Road Trip the California Coast
Rather than letting winter get us down after the holidays, we like to kick off the new year by getting out and exploring the world around us with as we road trip the California Coast. Mild weather and less crowds means January is a great time for a winter vacation on the Central Coast. With the return of the annual Coastal Discovery & Stewardship Celebration this month, there’s no better time to gather friends and family to experience the ultimate California Coast road trip!
One of California’s most popular attractions is the Highway 1 Discovery Route, and for good reason. Offering breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean, stunning vistas around every corner and remarkable coastal communities along the way, a California Coast road trip along the iconic Highway 1 is a memorable way to start the new year. And, from January 13 – February 28, you can immerse yourself in the local marine life and coastal heritage with the Coastal Discovery & Stewardship Celebration. As part of this celebration, ten Central Coast destinations offer more than 30 activities and volunteer opportunities that encourage conservation, exploration and discovery. Savor unique local wine and food pairings, watch a free movie at Hearst Castle Theater and find ways to reconnect with nature… there’s truly something for everyone.
Here are just a few of the unique offerings as part of this annual event:
BlendFest on the Coast
The 4th annual BlendFest on the Coast event combines the scenic beauty of the coast with Paso Robles Wine Country, showcasing some of the region’s best, most unconventional blends. It’s a great opportunity to taste rule-breaking blends that help you think beyond the everyday glass of wine.
Elephant Seal Exploratory Tour
Enjoy a 90-minute presentation of northern elephant seals led by the area’s most experienced guides before venturing to Elephant Seal Vista Point for a free elephant seal exploratory tour. It’s the perfect chance to learn more about these unique animals that call the Central Coast home.
Whale Trail along Highway 1
Highway 1 offers some of the best areas for viewing wildlife, including 34 species of marine mammals. The Whale Trail is a series of sites to view gray whales, humpbacks, and other marine mammals from shore. Visit any of the lookout points along Highway 1 to enjoy California’s diverse and impressive marine environment.
Coastal Discovery Center at San Simeon Cove
The Coastal Discovery Center offers family-friendly interactive exhibits and education programs which highlight the cultural and natural history of Old San Simeon, California State Parks, and the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary. The interface of land and sea is unique, drawing people for its rich bounty, economic opportunity, recreation and inspiration.
Free Stewardship Clean-Up
Help protect coastal wildlife by spending an hour collecting marine debris and litter with a free clean-up kit and tote. Included in the kit are gloves, a bag and debris checklist, so you can be prepared whenever you see litter! Pick up your free clean-up kit at any of the Cambria Inns Collection accommodations.
If you need an excuse to road trip the California Coast then the Coastal Discovery & Stewardship Celebration along Highway 1 is it. Make your winter vacation even more memorable with the array of activities. Outings are not only educational, but help protect the Central Coast’s wildlife, habitat and cultural heritage, adding up to a winter vacation you can feel good about.
As part of the celebration, we’re pleased to offer our special Winter Migration Package. We want to help you enjoy the majesty of the migratory wildlife along the coast. All of our family-owned and operated oceanfront Cambria hotels are situated along Moonstone Beach Drive, offering a wonderful home base for enjoying all that the California Coast has to offer.
