“full of biological diversity”
The Ranch is far from the largest of coastal ecosystems, but packs more biological diversity into a confined area than many larger properties. It is bordered on the north by a mile and a half of riparian habitat that encompasses tidal effect zones, seasonal freshwater marshes and wetlands dotted with birds. The Monterey pine forest (part of three remaining native stands in the world) serves as habitat and cover for wildlife moving between the coastal range and the ocean bluffs. The Ranch is bisected by Scenic Highway 1. Santa Rosa Creek offers migrating species a wildlife corridor that is not in competition with highway-speed traffic. The result is an amazing display of nature's diversity including a number of endangered species and species of special concern. Red-legged frogs, tidewater gobies, western pond turtles, steelhead, monarch butterflies, great blue herons, burrowing owls, and Cooper's hawks are ranch residents along with the compact cobweb thistle and the SLO County dwarf morning glory. Coyotes, black-tailed deer, and the occasional bobcat pass under the highway bridge to the western slope in search of dry season springs and forage.
We love walking by the sea and letting our minds free every time we feel pressure from our daily problems.
Fiscalini Ranch combines the water element with nature. The trails by the sea are very easy, you will not find any difficulties such as level changes, that will make you feel tired.
Instead, you walk by the sea, collect some lovely flowers, run free and lay down looking at the wonderful sky while listening to the sounds of the waves crushing at the shore.
This place is too good to be true because its a perfect place. There's so many beautiful flowers here and it was really amazing. There's also some birds flying around. I felt so relaxed when I was here specially when I ocean view walk here. I suggest that you do that too.
Seems to be a bit of a hidden gem, we had the entire preserve to ourselves except for a couple jogging locals when we visited in 2018. Parking is extremely limited, luckily a local allowed us to park in his driveway near the entrance gate to the preserve. Cambria is a very small town, so otherwise we would've had to find parking at a restaurant or shop and walked to the preserve. It is breathtakingly beautiful, with wildflowers and memorial benches carved out of what looks to be driftwood. There were seals on the coast when we visited in May. We could have easily spent half a day walking around the preserve and the charming streets of Cambria. We will definitely return.
A must see! Beautiful nature preserve with many trails. Recommend the bluff and forest trail. Wet windy in the Spring. Bring a jacket with a hoodie. We saw cute sea otters.
Beautiful place to visit. The drive up is magical. Nothing but nature and beauty. Definitely a hidden gem
The views are just amazing-sit a bit on one of the memorial benches and relax. Romantic sunset area.
The parking is limited and is at the end of a dead-end street in a neighborhood-be respectful of the home owners drives. Go up the stairs and enjoy the views! One of my favorite stops while traveling up the Pacific Coast Highway!
Must stop here! You can even take a walk around the preserve if you have time!
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Fiscalini Ranch Preserve
Hours
- Sun - Sat: 12:00 am - 11:59 pm
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Wheelchair Accessible
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