'Riviera' of the Central Coast
'Riviera' of the Central Coast
Often we overlook the treasures in our own backyard, and the same goes for our geographical neighbors. But the girl next door, San Luis Obispo County, has hardly been ignored by valley dwellers who flock there, especially in the summer, seeking relief from the searing heat. But SLO’s treasure chest still brims charms that promise to delight both first-time and frequent visitors to the region often referred to as the “Riviera” of California’s Central Coast. “We have beautiful cool summers here,” said Carrie Head, spokeswoman for the San Luis Obispo County Visitors and Conference Bureau. “We are known as an area where you can escape the heat.”
Just a two hours’ drive from Bakersfield, San Luis Obispo County’s 3,616 square miles of pristine beaches, majestic mountains and pastoral valleys promise to seduce the senses with the mild Mediterranean climate, fine wines and wine cuisine, recreation, art and culture. “We are California’s natural escape,” Head added. “Visitors can come over here and enjoy all the natural beauty that we have to offer.”
And there is no shortage of natural splendor. From the incomparable Pacific Ocean to the lush vineyards and everything in between, it’s no wonder SLO remains a popular tourist destination at the top of anyone’s short list of places to visit. So whether you are planning a day trip or plan on spending a week visiting the “neighborhood to the west,” buckle up for a healthy dose of fun in the sun, culture, cuisine and a rich connection with history.
San Luis Obispo County’s northern reaches extend to San Simeon where Hearst Castle is located. If you’ve never visited the castle, you are in for a treat. There are multiple tours and times vary, so check hearstcastle.com for updates. The tiny community of San Simeon below the manse is small but the view is stunning.
Further south, the eclectic community of Cambria, now a haven for transplants from Malibu seeking an even more private refuge, offers fine dining almost unmatched in the state. Long renown for its art galleries, Cambria also mixes the old with the new with a number of antique stores. Further south on Highway 1 is the quaint town of Harmony, home to less than two dozen residents. It is worth a stop just to say you’ve been there.
Within a few miles, Highway 46 offers to take visitors inland to what is now considered one of the pre-eminent wine regions in the country. Paso Robles’ wineries now number more than 200, making the region a sought-after wine country destination rivaling Napa Valley. A trip here for wine tasting and interloping among the rural countryside is a trip in itself.
A short 20-minute drive west and you are back on the coast. Cayucos, one of the last unspoiled beach towns where time seems to have stood still, is just five miles north of Morro Bay, its iconic Morro Rock and national estuary. Visitors can enjoy ocean-side golf, as well as deep-sea fishing, kayaking, sailing and hiking. Of course there is no shortage of seafood at the many restaurants down on the Embarcadero.
South of Morro Bay are the communities of Los Osos and Baywood Park, gateways to the grand Montaña de Oro State Park and its rugged cliffs and dramatic tides. From here, it is on to San Luis Obispo where the college town and hip shopping district intersect. Home to Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, the town co-exists beautifully with its coeds while rolling out the welcome mat to visitors with its famed weekly farmers’ market and famed landmark Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa. The mission, the fifth founded by Father Junipero Serra in 1772, is in the heart of the city.
Southward from the city of San Luis Obispo, Avila and Pismo beaches summon. Avila Beach, sheltered in San Luis Bay, is much like Cayucos to the north — frozen in time where the seaside charm still overpowers commercial enterprises. Pismo Beach, with its sandy stretches of ocean, dunes, factory outlet shopping and recreation make it the ultimate wine and waves destination.
Whether you’re seeking a change of scenery for the day or a getaway, consider saying “howdy, neighbor” with a trip to San Luis Obispo County where sand, sun, sea and sky converge to create the ideal economical getaway.
For more information visit sanluisobispocounty.com, morrobay.org, and classiccalifornia.org or call 1-800-634-1414.