Labyrinth at Sycamore Mineral Springs along the Bob Jones Trail.

—The well-known and well-traveled Bob Jones Trail is a strong contender for one of the best places to hike, bike, or take a stroll in San Luis Obispo County. The 5-mile out-and-back paved trail takes you on a visually delightful journey through spectacular landscape, past towering oak trees and a rocky hillside, through a golf course, and over the bridge crossing San Luis Obispo Creek.

This one-of-a-kind trail is a winding beautiful, round-trip over smooth, and mostly flat ground with very little incline. The trail is ideal for people of all ages who want to see nature and breathe the fresh ocean air while getting some exercise.

While meandering along the scenic Bob Jones Trail, you pass through varied landscapes and see many different kinds of wildlife. The trail follows San Luis Obispo Creek, eventually crossing the creek. Pause on the bridge and soak in the sights and sounds of water life and birds.

While in Avila Beach head to the beachfront shops, have something to eat at one of the many restaurants, check out one of many wine-tasting rooms, and explore the beach. The options for enjoying the Bob Jones Trail are many. Take an early morning walk to build up an appetite for breakfast. Pack a lunch and stop at one of the many benches along the way. Leashed dogs are welcome and please pick up after them. Bring water, a camera, and binoculars, too!

There is a shorter 1-mile section of the trail in San Luis Obispo that has not yet been connected to the main trail.

There are two access points to the main trail, one from the park-and-ride lot on Ontario Road just off Highway 101, and the other from the junction of Front Street and Avila Beach Drive in Avila Beach. Either way, the complete round trip over the trail takes about one and a half hours.

-Donna Polizzi Is a Regional Travel Expert and Founder of Keys2TheCoast.com