Experience the Wildflowers in San Simeon

After an abundance of rainy weather in a wet winter, spring bursts into full bloom with colorful wildflowers in San Simeon. From California poppies to sticky monkey flowers to wild radishes to lupine, there is a wide variety of flowers that call this beautiful area home. Whether you cycled all winter or took time to relax, the seasonal beauty of nature is a great reason to get back out on the trail. To get you started, we’ve compiled a list of routes and destinations in San Simeon where you’re sure to see the Coast in full color.

Here are some things to consider as you plan your ride around the best places to view the bloom around San Simeon:

• Plan your trip from March to May
  • Wildflower season is most vivid on the Central Coast during these months.
• Avoid stepping on the flowers
  • Help protect the blossoms and ensure they return next year.
• Purchase a local wildflower guide
  • For those interested in identifying the flowers during their explorations.

Photo credit: Visit San Simeon

Known as the Gateway to Big Sur, Ragged Point is a community located about 15 miles north of San Simeon. With steep cliffsides and stunning views, this is a beautiful place to see wildflowers. Cycle our 37-mile Ragged Point Route, a paved loop that starts in San Simeon, to fully experience this part of the Central Coast.

Photo credit: Visit San Simeon

To pair wildflowers with waterfalls, explore the Black Swift Falls hiking trail. Cycle to this site on our 64-mile Silver Peak Route, which goes along historic Highway 1. Ride along a coastal highway where scenic ocean views are interrupted only with bursts of wildflower blooms. The hike itself is under a mile long but also strenuous and does require hiking experience. Even still, the waterfall view at the bottom of the 300-foot cliff is well worth the effort.

Fiscalini Ranch Preserve is an expanse of land that boasts 150 different native plants, many of those being wildflowers that show their colors in the springtime. Our Coastal Cayucos Route, a 42-mile paved round-trip ride from San Simeon to Cayucos, passes right by Fiscalini Ranch Preserve. You can choose to hike through the meadow or continue into the ranch on two wheels by exploring one of their cycling trails. Visit the Fiscalini Ranch Preserve website for a comprehensive guide to the wildflowers you might see.

Visit the Piedras Blancas Light Station to view a beautiful field of wildflowers. You can choose to cycle either our 37-mile Ragged Point Route or our 36.2-mile Erioca: Piedras Blancas Route to reach this historic destination. Once you’ve arrived, make sure to pause and read the signs that identify over 70 native California plant species.

Please note that visitation to Piedras Blancas Light Station is by reservation only.

Photo credit: Danna Dykstra

Known as a stellar surfing spot, Pico Creek Beach is also an ideal location to see wildflowers and gorgeous sunsets. Ride our 69.2-mile round-trip Gorda Route to get there. Pico Creek Beach is generally quiet, visited only by surfers and guests at the nearby hotels, so this is a great spot to pause and enjoy the seasonal splendor of nature at its finest without the crowd.

To supplement your cycling routine with a hike, ride over to a hilly spot in San Simeon and stretch your legs while enjoying the gorgeous flowers. Check out Junge Ranch Trail, a 2.2-mile loop, or the Boucher Trail, which is 3.8 miles round-trip. Turn your gaze from the road to the rolling green hills covered with colorful wildflowers. Add in the ocean breeze and the exertion of a good climb, and San Simeon is incomparable.

Plan your getaway to adventure amongst the San Simeon wildflowers! With plenty of lodging options for resting and recharging, this is sure to be a trip you’ll remember.