The Point Sal Hike is one of the best on the Central Coast. That is, if you can handle it..! Back in the day there used to be a road that took you out almost all the way to Paradise Beach, but over the years, storms and landslides have made the road undriveable. I've even heard that Elephant seals used to make this beach home, but they are long since gone.
Nevertheless, this is one of the better hikes out there, culminating with the pristine Paradise beach that you will more than likely have all to yourself. There's even a small tide pool.
This is a difficult hike though, being about 12 miles round trip, and many parts of it are steep hills. There are a few shortcuts out there if you can find them. One being where the foundation of an old cabin is. Expect to spend the better part of a day on this one.
Directions: From the 101 take the Clark Av. exit in Orcutt, just south of Santa Maria. Head west until the road ends at Hwy 1.
Turn right. Turn left on Brown Rd. You will see a gated road on the left which is Point Sal Rd. There is a parking lot where you can park and start up the trail.
Links: http://www.localhikes.com/Hikes/PointSal_7480.asphttp://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=605
