We know California might be pretty far away and we can’t wait to give you a small taste of what this state has to offer. We’ve put together a short list of a few of the local attractions near to San Luis Obispo. If we receive enough interest, we’ll try to plan trips together to some of the sites.

1. Hearst Castle (http://www.hearstcastle.org/)

Hearst Castle is a National Historic Landmark mansion located on the Central Coast of California, United States. It was designed by architect Julia Morgan between 1919 and 1947 for newspaper magnate William Randolph Hearst, who died in 1951. In 1957, the Hearst Corporation donated the property to the state of California. Since that time it has been maintained as a state historic park where the estate, and its considerable collection of art and antiques, is open for public tours. Despite its location far from any urban center, the site attracts roughly one million visitors per year.

2. The Paso Robles Wine Region (http://www.pasowine.com/)

Located along California’s famed Central Coast, the Paso Robles winegrape growing region’s climate is perfect for the production of award-winning premium wines. A long growing season of warm days and cool evenings give rise to vibrantly ripened fruit with dynamic flavor profiles that translate beautifully in your glass of Paso Robles wine. Traversing the landscape you will find 26,000 vineyard acres, producing more than 40 winegrape varieties – from Spanish to Italian, Bordeaux to Rhône, including the area’s heritage variety Zinfandel. The styles of wine are diverse in this very distinct region.

3. Pismo Beach (http://www.pismobeach.org/)

San Luis Obispo is a short drive away from the Pacific Ocean, including Pismo Beach. The beach offers many attractions such as camping, hiking, swimming, surfing, fishing, and other activities. It is also a popular place to bird watch and is the largest over-wintering colony of monarch butterflies in the U.S..
Here is a picture we took while visiting:

4. Gorgeous Hiking and Jogging Trails

Scenic running and hiking trails stretching for miles across rolling hills and the Central Coast landscape including the Valencia Peak Trail and Islay Creek Trail.

5. Edna Valley Wine Region
The Edna Valley Wine Region is literally right next door to the Flying Caballos Ranch! The setting is just gorgeous! Tim and I did some ‘research’ at Edna Valley Vineyards and discovered some excellent wines. Below is a picture that we took from the tasting room.

6. Morro Bay
Morro Bay is a charming beach town just north of SLO off Highway 1. Gorgeous, gorgeous, gorgeous scenery! Take the first Morro Bay exit and drive through town towards Morro Rock. Park where the road meets the sand and enjoy!! Here’s a couple photos from our fun afternoon there: