One Of California's Prettiest Coastal Trails Is Lined With Poppies And Cliffside Views Of The Pacific Ocean

California has many stunning hiking trails through mountains, valleys, and forests, but some cliffside hikes boast breathtaking coastal views next to the crashing waves of the Pacific Ocean. Harmony Headlands State Park is located between Los Angeles and San Francisco near the historical city of Morro Bay, and was once home to ancient Chumash and Salinan tribes who were pushed from their lands during Spain's Mission System in 1769. Today, the park consists of a mostly flat, family-friendly hiking trail through lush landscapes along rocky bluffs.

The park is open from 6 a.m. to sunset, where visitors can hike, fish, or enjoy a scenic picnic on the park's many benches. Free parking for about a dozen cars is available at the beginning of the trail just off Highway 1, 13 miles north of Morro Bay and 8 miles south of Cambria. Portable restrooms are also situated near the entrance of the park. Keep in mind that dogs, camping, campfires, and bikes are not permitted on the trail, and phone signal is often scarce. Be prepared to see wild animals such as California brown pelicans, hawks, California kingsnakes, deer, rabbits, elephant seals, lizards, and even coyotes. These local critters have been protected by California State Parks and other nature organizations since 2003, after construction plans to build houses on the site were axed and plans to set up a state park were put in motion.

It's recommended to give yourself roughly an hour and a half to hike the 4.3-mile round-trip trail to allow time for photos and to enjoy the scenery. After 1.5 miles of vegetative terrain, hikers will eventually turn at a bend, near lichen-covered trees, where views of the Pacific Ocean peak through, then continue on a long pathway parallel to the sea.

California is home to many wildflower wonderlands, and Harmony Headlands State Park is one of them. The site is lined with a myriad of plant species and wildflowers, which is one of the major characteristics that draws visitors to the park. Hikers will come upon flora such as the aromatic California sagebrush or cowboy cologne, the yellow-orange sticky monkeyflower named after its monkey appearance and adhesive texture, and the yellow lizard tail with leaves that resemble a reptile's outline. Poison hemlock — distinguished by the purple spots on the stem and dangerous if ingested as opposed to merely touching the plant — can also be found at the park. Yet the most popular wildflower that visitors love spotting on their hike is the California poppy.

California poppies bloom in the spring and die out in the heat of the summer, therefore, we recommend visiting Harmony Headlands State Park between the months of February and June to appreciate poppies in their fullest form. Other gorgeous wildflowers lining the trail, like the yellow lizard tail, are in season from May to November, whereas you'll see the sticky monkeyflower in bloom during spring and summer. Overall, spring is an ideal time to see California's iconic wildflowers. While the winter months can still provide clear skies and mild temperatures ideal for hiking, wilted plants and the remnants of fully bloomed flowers are all that remain on the site during that time.

When visiting Harmony Headlands State Park, it's worth blocking out time to explore nearby urban areas. About 13 miles south of Harmony Headlands is Morro Bay, one of California's most budget-friendly destinations. The city is famed for its unique volcanic formation, Morro Rock, which juts out of the bay. The coastal city features whale watching viewpoints, the Morro Bay Museum of Natural History, Chumash Heritage National Marine Sanctuary, and Chumash Garden, which celebrates and protects native plant life. Several popular seafood restaurants, such as Giovanni's Fish Market and Galley and Windows on the Water, line downtown Morro Bay, as well as many thrift stores and beaches with views of the imposing dormant volcano.

Just 8 miles north of Harmony Headlands State Park is the quaint seaside village of Cambria. Cambria — the Latin for Wales — is steeped in history, from the Spanish missions in the 1700s to a devastating fire in 1889 that ravaged the village to marine warfare during World War II. Today, tourists can pop into the self-guided Cambria Historical Museum, where tour maps are available of the 28 historical sites across this fascinating village. Cambria is also dotted with Victorian architecture and boutique stores, as well as vibrant restaurants on a quirky village strip. Madeline's Restaurant is not only known for its lunch and dinner menus, but also for its own wine collection. For dinner with a view, and just a mile past the main strip in Cambria, is Moonstone Beach Bar and Grill, which boasts expansive sea views from their patio and serves a sizable seafood and non-seafood menu. Furthermore, a standout attraction of this California coastal village is Covell Ranch, where patrons can ride on Clydesdale horses across 2,000 acres.