Hearst Castle - Hearst San Simeon State Historical Monument, 42 miles north of San Luis Obispo on Hwy 1. William Randolph Hearst's monumental "castle" and opulent grounds; four tours available.
(805) 927-2000, (800) 444-4445 Tours.

Cambria. Charming town is an excellent choice for dining or lodging when visiting Hearst's Castle. Whalewatching opportunities along the coast between Cambria and San Simeon.

Moonstone Beach, west of Cambria. Rugged coast, dramatic at high tide.

 

Avila Beach. The quintessential California beach town.

 

San Luis Obispo. Colorful town center surrounding Mission Plaza.

Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa, on Mission Plaza, San Luis Obispo. In pleasant small city, museum has good collection of Chumash Indian artifacts. (805) 781-8220.

San Luis Obispo County Historical Museum. Mixed offerings in the old Carnegie Library.
(805) 543-0638. Open Wed.-Sun.

Morro Rock and Beach, 13 miles north of San Luis Obispo on Hwy 1. Sandy beach overlooked by 576' Morro Rock. Other beaches nearby.
(805) 772-6254 Morro Bay Harbor Department.

Morro Bay, 13 miles north of San Luis Obispo on Hwy 1. Restaurants line the Embarcadero facing the bay dominated by Morro Rock. Excellent deep sea fishing..

Morro Bay State Park, southeast of town. Dunes, lagoons, beaches, and bluffs perfect for hiking, picnicking, and camping.
(805) 772-7434.

Pismo State Beach. Monarch butterflies migrate here Nov.-Feb.; narrative walks offered Sat. and Sun.
(805) 772-2694.

Pismo Dunes State Vehicle Recreation Area, Pismo Beach. Vehicles permitted - all types.
(805) 473-7230

Rancho-Guadalupe Dunes, 8 miles west of Guadalupe on Hwy 166. Sweeping coastal sand dunes stretch for 18 miles; good hiking and birdwatching.

Montana De Oro State Park, 5 miles southwest of Los Osos. Coastal bluff walk with non-stop vistas.
(805) 528-0513.

Lake Nacimiento, northwest of Paso Robles. Fully developed boating and fishing resort destination.
(805) 238-3256.

Lake San Antonio, north of Paso Robles. Boating and fishing. High catches of largemouth bass; bald and golden eagles visible.
(805) 472-2311 Lake San Antonio, (805) 472-2818 Lake San Antonio Marina.

Oceano Dunes State Vehicular Area, Oceano Beach. All-terrain vehicle and dune buggy heaven.
(805) 473-7220.

Mission San Miguel Arcangel, San Miguel. Old California well-preserved here. Interior of church has fine frescoes.
(805) 467-3256.