The Central Coast is famous for its beautiful beaches, and the one in Morro Bay State Park is a favorite. A popular place for enjoying a calm kayak paddle, it's also the site of a woodsy bayside campground fragrant with eucalyptus trees. All 122 campsites tend to fill up during the summer, making this a fun spot to stay with a group. If you're looking for a little more privacy, try to book one of the sites around the outside of the loops (see map). Across from the grounds, you can visit the ecology exhibits at the Museum of Natural History and rent a kayak to take out into the gentle waters of the bay. Because Morro Bay is a natural reserve site that protects nesting birds, you're likely to see herons, egrets, and even vultures nesting in the trees. At sunset, take a relaxing 1-mile (round-trip) stroll along the bay, where the iconic Morro Rock stands tall, silhouetted against the horizon.

BONUS: Located in the town of Morro Bay, Shine Café and Sunshine Health Foods Store is a good place to grab a veggie breakfast burrito.

Heading northwest on Hwy. 1, take a left onto S. Bay Blvd., then a right onto Main Street. In about 1.5 miles, the State Park entrance will be on your right. Make a campsite reservation prior to your visit. Dog-friendly!