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Nipomo holds down the southern end of San
Luis Obispo County. It's a coastal mesa located at the
foot of the Temetate Ridge. Appropriately, the name Nipomo
is derived from the Chumash Indian word "Nepomah," meaning
"the foot of the hills." A place still very much in touch
with nature, it features acres of avocado, lemon and eucalyptus
trees which contrast with the sand dunes bordering the ocean.
Paso Robles is a balance of past and present, committed
to preserving its small town charm. Boutiques, antique stores
and restaurants surround a beautiful city park in the heart
of downtown. Local events embellish the already active area
with a vast array of cultural offerings including wine, music
and harvest festivals.
Pismo Beach
is known as the "Clam Capital of the World" and preserves
the spirit of early California with its 23 miles of unspoiled
sandy beaches, dramatic rugged coastlines, and a 1,200-ft.
pier lined with fishing folk. The rocky bluffs and uncrowded
coastline offer a perfect landscape for kite flying, shell
gathering and sand castle building. From October through February,
tens of thousands of regal orange and black Monarch butterflies
cluster in the eucalyptus grove at the Pismo Beach State Park.
The city of San
Luis Obispo is the county seat, and may be best known
for its Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa, its world-famous
Thursday Night Farmers' Market and America's first motor hotel,
The Motel Inn. Tree-lined streets, a charming shopping district,
and historic buildings comprise the downtown area with its
array of stores, outdoor cafes, coffee houses, and galleries.
The beautifully landscaped Mission Plaza is the background
for many events and festivals throughout the year. San Luis
Creek meanders through the Plaza and public art graces its
sidewalks.
The northernmost town along 101 is historic San Miguel,
where visitors can enjoy the gem of San Miguel Archangel,
the 16th California mission. This rural treasure hasn't changed
much during the past centuries and parishioners still enjoy
weekly services there. In the surrounding hillsides are rows
and rows of vineyards, almond trees, and horse and cattle
ranches. The winding roads are perfect for bicycle rides in
the country.
Just over the county line from Big Sur to the north are San
Simeon and the world-famous Hearst Castle. One of the most
magnificent private estates in America, today Hearst Castle®
is a State Historical Monument. Four tours are offered daily
with special evening tours during the fall and spring. Reservations
are highly recommended.
Templeton has retained much of its historical character.
The town is surrounded by rich agricultural land, hilly ranges
with clusters of oak trees with a heavy production of almonds,
cherries, apples, and grains. This is equine country and Templeton
is home to prestigious horse shows each year. Antique shops,
gift stores, and other services are offered along Templeton's
charming Main Street.
 San
Luis Obispo County has two distinct wine regions, with
more than 80 wineries welcoming visitors to sample prize-winning
selections. In the San Luis Obispo Wine Region, the cool climate
and marine sediment in the soils of the valley combine to
produce highly regarded, rich, buttery Chardonnay grapes.
The Paso Robles Wine Region's long warm summers and chalk
and limestone hillsides play an important role in creating
its distinct vintages.
In San Luis Obispo County you'll find exceptional value in
a resort location. The San
Luis Obispo County Visitors & Conference Bureau has a
comprehensive Website that can help you plan your visit. Note
the Info Box for contact details.
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