Central California has been getting a lot of attention, for good reason. Between Santa Barbara in the south (IMO, too close to LA to be central CA) and San Jose in the north lies some of the most beautiful and unspoiled parts of the state. Smack in the middle is San Luis Obispo, home of California Polytechnic State University, aka Cal Poly, and just south of the Paso Robles wine district. This is not a place to go for excitement. It IS a place to go to enjoy some of the best of California and not break the bank. Besides, college towns are always fun.
Restaurants run the gamut from inexpensive joints for the students to fine dining all with one thing in common – fresh food. The hundreds of farms within a short distance and the city’s ocean front location mean what’s on your plate probably was just brought in.
Pismo beach is right there – try the Splash Café clam chowder – as is Morro Bay where whale watching excursions are easily found.
Nearby Daou Family Estates is a must see. Their wines are good, their restaurant is very good and the view are great! Adirondack chairs off the patio make for a splendid place to enjoy a glass and some scenery.
A different kind of scenery awaits you at The Madonna Inn Copper Café. Over the top kitsch is the name of the game there, from hand painted walls to red leather seats to a fully pink Silver Bar Cocktail lounge. Some 110 individually themed guest rooms are available, some with outstanding views. Visit What the Fab for an in-depth look at the dining scene.
As one might expect, this college town is dog friendly. Our Airbnb came complete with a welcoming committee (the owners left treats for guest to share – and they knew it!).
San Luis Obispo Welcome
We stayed for three days before heading to San Francisco. It was just enough to get a flavor for one of the cooler places in California.