One of my favorite things about living on the Central Coast is that no two beaches ever feel the same. Some days I'm in the mood for a quiet walk along the shoreline, while other days I'll pack up the car and spend the day exploring somewhere completely different. From wide stretches of sand and towering dunes to rocky coves, tide pools, and scenic overlooks, there's always another beach waiting to be discovered. If you're staying at Tides, here are some of the beaches I always recommend adding to your itinerary.
Whenever I have a little free time, I almost always find myself walking down to Pismo Beach. It's just a short stroll from Tides, and somehow it never gets old. Some mornings I'll grab a coffee and spend a little time around the Pismo Beach Pier Plaza before heading down to the shoreline. Whether I'm watching the surfers, catching the sunset, or simply taking in the view, it's one of those places I never get tired of visiting. If you're here during the winter months, don't miss the nearby Monarch Butterfly Grove, where thousands of monarch butterflies gather each season. It's one of those experiences that's uniquely Central Coast.
If I'm looking for something completely different, I'll head a few miles south to the Oceano Dunes. No matter how many times I visit, the landscape still amazes me. Stretching nearly 18 miles, it's the last remaining coastal dune ecosystem of its kind in California and feels unlike anywhere else along the coast. Whether you're interested in renting an ATV, trying sandboarding, horseback riding, hiking, or simply wandering through the dunes, there's something here for every kind of adventure. If you have a little extra time, I also recommend stopping by the Oceano Dunes Visitor Center to learn more about the area's wildlife, history, and one-of-a-kind landscape.
Whenever I'm in the mood for a slower beach day, Avila Beach is usually my first choice. The water is calmer than Pismo, making it a great spot for families, especially near the SLO Creek outlet where little ones can splash and play. I like walking the shoreline looking for shells and driftwood, but if I'm feeling a little more adventurous, I'll rent a paddleboard or kayak and spend some time out on the water. Paddling beneath the Bob Jones Trail bridge is one of my favorite ways to experience this part of Avila. From there, I'll usually make my way over to Harford Pier in Port San Luis. As one of the last drivable piers in the country, I never get tired of watching fishing boats come and go while keeping an eye out for sea lions, seabirds, and the occasional whale. If I have time, I'll grab fresh seafood or a glass of wine at Mersea's and take in the views across San Luis Bay. Somehow, what starts as a quick stop almost always turns into a much longer visit.
When I want scenery that's a little more dramatic, Spooner's Cove in Montaña de Oro State Park is always worth the drive. Between the rocky cliffs, sea caves, tide pools, and miles of hiking trails, it feels completely different from the sandy beaches around Pismo. I usually pack a picnic because there are so many scenic spots to stop before heading back out to explore.
No trip up the coast feels complete without stopping in Morro Bay. I don't think I'll ever get tired of seeing Morro Rock rising above the harbor. Every visit feels a little different, whether I'm walking along the waterfront, watching sea otters drift through the bay, or simply taking in the view. Just north of the rock, Morro Strand State Beach offers a wide stretch of coastline that's perfect for beachcombing, flying a kite, watching surfers, or enjoying the sound of the waves with Morro Rock standing in the background.
If my dog is joining me for the day, Toro Creek Dog Beach is always part of the plan. Located between Morro Bay and Cayucos, it's one of the few beaches where dogs can run off leash while you enjoy the scenery. The trails through the dunes offer beautiful views in both directions, making the walk just as enjoyable for people as it is for their four-legged companions.
As I continue north, Moonstone Beach in Cambria is one stop I never skip. I could walk the boardwalk here over and over without getting tired of the views. Depending on the season, you might spot sea otters floating just offshore, dolphins passing by, or even migrating whales in the distance. Between the colorful moonstones, tide pools, and rugged shoreline, it's one of those places that always reminds me to slow down and stay a little longer.
If I'm already making the drive along Highway 1, I'll usually finish the day at Hearst San Simeon State Park. The beaches, coastal bluffs, hiking trails, and protected natural areas make it easy to spend hours exploring. Before leaving, I always stop at the nearby Elephant Seal Viewing Area. Watching hundreds of elephant seals stretched out along the shoreline is something I recommend to every first-time visitor.
One of the things I love most about the Central Coast is that every beach has its own personality. Some are perfect for adventure, others are best for slowing down, and a few are the kind of places you'll find yourself returning to again and again. No matter which direction you decide to explore, I have a feeling you'll discover a favorite of your own.