Let’s face it … most of us aren’t in our 20s anymore. We still enjoy “adventure” but at a calmer, slower pace. Take it at your own pace at these California destinations which offer a “softer side” of California fun.
Knights Ferry
Info knightsferry.com
Near Modesto, Knights Ferry offers an easygoing outing along the Stanislaus River, including a walk across the longest covered bridge west of the Mississippi.
Visitors can birdwatch, picnic or fly-fish along the banks of the Stanislaus River and in early-November salmon spawning adds seasonal interest.
Founded by Dr. William Knight in the spring of 1849 Knights Ferry was chosen as it was an appropriate area to house a ferry that would cross the Stanislaus River and provide Knight with a profitable venture in a yet undeveloped part of California.
Located between the port of Stockton and the Sierra foothills which were at the time rich in gold, Knights Ferry became a popular spot to cross the river. During the gold rush it saw profits of $500 dollars per day, a present day gross of over $12,000.
Knight, however, was murdered in the middle of town in late 1849, so he never reaped the profits of his foresight.
In 1854 Knights Ferry saw a flour mill constructed which became a huge success. The ruins of the mill can still be seen today.
In early 1857 the first bridge spanning over the river in Knights Ferry became functional, putting the ferry out of business.
In 1862 the Knights Ferry Bridge was destroyed in a massive flood.
The present day covered bridge spans 330 feet and was built in 1863.
A visit to Knights Ferry can also include a visit to:
River’s Edge Restaurant & Bar
17525 Sonora Rd., Knights Ferry 95361
Take a spot at a table on the outside deck that overlooks the water.
The 50’s Roadhouse
18431 Kennedy Rd., Knights Ferry 95361
This blast from the past offers American-diner type offerings, including themed sandwiches like the James Dean and Buddy Holly.
Knights Ferry Creamery
17631 Main St., Knights Ferry 95361
The Creamery, which offers an array of ice creams, snacks, sweets and espresso.
Knights Ferry Hiking Trail
17968 Covered Bridge Rd., Knights Ferry 95361
This 1.5 mile loop trail starts at the Knights Ferry Recreation Center and winds east past the covered bridge toward the Stanislaus River gorge. This trail] is beginner friendly and made of compacted dirt. A great way to see the natural beauty of the foothills with perfect views of the Covered Bridge.
Other Easy Adventures
Petaluma Shollenberger Park
1400 Cader Lane, Petaluma, 94954
Info cityofpetaluma.org/shollenberger-park
Shollenberger Park, is a free, 165-acre wetland preserve in Petaluma with a flat, accessible two-mile loop and habitat supporting more than 230 bird species. A one-mile connector links the park with Alman Marsh and Petaluma Marina, while free docent-led bird and nature walks are offered on select Saturdays from October through June.
Designated a Ramsar Wetland of International Importance, the park also supports threatened wildlife and long-running citizen-science bird surveys.
Pismo Beach Monarch Grove
400 S Dolliver St. (Highway 1), Pismo Beach 93449
Info experiencepismobeach.com
The Pismo Monarch Trail provides a flat, one-mile walk leading to the area’s overwintering monarch butterflies, with route medallions marking the way. Flat, accessible dirt paths also lead down to the beach.
The Pismo State Beach Monarch Butterfly Grove, generally has one of the largest overwintering western monarch populations.
Peak season is late October through February with best viewing from November to January. Early mornings, before the butterflies warm up and start flying around is considered the best viewing time.
The Monarch Grove offers free admission and free parking. The grove is open daily from sunrise to sunset with onsite volunteer-operated telescopes, informational boards and the seasonal Monarch Mercantile Trailer. Weekend docent talks are typically held at noon.
Parking is located off Highway 1, do not park inside the North Beach Campground. Parking fills up fast, so arriving before 11 a.m. is recommended.
Also located in Pismo Beach the Pismo-to-Shell Beach e-bike route follows dedicated bike lanes past clifftop parks and ocean views. Visit pedaluppismo.com/bike-routes for a map to locations.
Ione in Gold Country
Info www.ione.ca.gov/about-ione/page/historic-landmarks
Ione, located in California’s Gold Country, is an historic town located 30 miles southeast of Sacramento and features many interesting landmarks.
The Preston School of Industry (900 Palm Dr.) was built between 1890 and 1894 as a school for juveniles referred by the courts. Known as The Castle, it is open for seasonal tours.
The Ione Brewery (338 Preston Ave.) was built in the 1860s of Ione brick. It served as a brewery for more than 30 years.
Don’t miss out on the Iron Ivan, which is located behind city hall at 1 E. Main St. The old No. 7 was the last steam locomotive to operate over the Amador Central Railroad.
While not a hike, Rail Explorers lets you explore the countryside on the Amador Central Railroad track. The railbikes, that are equipped with electric-assisted motors, travel along the rolling foothills of the Sierra Nevadas to the Sunnybrook Turnaround that features panoramic views.
The route changes with the seasons before reaching the Sunnybrook Turnaround above the historic 1863 Newton Copper Mine. Visit www.railexplorers.net/locations/amador.
Oso Flaco Lake Trail
3098 Oso Flaco Lake Rd., Arroyo Grande, CA 93420
Info www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=30597
This is a flat, 2.1-mile route through the Guadalupe-Nipomo Dunes complex and alongside a 75-acre freshwater lake. More than 200 bird species use the surrounding habitat and the trail is wheelchair accessible to the lake overlook.
The trail takes you through a lush riparian corridor lined with willow trees and wetland species. As you approach Oso Flaco Lake, the trail turns into a bridge pathway which takes you over the lake. Along the path there are benches to rest on, or simply enjoy the serene surroundings. As the trail heads west into the coastal sand dune habitat, a boardwalk trail leads visitors out to the shoreline where you can walk down onto the beach or enjoy the sweeping Pacific Ocean views from the viewing deck. Along the way, interpretive panels highlight information about native plants and wildlife that you will see from the trail.
The area is run by California State Parks and part of the Oceano Dunes State Vehicular Recreation Area. The trail and the portion of the beach it accesses are not open to vehicles.
