![]() | Pirate's Cove and Smuggler's Cave |
| San Luis Obispo, CA Print Leave a comment |
Description
It's a great delight to discover the view at Pirate's Cove. You stand high above and look down at yellow cliffs, headlands, and waves rushing into sea caves below. You can walk down a steep, though easy, gravel path on the west (right) side of the parking lot and see the caves from closer. There is a lot of erosion in this area, as is attested to by Cave Landing Rd, which used to connect here to The Bluffs neighborhood but collapsed.
There's another path on the east (left) side of the parking lot that leads to more views: an arch of white rock, rock formations in the ocean, and the beach across the water. It lies below ritzy The Bluffs, a development of mansions. This is a fun path because there is plenty of climbing to be done up steep sandstone rock. Kids love it! They are on top of the world, where they believe they undeniably belong!
Another path on the east (left) side of the parking lot (with a white scratched-up sign at the beginning) leads down (on the right fork) to Smuggler's Cave, which is more like an arch. If you stand in the cave you look out on one side at Shell Beach and on the other at Avila Beach. It's very beautiful. There is some graffiti in the cave. The left fork of this path leads to a lovely sheltered beach where boats are anchored. This is Pirate's Cove, a nude beach.
While you're in the area, check out Avila Beach, a lively town with cafes, a pier, and a beautiful beach to stroll along. There is a great playground, Avila Beach Playground, beside Central Coast Aquarium, with plenty of marinelife to check out.
Photo Gallery
Click on photo to see large versionDirections
Exit Highway 101 at Avila Beach Drive. From Avila Beach Drive, turn left on Cave Landing Rd and follow it as it head uphill. You will come to a parking lot. Park and enjoy the three fantastic short walks!
This is an interactive map, you can zoom and move it.
Visitor Ratings
Overall Visitor Rating:
ARTURO 10/09/2009 15:17 | Wow bella fotografia que hermosa playa | |
Bruce 09/19/2009 19:36 | Views were outstanding. Last person was hiking back up the trail as we arrived. At the beach there was no one in sight. A private beach for the rest of the day! |