Charles Paddock Zoo
Marmosets, monkeys and tigers oh my! A kid’s favorite, Charles Paddock Zoo is on the smaller side, but it is filled to the brim with amazing animals of the wild. It is located on the scenic grounds near Atascadero Lake. After your visit to the zoo, walk around the lake or just simply plop on the grass for a picnic and admire your pleasant surrounding.
Hearst Castle
One of the most expensive homes ever built, Hearst Castle offers breathtaking tours and incredible views of the Big Sur Coast. The mansion includes 165 rooms on a 250,000 area estate nestled in the hills of San Simeon. It is a true historical monument, complete with marble sculptures and a vast collection of fine art and rare antiques. Serving as a summer retreat, William Randolph Hearst entertained the elite of the time in lavish luxury. Truly a must see! The castle also boasts a full iMax theatre on the site, where the movie Hearst Castle: Building the Dream can be viewed daily. For more info: (805) 927-2020.
Lopez Lake
A short trip from San Luis Obispo and Arroyo Grande, Lopez Lake is a top choice for camping and other outdoor recreational activities. Nestled in oak trees with an average year round temperature of 70º, you will find over 150 species of birds and 175 species of flowering plants. Lopez Lake offers every lakeshore activity you can think of, including fishing, boating, windsurfing, skiing, canoeing, equestrian trails and bike paths. Lopez also has the family favorite Mustang Water Slides, which contains three adult slides, hot tubs, and a children’s wading pool area. (805) 489-8898 For lake information: (805) 788-2381.
Madonna Inn
The famous pink façade of the Madonna Inn features rooms which seem as if they were taken from a bizarre and lavish dreamscape. From the Caveman scene to the Elegant Victorian room to the African Safari, you will not be disappointed. The Madonna Inn also features one of the best steakhouses in the Central Coast, as well as an award-winning bakery. Be sure to visit the cascading bathrooms during your trip: several women have been known to peek into the men’s facilities! For more information: (800) 543-9666.
Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa
Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa, founded by Father Junipero Serra in 1772, is located on Palm Street in downtown SLO. The Mission has undergone intensive restoration since the 1930s and has in recent times been given back to the Catholic Church as a place of worship. The Mission features an immense plaza which was built in the 1970s; containing a spectacular bear fountain, creekside vistas, a statue of Fr. Serra, and an immense garden annex, it is one of the most beautiful places in SLO to stroll along or picnic. The interior is open for touring when church is not in session, and has been repainted and restored to mimic the original building. Original paintings from the 1700s adorn the wall, along with statues and the gravestone of Adeline Eliza Dana, a five year old girl who was found buried on the site during reconstruction. For more information on Catholic Mass schedules and touring times: (805) 781-8220.
Montana de Oro State Park
Just south of Morro Bay, Montana de Oro State Park includes a 7 mile-long shoreline and is comprised of rugged cliffs, headlands and coves. The 8,000 acre park is largely undeveloped and features a profusion of wildlife, including coyotes, rabbits, raccoons, bobcats and even the rare mountain lion. It receives its name (which is translated from Spanish as “Mountain of Gold”) from the multitude of bright golden wildflowers which burst forth in the springtime. Enjoy surfing, hiking trails, camping and beach combing. For information: (805) 543-8717
Morro Rock
Morro Rock is the hallmark of Morro Bay and is located right of the main harbor on Embarcadero. Once a spot for climbers and naturalists, it has seen its access restricted over the years due to accidents and its designation as a Peregrine Falcon reserve. Although it is now unavailable for climbing on or excavation, the Morro Rock is large enough that there is a good view of the volcanic mountain from anywhere on the harbor. The best spot for bird-watching is on the south side parking lot, about halfway up the rock: this is a prime spot for the Peregrine Falcon. The rock is also well known as a surf point, as there are excellent breaks on all sides of the mountain.
Pismo Pier
Pismo Beach is truly considered a California Classic. The small city streets are filled with surf shops, taffy and candy stores, and classic beach gifts. The Pismo Pier is one of the main attractions in the town, and offers a serene point to stroll along, fish, and maybe even steal a kiss from a special someone at sunset. Surfers can be around the pier trolling for the best waves in Pismo; be sure to watch them during large swells for a spectacular show!
San Simeon-Piedras Blancas Coastline
Enjoy the amazing coastline of San Simeon, just minutes away from Hearst Castle. The spot has become a sanctuary for the Northern Elephant Seal in recent times. The elephant seals can be seen almost every day out of the year, but if you catch them between late November and early February, you can witness the stunning sight of hundreds of seals sprawled out across the beach!
Just north of San Simeon stands Piedras Blancas, a lighthouse which can be seen sectioned off from the freeway. Named after the nearby white rocks which Juan Cabrillo first spotted in the 1500s, the lighthouse was once used as a means to guide ships along the dark point between Point Conception and Point Pinos. Piedras Blancas is currently being renovated for future tourism; however, reserved tours are currently available on the last Saturday of every month. (888) 804-8608.
Wine Country
San Luis Obispo County has become a trendy hot spot for vineyard plantation due to the region’s ideal microclimate and soil. The world-class wines of the Paso Robles and Edna Valley area have been so well received that wine grapes are now the leading crop in San Luis Obispo County. The North County area has become particularly notorious for award-winning Zinfandel, which has led Paso Robles to hold an annual Zinfandel festival every third week of March. Other outstanding grapes in the San Luis Obispo County include Merlot, Vigoner, and the ever-popular Pinot Noir made famous by Sideways.
Passport Participating Wineries and Tasting Rooms:
Arroyo Robles
739 12th Street
Paso Robles
(877) 759-WINE
www.arroyorobles.com
Tasting Wednesday to Monday, 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Cass Winery
7350 Linne Road
Paso Robles
(805) 239-1730
www.casswines.com
Tasting Monday to Friday, noon to 5:00 p.m. and weekends 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Maloy O'Neill Vineyards
5725 Union Road
Paso Robles
(805) 238-7320
www.maloyoneill.com
Tasting Friday to Saturday, 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Sunday noon to 5:00 p.m. or by appointment
Meridian Vineyards
7000 Hwy. 46 E.
Paso Robles
(805) 237-6000
www.meridianvineyards.com
Tasting daily 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Pianetta Winery
829 13th Street
Paso Robles
(805) 226-4005
www.pianettawinery.com
Tasting Monday,Thursday and Friday,noon to 6:00 p.m.
Saturday to Sunday, 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Still Waters Vineyards
2750 Old Grove Lane
(805) 237-9231
www.stillwatersvineyards.com
Tasting Friday to Sunday, 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Sylvester Vineyards and Winery
5115 Buena Vista Drive
(805) 227-4000
www.sylvesterwinery.com
Winter Tasting: Daily 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Summer Tasting: Daily 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Castoro Cellars
1315 N. Bethel Road
Templeton
(805) 238-0725
www.castorocellars.com
Tasting daily 10:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Peachy Canyon Winery
1480 N. Bethel Road
Templeton
(805) 239-1918
www.peachycanyon.com
Tasting daily 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Peachy Canyon Winery: Peachy Too
2020 Nacimiento Lake Drive
Paso Robles
(805) 237-7848
www.peachycanyon.com
Tasting Saturday to Sunday, 11a.m. to 5p.m. except major holidays
Click here for a complete listing of wineries. |
Local Attractions
