Welcome to the Central Coast Travel Guide for California! The following documents contain information on this spectacular, hidden region of California's Coast. Sometimes called California's Best Kept Secret, the Central Coast is a beautiful, tastefully developed area where the bargain traveler as well as the rich and famous can find the perfect getaway. With miles of beaches, stunning golf courses, shopping galore, wine tasting and wonders of nature to explore, the Central Coast offers some of the best travel opportunities in the state.The California Central Coast spans the coastal region from just below Monterey to just above Santa Barbara and is contained mainly in San Luis Obispo County. It is the home of several of the California Missions, Hearst Castle, miles of beaches (as well as the scenic Pacific Coast Highway 1), acres of vineyards, many historic Victorian homes, beautiful campgrounds, bird sanctuaries (the Peregrine Falcon and the endangered California Condor make their home here), Chumash Indian sites and ancient Indian paintings.
There are many annual events that draw hundreds of thousands of people: Arroyo Grande's Strawberry Festival, Morro Bay's Harbor Festival, Paso Robles' Mid State Fair, Pismo Beach's Clam Festival, San Luis Obispo's Mozart Festival, and many others. The climate allows for comfortable travel most months out of the year, and travelers visit our coast from all over the world.
In the future, we hope to provide information in each of the following areas per city represented:
* Geographical Information
* Calendar of Events
* Guide to local Hotels and Motels
* Guide to local Restaurants
* Real Estate Information
* Guide to Recreation
We hope in these documents you will find all the information you need to plan the perfect vacation!
If you have any questions, please drop a note by e-mail to CathEliz.
California Central Coast Travelnet
Guide to San Simeon and Cambria
Nestled in the northern part of the county among the pine trees along Highway One are the two seaside hamlets of San Simeon and Cambria. You can reach them both on Highway One, and while you drive you'll want to keep an eye out for zebras, part of the legacy of (William Randolph) Hearst Castle, located in San Simeon. Tour reservations can be made by calling (805) 927-2020.
While in San Simeon, you'll want to visit Leffingwell's Landing and State Picnic grounds, one of California's most beautiful coastal parks. Just south of this park is Moonstone beach, a beachcombers paradise. Find polished pebbles of jade, agate and quartz as well as tidepools, trails and "natural" benches hewn from giant logs. If the kids are restless, drive south to Shamel Park and enjoy its playground, picnic grounds and swimming pool. (Take Windsor off of Moonstone Beach Drive or Highway One.)
Cambria is located just a few miles south of San Simeon on Highway One. This charming village has an old world feel to it, but the shopping is definitely modern and unique. From art galleries to clothing to antiques, the stores are there to offer you a shoppers paradise. Take a stroll along Main Street, stop in at a cafe for a latte, and enjoy the European feel of the town.
If you're in town on a Friday, you won't want to miss Farmer's Market, open 2:30 to 5:30 p.m. in the parking lot of the Veteran's building.
If you have further questions about San Simeon and Cambria, don't hesitate to send e-mail to CathEliz.
California Central Coast Travelnet
Guide to Cayucos, Morro Bay and Los Osos
Along Highway One, just below the north end of the county, lies an ocean paradise. On the northernmost part of this bay is Cayucos, a historic town located on the beach. Originally inhabited by the Chumash Indians, Cayucos means little boat or Kayak. Stroll along the pier (or fish from it: no license required!), gaze at local artwork in the Cayucos Art Association Gallery by the pier, catch the sun setting upon the ocean, browse the antique stores, or imagine yourself in the past as you ramble down the walkway of the turn-of-the-century storefronts.
Be sure to pick up the historical tour map at the Chamber of Commerce and learn about the old buildings and their original uses. The Chamber is located at 80 North Ocean, Cayucos, CA 93430, or call (805) 995-1200. Or for quick answers, simply e-mail your questions to CathEliz.
Directions: from Highway One heading north, take the Cayucos Dr. exit to N. Ocean Avenue and turn left into town. From Highway One south, take the N. Ocean exit into town.
Four miles south, the stunning silhouette of Morro Rock rises from the Bay. The rock, once the plug of an active volcano, sits in the harbor entrance to Estero Bay. Morro Rock is home to many birds, notably the Peregrine falcon, blue herons, white egrets and many other waterfowl. You'll want to stroll along the bay in the State Park and look up at the protected nesting grounds of the Herons. In the spring, you may catch the shrill cries of the babies...
Opportunities abound in Morro Bay. The golfer will appreciate the spectacular ocean views at the Morro Bay Golf Course, located in the State Park. The shopper will love strolling along the waterfront where stores offer local artistic talent as well as contemporary clothing and gifts. The nature lover will enjoy communing with the pelicans and otters in the water below. And you can enjoy a cruise of the bay as well as a sportsfishing expedition from our waterfront. The Rock is accessible by a road, and for the sun worshippers, Morro Strand Beach becons you to explore its lengthy shores. Morro Strand Beach's north end offers dunes and fascinating nature paths to explore. Children will love the new Harbor Park at the south end of the Embarcadero, with its pirate ship and dolphins to climb on and explore. Picnic tables are available as well.
The State Park offers many exciting ways to enjoy the bay. Take a walk along the perimeter of the park to enjoy the waves lapping at the shore, herons in their nesting grounds, and the Morro Bay Museum of Natural History. Rent a kayak and get close to nature. Or fish from the waters and try your luck at the bounty of the sea.
If you visit in October, be sure to catch Morro Bay's Harbor Festival. Drawing thousands every year, the Harbor festival celebrates the seafood cuisine of this fishing village, as well as local artists' talents, the history of the area and local wine and music. It's a celebration not to be missed.
Other annual events include Art in the Park, where hundreds of local artists tout their wares in the city's main Park several times a year. Or catch the Merchants' Faire on Morro Bay Blvd in the summer and at Christmastime.
For more information, contact the Morro Bay Chamber of Commerce at 895 Napa Suite A-1, Morro Bay, CA 93442, or call (805) 772-4467 or 1-800-231-0592. For quick answers, simply e-mail your questions to CathEliz.
Directions: From Highway One heading north or south, take the Morro Bay Blvd. exit. Shopping available on Morro Bay Blvd. Turn right on Main Street for more shopping. Turn left on Harbor (from Main St.) to get to the Embarcadero (waterfront shopping & recreation). Turn left on Embarcadero for shopping. Turn right on Embarcadero to reach Morro Rock. To get to State Park, turn left on Main Street off Morro Bay Blvd.
On the far end of the Bay lies the town of Los Osos. Once home to bears, after which it is named, it is now the starting point of one of the most scenic drives on the Central Coast. Seven Mile Drive begins on Los Osos Valley Road, goes through town, and then out to Montana de Oro State Park & Beach. It continues along miles of unpopulated rocky shores and sandy beaches, and finally reaches Spooner's Cove, an isolated, romantic area. You'll want to stop along the way and watch for whales.
In the north western part of the town lies Baywood Park, a paradise in the pines. Though small in size, it is grand in charm. Here you can pick up a crescent and espresso and gaze at the gulls along the south end of Estero Bay. Next you'll want to explore the shops along Second St. and its side streets.
For more information, contact the Los Osos Chamber of Commerce at 2190 9th St., Los Osos, CA 93402, or call (805) 528-4884. For quick answers, simply e-mail your questions to CathEliz.
Directions: From Highway One heading north or south, take the Los Osos/South Bay Blvd. exit to Los Osos Valley Road. Right on Los Osos Valley Road leads to the Seven Mile Drive. To get to Baywood Park, take South Bay Blvd. to Santa Ysabel (right) and then left on Second Street.
For more information, drop your questions via e-mail to CathEliz.
California Central Coast Travelnet
Guide to Paso Robles and Atascadero
Along Highway 101 at the north end of San Luis Obispo county lies the heart of our wine country: Paso Robles and Atascadero. With 26 local wineries, there is plenty to do, see, and taste! As you travel south down Highway 101, you first come to Paso Robles. This city is home to one of the largest fairs in California: the Mid State Fair. For two weeks every August, hundreds of thousands of people marvel at this spectacular event, which hosts top music entertainers, thrilling rides, educational agricultural competitions and a carnival atmosphere to please fairgoers of all ages. While in Paso Robles, be sure to visit the Call-Booth House Gallery, a Queen Anne style cottage which houses the Paso Robles Art Association.
Further south lies the town of Atascadero, nestled along the back side of the scenic coastal hills. Children and adults alike will enjoy the Charles Paddock Zoo, with its Bengal tigers and animals from all continents. After visiting the animals, you and your family will enjoy lunching on the shores of Atascadero Lake, just outside the zoo's exit. Or be sure to visit the town's centerpiece, the historic rotunda of the City Administration building. Walk among stately statuary on the lawn of the Mall, or visit Farmer's Market on Fridays at this serene park.
From Paso Robles or Atascadero, its just a short jaunt to one of the area's three lakes: Lake Nacimiento, San Antonio and Santa Margarita. All three offer water skiing, fishing, picnic and camping grounds with full year-round facilities. Hunting includes wild boar, deer and quail.
If you have any other questions about these cities, drop a line by e-mail to CathEliz. Thanks!
California Central Coast Travelnet
Guide to Pismo Beach
Just south of San Luis Obispo, the county seat, lies the gorgeous seaside town of Pismo Beach. With a half dozen world class golf courses, miles of beach, sailing, windsurfing, surfing, fishing and many other opportunities to relax, you just can't go wrong with a vacation in Pismo!
Known as the "Clam Capitol of the World", you might want to try your luck at catching these silent residents of the sea. Or rent a horse for the day and take a romantic ride along the beach. For the shoppers, there are stores galore along the pier entrance as well as uptown. For those who appreciate a good meal, you won't want to miss the fresh fish available all around town. Photo buffs will drool over the rocky cliffs along the sea, and good weather is guaranteed year-round, with mild temperatures and clear skies. For evenings, there is dancing, dining and entertainment close at hand. A visit to our local Great American Melodrama and Vaudeville Theatre is a rare treat where you can watch a hilarious play while enjoying snacks, food and drink. Community theater is presented by Pacific Light Opera Theater.
For further information, contact CathEliz by e-mail.
California Central Coast Travel Guide
Guide to San Luis Obispo
In the heart of San Luis Obispo County is the city of San Luis Obispo, located along both Highway One and Highway 101. From its historical Mission in the downtown,to the Victorian homes that encircle the city, to the rolling hillsides that cradle it, San Luis Obispo has a charm and elegance unsurpassed by most cities.
New visitors will fall in love with the city's downtown picturesque shopping and sights, and veteran vacationers will marvel at the many nooks and crannies that require more than one visit to find. The best place to start is the Chamber of Commerce Visitor information center at 1039 Chorro Street, located a half block from the Mission. From there, you can tour the mission and museum, stroll down Mission Plaza and over the creek or browse the nearby stores. Take a short walk to the Jack House, a restored Victorian along Marsh Street, and find yourself again in its gardens. Hop in your car, and its just a short drive to California Polytechnic University, where you can tour the beautiful campus. Or visit the historic Madonna Inn for lunch and classy shopping. Take a drive out scenic Foothill Road then Los Osos Valley Road, and catch a glimpse of the flower fields in full bloom in late spring.
Fine dining, dancing, movies and other entertainment awaits you at night. Thursday evenings, be sure to catch the Farmer's Market Night on Higuera Street downtown. Jugglers, dancers and musicians complement local farmers and outdoor grills, and there's something for every member of the family. Be sure to visit during one of the many festivals and events held in San Luis Obispo during the year. Some favorites are: the Mozart festival in August, the Criterium Bike Races in February, the La Fiesta Celebration in June and many others. See Old Man Gloom swing in effigy over a raging bonfire in the city's Mardigras festival. San Luis Obispo is known for its charm and hospitality. Come visit us soon!
