state parks — Blog — Flying Dawn Marie | Travel blog, guides & itineraries for adventurous travellers

Nature Trail & River Path Loop - Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park

Read this Flying Dawn Marie travel guide about hiking the Nature Trail & River Path Loop in Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park. The trailhead is right next to Big Sur Lodge off of Highway 1, and this easy family friendly hike takes you along the Big Sur River, through an old growth grove of coastal redwood trees, and by old structures & cabins build by the CCC. This is an easy trail with great views.

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Big Sur Lodge - The Perfect Home Base for Any Big Sur Trip

Read this full hotel review of the Big Sur Lodge and why you should book a stay here on your next Big Sur vacation. The property is located inside Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park and is a short drive from many popular Big Sur spots, such as Pfeiffer Beach, McWay Falls, Bixby Bridge, Calla Lily Valley and Nepenthe. Big Sur Lodge also features the Homestead Restaurant, a great place to eat along Hwy 1.

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Monarch Butterfly Grove - Thousands of Butterflies in Pismo Beach, CA

Currently there are 16,000 western monarch butterflies at the Pismo State Beach Monarch Butterfly Grove along CA Highway 1. If you're wondering where to see monarchs in California, this butterfly colony is one of the largest in the state and can be enjoyed every November thru February during the monarch winter migration. This is one of my top things to do in Pismo Beach & along the central coast.

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First-Timers Guide to Point Lobos State Natural Reserve

Read this Flying Dawn Marie travel guide to visiting Point Lobos State Natural Reserve in Carmel, CA. Located near Monterey and Big Sur, this California State Park contains multiple hiking trails that take you along bluff tops, turquoise waters, and abundant wildlife. Some of the top things to do is to see the Whalers Cabin, China Cove, Sea Lion Point, Bird Island, and Cypress Grove Trail.