First-Timer’s Guide to Piedras Blancas Elephant Seal Rookery

Discover the Piedras Blancas Elephant Seal Rookery in San Simeon, CA—an incredible free year-round wildlife experience along California’s scenic Highway 1. Learn about the fascinating history, conservation, & seasonal activities at this elephant seal colony. Plan your road trip visit to see newborn pups, epic male battles & stunning coastal trails. Explore nearby Hearst Castle, Cambria & more!

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A Perfect Day in Morro Bay: Kayaking & Tide Pools Along the Central Coast

Discover the best of Morro Bay, CA with this travel guide to kayaking, tide pooling, and wildlife watching. Explore the calm Morro Bay Estuary, vibrant tide pools at North Point Natural Area, and marine life around Morro Rock. Spot sea otters, harbor seals, and rare birds in this coastal haven. Get tips on tide charts, must-visit locations, and gear for an unforgettable Central Coast adventure!

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First-Timer’s Guide to Andrew Molera State Park in Big Sur, CA

Join me at Andrew Molera State Park along the Big Sur coastline for a complete visitors guide to help you plan your next Central California road trip. This comprehensive travel guide shares detailed information on hiking trails, camping, wildlife, and historic structures. Want to know where to find beach access in Big Sur? Molera beach is one of the best beaches along Highway 1 in Big Sur.

Beach, Big Sur, California, First-Timers Guide, Hiking, State ParksDawn MarieJuly 29, 2024andrew molera, andrew molera state park, molera beach, state park, big sur, big sur state park, big sur beaches, big sur beach access, beach access, best beach, best beach in big sur, best beaches in big sur, best of big sur, best hiking in big sur, best hotels in big sur, best restaurants in big sur, best food in big sur, highway 1, pch, pacific coast, pacific coast highway, cooper cabin, creamery meadow trail, hiking trail, best hiking, big sur trails, big sur hiking, big sur road trip, road trip, road trip ideas, california road trip, central california, central california road trip, ca road trip, pfeiffer, big sur state parks, big sur coast, big sur california, big sur vacation, what to do in big sur, things to do in big sur, places to go in big sur, where to stay in big sur, places to eat in big sur, best sunset spot in big sur, big sur sunset spotComment

Lucia Lodge in Big Sur - Honeymoon Cottage

Read this Flying Dawn Marie hotel review on Lucia Lodge along the Big Sur coastline. Located along Pacific Coast Highway 1, aka Cabrillo Highway, this Big Sur hotel is a great place to stay when taking a road trip along California's central coast. This week I'm reviewing the Honeymoon Cottage, Room # 10, which is one of the original cabins built 100 years ago with a panoramic ocean view.

Big Sur - Top 12 Highlights

This week we're celebrating the start of Spring by heading up the California coastline into Big Sur. We'll discover my top 12 highlights, including spots like Limekiln State Park, McWay Falls, Bixby Creek Bridge, and Treebones Resort.

Pacific Valley Bluff Trail - Big Sur, CA

Today we’re heading into Big Sur in the Los Padres National Forest to the Pacific Valley Bluff Trail just 16 miles north of Ragged Point. Just north of Treebones Resort, Sand Dollar Beach, & Jade Cove, this easy hike provides fields of wildflowers and California poppies, as well as views of sea stacks and the rugged central coastline.

Beach, Big Sur, California, HikingDawn MarieJune 7, 2021big sur, pacific valley, pacific ocean, highway 1, cabrillo highway, california, central california, central coast, roadtrip, wildflowers, poppies, pacific coast highway, pchComment

Black Swift Falls at Ragged Point - Big Sur, CA

Today we're hiking the steep trail down to Young Creek Beach to view Black Swift Falls near Ragged Point Inn and Resort. This short but strenuous hike offers magnificent views of the waterfall and California's Big Sur coastline.

Beach, Big Sur, California, HikingDawn MarieMay 17, 2021waterfall, ragged point, big sur, california, central california, trails, hiking, central coast, pacific ocean, pacific coast highway, highway 1, cabrillo highway, roadtripComment

Jade Cove - Hidden Treasure in Big Sur, CA

Jade Cove is an amazing hidden gem located at the southern end of Big Sur along the California Highway 1 coastline. North of San Simeon and south of Carmel, this secluded beach is a perfect spot to avoid the crowds.

Beach, Big Sur, California, Hiking, OutdoorsDawn MarieJanuary 11, 2021big sur, california, central coast, central california, jade cove, jade beach, beaches, beach, san simeon, san luis obispo, highway 1, cabrillo highway, pch, pacific coast highway, rocks, monterey

Malibu's Magical El Matador Beach

Located inside Robert H. Meyer Memorial State Beach, El Matador is one of Malibu's most beautiful "not so secret" hidden gems. From striking 100 foot sheer cliff-top views to towering sea stacks, this is a magical beach.

Beach, California, Outdoors, Southern California, State ParksDawn MarieNovember 23, 2020los angeles, malibu, beach, beaches, el matador, state park, state beach, southern california, pacific ocean, pch, pacific coast highway, sea cavesComment