Do you have just a couple of days and want to maximize your experience on the Central Coast of California?  Here are a few suggestions: 

 

North of San Luis Obispo, on the coast

Tour Hearst Castle

Hearst Castle, one of the most popular destinations on the Central Coast, is 35 miles north of San Luis Obispo. Hearst Castle was built by William Randolph Hearst beginning in 1919. By 1947, the estate included 165 rooms and 127 acres of gardens and pools. Today, you can still see remnants of the zoo - zebras and cows graze side by side just off of Highway 1. 

For more information and to buy tickets: http://www.hearstcastle.com/tours/ticket_info.asp

Or call (800) 444-4445

W.R. Hearst Memorial State Beach (aka "The Enchanted Forest")

Across Highway 1 from the entrance to Hearst Castle, this is a great spot for a walk or a picnic. A beautiful protected cove, my family visits this beach at every opportunity. Walk out to the point to see migrating whales, explore the tide pools, or just take a nap in the sun. The park is only open during the day, and you will have to pay a small parking fee. Although we don't fish, this is supposedly a great place for it. 

http://www.hearstcastle.com/visitors_center/state_beach.asp

See Elephant Seals

Just north of Hearst Castle on Highway 1 at Piedras Blancas, you can see a colony of elephant seals. Fighting adult males, baby pups, and hundreds of seals can be seen year round. 

The Town of Cambria

Just south of Hearst Castle, Cambria is a cute Central Coast artist colony. At Seekers Glass Gallery, you can just look or buy hand-blown glass pieces. http://www.seekersglass.com. Perhaps my favorite restaurant in the world, Robin's, is in Cambria. http://www.robinsrestaurant.com. 4095 Burton Drive. Call 805 927-5007 for reservations. 

Activities in San Luis Obispo

Downtown

San Luis has lots of great shops, art galleries, cafes and a wonderful creek that runs by the Mission.

Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa

Visit the Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa. This mission was built in 1772 and was the 5^th mission established in California by Junipero Serra. http://www.missionsanluisobispo.org/ 

Madonna Inn

The Madonna Inn is a hilarious giant pink hotel in San Luis Obispo that is famous for being outrageous. Each room is unique (cave room, bridal falls, etc.) and the gilded era is quite popular. http://www.madonnainn.com/

Hiking

Bishop's Peak. Bishop's is part of the 9 sisters (ancient volcanoes). This is our favorite place to go for a forty-five minute or three-hour hike in San Luis. Take Santa Rosa/Highway One towards Morro Bay. Turn left on Highland Drive. Highland Drive is the first traffic light after Foothill Blvd. You will pass Patricia Drive but continue up the hill. Veer left at the fork (going right puts you on Oakridge). Park when the road turns into a cul-de-sac. The trail head is to the West. 

Poly Canyon. Poly Canyon is home to both cows and bizarre architecture. This is either a 30 minute jog from the Monterey Street hotels, or a longer hike, if you wish. Take Monterey Street to Grand Avenue and enter the Cal Poly campus. Take a Right on S. Perimeter Road (which turns into N. Perimeter Road). Take a Right on Poly Canyon Road. If you drive, you can park in the lot to your left. Follow the dirt road behind the North Dorms for about a mile to and then hike up the canyon to view the alternative housing designs. 

Wine Tasting

Edna Valley is close to town and has a beautiful tasting room. http://www.ednavalley.com/index_flash.html

Baileyana is very near Edna Valley. The tasting room is a former school house. http://www.baileyana.com/

Where to Eat, Drink and Snack in San Luis Obispo

Restaurants

Firestone Grill is great for burgers, fries, salads. 1001 Higuera Street. (805) 783-1001.

Big Sky Restaurant for contemporary southwest and international food. 1121 Broad Street (805) 545-5401.

Novo Restaurant - Bakery. 726 Higuera Street. (805) 543-3986.

F. McLincock's Saloon for steak. Higuera between Broad and Nipomo

Coffee

Uptown Espresso. 1065 Higuera, near Santa Rosa

Linnaea's Café. 1110 Garden Street

Frozen Yogurt

County Culture. 746 Higuera, by the creek. 

Just West of San Luis Obispo - the BEACH!!

There are several beaches that we like to visit. Go to Morro Bay for Sea Kayaking (across the bay and to the sand spit). Visit Pismo Beach to swim, sit in the sun, go for a run, or watch surfers. Go to Montana De Oro State Park for a hike or walk along the sea cliff. 

Morro Bay

"Morro Bay's sentinel is Morro Rock, a volcanic peak over 21 million years old. This 576-foot-high dome-shaped formation now serves as a preserve for the endangered peregrine falcons that nest on top. As a bird sanctuary, Morro Bay provides a nourishing habitat to more than 250 species." 

Sea Kayaking: You can rent sea kayaks or canoes at the Morro Bay Marina http://www.subseatours.com/exploremorro/canoe.html

The Marina is across the street from the 18-hole Morro Bay Golf Course. Adjacent to the Marina is Bayside Cafe   805 772-1465 
State Park Rd., Morro Bay CA 93442. The burritos are great!

Montana De Oro State Park

"This park features over 8,000 acres of rugged cliffs, secluded sandy beaches, coastal plains, streams, canyons, and hills, including 1,347-foot Valencia Peak. Naturalists and backpackers enjoy the solitude and freedom found along the park's trails. There are also mountain biking and equestrian trails. The park's name, "Mountain of Gold," comes from the golden wildflowers that bloom in spring." Montana De Oro is a great place to see and hike sand dunes, surf, and hike, and picnic. Location - Directions The park is six miles southwest of Morro bay and seven miles south of Los Osos on Pecho Road. http://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=592

North County 

Wine Tasting

Paso Robles in Northern San Luis Obispo County has become a premier wine region in the country. We have just listed a few wineries here, and there are many more to choose from. 

Wild Horse: http://www.wildhorsewinery.com/home.html

Castoro Cellars: http://www.castorocellars.com/

York Mountain: http://www.yorkmountainwinery.com/home.htm

Mastantuono: http://www.mastantuonowinery.com/

Tour an Iris Farm - Scott's Iris Gardens.

Jack Scott opened this beautiful iris nursery and is now one of the leading producers in the country. Over 350 varieties to enjoy. There is also a great petting zoo, with baby goats. 14605 Chispa Road, Atascadero. (805) 461-3270. Admission is free.