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San Luis Obispo County AttractionsHearst Castle, Museums, Parks, Tours, History, Scenery & Points of InterestNestled in the heart of California's golden Central Coast is a community where friendly people greet strangers on the street, the weather is ideal year-round, and there's never a lack of things to see and do. You'll find popular attractions such as the famous Hearst Castle, historic missions, museums, theatre and dance, beaches, lakes, peaks, birds, wildlife and other points of interest. Ag Adventures of the Central Coast545 Main St., Ste B1, Morro Bay, (805) 772-5623For the adventurous traveler or avid resident, there are many unusual things to do and see on California's Central Coast. Let us introduce you to the rural way of life and a whole new way to explore California. Apple Farm Mill House2015 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo, (805) 544-2040Working replica of 19th-century millhouse, including gristmill, ice cream maker, cider press and 14-foot waterwheel. Arroyo Grande VillageBranch Street, Arroyo Grande, (805) 473-2250Explore the Historic Village of Arroyo Grande, the Central Coast's unique turn-of-the-century downtown village. Here you'll find a unique array of antiques, specialty shops and fine dining, all nestled within the scenic atmosphere of historic buildings, natural beauty, and timeless treasures. Arroyo Grande Village Historic Walking TourBranch Street, Arroyo Grande, (805) 473-2250Learn about South County's interesting local history and visit historic buildings on the Village Historic Walking Tour. Avila BeachAvila Beach,On California’s Central Coast, there’s a microclimate, a little pocket of beautiful weather called Avila Beach. Here it’s always warm and sunny. The ocean is clear blue and the expansive sandy beach rivals the French Riviera. Avila Hot Springs250 Avila Beach Drive, Avila Beach, (805) 595-2359Welcome to the Historic Avila Hot Springs, situated between oak-covered foothills that keep the morning fog away and make a natural year round air conditioner, which will enhance a nice morning, afternoon, or evening swim. Avila Valley BarnSee Canyon Rd., Avila Beach, (805) 595-2810A family-owned orchard originally planted in 1894, specializing in apples and cider, seasonal fruits, vegetables and specialty items grown exclusively in See Canyon. Biddle Regional ParkLopez Dr., Arroyo Grande,Huge sycamore trees along Arroyo Grande Creek with complete facilities for picnic and group activities. Breakaway ToursPismo Beach, (800) 577-9976, (805) 783-AWAYLet us enhance your visit to the San Luis Obispo County Wine Region. When you discover the Quality of our Wine, the Friendliness of our People and the Beauty of the Central Coast Regions you'll be hooked for life and wonder what took you so long. Bubble Gum AlleyHiguera Street, San Luis Obispo,The gum started appearing on the walls in 1960. People complained but the gum kept on coming. There are a few shops that have gumball machines on the sidewalk so if you want to add to the wall, chew and stick! Cal Poly UniversitySan Luis Obispo, (805) 756-1111Cal Poly is a nationally ranked, four-year, comprehensive public university located in San Luis Obispo California. The emphasis of the University is a "learn by doing" educational experience for its more than 18,000+ students. "California State Parks, SLO County(800) 444-7275,Serving the many State Beaches & State Parks in San Luis Obispo County, including Morro Rock, Montana de Oro, Oceano Dunes & many beaches. Carrizo Plain National Monument(661) 391-6000Soda Lake, its centerpiece, is a glistening bed of white salt, set within a vast open grassland, rimmed by steep mountains. The plain is home to diverse communities of wildlife and plant species, is an area culturally important to Native Americans, and is traversed by the San Andreas fault. Central Coast Birding Trail(916) 649-7600Provides an expansive list of San Luis Obispo County birding sites. Charles Paddock Zoo9305 Pismo Ave., Atascadero, (805) 461-5080A perfect place to spend the day. The Zoo is the home of rare Indo-Chinese tigers, spider monkeys, meerkats, a beautiful aviary and many more unique species. Christopher Cohan Center of Performing ArtsCal Poly Campus, San Luis Obispo, (805) 756-ARTSLocated on the CalPoly Campus, this modern 91,500 sq.ft. facility features the 1,350-seat Harman Concert Hall, one of the best in the world. Features world-class performing artists. Civic Ballet of San Luis ObispoSan Luis Obispo,Experience the beauty, passion and artistry of this exceptional ballet company. Clark Center Theater for the Performing Arts487 Fair Oaks Avenue, Arroyo Grande, (805) 489-9444A multi-purpose theater located on the campus of Arroyo Grande High School is a cultural and performing arts facility to enhance the enjoyment of music, drama and the arts. Cuesta CollegeHwy 1, San Luis Obispo,150-acre campus is known stateside for its ongoing adult education programs. Downtown San Luis ObispoSan Luis Obispo, (805) 541-1286Bustling with activity, downtown offers great shopping, outdoor and indoor dining, night life, and its famous Thursday Night Farmers' Market where you can buy locally grown fresh produce and enjoy an outdoor barbecue. El Chorro Regional ParkHwy 1, San Luis Obispo, (805) 781-5930El Chorro contains Dairy Creek Golf Course and features a day use area with barbeque facilities, volleyball courts, horseshoe pits, a botanical garden, softball fields and various hiking trails for you to enjoy. Estrella War Birds Museum4251 Dry Creek Rd., Paso Robles, (805) 227-0440A museum to memorialize the World War II Estrella Army Air Force Base that is now Paso Robles Municipal Airport. Gopher Glen Apple Farm2899 See Canyon Road, San Luis Obispo, (805) 595-2646You won’t want to miss the opportunity to visit our roadside stand and taste our apples and "home made" apple cider that's made fresh at our Gopher Glen apple stand. Great American Melodrama1863 Pacific Blvd. Hwy 1, Oceano, (805) 489-2499Here, professional performers from all over the United States gather to present top-notch productions of great classic comedies, melodramas and thrillers. Guadalupe-Nipomo Dunes1055 Guadalupe St., Guadalupe, (805) 343-2455The Guadalupe-Nipomo Dunes Complex comprises 18 miles of the largest, most biodiverse, coastal dune-lagoon ecosystem on earth. Harris Stage Lines5995 North River Rd., Paso Robles, (805) 237-1860Horses are the main attraction here! We're a horse driving, training and entertainment ranch located just 4 miles north of Paso Robles, California along the Salinas River. Hearst Castle750 Hearst Castle Road, San Simeon, (805) 927-2020The north county stretch of Highway 1 follows an especially scenic route and takes you to Hearst Castle. Hearst's extravagant estate is laden with rich showbiz history. Hearst RanchSan Simeon,For the past 25 years, the citizens of California have fought hard to preserve the 128 square mile (82,000 acre) Hearst Ranch in an effort to preserve the scenic coastline, known as the gateway to the Big Sur Coast. Several years ago, Stephen Hearst offered an idea to conserve the ranch, instead of developing it. A dialog was opened, and the process began and continues today. Highway One MuseumCayucus, (805) 471-5089Be prepared to be visually excited, audibly stimulated, and memorably informed in this museum commemorating the scenic Pacific Coast Highway - one of the most famous roads in the world. Jack House536 Marsh St., San Luis Obispo, (805) 781-7308Historic Victorian mansion built in the 1870's is today a living museum giving visitors a taste of life at the turn of the century. Juan Bautista de Anza National Historic Trail(510) 817-1323Discover the route of Juan Bautista de Anza, who led a contingent of 30 soldiers and their families from Mexico to San Francisco in 1775-76. Trail follows much of Hwys 1 and 101 in the county. Lopez LakeLopez Dr., Arroyo Grande, (805) 788-2381Lopez Lake in Arroyo Grande offers 22 miles of shoreline and rugged mountainous terrain providing not only recreation, but scenic and wildlife viewing opportunities. Los Osos Oaks State ReserveLos Osos Valley Road, Los Osos, (805) 528-0392A small wilderness bordering the community of Los Osos that is an important buffer between residential development and the Morro Bay Estuary, containing a diverse and complex assemblage of natural plant communities Madonna Inn100 Madonna Road, San Luis Obispo, (800)543-9666, (805)543-3000Nationally known for nearly 40 years, Madonna Inn offers 109 unique rooms, each decorated with a special theme and majestic view of Madonna Mountain. Mission PlazaSan Luis Obispo, (805) 544-2040This urban oasis and scenic wooded creek is where the city will sponsor special events during the year. At other times the plaza is and idyllic setting for a great sculptured water fountain with walking paths that follow San Luis Creek. Mission San Luis Obispo De Tolosa751 Palm Street, San Luis Obispo, (805) 781-8220Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa is the fifth California mission founded by Father Junipero Serra, Sept. 1, 1772. Named after Saint Louis, Bishop of Toulouse, France. It is widely considered as the most beautiful of the California Mission system. If is one of only six missions that still rings its bells regularly today. Mission San Miguel Archangel775 Mission Street, San Miguel, (805) 467-2131Founded on July 25, 1797 by Father Fermin Lasuen, Presidente of the California Missions Chain. Named for Saint Michael the Arcangel, it was the 16th mission founded in the 21 mission chain in Alta California. Monarch Butterfly TreesPismo Beach, (800) 443-7778,Learn about the unique migration of the Monarch and view thousands of butterflies in the grove. Interpretive trail and docent-led walks available during winter. Montana De OroLos Osos, (805) 528-0513A jewel of San Luis Obispo County, Montana De Oro State Park, named for the California Poppy, is one of the most diverse parks in the region. From beautiful coved beaches to sheer cliffs, eucalyptus groves, streams, tidepools, camping and an abundance of natural wildlife. Morro Bay EstuaryMorro Bay, (805) 772-3834Morro Bay is an important stop-over on the Pacific Flyway and a critical winter home to numerous bird species. The bay and its 48,000 acre watershed rank perennially among the top sites in the nation during the Audubon Christmas Bird Count. Morro Bay Yacht Charters515 Morro Avenue, Morro Bay, (805) 441-1430The 54' Freedom offers a rare opportunity for your personal "voyage of discovery". It will fulfill your charter needs, whether you seek bird watching, kayaking, fishing, coastal tours, or simply an exotic on-the-water vacation rental. Museum of Natural HistoryMorro Bay State Park Road, Morro Bay, (805) 772-2694New exhibits provide current scientific information related to the estuary and bay ecosystems and allows visitors to learn about tidal forces, geology, erosion, human impacts on the land and how to preserve and protect the environment and all its living creatures in a fun, hands-on learning environment. National Geographic TheaterHwy 1, San Simeon, (800) 444-4445,Located at the Hearst Castle Visitor Center, this amazing iWERKS screen is 8 times the size of conventional movie screens delivering unforgettable, breathtaking images. "Nine Sisters - Bishop Peak, Morro RockThe peaks called the Morros, Seven Sisters and Nine Sisters, are volcanic plugs that were later eroded to the surface. This strip of mountains begins in the ocean, breach the surface with Morro Rock, and follow a fault inland to Islay Peak in San Luis Obispo. Noland's Horse Drawn CarriagesSan Luis Obispo, (805) 544-2042Romantic horse-drawn carriage rides in the Madonna Inn Area and along Monterey St. from the Apple Farm to downtown SLO. Oceano Dunes576 Camino Mercado, Oceano, (805) 473-7230Recreation opportunities, including off-highway vehicle use, surf fishing, hiking, beach combing & bird watching. Oceano Dunes State Vehicular Recreation Area576 Camino Mercado, Arroyo Grande, (805) 473-7230Recreation opportunities, including off-highway vehicle use, surf fishing, hiking, beach combing & bird watching. Pacific Repertory OperaP.O.Box 14760, San Luis Obispo, (805) 541-5369Professional regional opera company presenting professional quality operas, with full orchestral accompaniment and professional artists in the 1,200 seat Performing Arts Center on the Cal Poly campus. Paso Robles Hot Springs & Spa3725 Buena Vista, Paso Robles, (805) 238-4600Soothing mineral waters in both outdoor and patio spas. Massage and facial therapy. Lakeside Gazebo for weddings and events. Paso Robles Pioneer Museum2010 Riverside, Paso Robles, (805) 238-0506Artifacts from the early Indian settlements, vintage farm and ranching equipment, and an impressive collection of Paderewski memorabilia are reminders of our heritage. Piedras Blancas Elephant Seal Colony250 San Simeon Ave.,Suite 3B, San Simeon, (805) 924-1628Elephant seals can be observed along small coves just south of the Piedras Blancas lighthouse. Populations have grown from a few dozen in 1990 to current estimates of nearly 10,000. Piedras Blancas LighthouseHighway 1, San Simeon, (888) 804-8608,Historic Lighthouse. Open for tours on very limited basis. Check 'Calendar of Events' for dates & times. Pismo BeachPismo Beach,Offers long white beaches for a pleasant stroll or for just enjoying the spectacular views of the Pismo Beach sunset. Provides golf, the dunes, horseback riding, surfing, body boarding, or fishing from our 1200-foot pier. Pismo Beach Prime Outlets333 Five Cities Drive, Pismo Beach, (805) 773-4661Located along the famous California Highway 101 in the popular oceanside resort town of Pismo Beach, this outlet center is easily accessible to both the north and southbound tourists between San Francisco and Los Angeles. Pismo State BeachPismo Beach,Pismo State Beach offers all kinds of attractions: hiking, swimming, surf fishing, and digging for the famous Pismo clam. There are tree-lined dunes and the beach is popular with bird watchers. Port San LuisAvila Beach, (805) 595-5400A busy fishing harbor, Port San Luis offers deep-sea fishing and whale watching excursions that leave from the pier. Watch the California Grey whales as the migrate past the county during winter. Humpback whales follow in spring. Pozo Saloon90 West Pozo Road, Pozo, (805) 438-4225Experience California as it was in the 1800s. The historic Pozo Saloon, in the town of Pozo (population 52), has been a San Luis Obispo County landmark since 1858. It is also is one of the finest and most authentic examples of how the west used to be. Ramona Railroad DepotSanta Rosa and Church, San Luis Obispo,Restored train depot located at the south end of Santa Rosa Street. Ramona Depot was built in 1889 by the Southern Pacific Railroad Company. San Luis Obispo Arts Center1010 Broad Street at Monterey, San Luis Obispo, (805)543-8562A diverse mix of traditional and contemporary arts. Work is selected for its ability to challenge the viewer, to inspire and stimulate new ideas, and to enhance the viewer's appreciation of the creative process. San Luis Obispo Blues Society(805) 541-7930A non-profit organization dedicated to providing the Central Coast with high quality Blues music performances. Dance-concerts provide an opportunity for people to get close to the performers and move with the music. Typically produces 8 shows per year. San Luis Obispo Botanical GardenEl Chorro Regional Park, Highway 1, San Luis Obispo, (805) 546-3501Devoted to display & study of the plants & ecosystems of the 5 Mediterranean climates. Major show every May. Monthly talks. San Luis Obispo Children's Museum1010 Nipomo Street, San Luis Obispo, (805) 544-KIDSProvides education through exploration -- enabling preschool through elementary age children to learn about subjects such as health, safety, history, humanities, science, nature, the arts, and their community. San Luis Obispo County Historical Museum696 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo, (805) 543-0638Housed in the historic Carnegie Library, with exhibits on local history and the native Chumash and Salinan Indian tribes. San Luis Obispo County Parks1087 Santa Rosa, San Luis Obispo, (805) 781-5200We offer a wide range of hiking trails, biking trails, golf courses, campgrounds, pools and more. San Luis Obispo LighthouseAvila Beach, (805) 541-TREKIn the 1880's Port San Luis was an important port in So. California and an excellent natural harbor. In 1885, the Lighthouse Board recommended a lighthouse at the site. Free guided hikes of the Pecho Coast Trail visit the lighthouse. San Luis Obispo Little TheatreSLO Library, Palm and Morro, San Luis Obispo, (805) 786-2440Started in 1947, SLO Little Theatre is one of America's oldest continuously running community theatres! San Luis Obispo SymphonySan Luis Obispo, (805) 543-3533Symphony orchestra presents world-class concerts around the county. Santa Margarita LakeSR 58, Santa Margarita, (805) 788-2397Santa Margarita Lake Regional Park is a nature lover's retreat. With thousands of acres of unspoiled open space, the park is home to countless species of plants and wildlife making it the perfect location for nature study, boating and fishing. Shoreline Helicoptor Tours4349 Santa Fe Road, San Luis Obispo, (805) 594-1355Provides breathtaking tours of the Central Coast by helicopter. Also provides wine-tasting tours, wedding and charter flights, and aeial photography services. SLO Thursday Night Farmers MarketHiguera Street, San Luis Obispo,Every thursday evening the area is closed to traffic and large street festival begins. Food, meals, produce, barbecues for sale. Entertainment includes puppet shows, jugglers, and bands. Free Admission. SLO TrolleySan Luis Obispo,Ride free on the Downtown San Luis Obispo Trolley which makes a complete loop of downtown every 15 minutes. SLO Vocal Arts EnsembleSan Luis Obispo, (805) 528-1078The Vocal Arts Ensemble performs in the Performing Arts Center, the Clark Center for the Performing Arts, Cambria First Baptist Church, and in Mission San Luis Obispo and Mission San Miguel del Arcángel. Sub Sea Tours and Kayaks699 Embarcadero #9, Morro Bay, (805) 772-9463Dive without getting wet, or search for whales, sea otters and birds on our wildlife tours. Paddle the bay with a kayak or canoe. Sycamore Mineral Hot Springs1215 Avila Beach Drive, Avila Beach, (800) 234-5831, (805) 595-7302An extraordinary setting for a healing retreat, wellness vacation, romantic getaway, conference, banquet, wedding and reception. Tiger's Folly II1205 Embarcadero, Morro Bay, (805) 772-2257Cruise scenic Morro Bay Harbor aboard Mississipi-style riverboat. Harbor and Sunset Dinner Cruises, Sunday Champagne Brunch, and private charters. Virg's Landing Sportsfishing1215 Embarcadero, Morro Bay, (805) 772-1222Make your fishing vacation one you won't forget! Charters, sport fishing, whale watching and nature watch. Complete tackle shop. Wine Affair Winery Tour Bus2905 Burton Drive, Cambria, (800) 445-6868, (805) 927-4200Takes you along scenic country roads, to discover small family-owned wineries, and a delightful picnic lunch is served on winery grounds. Our experienced guides share their knowledge of the Paso Robles wine region and local lore. |
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