2022 Best 30-60 Miles California Central Coast Cycling Routes # Part 3

We've already recommended 6 cycling routes along California's Central Coast. If you don't like any of these, then you can try these last 2 cycling routes.

Cycling Routes 1: Oso Flaco Lake Route - 48.9 Miles

This back-to-back route will take you from Avila Beach via Pismo and Orsino to Lake Osoflacco, passing some important historical landmarks along the way. You'll find abundant natural beauty in the monarch butterfly forest and history in the Great American Melodrama. In Pismo, you'll connect to the iconic Highway 1, and from there ride to Osoflacco Lake Road and then to the lake. Once you reach the lake, you'll experience calm waters and stunning views—perhaps while enjoying a sandwich from J.J.'s Market. This 49-mile journey makes for a perfect day.

Avila Hot Springs

These springs were discovered by hapless oil drillers in 1907 and established by the Budan family as an oasis of natural artesian mineral springs served by popular tourists as the gateway to Avila Beach and Port St. Louis. Historic Avila Springs offers lodge camping and dry tent camping for today's visitors, just 2 miles from the beach and adjacent to the Bob Jones Bike Trail. Avila's protected southerly location provides some of the best weather on the Central Coast throughout the year.

Monarch Butterfly Grove

Pismo Beach Monarch Butterfly Grove is one of only five locations in the state with more than 10,000 butterflies per year. Each year, thousands of vibrant orange and black monarch butterflies flock to Pismo State Beach, an important site for their successful migration, seeking shelter during the cold northern winters. From late October to February, butterflies congregate on tall, majestic eucalyptus branches flanked by estuaries that flow into the Pacific Ocean. The grove on the southern boundary of downtown Pismo Beach is easily accessible from Highway 1.

Oceano Railroad Depot

From 1904 to the 1950s, this South Pacific train station was the center of most commercial and transportation activity in South San Luis Obispo County. Decommissioned in 1973, it has been moved 400 yards north of its original site and is being restored through volunteer efforts to fulfill its new role as a community center.

The Great American Melodrama & Vaudeville

Great American melodrama and sideshow fun for the whole family! They produce top-notch musicals, comedies and classic melodramas at affordable prices in a lively cabaret setting. Each performance is followed by a vaudeville show filled with song, dance and comedy. For the price of one show, you can get two shows!

J.J.’s Market

This small-town grocery store has a deli for sandwiches, pasta salads and other delicious lunches suitable for bikers, as well as refreshing thirst-quenching beverages.

Monarch Dunes Golf Club

Monarch Dunes is located on California's central coast south of San Luis Obispo, Nipomo, California. Monarch Dunes features two award-winning golf courses. The first 18-hole championship "Old Course" and the acclaimed 12-hole par-3 challenge course were designed by architects Damian Pascuzzo and PGA Tour Pro Steve Pate. Both courses are unique and designed to test your skills and stimulate your senses. Monarch Dunes is part of The Woodlands, a master-planned resort and trilogy residential community surrounded by windswept dunes, eucalyptus trees, coastal landscapes and amber hillsides. Stop to make a few holes or grab a bite on the butterfly grill.

Oso Flaco Lake

As you approach the start of the boardwalk for the Osoflacco Lake Trail, Lake Osoflacco appears among the trees on the left. Take in the view of the smaller branch of the lake on the right, then turn left and walk on the boardwalk over the lake. Lake Osoflacco is a 75-acre shallow freshwater lake. This rare coastal lake is a sanctuary for native and migratory birds. Walk on the boardwalk, which juts out over the lake and curves to the right past benches and expansive views to the south. Algae form interesting patterns in the water in front of the boardwalk. Ducks and swans drift on calm waters. Beyond the lake, you'll see sand-covered hills rising from the surrounding bush. Tules and cattails line the calm water.

Cycling Routes 2: Ragged Point Route - 37 Miles

From San Simeon to Ragged Point and back, this 37-mile journey will take you on Highway 1 past famous landmarks, challenging hills and breathtaking views. It features some of the most famous historical attractions of San Simeon and Ragged Point: Hearst Castle, Elephant Seals, Piedras Blancas Lighthouse, San Simeon Pier and more. Take this route for the ultimate journey back in time.

Ragged Point

Ragged Point is above the sea, about 15 miles north of San Simeon, and is known as the gateway to Big Sur. Nestled between the majestic St. Lucia Mountains and the serene Pacific Ocean, this quaint community offers breathtaking coastal views at every turn. Rest and relax at the Ragged Point Inn and Restaurant, or if you're feeling adventurous, take a hike along the sheer cliff side to the black sand beach. At Ragged Point, you'll find some last-minute amenities before taking a longer ride to the north at the iconic Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park.

Piedras Blancas Light Station

Piedras Blancas Light Station, meaning "white rock", is an ode to the rocky coastline where the lighthouse is located. The historic lighthouse's unique light pattern of white flashes every 15 seconds assures sailors of their location and warns of approaching shorelines. Construction of Piedras Blancas Lighthouse began in April 1874. The lighthouse was first lit 10 months later on February 15, 1875. The lighthouse was originally 100 feet tall and was fitted with a first-order Fresnel lens. The Fog Signal Building was constructed in 1905 and the first sound was produced in 1906.

Elephant Seal Rookery

Piedras Blancas Rookery is the only elephant seal habitat in the world that is easily accessible, free and open every day of the year, year-round. The habitat is located 7 miles north of San Simeon on Highway 1. Northern elephant seals are active on beaches near San Simeon year-round as they go through different stages of their life cycle. During peak times in January, April and October, there can be as many as 17,000 animals on the San Simeon coast. Come see these magnificent marine mammals up close on one of California's most beautiful coastlines.

San Simeon Pier

Before the advent of railroads and easily traversable highways, most commerce in central California was by ship, and docks and docks were critical. Local products are shipped to markets in San Francisco or Los Angeles. Early, in the Spanish and Mexican era, ships and cargo moored off the coast were exchanged by small boats powered by oars. This is risky even in the best weather. The earliest marinas, such as San Simeon's, were businesses underwritten by wealthy landowners or collaborators who owned the marinas. This makes it easier and cheaper to transport and import goods.

Old San Simeon

Old San Simeon is the historic center for local residents and tourists. Adjacent to W.R. Hearst Memorial State Beach, guests can enjoy day-use coastal access with picnic spots, parking, restrooms, faucets and grills. The protected beach has spectacular views, soft sand and miles of easy walking. The Coastal Discovery Center offers educational exhibits about St. Simon's Bay, local wildlife, whaling history, marine mammals, and more. The tasting room at Hearst Ranch Winery is located in the heart of Old San Simeon. Join the locals for wine tasting and lunch on the outdoor patio before completing the journey to Ragged Point, or on the way back.

Hearst Castle

In 1865, George Hearst purchased the 45,000-acre Piedra Blanca Ranch in San Simeon. In 1886, Senator George Hurst increased his land to 270,000 acres. When George died in 1891, his only son, William Randolph Hearst, inherited the land. In 1919, William Randolph Hearst began construction of the famous castle with San Francisco architect Julia Morgan. The Hirst and Morgan collaboration is destined to become one of the world's greatest performance venues and an accredited museum. Today, Hearst Castle offers a variety of excursions to guests of San Simeon. Travel back in time and enjoy the life of William Randolph Hearst and his guests.

Hearst Castle Zebras

Following the winding pasture paths to Hearst Castle, guests have walked through the fenced fields, home to many exotic wildlife roaming freely on the slopes as if they were native to the land. It's a stunning sight with an ever-changing collection of animals such as bison, Rocky Mountain elk, and zebras. Following Mr. Hearst's death, some of the beloved wildlife that called Hearst Castle home were released to live on ranches along Highway 1. When riding through San Simeon, be sure to keep an eye out for the Hearst Castle zebras grazing on the lapgrass.

Whale Trail

The Whale Trail is a series of places for the public to view orcas, other cetaceans and marine mammals from the coast. Follow the whale trail to Ragged Point, and you'll overlook the waters of one of our nation's most spectacular marine reserves, home to some of the best wildlife viewing in the world, including 34 species of marine mammals. Look for the heart-shaped blows of grey whales, the high dorsal fins of orcas, or feeding humpback and blue whales. Look for seals and sea lions on offshore rocks, as well as sea otters wrapped in kelp. At any time of year, you can see amazing marine life at the shore locations on the Whale Trail.

Gyroor electric bike has 3 riding modes: eBike, Pedal assist bike and bicycle. You can use it for daily commuting, short trips.

Cycling routes source from cyclecentralcoast.com

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