California Official Visitor's Guide 2023 - 139

GILROY
California Welcome Center Gilroy. The " Garlic Capital
of the World " is home to Gilroy Gardens Family Theme
Park, Gilroy Premium Outlets, a charming historic
downtown, award-winning wineries, and outdoor
adventures. 408/842-6436; visitgilroy.com See ad, pgs.
135-137
Gilroy Gardens. Discover this charming amusement
park with over 40 rides and attractions, water slides,
majestic gardens, and over 10,000 trees-including the
whimsical world-famous Circus Trees. 408/840-7100;
gilroygardens.org
GOLETA
El Capitán State Beach. Enjoy more than 100
campsites with tables, fire rings, and coin-operated
showers 20 miles away from Santa Barbara. A wooden
stairway connects bluffs to the beach, a popular spot for
surf-fishing. 805/968-1033; parks.ca.gov
Los Padres National Forest. These 1.75 million
protected acres along the rugged coastal mountains
of Central California are home to redwood forests,
grasslands, chaparral biome, and conifer forests. 805/
448-6487; fs.usda.gov
Refugio State Beach. Crystal waters are lined by large
palm trees, lending the beach a tropical look. Rent a
kayak and paddle offshore for views of Channel Islands
National Park. 805/968-1033; parks.ca.gov
GUADALUPE
Guadalupe-Nipomo Dunes National Wildlife Refuge.
Sweeping sand dunes serve as protected breeding
grounds for the endangered California least tern and the
western snowy plover. 805/644-5185; fws.gov
Point Sal State Beach. Accessible only by a 9.8-mile
hike, this remote beach includes 1.5 miles of coastline,
surrounded by a rugged mountain ridgeline. Look for
seals sunning offshore on Lion Rock. 805/585-1869;
parks.ca.gov
HOLLISTER
Casa de Fruta. What started as a humble cherry stand
in 1908 is now a popular roadside attraction. With
a massive market, restaurant, sweetshop, RV park,
14-room inn, and playground, there's something at Fruta
for the whole family. 408/842-7282; casadefruta.com
Pacheco State Park. Once a portion of the Mexican
land grant, this land has served as a horse and cattle
ranch since 1843. Explore 28 miles of trails, grasslands,
and wildflower fields via foot or horseback. 209/8261197;
parks.ca.gov
JOLON
Mission San Antonio de Padua. Nestled in grasslands
and oak trees, this carefully restored mission, dedicated
in 1771 and topped by archway bells, has an especially
beautiful setting. 831/385-4478; missionsanantonio.net
LOMPOC
La Purísima Mission State Historic Park. Take a
self-guided tour of this restored mission, founded
in 1787. Watch demonstrations of 1820s-era trades,
including blacksmithing, candle making, and more.
805/733-3713; lapurisimamission.org
Space to Explore in Lompoc. Located on scenic
Highway 1 along the Central Coast, Lompoc is the best
vantage point for rocket launches on the West Coast.
La Purísima Mission, dozens of boutique wineries
and outdoor murals, Jalama Beach, skydiving, and
championship golf. explorelompoc.com See ad, p. 141
LOS OSOS
Los Osos Oaks State Natural Reserve. Explore groves
of dwarfed oaks dripping with lichen and hanging moss
atop ancient sand dunes. Although hundreds of years
old, these ancient trees reach heights of only 6 to 8 feet.
805/772-6101; parks.ca.gov
Montaña de Oro State Park. Walk or mountain bike on
trails that lead to wildflowers, coastal plains, and the
1,347-foot Valencia Peak. Visit in spring to see fields of
golden flowers in full bloom. 805/772-6101; parks.ca.gov
MARINA
Marina State Beach. Winding through Marina Dunes
Natural Preserves, this is a popular spot for hang
gliding, paragliding, and kite flying. Hike along a sandy
boardwalk on the Dune Nature Trail. 831/649-2836;
parks.ca.gov
MONTEREY
Cannery Row. The Central Coast's premier visitor
destination, with ocean-view hotels, award-winning
restaurants, boutiques, wine tasting, attractions, and
exciting nightlife. Plan your visit at canneryrow.com. See
ad, p. 128
Ghirardelli Chocolate. Visit Ghirardelli Ice Cream and
Chocolate shop in Monterey at Cannery Row for delicious
sundaes including the World Famous Hot Fudge
Sundae made with handmade Ghirardelli hot fudge!
831/373-0997; ghirardelli.com See ad, this page
Monterey County. Escape the day-to-day and find
yourself somewhere spectacular in Monterey County.
Get lost in a wonderland of breathtaking coastlines,
enchanting forests, stunning vineyards, and an
exciting culinary scene. What are you waiting for? Visit
seemonterey.com and start planning your trip. See ad,
p. 133
Monterey Museum of Art. This museum is dedicated
to the preservation of California art. Gain a deeper
understanding of Monterey's legacy as an arts colony
through the works of notable residents. 831/372-5477;
montereyart.org
Monterey State Historic Park. Explore historic homes
through a docent-led tour. See where Spanish explorers
landed in 1602 and view one of the last remaining
whalebone sidewalks. 831/649-2907; parks.ca.gov
MORGAN HILL
Henry W. Coe State Park. Discover 87,000 acres of wild
open spaces. With lofty ridges and steep canyons, the
park's rugged terrain is ideal for hiking, mountain biking,
and horseback riding. 408/779-2728; parks.ca.gov
MORRO BAY
Morro Bay State Park. Camp, hike, and explore the
lagoon and natural bay habitat. Enjoy views of Morro
Rock, a registered historical landmark and bird sanctuary
for the peregrine falcon. 805/772-6101; parks.ca.gov
Morro Strand State Beach. Three miles of sand stretch
between the north and south entrance of this coastal
frontage park on Estero Bay. Spend the night at one of
85 campsites. 805/772-6101; parks.ca.gov
MOSS LANDING
Moss Landing State Beach. This long sandy beach,
protected by dunes and popular with surfers, is known
for its world-class waves. View western snowy plovers
nesting right on the sand. 831/649-2836; parks.ca.gov
VISITCALIFORNIA.COM | 139
California Official Visitor's Guide 2023

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