Page 102 - 2017 Travel Guide to California

The Great Outdoors
Even though Santa Barbara and San Luis
Obispo are larger than the rest of the beach
towns, there’s enough space throughout the
Central Coast region to find ample
breathing room and sometimes, be the only
person around. Hike to the top of Bishop
Peak, the tallest of the Nine Sisters, a chain
of volcanic peaks. Take advantage of some
sweet surf spots and catch the perfect wave.
Head out from Santa Barbara on a whale
watching tour to see some of the largest
mammals in the Pacific Ocean.
INSIDER’S
»
TIP
HOT SULPHUR SPRINGS flow
through Paso Robles and are
open to the public in three
locations: River Oaks Hot
Springs Spa, Franklin Hot
Springs, and in select guest
rooms at the Paso Robles Inn.
100 2017 T R AV E L G U I D E TO C A L I F O R N I A
On the Carrizo Plain, considered the
largest single native grassland in the state,
it’s possible to see surface fractures of the
San Andreas Fault, which puts man/nature
cohabitation in perspective. The Los Padres
National Forest stretches across the scenic
Coast and Transverse ranges, and offers a
wealth of opportunities for fishing, hiking,
camping and bicycling. Kayak among tide
pools and kelp forests where sea otters live
in Morro Bay, or just amble along miles of
scenic beaches, stop when you want to, and
dig your toes in the sand.
Heritage & Culture
Many place names on the Central Coast
remain from Native American tribes, as
well as from Spanish and Mexican settlers.