This fertile strip of California’s coastline, about halfway between San Francisco and Los Angeles, has an undisputed charm thanks to its renowned restaurants serving zero-mile dishes, the famous wine region, historic sites, welcoming and tranquil communities, each with its own unique character, and beautiful landscapes. Here the coastal mountains plunge straight into the restless ocean and it’s not uncommon to see whales splashing out to sea.
Every corner of the valleys in the area is home to a ranch or farm and the numerous tasting rooms are an irresistible attraction for those who want to stop and relax a bit. The shining sun alternates with the fresh mists and sea breezes, a real panacea for crops, and also for people. Here you can wear short pants practically all year round, especially on the campus of California Polytechnic State University (familiarly known as Cal Poly) and on the hills overlooking the city of San Luis Obispo, where you can visit a wonderful Spanish mission. But don’t just explore the city: adventures and discoveries abound in the surrounding area. Go otter hunting by joining a guided kayaking tour in Morro Bay. Browse the art galleries of the eccentric Cambria to find some treasure. Or visit legendary Hearst Castle, collect clams at Pismo Beach or dive into Avila Beach’s hot springs.
