SLO CAL Visitors Magazine 2019

ATASCADERO LAKE PARK
Old-fashioned pedal boats dot this lake found within the 25-acre
park in Atascadero. Perfect for a picnic, there is plenty of play space
and even a zoo. Free concerts are performed regularly during the
summer under the canopy of oak trees.
OCEANO STATE VEHICULAR RECREATION AREA
This state park offers thousands of acres of dunes and many miles of
beachfront for four-wheeling fun. And when the day ends, break out
the firewood and settle in for the night during this unique stay on
the beach in Oceano.
PORT SAN LUIS
With its shores sheltered within the bay, Port San Luis offers stand-up
paddling and kayaking, as well as the Harford Pier, with fresh seafood
and prime wildlife viewing. Nearby Avila Beach and the dog-friendly
Old Port Beach are perfect for long, lazy days in the sun.
OLD CREEK ROAD
Dedicated road cyclists will not want to miss the 21-mile
narrow and winding road leading to Cayucos. The ride can be
extended for a 33-mile loop by connecting Old Creek Road,
Green Valley Road and Highway 1. This one is for only the
most experienced riders.
THE EUCS PROJECT
Committed mountain bikers, who can make the climb up the
grade along the West Cuesta Ridge, will be treated to a mountainbike
park complete with wooden ramps, berms and trails. This one
is for the advanced rider. The little ones are much better off at the
Morro Bay Bike Park (see below).
MORRO BAY BIKE PARK
This small-but-mighty bike park measures just one acre, but easily
provides an entire afternoon of fun. Complete with cross-country
obstacles, a flow track and a big-jump area, there is something for
everyone and all skill levels at this facility.
MORRO STRAND STATE BEACH
Starting from Morro Rock and heading north, you will find one of
the longest sandy beaches in SLO CAL®. Popular with surfers and
kite boarders, the stretch is also the ideal place to log a long walk
along the ebbing and flowing coastal tide, which often reveals a
variety of seashells and wildlife.
CERRO CABRILLO
Avila Beach
Standing proud at 911 feet, the volcanic plug is the tallest peak in
Morro Bay State Park and serves as a year-round attraction for
hikers and rock climbers, who love its rugged outcroppings and
sweeping ocean views. This one may be a challenge for little hikers.
THREE BRIDGES OAK PRESERVE
West of Atascadero lies three miles of manicured trails, which
leads hikers and equestrians through shaded oak woodlands,
mixed chaparral and sycamore riparian habitats. The gentle climb
is appropriate for most everyone with perhaps a small challenge to
stroller-pushers.
NIPOMO REGIONAL PARK
Nothing has been left out of this 15-acre park, which is contained
within a larger 137-acre preserve. Here you will find playing fields,
tennis courts, playgrounds, a dog park, a botanical garden and a
skate park. Additionally, the area is crisscrossed by a network of
trails meandering through the surrounding oak woodlands.
W.R. HEARST MEMORIAL STATE BEACH
Taking in ample sunshine due to its south-facing orientation, this
beach also offers a rustic public access pier and license-free sport
fishing. Find the trailhead on the west end of the beach and follow
the 1.5-mile path for a leisurely walk out to San Simeon Point.
POLY CANYON
Stroll along Brizzolara Creek near working ranchlands on the way
to the quixotic Design Village behind Cal Poly’s campus, and take
the ridge route up to the iconic “P” on the hill (the “P” is for “Poly”).
From there, connect to the 6.5-mile Great Loop and drop down to
Stenner Creek Canyon.
LOPEZ LAKE RECREATION AREA
An outdoor enthusiast’s paradise hides in the hills rising above
Arroyo Grande. Since 1969, the 1,000-acre, man-made lake has
served SLO CAL as the unofficial adventure headquarters for the
South County, complete with fishing, camping, mountain biking
trails, a waterslide park and a ropes course.
SLO SKATE PARK
As far as skate parks go, the multimillion-dollar facility in San Luis
Obispo’s Santa Rosa Park is world class. The 15,500-square-foot
skater’s paradise offers plenty of room for everyone, beginners and
professionals, with ample room for Mom and Dad to have a seat and
take in the action.
IRISH HILLS NATURAL RESERVE
No less than 13 miles of mixed-use trails beckon from the hills on the
southern edge of San Luis Obispo. Hikers and mountain bikers are
found in equal numbers on this network of old mining roads, which
offers sweeping views and a close-up look at the local flora and fauna.
76 | 2019 SLO CAL® VISITORS MAGAZINE