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 <strong>SLO</strong> <strong>CAL</strong>®. 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 <strong>SLO</strong> <strong>CAL</strong> as the unofficial adventure headquarters for the South County, complete with fishing, camping, mountain biking trails, a waterslide park and a ropes course. <strong>SLO</strong> 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 | <strong>2019</strong> <strong>SLO</strong> <strong>CAL</strong>® VISITORS MAGAZINE
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