California- looking for beautiful and more natural beaches and wildlife
Jun 23rd, 2021, 10:52 PM
#22
I love Bodega Bay, in the north bay coast/Sonoma, but if you want calm coast, a small town or two consider San Mateo coastal areas -- Half Moon Bay, a bit south in Pescadero (more isolated/uncrowded), or a bit north - Princeton-by-the-Sea. Definitely not "sunbathing" spots -- also there's Aņo Nuevo Reserve -- have to check when the elephant seals are about.
Jun 24th, 2021, 06:05 AM
#23
I'm late to this thread but I'd suggest Morro Bay. There are a lot of motels a few blocks from the coast, and you'll find sea otters in the harbor. Birds around the rock and at the State Park and several local reserves. July isn't the best month for coastal birding, though.
An inexpensive motel we often use is Sandpiper Inn, but there are others. Weekend nights are more expensive, but you can time it to stay in Lompoc on the weekends.
Don't forget the elephant seal colony at Piedras Blancas on the Central Coast, most years there should be adult males arriving by late July. July is a good month for whales (blues around Orange County, check out Monterey Bay as well).
An inexpensive motel we often use is Sandpiper Inn, but there are others. Weekend nights are more expensive, but you can time it to stay in Lompoc on the weekends.
Don't forget the elephant seal colony at Piedras Blancas on the Central Coast, most years there should be adult males arriving by late July. July is a good month for whales (blues around Orange County, check out Monterey Bay as well).
Jun 24th, 2021, 07:24 AM
#24
My DW and I have stayed at the Pigeon Point HI hostel about 50 miles south of SFO a couple times. Just south of Pigeon Point lighthouse is Ano Nuevo State park which has miles of sand dunes with a walk out to the beach. Across from Ano Nuevo, is Butano State Park which has a small grove of Coast Redwoods.
Jun 24th, 2021, 09:38 AM
#25
I agree with Tom that southern San Mateo County & northern Santa Cruz Couny have some of the best unspoiled beaches in California. I've also stayed at the Pigeon Point Lighthouse, blog posts below.
Pigeon Point Lighthose: https://www.travelgumbo.com/blog/coa...t-lighthouse-1
Pigeon Point Hostel: https://www.travelgumbo.com/blog/coa...int-lighthouse
If you're looking for a more upscale experience, also along Highway 1 you'll find Costanoa Lodge with a variety of accommodations. https://costanoa.com/
Pigeon Point Lighthose: https://www.travelgumbo.com/blog/coa...t-lighthouse-1
Pigeon Point Hostel: https://www.travelgumbo.com/blog/coa...int-lighthouse
If you're looking for a more upscale experience, also along Highway 1 you'll find Costanoa Lodge with a variety of accommodations. https://costanoa.com/
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