Fiscalini Ranch Preserve: Best Hikes & Coastal Views in Cambria, CA
Hi friends! Nestled along the stunning California Central Coast, Fiscalini Ranch Preserve in Cambria offers visitors an untouched expanse of nature, rich history, and diverse wildlife. This 437-acre sanctuary provides a rare blend of ocean bluffs, Monterey pine forests, and riparian habitats, making it an ideal destination for outdoor lovers. Whether you’re looking for a peaceful hike, a glimpse of coastal wildlife, or a moment of solitude, Fiscalini Ranch Preserve is a must-visit gem along Highway 1.
Bluff-top overlook at Fiscalini Ranch Preserve in Cambria, CA
Central Coast 2-3 Day Itinerary & Travel Guide
If you’re planning a Highway 1 road trip, make sure to download my complete Central Coast 2-3 Day Itinerary & Travel Guide, which includes an hour-by-hour schedule (with a stop here at Fiscalini Ranch Preserve), Google & Apple map pin locations, the best stargazing spots, a complete dining guide, recommendations on where to stay, the best tide pooling locations, and more!
Central Coast views from Fiscalini Ranch Preserve
Forest Loop Trail at Fiscalini Ranch Preserve in Cambria, CA
Location
Fiscalini Ranch Preserve is nestled in the seaside town of Cambria, CA, about halfway between Los Angeles and San Francisco along the iconic Highway 1. Located between the residential areas of Cambria’s Marine Terrace and Park Hill neighborhoods, the preserve stretches from the coastline to the inland pine forests, making it an easily accessible yet secluded natural retreat. Visitors can enter from several access points, but the most popular trailheads are along Windsor Boulevard, Tipton Street, and Trenton Avenue. With free access 365 days a year from sunrise to sunset, visitors can explore the scenic landscapes without restrictions.
Wildlife viewing from a Fiscalini Ranch Preserve bench along the Bluff Trail
History
For thousands of years, the area that is now Fiscalini Ranch Preserve was home to the ancestors of present-day Salinan and Northern Chumash Tribes. During the Spanish Mission era, European agricultural and mining activities disrupted indigenous communities and transformed the landscape. The land became part of Rancho Santa Rosa, a Mexican land grant, before being subdivided. The Fiscalini family owned the property for nearly a century, raising dairy and beef cattle before selling it in 1979. Over the next two decades, the land faced potential development. However, in 2000, a coalition of public and private organizations secured the land for conservation. Today, the Cambria Community Services District and the Friends of the Fiscalini Ranch Preserve (FFRP) work together to maintain and protect this extraordinary public space.
Hand-crafted bench at Fiscalini Ranch Preserve in Cambria, CA
Fiscalini Ranch Preserve bench dedication plaque
Visiting Today
Fiscalini Ranch Preserve remains a haven for nature lovers and conservation enthusiasts. The preserve offers over eight miles of trails that weave through various landscapes, from oceanfront bluffs to dense Monterey pine forests. Visitors can enjoy breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean, observe seasonal wildflowers, and spot local wildlife. The preserve also hosts docent-led walks and educational events to deepen visitors' appreciation for the region’s natural beauty.
The preserve also features unique hand-crafted benches scattered throughout the property, each with a dedication plaque that tells a story of a generous donor or honors a loved one. These benches provide peaceful spots to rest and take in the scenery, adding a personal touch to the natural landscape.
Victoria Way Trail at Fiscalini Ranch Preserve in Cambria, CA
Hiking Trails
The preserve features a variety of trails, each offering a unique perspective on the landscape. These paths intersect across the preserve, providing hikers endless combinations of length and difficulty. Below are a few of my personal favorites.
Bluff Trail (0.9 mi.) – A stunning coastal walk on boardwalk and gravel paths, offering panoramic ocean views and ADA accessibility.
Marine Terrace Trail (0.7 mi.) – A level path through grasslands with spectacular coastal and mountain views.
Forest Loop Trail (1.0 mi.) – A scenic journey through 70 acres of native Monterey pines and coast live oaks.
Ridge Trail (0.6 mi.) – A ridge-top trail with stunning views of the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary and Santa Lucia Mountains.
For a complete list and detailed trail map, check out the official Fiscalini Ranch Preserve Trails page.
Monarch butterfly viewing area along Forest Loop Trail
Great egret flying along the bluffs at Fiscalini Ranch Preserve
Wildlife
Fiscalini Ranch Preserve is home to an impressive range of wildlife, thanks to its diverse ecosystems. More than 430 species of birds, including great blue herons, great egrets, burrowing owls, and Cooper’s hawks, inhabit the preserve. The area’s riparian zones and wetlands support endangered species such as the red-legged frog, tidewater goby, and western pond turtle. Along the bluffs, visitors can spot migrating whales, playful sea otters, and black-tailed deer. The preserve’s meadows and forests also provide a habitat for monarch butterflies, coyotes, and the occasional bobcat. Conservation efforts have transformed the land, restoring native plant species such as the compact cobweb thistle and Cambria morning glory, ensuring a thriving ecosystem.
Driftwood bench along Bluff Trail in Fiscalini Ranch Preserve
Central Coast views from the Ridge Trail in Fiscalini Ranch Preserve
Know Before You Go
• Hours & Fees: The preserve is open daily from sunrise to sunset, and admission is free.
• Parking: Limited free street parking is available near multiple entrances. My favorite spot to begin exploring is at the end of Windsor Blvd here. Just be thoughtful of local residents, not blocking any driveways.
• Accessibility: The Bluff Trail is wheelchair-accessible with well-maintained boardwalk sections. Be advised, though, there are sections that are packed dirt, and after recent rains, these sections can become muddy.
• Restrooms: No restrooms are available within the preserve, so plan accordingly.
• Pets: Leashed dogs are welcome, but please clean up after them to preserve the natural environment. Visitors can also find the Cambria Dog Park located near the Main St. Entrance.
• Horses & Bikes: There are a few trails where riding horses or bicycles are allowed. Refer to the Fiscalini Ranch Preserve Trails page for more details.
• Leave No Trace: Pack out any trash, stay on designated trails, and respect the wildlife and natural habitats, honoring all the Leave No Trace principles.
• Travel Guide: Make sure to download my complete Central Coast 2-3 Day Itinerary & Travel Guide, which includes an hour-by-hour schedule, Google & Apple map pin locations, the best stargazing spots, a complete dining guide, recommendations on where to stay, the best tide pooling locations, and more!
Top 10 Central Coast Wildlife Spots
ADA-friendly boardwalk along the Bluff Trail in Fiscalini Ranch Preserve
In Summary
Thanks so much for joining this me this week along California’s Central Coast. For a virtual visit of my visit to Cambria’s Fiscalini Ranch Preserve, make sure to watch my Behind the Blog video located at the top of this post, or watch it on YouTube here. Until next week, I hope you find adventure and encouragement wherever you go.
Mushroom along Forest Loop Trail in Fiscalini Ranch Preserve
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About Me
I’m Dawn Marie, a travel and lifestyle blogger based out of Southern California. With in-depth articles, travel guides, and reviews on hotels & products, I seek to share my journeys to help you plan for your own. My adventures take me all over California, the western United States, and around the globe...and every Monday I post new content here, including a comprehensive blog post and YouTube video.
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Explore Fiscalini Ranch Preserve in Cambria, CA—a scenic coastal gem along Highway 1. Discover over 8 miles of hiking trails with ocean views, Monterey pine forests & abundant wildlife. Enjoy ADA-accessible Bluff Trail, unique benches & year-round free access. Perfect for hiking, birdwatching & photography. Don’t miss my 2-3 Day Central Coast Itinerary & Travel Guide for more adventures nearby!