We love San Luis Obispo County, and created this site as a guide for visitors and locals to explore everything this county has to offer. Whether you are looking for beaches, wineries, mountains, great food and drink, fun, events, or sunshine, you can find it all in our small piece of paradise.
Located halfway between San Francisco and Los Angeles, San Luis Obispo County stretches 92 miles along the central coast of California. Comprised of 12 main cities, SLO County (as locals call it) offers the perfect destination for everything from a wine tasting weekend getaway to a day trip to one of our many incredible beaches, or even just a nice break for a fantastic meal on your drive to somewhere else.
Follow us at San Luis Obispo Guide as we explore everything SLO County has to offer, and celebrate all the cities, wineries, fun, events, food and drink, lodging, and people that make this place so special.
Cities of San Luis Obispo County
San Luis Obispo County has 22 cities and towns that make up the majority of the county, each with their own unique flavors and experiences that contribute to the fabric of our piece of the central coast.
Of the 22, the five most popular places to visit in the county are:
- San Luis Obispo, where Cal Poly is located
- Paso Robles, SLO County’s Wine Country
- Pismo Beach, a very popular beach
- Cambria, the art lovers destination
- Morro Bay, home to Morro Rock, the Gibraltar of the Pacific
Learn more about what makes each city and town so special below, and continue to explore with us as we discover all the wineries, food and drink, fun, and events in San Luis Obispo County.
San Luis Obispo
San Luis Obispo is located in the heart of SLO County, and is the largest of the twelve main cities. Also home to California State Polytechnic University (or Cal Poly as we call it – go mustangs!), this college town enjoys some of the best weather, wine, food, and fun in the county.
Pismo Beach
Pismo Beach is located in the southern half of SLO County (approx. 10 miles south of SLO on Highway 101), and is know for some of the best surfing and clams on the entire central coast. Visitors and locals alike can spend their entire day at the beach sunbathing, surfing, exploring the dunes on ATVs, and eating all the clams they can muster, likely caught and prepared that same day.
Paso Robles
Paso Robles is located in the heart of wine country in northern SLO County (approx. 30 miles north of SLO on Highway 101). With over 200 wineries to explore, locals and visitors can find everything from small label boutiques to nationally recognized labels, and just as many restaurants to pair with their favorite varietals.
Cambria
Cambria is a sleepy beach community located on the northern coast of SLO County, approx. 30 miles north of SLO on Highway 1. No trip to Cambria is complete without a stops at Moonstone Beach and Fiscalini Ranch Preserve where you can truly take in the beauty of the central coast.
Morro Bay
Morro Bay is located along the northern coastline of SLO County, approx. 10 miles north of SLO on Highway 1. You will know you have arrived when you see The Rock on the beach, a massive volcano that is no longer active, and is now a state historic landmark.
FUN
Avila Beach
Avila is located near Pismo Beach along the southern coastline of SLO County (approx. 10 miles south of SLO on Highway 101), and boasts some of the best weather in the entire county. With that perfect weather locals and visitors can enjoy an ideal day at the beach just about year-round with all the good food, wine, and drinks that come with it.
FUN
Arroyo Grande
Arroyo Grande is located near Pismo Beach along the southern coastline of San Luis Obispo County, approx. 15 miles south of SLO on Highway 101. Food is central to life in Arroyo Grande, with the city boasting one of the biggest Strawberry Festivals in the state and one of the best restaurants in the county.
Atascadero
Atascadero is located south of Paso Robles in northern SLO County, approx. 20 miles north of SLO on Highway 101. The city enjoys much of the same wine culture of northern SLO County, but with a stronger hometown vibe that comes through in the fun, food, events, and drink you’ll find here (kids and dogs are often welcome).
Cayucos
Cayucos is located just past Morro Bay along the northern coastline in San Luis Obispo County, approx. 15 miles north of SLO on Highway 1. This quaint beach town boasts one of the best bakeries in the county, and a dog park right on the beach for seaside adventures with fido.
Creston
Creston is located east of Atascadero in northern San Luis Obispo County, approx. 28 miles north of SLO on Highway 41. Although one of the smaller towns in SLO County, there are still several wineries, amazing restaurants, and a whole lot of fun that should not be missed!
FUN
Grover Beach
Grover Beach is located south of Pismo Beach in southern San Luis Obispo County, approx. 15 miles south of SLO on Highway 101.
FUN
Harmony
Harmony is located above Morro Bay on the northern coast of San Luis Obispo County, approx. 28 miles north of SLO on Highway 1. This tiny town may only have a population of 18, but they know all about the good things in life!
FUN
Lake Nacimiento
Lake Nacimiento is one of the largest lakes in northern San Luis Obispo County, and is located approx. 40 miles north of SLO on Highway 101.
LODGING
Los Osos
Los Osos is located right next to Morro Bay on the north coast of SLO County, approx. 10 miles west of SLO on Los Osos Valley Road. Montana de Oro State Park is located here, and offers something for every adventurer at heart: hiking, beach combing, tide pools, surfing, fishing, and more.
FUN
Nipomo
Nipomo is located near Pismo Beach along the southern coastline of SLO County, approx. 24 miles south of SLO on Highway 101.
FUN
Oceano
Oceano is located near Pismo Beach on the southern coast of SLO County, approx. 15 miles south of SLO on Highway 1.
FUN
Ragged Point
Ragged Point is located in the northwest corner of San Luis Obispo County, approx. 56 miles north of SLO on Highway 1. Known as the Portal to Big Sur, Ragged Point offers stunning views, beautiful hikes, and delicious food all from one of the most beautiful places on the central coast.
FOOD & DRINK
FUN
LODGING
San Miguel
San Miguel is located just past Paso Robles in northern San Luis Obispo County, approx. 35 miles north of SLO on Highway 101.
San Simeon
San Simeon is the home to Hearst Castle, and the last beach town along the northern coastline in San Luis Obispo County (approx. 40 miles north of SLO on Highway 1).
Santa Margarita
Santa Margarita is located south of Atascadero in northern SLO County, approx. 10 miles north of SLO on Highway 1. This small town can boast having one of the best steakhouses in the county with The Range located there, and hosts some of the most fun and memorable events at Santa Margarita Ranch.
FUN
Shandon
Shandon is located in the farthest east part of SLO County, approx. 50 miles north of SLO on Highway 41.
Templeton
Templeton is located south of Paso Robles in northern SLO County, approx. 22 miles north of SLO on Highway 101. With their own wine region, Templeton gives locals and visitors the opportunity to explore a whole other side of north county varietals, and an entire culture of food, fun, and festivals to celebrate Templeton and the north county.
Wineries
There are four primary wine regions in San Luis Obispo County:
Paso Robles
York Mountain
Edna Valley
Arroyo Grande Valley
Learn more about the wines of San Luis Obispo County by visiting our Wineries page, and discover all the ways to enjoy the the varietals grown right here on the central coast.
Fun Things to Do
Whether you are looking for a fun day at the beach, zip lining through vineyards, hiking the tallest peaks in the county, or sailing the seas, San Luis Obispo County has it all to offer…and more. Make sure to visit our Fun page to discover all the adventures you can have while here, and all the places you can explore when visiting SLO County.
Events
There is never a shortage of things to do in San Luis Obispo County, with events occurring every weekend at the beaches, wineries, bars, restaurants, parks, and schools that celebrate the food and drink, wine, music, and fun of the county. Make sure to visit our Events page to discover all the live music and food festivals, marathons and 5k fundraisers, film festivals and farmers markets, parades, car shows, and all the other events in San Luis Obispo County.
Events for September
29th
Gems by the Sea
BSR Presents Johns Jazz with DOM Jazz Combo at Rib Line
Barrel Room Concert Series: The Blimp Pilots
Barrel Room Concert Series: The Blimp Pilots
Events for October
1st
A WINEMAKER’S DUDE RANCH | GRAPE HARVEST RETREAT
Paso Robles Farmers Market
Sunset Hike and Vineyard Tour
Events for October
2nd
A WINEMAKER’S DUDE RANCH | GRAPE HARVEST RETREAT
Jazz Wednesdays
Sunset Hike and Vineyard Tour
New Moon Yoga @ Sycamore Mineral Springs Resort & Spa
Events for October
3rd
A WINEMAKER’S DUDE RANCH | GRAPE HARVEST RETREAT
Sunset Hike and Vineyard Tour
Downtown SLO Farmers’ Market
Events for October
4th
Central Coast Railroad Festival
Central Coast Bioneers Conference
YOGA SERIES: Care for your Back & Body with Laura
KLAVE – GLOW IN THE DARK THEME PARTY
Sunset Hike and Vineyard Tour
“What Could Possibly Go Wrong?” Art Show
Date Night Dancing
Friday Night Ultimate Karaoke at Milestone Tavern
Karaoke Party at Milestone Tavern!
Events for October
5th
Central Coast Railroad Festival
KLAVE – GLOW IN THE DARK THEME PARTY
Templeton Farmers Market
Central Coast Bioneers Conference
Free Docent Tours at SLOMA
Blues & Fusion Canvas Event – Vampires of the Night
Sunset Hike and Vineyard Tour
Events for October
6th
Central Coast Railroad Festival
Live on the Rocks Concert ft Brass Mash
Harvest Jam (for the land)
4 WEEK SUNDAY 🇩🇴 BACHATA SERIES
Events for October
8th
Paso Robles Farmers Market
Sunset Hike and Vineyard Tour
Events for October
9th
Jazz Wednesdays
Sunset Hike and Vineyard Tour
Events for October
10th
Sunset Hike and Vineyard Tour
Downtown SLO Farmers’ Market
Events for October
11th
Sunset Hike and Vineyard Tour
Date Night Dancing
Friday Night Ultimate Karaoke at Milestone Tavern
Karaoke Party at Milestone Tavern!
Events for October
12th
Templeton Farmers Market
Free Docent Tours at SLOMA
Makeshift Muse MISSION PLAZA MARKET
Sunset Hike and Vineyard Tour
Freedom Festival – Fundraiser and Silent Auction
Whip It! A SUMMER West Coast Swing Jam!
Events for October
13th
Buen Día Milonga – An Argentine Tango Social
Fall & Halloween Cookie Decorating Workshop
4 WEEK SUNDAY 🇩🇴 BACHATA SERIES
Events for October
15th
A WINEMAKER’S DUDE RANCH
Paso Robles Farmers Market
Sunset Hike and Vineyard Tour
Events for October
16th
A WINEMAKER’S DUDE RANCH
Jazz Wednesdays
Sunset Hike and Vineyard Tour
Events for October
17th
A WINEMAKER’S DUDE RANCH
Sunset Hike and Vineyard Tour
Downtown SLO Farmers’ Market
Events for October
18th
Sunset Hike and Vineyard Tour
Family Fun Fridays! A FAMILY Dance Class
Date Night Dancing
Friday Night Ultimate Karaoke at Milestone Tavern
Karaoke Party at Milestone Tavern!
Events for October
19th
Templeton Farmers Market
CCPN Senior Health Expo
Free Docent Tours at SLOMA
FREE Dance Shoe Fitting Event w/ The Pink & Black Shop
CARMEN by George Bizet
Sunset Hike and Vineyard Tour
Events for October
20th
Fall Celebration at the Boo-Tanical Garden
CARMEN by George Bizet
4 WEEK SUNDAY 🇩🇴 BACHATA SERIES
Barrel Room Concert Series: Carbon City Lights
Events for October
22nd
A WINEMAKER’S DUDE RANCH | GRAPE HARVEST RETREAT
BSR Presents Jazz Jubilee Central Coast 2024
Paso Robles Farmers Market
UNDER THE PASO SUN | OLIVE HARVEST RETREAT
Sunset Hike and Vineyard Tour
New Orleans Night at Harry’s – The Official Kick-Off Party for Jazz Jubilee Central Coast 2024!
Events for October
23rd
A WINEMAKER’S DUDE RANCH | GRAPE HARVEST RETREAT
BSR Presents Jazz Jubilee Central Coast 2024
UNDER THE PASO SUN | OLIVE HARVEST RETREAT
Jazz Wednesdays
Sunset Hike and Vineyard Tour
Events for October
24th
A WINEMAKER’S DUDE RANCH | GRAPE HARVEST RETREAT
BSR Presents Jazz Jubilee Central Coast 2024
UNDER THE PASO SUN | OLIVE HARVEST RETREAT
Sunset Hike and Vineyard Tour
Downtown SLO Farmers’ Market
Events for October
25th
BSR Presents Jazz Jubilee Central Coast 2024
Sunset Hike and Vineyard Tour
SLO Elks Lodge 15th Annual Haunted House and Carnival
Halloween Haunt Movie Night: Scream @ Sycamore Mineral Springs Resort & Spa
Date Night Dancing
Friday Night Ultimate Karaoke at Milestone Tavern
Karaoke Party at Milestone Tavern!
KLAVE – Latin Halloween Event
Events for October
26th
BSR Presents Jazz Jubilee Central Coast 2024
KLAVE – Latin Halloween Event
Templeton Farmers Market
Free Docent Tours at SLOMA
Sunset Hike and Vineyard Tour
SLO Elks Lodge 15th Annual Haunted House and Carnival
Night in the Country Halloween
Events for October
27th
BSR Presents Jazz Jubilee Central Coast 2024
4 WEEK SUNDAY 🇩🇴 BACHATA SERIES
Movie Night at The Cliffs: Hocus Pocus
Events for October
28th
BSR Presents Jazz Jubilee Central Coast 2024
Jazz Jubilee Central Coast Presents Tom Rigney and Flambeau + Crescent Katz
Los Osos / Baywood Farmers Market
Events for October
29th
BSR Presents Jazz Jubilee Central Coast 2024
Paso Robles Farmers Market
UNDER THE PASO SUN | OLIVE HARVEST RETREAT
Sunset Hike and Vineyard Tour
Events for October
30th
BSR Presents Jazz Jubilee Central Coast 2024
UNDER THE PASO SUN | OLIVE HARVEST RETREAT
Jazz Wednesdays
Sunset Hike and Vineyard Tour
Events for October
31st
BSR Presents Jazz Jubilee Central Coast 2024
UNDER THE PASO SUN | OLIVE HARVEST RETREAT
Sunset Hike and Vineyard Tour
Downtown SLO Farmers’ Market
Mr Rick’s and sloKaraoke Halloween Spooktacular Glow Party!
Events for November
1st
BSR Presents Jazz Jubilee Central Coast 2024
Sunset Hike and Vineyard Tour
Discover Art, Culture & Dia de Los Muertos in Downtown Atascadero
Friday Night Ultimate Karaoke at Milestone Tavern
Karaoke Party at Milestone Tavern!
Events for November
2nd
BSR Presents Jazz Jubilee Central Coast 2024
Templeton Farmers Market
Free Docent Tours at SLOMA
Sunset Hike and Vineyard Tour
Discover Art, Culture & Dia de Los Muertos in Downtown Atascadero
Food & Drink
San Luis Obispo County is situated on the central coast of California, with the ocean to the west and abundant agriculture to the north and east. This combination of clean, fresh produce, seafood, and local beef, chicken, and pork create the perfect atmosphere for a wide range of inspired dishes and palettes to explore. Visit our Food and Drink page to learn more about all the restaurants, distilleries, breweries, and cider houses up and down San Luis Obispo County, and get inspired to try all the food and drink the county has to offer.
Lodging
With an abundance of reasons to visit San Luis Obispo County, we thought you might need a place to stay to see everything, and does SLO County deliver. From the seaside hotels in the southern part of the county to the Madonna Inn in San Luis Obispo, and the wine country resorts in the north (not to mention AirBNB and camping!) there is something for everyone. New hotels are being built all the time in SLO County so make sure to check out our Lodging page for information on where to stay when visiting San Luis Obispo County.
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