At the center of California's Pacific Coast, 190 miles from both San Francisco and Los Angeles, is San Luis Obispo County, replete with emerald hills, vineyards, sparkling sea and a hundred miles of beautiful coastline, many with beautiful, uncrowded beaches. The incomparable Pacific Coast Highway 1 and 101 provide access from the north and south. Heading from the east, motorists may take Highways 41, 46 or 166.

For 80 centuries, this land was home to the culturally rich Chumash whose artists and craftspeople lived on the abundance of the land and the sea. By 1769 the Europeans arrived; Mission San Miguel Arcangel was built in 1797. Following the independence of Mexico, the territory evolved into "rancheros," from which many of California's place names are derived. San Luis Obispo was claimed for the United States in 1846 and in 1850 became one of California's original counties when the state was admitted to the union. Today, San Luis Obispo County offers opportunities for connecting with its history and the nature that nurtured it. Its enviable scenery and climate lends itself to outdoor pursuits like golfing, fishing, biking, kayaking, hiking and wildlife watching.

The Audubon Society has consistently dubbed this county a top ten birding site. The Morro Bay Estuary is one of the largest unspoiled coastal marshes in the state and attracts more than 200 species of native and migrating birds. San Luis Obispo County also provides refuge to marine life, and animals. Elephant seals, sea otters and gray whales are some of the examples of marine life, with winter being the best time of year to see them.

Speaking of birdies, golfers will find San Luis Obispo County courses offer a variety of terrain and levels of play, and very affordable greens fees. Visiting golfers will appreciate the availability of tee times, even on weekends.

Surrounded by farms, flower-fields, and wineries, Arroyo Grande maintains a distinct village character throughout its vibrant downtown shopping and dining district. Spanning the downtown Arroyo Grande Creek is a rustic swinging bridge, a favorite way to reach "the village," a cluster of vintage-looking antique stores, gift shops, restaurants and saloons.

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