Scenic Cycling on the Central Coast: Vistas
Cycling is as much about going places as it is the sweat earned on your ride. On the Central Coast, that means appreciating the natural beauty of the area you’re adventuring through. Every one of our curated cycling routes offers some special sights to see, but there’s just something about the kinds of exceptional spots that can make your entire trip worth it. Here are a few of our highlighted favorites for you to wander upon on your next ride.
Best Vista Points for Views while Cycling the Central Coast
Avila Beach Pier
It wouldn’t be sightseeing at the Central Coast without an ocean vista, and you’ll be hard-pressed to find a spot as fulfilling as Avila Beach Pier. This nearly 1,700-foot pier extends into the San Luis Obispo Bay for a breathtaking view away from the beaches and into the domain of the whales in the flowing expanse of the Pacific Ocean. This attraction is accessible on the Avila Beach Route, or you can start with this sight before taking off on our Sea to Summit Route. That will allow you to begin and end with amazing views, bookending a hike to another one of our featured vista points.
Prefumo Canyon Summit
Heading from the Avila Beach Pier north into the inland hills via the Sea to Summit Route, the Prefumo Canyon Summit is your compensation for a challenging climb. You won’t be disappointed—you and your two-wheeler will be more than 1,300 feet above sea level as you behold a 360-degree view of the Central Coast. We encourage you to stop and revel for a moment before heading back downhill either back from See Canyon to Avila Beach, or onward to San Luis Obispo.
Ragged Point
Ragged Point is an enclave of scenery and serenity for cyclists to or on their way from Big Sur. The small outpost marked by the Ragged Point Inn and Restaurant overlooks the coast from a high cliff, making you truly feel like King or Queen of the Mountain after you break the local Highway 1 KOMs/QOMs. Even riding the Ragged Point Route to get there presents opportunities and turnoffs where you can take in the scenery of the region all along the way. If you’re feeling extra adventurous, you can hop off your bike for a short hike down a steep cliffside to the stunning black sand beach—a worthy view in its own right.
Green Valley Point
On Green Valley Road, you can pause at this particular point to take in the astonishing view of the valley itself below. Much like the Prefumo Canyon Summit, it’s a powerful panorama of the rolling hills that is as meditative as it is beautiful. To get here, you can take on the Green Valley Loop and its short but steep sequence of climbs highlighted by “The Wall” as it’s regionally known. Otherwise, you can tackle the high-intensity marathon that is the Highway 1 Adventure Route to hit this point.
Highway 1 Vista Points
Highway 1 is, itself, a sightseeing tour. This stretch of highway along the Central Coast offers multiple scenic vantage points. From here you can catch views of Central Coast staples such as the Piedras Blancas Light Station and Hearst Castle. Riding across Highway 1 will reward you with several other awesome occasions to pump your brakes.
Ocean Vista Point
Down the road from San Simeon, riding the Beach to Beach Route, you can pull over for a uniquely framed view of a portion of the Pacific Ocean. It’s an invigorating sight for your Highway 1 run on its own, but if you really want to power up your workout and its rewards, there are nearby trails that lead to some incredible views of the coast and Morro Rock in the distance.
Elephant Seal Vista Point
The Piedras Blancas Elephant Seal Rookery viewing point is just seven miles north of San Simeon on the Silver Peak Route. A popular stop for Central Coast tourists and locals alike, this stop combines coastal viewing with some of the best frames you can get of one of the most unique mammalian wildlife that beaches in the area.
Plan Your Trip To See These Sights
Whether paved or gravel, the Central Coast roads are your guide to the vista for you. Check out our selection of routes for highlights from each of the rides mentioned here. Use any one of these incredible views to motivate yourself on your next ride. Hit up our route-planning guide to decide what you want to see and how you’re going to get there.