10 Best Off-the-Beaten-Path Beaches in SLO CAL

Unspoiled and largely uninhabited, the isolated sandy beaches of San Simeon’s wild and rugged shores are among the finest in California. Best visited on a hot day, San Simeon Beach (also known as William R. Hearst Memorial State Beach) offers iconic views of Hearst Castle with its towering terraces above the historic pier. Be sure to pack in and pack out food, water or anything else you’ll need here. You’ll enjoy dramatic cliffs and sprawling ocean views, abundant up and down the area all along Highway 1. Go even more off-the-beaten path with a hike along the bay on San Simeon Point Trail. The trail starts on the far end of the beach past Hearst Ranch Winery's tasting room and ends at the point where truly remote cliffs and sandy spots shine. 

Bundle up to take in your romantic surroundings at Moonstone Beach, the picture-perfect, uncrowded setting for a stroll with a loved one or a picnic lunch. An ideal beach destination after a tour of Hearst Castle, you may see migrating whales as you walk the sandy shores and boardwalk. Keep an eye out on the sand for smooth, translucent and milky-colored stones that find their way on the shore. If walking the stone beach isn't your style, you can always enjoy the views from above along the boardwalk. Before or after, there’s shopping, excellent dining and wine-tasting in downtown Cambria.

A surfer’s paradise awaits at the delightful beach town of Cayucos Beach, located on Highway 1 between Morro Bay and Cambria. Grab some lunch while marveling at the waves before exploring the tide pools and walking out along the pier. The dog-friendly destination offers laid-back seaside charm and plenty of recreational activities, from biking to horseback riding. A small town with lots of charm where time seems to slows down as the locals greet you and everyone stops for a brown butter cookie. For more hidden fun, head north of town to Point Estero (near Estero Bluffs State Park) for a shipwreck surprise.

Enjoy a sunny day, laying out in the rays or seeking out waves to surf along Morro Strand. The state beach stretches from Morro Rock uninterrupted nearly all the way to Cayucos. Miles long and wide, this stretch of sand ensures that you wont have to share your blanket area. Or get out into the ocean along Morro Bay: Whale watching, dinner cruises and fishing charters are all available for memorable outings. For calmer waters, take to the bayside for pontoon cruises and glassy kayak rides. 

Head to Spooner’s Cove and hike the bluffs or explore the tide pools at this rocky beach in a protected cove inside Montaña de Oro State Park. Follow the road into the park, take your time visiting pull out after pull out with incredible coastal views until you get to a sea level parking lot. Golden wildflowers dotting the hills and vast terrain of the park give it its name. Go when the sun’s out to sit on the rocks and savor a packed lunch with the relaxing soundtrack of gently crashing waves or enjoy a relaxing sunset dip at the stone beach. Leashed dogs are welcome!

For a family evening full of fun, visit the stretch of Avila Beach known as Olde Port and Fisherman’s beach which is also happily dog friendly. Up for a paddle? Be sure to check out the nearby historic Point San Luis Lighthouse, built in 1889, and accessible by water or on a pre-arranged tour. Enjoy nearby Harford Pier for a glimpse at some sea lions basking on a nearby dock and a bowl of clam chowder. This beach is easy to reach (only one road in and out), but quiet and hidden from the main beach traffic. 

Steal away at the free-spirited, secluded Pirate’s Cove, named for its infamous history as a location for liquor smuggling. Explore nearby sea caves along the bluff, frolic European-style on the sandy alcove below and snap a selfie at the other end of the rock tunnel with the San Luis Bay in the background before you depart. 

Feel the heat at Avila Beach with its own uniquely sunny microclimate guaranteeing it will be the warmest beach in the county on any given day of the year. This small hideaway makes a fun family outing. Discover charming oceanfront eateries, cute boutique hotels and, for the adults in the party, palate-pleasing local wines. The whole crew will appreciate a trip to the nearby Central Coast Aquarium, too. This is the perfect spot to post up for a full day in the sun. 

At the northern end of Pismo Beach, walk down private stairways from seaside hotels to discover rugged rock caves and gloriously isolated spots to soak up the sun. Just a few miles south from downtown San Luis Obispo along Highway 1, this energetic surf town boasts fresh seafood shacks, famous clam chowder and local wine tastings. It’s a great place to catch some waves, or some rays. With white rock cliffs, this is one of the most visually striking beach areas in SLO CAL.

A favorite among walkers, joggers, dog lovers, kayakers and more, Dinosaur Caves Park offers trails, a children’s playground, park benches and tables. Nature-lovers can enjoy watching local birds perched on nearby cliffs and seals and sea lions playing in the ocean surf. Keep your eyes peeled for the occasional whale or dolphin jumping out of the waves offshore, as you explore tide pools below or bask on the grassy bluffs above. The park also hosts a popular local art event every first Sunday of the month from April through December. For nearby off-the-beaten path beaches head to Shell Beach favorite off Beachcomber Drive.