Life on the Road Series 2021
To start Life on the Road from the beginning, start here!
Olallieberries, Wine Tasting Beach Style, & New Friends
San Luis Obispo County, California (The Central Coast)
San Simeon State Park
Earth Date: 8/16/21 – 8/19/21
What we visited and did:
San Simeon State Park:
Home to two campgrounds — San Simeon Creek Campground and Washburn Primitive Campground. The 541-acre San Simeon State Park boasts a diverse terrain that ranges from serene coastal settings to stately pine forest surroundings, creating a true haven for outdoor enthusiasts.
This wasn’t our first time visiting this campground, nor was it the last! We enjoy rustic campgrounds, though we prefer to have electrical hookups – which is not the case here. The grounds are beautiful, and this campground is close to Cambria, Morro Bay, and San Simeon – home to Hearst Castle. Beyond, you’d be traveling the beautiful and well-known Highway 1 that boasts the most beautiful ocean cliffs imaginable, right through Big Sur.
Cambria:
With only two full days to have fun, we left for Cambria soon after to visit our favorite wine tasting room, Moonstone, and to stop by Linn’s gift shop. The gift shop has a ton of things you can’t live without – but really can, yeah, one of those places you can’t seem to get enough of! And, of course, to buy Olallieberry pie! On our previous trip, I bought olallieberry preserves, and this time, the syrup… I want to say that this syrup is so tasty with buttermilk pancakes… just say’n!
Cambria is one of our favorite places on the Central Coast of California. At one time, we were interested in possibly moving to this area because we liked it so much! A little about Cambria is that it’s located halfway between San Francisco and Los Angeles and just off Highway 1. This secluded Central Coast retreat is full of opportunities for memorable moments. Stroll across enchanting beaches, explore historic attractions, taste uniquely local delicacies, soak in the sights and wide-open spaces—no matter what you need for the perfect escape, you’ll find it in Cambria.
The next day, we visited Hearst Winery, our first time there, and it wasn’t our last! We sat patio side with an unobstructed view of the beach. It was beautiful. Another plus is that Hearst Winery allows dogs on the patio area. A win-win for pet travelers.
What an experience! If you have room for one wine tasting, this is the place to visit for the experience and lovely wines.
On our last day, we decided to have lunch at El Chorlito Mexican Restaurant we had passed while visiting Hearst Winery the day before. They have a patio and the food was good, the view was beautiful, where we could see the ocean, and while I still missed the food (fish) I love at Harmony Cafe because they were closed, we got out of our rut and tried something new. We love LOVE Harmony Cafe and its quaint court-side seating.
What we’ve visited in the past:
Cambria in October for the Scarecrow Festival
If you can only visit Cambria once during the year, make it in October for their annual Scarecrow Festival. They have scarecrows all over town from one end of the West Village to the East Village – and in other places too!
Hearst Castle
Hearst Castle, known formally as La Cuesta Encantada, is a historic estate in San Simeon, located on the Central Coast of California. Conceived by William Randolph Hearst, the publishing tycoon, and his architect Julia Morgan, the castle was built between 1919 and 1947.
It’s been about, oh, fifty-something years since we last visited Hearst Castle. I mean, we were young adults, but it wasn’t the first time for either of us. Both Ron and I have visited the herculean behemoth as children, with our families. Each time, it’s left us with an impression of the wealth and glamour of the early part of the century, when leaders, movie stars, and politicians were invited by Hearst himself.
Trails and More Trails.
Moonstone Beach Boardwalk (Cambria)
Famous for its dramatic coastline and breathtaking views, the Moonstone Beach Boardwalk is where your Cambria seaside escape begins. Whether you want to sink your toes into the sand, catch glimpses of marine life swimming by, explore living tide pools, or head out to sea for surfing, boating, and other aquatic adventures, you will find there is something for everyone to enjoy on Moonstone Beach. Take a relaxing one-mile stroll along the Moonstone Beach Boardwalk. Enjoy playful sea otters, watch whales and dolphins in season, and spy the wildlife while taking in the stunning ocean views.
This is one of our favorite places to enjoy! The boardwalk meanders through native growth and provides beautiful views of the Pacific Ocean. We’ve walked this stretch countless times in the past with Charley, later with Marley and Ramsey, and each time, we enjoyed ourselves immensely.
Further north, still part of Moonstone Beach Boardwalk, is an alcove among the foliage that overlooks the cliffs of Cambria, with a spectacular ocean view. We often head here for a picnic after grabbing sandwiches (the best sandwiches anywhere) from Sandi’s Deli! Don’t forget to grab a bottle of wine, your sandwiches, and enjoy sitting on the bench that’s conveniently provided to spend an afternoon.
Bluff Trail (Fiscalini Ranch Preserve) (Cambria)
Breathtaking beach and ocean views, unique benches, and well-maintained paths make this boardwalk trail a favorite for walkers and nature lovers. Wildlife sightings are common, with otters, pelicans, and gulls often spotted along the scenic 1- to 2-mile coastal route. Beautiful cypress trees and tidepools add to the charm, while the level, easy path is perfect for a relaxing stroll or sunset watch.
We try our best to find time to hike this easy trail that boasts the most beautiful ocean views. Strewn along in various places are unique benches made from driftwood that add to the charm. And who knows, maybe you just might want to sit for a spell and take in the view with a loved one.
Shown above is one of the unique benches located on the trail. This photo was taken a few years back; that’s Ramsey – tears still fill my eyes when I see him. We lost him this year (2025), and he’s still missed so much!
Hearst San Simeon State Park (Cambria)
The San Simeon Trail to Washburn Campground Loop is considered a moderate hike that covers 3.5 miles, with an elevation gain of 436 feet. Many years ago, it was one of our favorite trails, especially between fur babies. Every time we visited Cambria and stayed in bed and breakfasts, we hiked this popular trail. Unfortunately, it is overgrown, and ticks have been reported. I don’t recommend this trail for those hiking with their pets.
The views from the trail start with a boardwalk that weaves through thick foliage. It gives way to overgrown trails that run through a ravine with more boardwalk. Climbing up the hill, you end up at the top at San Simeon Campground, where you pick up the trail on the other side. You can almost see Hearst Castle from the very top, with a trail that leads further inland. Continuing on the other side of the campground, the trail leads back down to the ocean, where you walk under the overpass and enjoy the beach.
Elfin Forest (Los Osos)
A peaceful back bay rhythm awaits visitors of Los Osos and Baywood Park in SLO CAL (San Luis Obispo County), where glassy estuary waters, wide-open skies, and frequent egret sightings encourage an equally leisurely pace. Protected by a natural sandspit along Morro Bay’s back bay, this mellow oasis invites you to kayak among sealife, bike waterfront trails, or savor pierfront meals while locals wave from their paddle boards, embracing the slow moments that define this hidden coastal gem.
Los Osos Oaks State Natural Reserve features ancient sand dunes covered with centuries-old coast live oak trees. The oak scrub has dwarf oak trees growing on the ancient (relict) sand dunes. Though they are coast live oak trees, they rarely grow more than six to eight feet tall. The larger coast live oaks are located where the soil is moister. These giants can grow to 25 feet in height. Their massive trunks and gnarled branches twist into all sorts of fantastic shapes.
The trail that leads through these dwarf oak trees is fascinating; it’s almost like stepping into another world. The path starts at the top of the knoll with beautiful views of the bay, and one can see the bird estuary across the bay, in Morro Bay. Further down the boardwalk trail, you’ll find yourself in the midst of this ancient forest with twisted and gnarled trunks and limbs of the trees. It’s beautiful and almost fairy-like.
Morro Bay Bird Estuary (Morro Bay):
Across from the Morro Bay State Park, where we’ve camped countless times, is the bird estuary, a favorite place for many, including residents and campers, to stretch their legs and enjoy the many bird species that thrive in the area. This fun, short trail winds by the local marina to a point where one can view Morro Bay Rock, and then it follows through to the marsh grounds where you’ll find residents with binoculars, birdwatching.
I couldn’t help but include this photo from the estuary trail at sunset!
Montana de Oro State Park (Los Osos):
Montana de Oro State Park features over 8,000 acres of rugged cliffs, secluded sandy beaches, coastal plains, streams, canyons, and hills, with 1,347-foot Valencia Peak. The park’s name (Mountain of Gold) comes from the golden wildflowers that bloom in spring. Wildlife in the park includes black tailed deer and the black oystercatcher. The park includes primitive and equestrian campsites.
The trail that leads beside the cliffs is an experience you’ll never forget. The ocean has created ravines in the cliff with rock formations that resemble submarines! It’s spectacular. Unfortunately, dogs are now allowed, so it’s been quite a few years since we last enjoyed the beautiful hike overlooking the ocean. If you’re in this area, it’s a trail worth taking!
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