a popular track with backpackers venturing deep into the Silver Peak Wilderness in the Monterey District of Los Padres National Forest, but you only need to hike a quarter mile round trip from Highway One to see a beautiful 120-foot waterfall. Unlike the trail overlooking beautiful McWay Falls farther up the Big Sur Coast, this hike brings you up close and person with a powerful cascade pouring down the Santa Lucia Mountains. ...Read more.
Tagged with · Big Sur · Free Trails · Los Padres National Forest · Silver Peak Wilderness · Waterfalls
Distance: 0.25 miles · Elevation change: 60 feet
By: Seth Smigelski Published: May 28, 2010 Last updated: December 9, 2025
Central Coast

Jade Cove and Plaskett Rock Point
in Los Padres National Forest (Big Sur)

Monterey | Trails
Trail Rating:
Jade Cove and Plaskett Rock Point in Los Padres National Forest (Big Sur)
Along the bluffs of the Big Sur Coast protected by Los Padres National Forest is a scenic and easy ocean-view hike. Jade Cove and Plaskett Rock Point are just south of Plaskett Creek Campground on the west side of Highway One. Visited together, they form a 1.5-mile hike. This hike has two trailheads. Both are unmarked a somewhat difficult to spot. From Plaskett Creek Campground drive a quarter mile south and scan the west side of the road for the Plaskett Rock Point trailhead. ...Read more.
Tagged with · Big Sur · Free Trails · Los Padres National Forest · Ocean Views · Wildflowers
Distance: 1.5 miles · Elevation change: 150 feet
By: Seth Smigelski Published: May 28, 2010 Last updated: April 9, 2026
Central Coast

Partington Cove
in Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park

Monterey | Trails
Trail Rating:
Partington Cove in Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park
A great way to explore the dramatic waterfront on the Big Sur coast is to take a hike down the action-packed Partington Cove Trail. Partington Cove is part of Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park begins from Highway One, just north of McWay Falls. Partington Cove Trail The 1.5-mile hike to Partington Cove begins at the top of a gated fire road on the west side of Highway One and descends toward the coast to a junction at an information kiosk 0. ...Read more.
Tagged with · Big Sur · California State Parks · Free Trails · Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park · Ocean Views
Distance: 1.5 miles · Elevation change: 270 feet
By: Seth Smigelski Published: May 27, 2010 Last updated: April 8, 2026
Central Coast

McWay Falls
in Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park

Monterey | Trails
Trail Rating:
McWay Falls in Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park
The overlook trail for McWay Falls is a must-stop for anyone taking the scenic drive up Highway One along the Big Sur Coast. The waterfall is stunning, dropping some 80 feet onto a pristine beach in an enchanting cove. It is a short 0.6-mile round trip hike to a viewpoint for McWay Falls, which can be reached directly from Highway One or from parking areas withing Julia Pfieffer Burns State Park. ...Read more.
Tagged with · Big Sur · California State Parks · Free Trails · Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park · Ocean Views · Waterfalls
Distance: 0.6 miles · Elevation change: 50 feet
By: Seth Smigelski Published: May 26, 2010 Last updated: April 8, 2026
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