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 March
31st
Art in the Garden & Plant Sale
Easter Brunch
THE GREAT HAMMERSKY EGG HUNT
Events for April
1st
Los Osos / Baywood Farmers Market
MEAN GIRLS
Events for April
2nd
Paso Robles Farmers Market
Sunset Hike and Vineyard Tour
Events for April
3rd
Sunset Hike and Vineyard Tour
Interactive Cooking Class – make sushi with Chef Rachel
Events for April
4th
Sunset Hike and Vineyard Tour
Downtown SLO Farmers’ Market
Shabang Battle of the Bands Tour LIVE at the Fremont Theater
Events for April
6th
Templeton Farmers Market
Learn to Solder Workshop
Free Docent Tours at SLOMA
That’s What She Said at The Siren
Sunset Hike and Vineyard Tour
Roy Orbison Returns
Events for April
7th
Events for April
9th
Paso Robles Farmers Market
Sunset Hike and Vineyard Tour
Bruce Hornsby with yMusic
Events for April
11th
Sunset Hike and Vineyard Tour
Downtown SLO Farmers’ Market
Events for April
12th
TED’S ESTATE BEEF DINNER | SHORT RIBS
Sunset Hike and Vineyard Tour
The Kingston Trio
Events for April
13th
Templeton Farmers Market
CCGGA Annual Open House Scholarship Fundraiser
Basic Electronics Workshop
Free Docent Tours at SLOMA
The 4 Human Design Strategies
Sunset Hike and Vineyard Tour
Deja Vu at the Pour House in Paso
The Long Run: Experience The Eagles Music
Events for April
14th
FAMILY FREE DAY: Celebrate our Beautiful Oak Trees!
BARREL ROOM CONCERT SERIES: JULIE & THE ROCKIN B’S
Events for April
16th
Paso Robles Farmers Market
Sunset Hike and Vineyard Tour
Events for April
17th
Sunset Hike and Vineyard Tour
Forbes Organ Series: Anna Lapwood
Events for April
18th
Sunset Hike and Vineyard Tour
Downtown SLO Farmers’ Market
Events for April
19th
Earth Day 2024 at The Natural Toolbox
Sunset Hike and Vineyard Tour
Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Cinderella
Little Mermaid Jr.
Events for April
20th
Earth Day 2024 at The Natural Toolbox
Earth Day Sale
Templeton Farmers Market
Free Docent Tours at SLOMA
Makeshift Muse MISSION PLAZA MARKET
Wine 4 Paws!
Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Cinderella
Little Mermaid Jr.
Sunset Hike and Vineyard Tour
Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Cinderella
Little Mermaid Jr.
Events for April
21st
Earth Day 2024 at The Natural Toolbox
Little Mermaid Jr.
Events for April
22nd
Earth Day 2024 at The Natural Toolbox
Los Osos / Baywood Farmers Market
Events for April
23rd
Paso Robles Farmers Market
Sunset Hike and Vineyard Tour
Events for April
25th
SLO Film Festival
Sunset Hike and Vineyard Tour
Downtown SLO Farmers’ Market
Little Mermaid Jr.
Events for April
26th
SLO Film Festival
Morro Bay Kite Festival
Sunset Hike and Vineyard Tour
Little Mermaid Jr.
Kapwa Pilipino Cultural Night 35
Small Island Big Song
Events for April
27th
SLO Film Festival
Morro Bay Kite Festival
Templeton Farmers Market
Free Docent Tours at SLOMA
Taste of SLO Spirit Tasting Fundraiser
Little Mermaid Jr.
Sunset Hike and Vineyard Tour
Little Mermaid Jr.
Kapwa Pilipino Cultural Night 35
Events for April
28th
SLO Film Festival
Morro Bay Kite Festival
Qi Gong for Less Stress & More Energy
Basin Street Regulars Presents Alpha Rhythm Kings and Tevis Ranger Jr. High School Band
Little Mermaid Jr.
Events for April
29th
SLO Film Festival
Los Osos / Baywood Farmers Market
Events for April
30th
SLO Film Festival
Paso Robles Farmers Market
Sunset Hike and Vineyard Tour
Events for May
1st
Sunset Hike and Vineyard Tour
The Dance Movement
Events for May
2nd
Sunset Hike and Vineyard Tour
Downtown SLO Farmers’ Market
Beachside Karaoke!!!
Come From Away
Events for May
3rd
Orfalea College of Business Inaugural Golf Tournament
Sunset Hike and Vineyard Tour
MOFUNK {ft. Debi Red & April Rain} LIVE @BARRELHOUSE BREWERY IN PASO!
Mariachi Reyna de Los Angeles
Events for May
4th
Templeton Farmers Market
Free Docent Tours at SLOMA
Sunset Hike and Vineyard Tour
The Magical Music of Motown
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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Each month we’ll share the best hikes we’ve found, hot new places to eat and drink, upcoming events, wineries to visit, and more! Sign up now so you don’t miss all the exciting things happening around SLO County, and the ways you can experience them too.
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