Golf

Golf California's Central Coast Wine Country
With our moderate climate, scenic courses, and variety of accommodations golf is a year round event. Choose from over 20 golf courses that surround the beautiful Santa Maria Valley. With so many golf courses to choose from, it's easy to produce the perfect golf itinerary.

Hiking and Biking

Figueroa Mountain
February through April, the slopes of Figueroa Mountain begin to turn into colorful fields of California poppies, owl’s clover, fiddlenecks and lupines. You may camp overnight and enjoy over 15 unique hiking trails where you’ll explore historic mines and pioneer homesteads. Fishing is also available. From Santa Maria head south to Highway 154 and turn left onto Figueroa Mountain Road. For further information, contact the U.S. Forest Service at (805) 925-9538.

Oso Flaco Lake
One of a dozen freshwater lakes in the dunes northwest of Guadalupe, Oso Flaco offers amazing diversity, including a marine beach, marshland, forest, grassland, chaparral and desert dunes. You will find a varied mix of wildlife including mammals, amphibians, and reptiles. There are 200 species of birds living in or migrating through the area, many of which are endangered or federally protected. Take Highway 1 and go west on Oso Flaco Road. Guided walks are offered by the Dunes Center. (No biking). 1055 Guadalupe Street, Guadalupe. Call (805) 343-2455 for information.

Rancho Guadalupe-Nipomo Dunes Preserve
Located in Guadalupe, nine miles west of Santa Maria, this spectacular ecological preserve boasts the highest beach dunes in the Western United States, with some towering at an awesome 500 feet. It is also the second largest stretch of dunes in California. The Rancho Guadalupe-Nipomo Dunes Preserve is ideal for picnics, whale watching and hiking. You may want to take a docent-led hike for a more informative experience. Take West Main Street (Hwy 166) west from Santa Maria. The park entrance is just a few miles down the road.1045 Guadalupe Street. (805) 343-2354.

Colson Canyon
Pleasantly isolated territory for campers, back-packers, hunters and day-trippers. From Santa Maria, take Betteravia Road east to Santa Maria Mesa Road, then on to Tepusquet Canyon Road. Turn left and proceed about 5 miles to Colson Canyon Road. The bumpy gravel road twists and turns for miles and exits at Highway 166 near Cuyama. The area is often closed during inclement weather so check with the U.S. Forest Service at (805) 925-9538.

State Beaches

Avila Beach
Avila Beach is a small seaside town located just south of San Luis Obispo. There are three piers, a small fishing harbor, and a beautiful beach often packed with sunbathers. The waterfront is lined with small restaurants and bars. (805) 781-2777.

Shell Beach
Shell Beach is one of the most scenic spots you'll ever find. Rugged cliffs, rocks jutting out of the water, crevis’s filled with sand crabs and a sandy beach nestled between rock formations make for an afternoon or day adventure. (805) 781-2777.

Pismo Beach
Pismo Beach is charming coastal town with an active downtown that includes shops, restaurants, hotels and a beautiful 1200 foot pier. Visitors enjoy a myriad of activities including golfing, bicycling, walking through the Monarch Butterfly Grove, tennis, horseback riding, scuba diving, fishing, bowling, hiking and miles of beautiful beaches. (805) 781-2777.

Area Lakes

Lopez Lake
Water-skiing, boating, windsurfing, camping, fishing, swimming, hiking, and the Mustang Water Slides. 6800 Lopez Drive, Arroyo Grande. (805) 788-2381.

Lake Cachuma
Manmade lake abounding with bass, catfish, trout, bluegill, and crappie. Fishing licenses can be purchased at the bait and tackle shop. Boat rental available. The park offers picnic and camping sites, snack bar, general store and service station. Swimming is not allowed, but visitors can swim in a pool during the summer. Located off Highway 154, (805) 688-5055.

Watchable Wildlife

Monarch Butterflies
The "Butterfly Trees" of Pismo Beach are one of our most spectacular attractions from late October through February where thousands of colorful Monarch butterflies cluster in the limbs of Eucalyptus and Monterey Pines in the area. The Monarch Butterfly Grove is located half a mile south of Pismo Beach just off Highway 1. Free parking is available inside the North Beach Campground, just north of the Trees. For more information or directions, please call the Pismo Beach Visitor Center at (805) 773-4382.

Central Coast Birding Trail
Seasoned birders as well as beginners will be thrilled with the diverse habitat of resident and migratory birds found throughout the Central Coast. For detailed information on bird-watching in Santa Barbara County, pick up a complimentary copy of The Central Coast Birding Trail. This guide book is available through the La Purisima Audubon Society and at the Santa Maria Chamber of Commerce office. A complete 54-page birder’s guide is also available for $10.00.

Eagle & Wildlife Cruises
Cachuma Lake’s naturalist-led cruises focus on wildlife, waterfowl, wildflowers, and local cultural history. Deer, bear, the elusive mountain lion, great blue herons, golden eagles, and scores of unusual resident birds may be spotted. Not to mention bald eagles, Canadian geese, buffleheads, teals, gadwalls and loons. Enjoy a cruise aboard the Osprey for a two-hour narrated tour by a Cachuma Lake naturalist. Call (805) 686-5050 for reservations.

Outdoor Adventure

Morro Bay Charters
Ocean and harbor cruises, including whale and otter watching. Sailing and canoe rentals also available. 699 Embarcadero, Morro Bay. (805) 772-3349.

SubSea Tours
Enjoy above water and under water views of fish, otters, and diving birds. 699 Embacadero, Morro Bay (805) 772-9463.

Pacific Dunes Ranch Riding Stables
Riding stable offering guided trail rides at the beach, boarding facilities and an event arena. 1207 Silverspur Place, Oceano. (805) 489-8100.

Rancho Oso Riding Stables
Experience the beauty of the back country on horseback. Beginners welcome! 3750 Paradise Road, Santa Barbara. (805) 683-5686.

Skydive!
Feel the rush of flying through the air at 120 M.P.H. 1801 North H St., Suite. C, Lompoc. (888) 800-5867.