Travel reviews
What to do
- Noteworthy
- Worth the detour
- Must see
San Luis Obispo County on California's Central Coast includes just over 15 communities such as Atascadero, Pismo Beach, and Morro Bay. All these small towns and villages have something truly unique to offer.
It is entirely possible to visit more than one given their proximity.
PISMO BEACH
Pismo Beach is a perfect example of a classic California Beach Town. It is renowned for its stunning sandy beaches and laid-back atmosphere. About 3 miles south of Pismo Beach, along the coast, you will discover an immense expanse of dunes at Oceano Sand Dunes. These are recognized by scientists, ecologists, and visitors as the most beautiful and largest remaining coastal dunes in California.
MORRO BAY
Morro Rock; an iconic symbol of the charming coastal town of Morro Bay, is a gigantic volcanic rock standing 177 meters high at the entrance of the bay. It is often referred to as the "Sentinel of the Bay". Morro Bay is known for its tranquil atmosphere, picturesque landscapes, and rich ecosystem. It's an ideal spot for bird watching, observing sea otters and seals, as well as engaging in activities like kayaking, sailing, and hiking.
SAN LUIS OBISPO
The picturesque town of San Luis Obispo is known for its historic charm, lively downtown with streets lined with local shops and restaurants. Its proximity to the coast as well as to verdant hills and hiking trails such as Bishop Peak, make it the ideal stop for outdoor enthusiasts. The Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa, founded in 1772, is one of the most beautiful and oldest missions in California.
ATASCADERO
Unlike nearby more touristy towns, Atascadero is appreciated for its calm, rural charm, and local character. Visitors can picnic or enjoy a walk around Atascadero Lake. The Charles Paddock Zoo is one of the smallest accredited zoos in the United States, housing a wide variety of exotic and endangered animals. It is also an important spot on the craft beer and cider scene. The region also hosts the Central Coast Cider Festival in May.
NEARBY
PASO ROBLES
A little further north lies Paso Robles, known for its world-renowned vineyards and rolling landscapes. This town is a viticulture hotspot, with over 200 wineries, notably famous for their Zinfandels and Cabernet Sauvignons. The historic charm of the Downtown City Park surrounded by shops, cafes, and art galleries is undeniable.
HIGHWAY 1
The Californian coast stretching between Los Angeles and San Francisco is one of the wildest and most beautiful regions of California.
The section between Monterey and Morro Bay is the prettiest.
San Simeon, located on California's central coast, is best known for Hearst Castle. This incredible castle was built between 1919 and 1947 to house the vast antique collection of a major media magnate, William Randolph Hearst. It is perched atop a hill and offers exceptional views of San Simeon and the surrounding areas. Several guided tour options are available, and you can also enjoy a short 40-minute film recounting its history at the Hearst Castle Theater. Reservations are strongly recommended. Onsite dining options available.
Located just over 7 kilometers north of San Simeon, the Elephant Seal Vista Point is one of the best viewpoints to observe elephant seals in California. Hunted nearly to extinction for their oil-rich blubber, they are now protected by the Marine Mammal Protection Act. The best season to observe them is from December to March. The observation areas are open every day of the year and are accessible for free. A large parking area is available on site and is RV accessible.
Ragged Point, dubbed the "gateway to Big Sur", is a scenic spot located along the famous Highway 1. Known for its spectacular cliffs overlooking the Pacific Ocean, Ragged Point offers breathtaking views, coastal hiking trails, and peaceful gardens.
Where to eat
- $ Inexpensive
- $$ Moderate
- $$$ Upscale
- $$$$ Fine dining
SPLASH CAFÉ ($)
Splash Café near Pismo Beach Pier is famous for its award-winning clam chowder. In fact, it serves more than 30,000 gallons of clam chowder every year! It is also one of the longest standing Pismo Beach restaurants and one of the busiest restaurants on the coast since 1989. Splash Café serves breakfast, lunch and dinner and the menu features staples such as soups, chilis, tacos, sandwiches, burgers and salads. If you want to enjoy the sunshine, order your meal to go and have a picnic on the Pier!
CRACKED CRAB ($$-$$$)
If you're in the mood for great seafood in an ultra-relaxed atmosphere, the Cracked Crab is the place to go. The restaurant's concept is simple: a bucket filled with a selection of shellfish steamed with spicy Cajun sausage, red potatoes and corncobs is dumped on your table. This is accompanied with melted butter, homemade spicy cocktail sauce, homemade triple mustard sauce, warm sourdough rolls, and the tools you need to get down to business. If you're not into seafood, there are always steak, chicken and vegetarian dishes. Note that the restaurant does not take reservations, so arrive early!
DUTCHMAN'S SEAFOOD HOUSE ($$)
Dutchman's Seafood House serves fresh seafood from Morro Bay in a variety that pleases everyone. While the name suggests a menu rich in seafood, this restaurant also offers a rainbow of diverse offerings. From a spicy fried chicken sandwich to a New York Strip steak to stir-fried vegetable pasta, there is something here for everyone. With an outdoor patio overlooking the bay and a popular daily happy hour, visitors can consider Dutchman's Seafood House as a choose-your-own-adventure, which always ends well.
SAN LUIS OBISPO PUBLIC MARKET ($)
The San Luis Obispo Public Market is a vibrant and dynamic space that offers a unique experience combining gastronomy and local shops. Here, you can choose between restaurants and stands offering a variety of dishes such as tacos, artisanal pizzas, barbecues and gourmet desserts.
Where to sleep ?
Map
When to visit
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Climograph
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| Month | Average temperature min (°C) |
Average temperature max (°C) |
Precipitations (mm) |
Overall score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 6 | 19 | 71 | |
| February | 7 | 19 | 100 | |
| March | 8 | 20 | 56 | |
| April | 9 | 21 | 35 | |
| May | 10 | 23 | 25 | |
| June | 11 | 24 | 2 | |
| July | 13 | 26 | 8 | |
| August | 13 | 26 | 1 | |
| September | 13 | 26 | 3 | |
| October | 11 | 25 | 25 | |
| November | 8 | 22 | 47 | |
| December | 5 | 19 | 55 |
Travel reviews
Beautiful coast PCH drive
Beautiful area - drive on the PCH is a must.
(Translated by Google) Frustration: due to the closure of several sections of Highway One following landslides, our initial route between Monterey and Pismo Beach via the One was limited to visiting Monterey and Carmel by the Sea. We enjoyed taking the 17-mile drive... magnificent.
(Translated by Google) We drove on private drive 17 then road 1 to Big Sur, the views are magnificent, the nature with these Californian birds kept captivating us. A magical moment despite the fact that we turned back at Monterey to reach Pismo Beach in the evening. We had been warned by Virginie about the renovation works but we were eager to travel this route, so no regrets, it’s worth the detour but you have to enjoy driving.
